Promoting Apprenticeships: 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.
Nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin Vote by Landslide to Unionize: “Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin has become the largest private-sector hospital in Texas to unionize. Nurses at ASMCA voted by a landslide this week, with 72% in favor, to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the largest nurses' union in the United States. They formed a union to win improved patient care standards and strong contracts given the proven track record they've seen by NNOC/NNU in Texas and throughout the country.”
AFL-CIO Panel: Blame Corporate Greed, Not Workers, for Inflation: “‘There are some bad ideas floating around out there’ to bring down inflation, ‘like the idea that working people, who have kept the country running’ during the coronavirus pandemic, ‘are to blame for inflation,’ currently running at an 8% annual rate, Shuler said. ‘Nothing could be further from the truth.’”
How AFL-CIO Wants to Get More Black Men and Other Workers into Apprenticeships: “The AFL-CIO is teaming up with the Chris Gardner Foundation to launch a new program in Detroit this week aimed at getting more high school students from underserved communities—Black men, among others—into apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the building trades or automotive industries. The recently enacted infrastructure bill ‘has resources in there for apprenticeship programs,’ and it’s ‘tied into affirmative action,’ AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond told Weekly Shift. But ‘it’s labor’s responsibility to go into those communities and help them recruit.’”
Griffith Observatory’s Planetarium Storytellers Petition to Unionize with Actors’ Equity: “The astronomical tour guides whose job it is to point out the Big Dipper and explain the big bang to visitors of Griffith Observatory have petitioned to join a union better known for representing stars of the theatrical variety. The dozen observatory lecturers at the Los Angeles institution have unanimously signed union authorization cards with the Actors’ Equity Association. A petition was presented to the city’s Employee Relations Board during a meeting Monday morning, kicking off a formal feedback period before the board makes a decision in a few months.”
Philadelphia Museum of Art Workers Hold 1-Day Strike for Better Wages, Benefits: “Unionized workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art began a one-day ‘unfair practices’ strike Friday morning amid ongoing negotiations with museum leadership on their first collective bargaining agreement. The decision comes less than three weeks after AFSCME Local 397 members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike and filed eight unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming that museum management engaged in union-busting practices during contract negotiations.”
Major League Baseball Players Joining AFL-CIO; Minor Leaguers Seeking to Organize: “Baseball fans were delighted with dual news last week affecting America’s favorite pastime: A unionization drive among Minor League baseball players was launched by the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) in an effort to bring equity to young players. Affiliation with the AFL-CIO by the MLB Players Association itself was announced Sept. 7. The MLPBA is formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO and will join the AFL-CIO’s newly formed Sports Council whose membership includes NFL Players Association, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association, the United Soccer League Players Association-CWA, the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association and the newly organized United Football Players Association-USW. ‘The MLBPA and every single one of its 1,200 players have a home in our movement because this union understands and lives the meaning of the word solidarity by leveraging the power of sports and helping others,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. ‘Together, with our 12.5 million members, we will bring our strength to their fights, including working to organize 5,400 minor league players.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/26/2022 - 11:40Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement.
Here are the profiles we've already featured throughout the month:
- Angelo Ornelas
- Nelly Ayala León
- Cecilia Valdez
- Karrie Setters
- Capt. Javier Ramos Green
- Marcos Vélez
- Esther Hernandez-Kramer
- Joseph Valdivia
- Yaneth Valencia
- Lupe Valles
- Mayra Muñoz
- Aldo Gomez
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Angelo Ornelas
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Angelo Ornelas.
Angelo Ornelas is a Mexican American and a proud member of Ironworkers Local 397 in Tampa, Florida, since 2014. He is an organizer with the Ironworkers Southeastern States District Council, fighting every day to organize ironworkers.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/26/2022 - 09:54Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Thousands of JetBlue Ground Workers Organizing With IAM
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.
Exciting news broke this morning that the Machinists (IAM) have filed for a union election on behalf of approximately 3,000 ground operations workers and baggage handlers at JetBlue. These workers say below-standard industry pay rates and benefits, poor and unsafe working conditions, unjustified discipline and terminations, among many other issues, are their reasons for wanting IAM representation and a seat at the table.
“I congratulate all JetBlue Ground Operations workers for uniting in solidarity and demanding that a union representation election be conducted,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “It’s been a long road for these brave workers to get to this point, and the IAM stands shoulder to shoulder with them. We will mobilize our union’s significant resources to ensure that these brave and resilient JetBlue workers have a fair and free election.”
“It’s high time that JetBlue workers gain the dignity and respect of a union contract and a strong voice on the job,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richard Johnsen (not pictured). “When our country needed essential goods and services [sent] to where they were needed most during the pandemic, JetBlue workers answered the bell and risked their lives and health to make that happen. What did they get from management? They got their hours and pay cut because they didn’t have a seat at the table. That will end very soon.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/26/2022 - 09:47Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Nelly Ayala León
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Nelly Ayala León.
Nelly Ayala León has been the president of UAW-Asociacion de Empleados de Comedores Escolares Local 2396 since 2014. Prior to that she served as the local's vice president for 17 years. UAW Local 2396 proudly represents nearly 3,000 cafeteria workers working at public schools throughout Puerto Rico. In May 2021, León was the first woman to be elected president of the Puerto Rico Federation of Labor.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 09/25/2022 - 09:54Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Cecilia Valdez
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Cecilia Valdez.
Cecilia Valdez has been a longtime activist and a CWA member for more than 40 years. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Valdez is a member of Local 7026, where she has served as secretary-treasurer for the past 23 years, chair of the local's Committee on Equity and coordinator of the CWA HOPE Golf Tournament, which supports the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She also was elected as vice chair of the Pima Area Labor Federation in January 2022.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 09/24/2022 - 09:54Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Karrie Setters
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Karrie Setters.
Karrie Setters leads by action. She is the first Latina to serve as a BCTGM International Representative. She is a dynamic organizer, an expert negotiator and a dedicated activist for the working class. Setters services 24 BCTGM local unions on the West Coast and played a vital role in helping to settle the 113-day strike by Jon Donaire workers in Santa Fe Springs, California that began in 2021.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/23/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO, Chris Gardner Foundation Join Forces to Give Students Life-Changing Job Opportunities
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The AFL-CIO today announced a groundbreaking new partnership with the Chris Gardner Foundation’s Permission to Dream program to put students with limited economic opportunities on an early path to the middle class. Federation Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and Chris Gardner, founder of the Chris Gardner Foundation, officially kicked off the partnership today at two Detroit-area schools, along with AFT President Randi Weingarten and NABTU representatives. Through the collaboration, the AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions and partners will give students in disadvantaged communities the opportunity and support to enter paid, registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades.
“We are thrilled to partner with Chris and his foundation to give more young people the opportunity to build family-sustaining careers,” said Redmond. “Far too many young people do not feel hopeful about their economic futures and that is unacceptable. By expanding access to our world-class apprenticeship programs, we will ensure that young people entering the workforce can experience the security and support of a good union job.”
North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the UAW, the School Administrators (AFSA), the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), SAG-AFTRA and Ullico are founding partners of the Permission to Dream collaboration. The program will be piloted in select cities and schools across the country, where there will be an influx of funding for infrastructure and development projects as well as jobs stemming from the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/23/2022 - 09:42Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Capt. Javier Ramos Green
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Capt. Javier Ramos Green.
Born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Capt. Javier Ramos Green flies for JetBlue Airways and is a member of ALPA. As chair of the JetBlue ALPA Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee (SPSC), he played an influential role in one of the most successful informational picketing events in ALPA history. When his homeland was devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, he sprang to action. He helped organize drives for supplies to Puerto Rico. Says Green: "Hispanic Heritage Month is who I am as a person. No matter how far north you are in the American continent or how far south in Tierra del Fuego, Hispanic heritage is something that unites us and makes us stronger.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/22/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UVC Appalled at Extremists Flooding Veterans Suicide Helpline with Spam Calls
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 response to verified reports that members of an extremist group used veteran suicide as a political stunt, the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO (UVC) released this statement on Tuesday:
“Yesterday, anti-American extremist members of the 1776 Restoration Movement organized a call-in action to clog the VA Suicide Crisis line in an attempt at an appalling political stunt. Over 20 veterans and service members a day die by suicide, and the crisis line is a vital and life-saving resource for many. UVC strongly condemns these unconscionable political stunts put on by the 1776 movement. We stand with vets in crisis, who can call 988 or text 838225 for support.
“We would also like to highlight today’s VA announcement that veterans suicide is decreasing, which makes this stunt even more egregious.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/22/2022 - 09:42What's Right for Workers: 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 was an honor to have @unitehere President D. Taylor in Alaska earlier this year, standing with Anchorage Hilton workers who have been working to secure a contract for over a decade ✊ #1u #UnionStrong #BoycottAnchorageHilton pic.twitter.com/Cv54KCymsd
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 20, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
Make sure you check and update your voter registration. If you’re not registered; it’s a great day to do so here: https://t.co/hlba4lhq4E https://t.co/uWLKQCoC8d
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) September 20, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
“What he needs to do is what’s right for the workers, and what brings justice to their workplace.”
Solidarity icon @tmorello’s free concert today called for support of #AB2183 and for solidarity with farm workers fighting to organize without intimidation. #UnionizeCalifornia pic.twitter.com/cF9dYSvdUs
Colorado AFL-CIO:
The Colorado AFL-CIO is proud to endorse Jared Polis! #copolitics #coleg pic.twitter.com/SE3KUWRuvo
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) September 16, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Union volunteers were out in force in Hamden today to knock doors for pro-worker candidates! Thanks to @AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride for kicking us off and joining us on the doors #1u @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/SenpJSi2a8
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 17, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Come join the conversation. We NEED to hear from you ✊🏾
I look forward to your response and help in engaging our community. You can sign up for the event here https://t.co/6fjuOJRGPQ#1u #unionproud #unionstrong #Atlanta #unionlove #important #comesupport pic.twitter.com/9p5baHwYy3
Illinois AFL-CIO:
ICYMI: ILAFL-CIO President Tim Drea spoke with the @pfingstenshow about voting YES for @ILWorkersRights earlier this week.
Tune in here: https://t.co/2m04f7g3V2
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to @UAW members in Kokomo, Indiana on reaching an agreement after an almost 3 day strike 🪧 https://t.co/IbdymzPjpx
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) September 13, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO To Ingredion: Stop Threatening Striking Workers with Guns and Bargain in Good Faith https://t.co/sMvOHL67tw
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) September 21, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
The Maine AFL-CIO Peer Workforce Navigator has been connecting Maine workers to good union jobs! If you are looking for a union career please reach out to us. https://t.co/d8Tr6aBtSe
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 20, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
The Railroads have been working overtime in Washington with the bad faith tactics of getting Congress to side with them in the rail dispute. Send a message today asking Congress to stay out of the dispute (or side with workers, if they must intervene) https://t.co/6me9kSmC0Z
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) September 15, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
TUESDAY: "The New Power of Labor in Massachusetts and Beyond" feat. a Keynote by @SecMartyWalsh and a Panel Discussion with @ktkjohnston, @SEIU1199_NE VP Dana Alas, NAGE President Dave Holway, and MA AFL-CIO Chief of Staff @chrissylynch29
Register Here: https://t.co/QQtldnHxLD pic.twitter.com/7qmqR9xzRc
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
We're proud to announce our first round of endorsements for this November's election! We're ready to get to work and elect pro-labor candidates on November 8th, are you? #MiLabor2022 #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/gfUNFGtzOx
— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) September 12, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Minnesota United video board techs win union election (via @unionadvocate) Congratulations to the newest members of @iatse745! #1u https://t.co/nh5VGEkCZO
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 21, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
Laborers 42 offers additional $15,000 reward to bring killers of member to justice. https://t.co/gdtmMYrj6Q
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 22, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
Union apprenticeship programs are ready to roll with a path to a good paying job and a career. Creating barriers to funding for workers in Montana through excessive red tape and then funding machines to take our jobs is not the answer. #mtpol #mtnews https://t.co/fJvXatJJLT
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) September 21, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you to @GovSisolak & @SecMartyWalsh for holding a roundtable with #labor leaders and discussing some of the most important issues that affect our Nevada working families! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/2EwRFdMORF
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 21, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
A so-called "right-to-work" bill has ALREADY been filed for next session. Make your plan to vote now. @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU. . pic.twitter.com/ycau3wspPG
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 12, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Today, President Wowkanech joined @ATUComm's 60th Convention. Our legislative victories providing COVID benefits for our brothers and sisters, fighting for infrastructure investment, and pushing back against privatization show that when we work together, we are stronger together! pic.twitter.com/vbBWswGiZm
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 20, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Labor showing support for @PeteforNy at a rally in Peekskill today! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/01Qq3sflf4
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 21, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
.@UFCW Local 1208 leadership and released staffers are ready to win victories for North Carolina workers in the midterm elections! #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/4uTshJJL32
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 20, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
"I always felt that @RepMarcyKaptur listened to working class people. That's one of the things I like about her. She doesn't seem distant to me. I feel I could have reached out to her anytime I had wanted to." - Joe Stallbaum, member @smartunionworkshttps://t.co/YfQFmIkstE
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 22, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Galarza's memoir-novel, Barrio Boy, traces his life from a small town in Mexico to a California barrio, and is assigned reading in many high schools and colleges across the nation. #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/NyBPnxfO8U
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 21, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Allegheny CLC phone Bank volunteers hard at work! #1U #UnionStrong #UnionProud #Vote pic.twitter.com/zj8vqVnEZR
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 17, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
It is important that we support leaders who are going to fight for workers at every level of government - this is why we are proud to endorse the following candidates for the 2022 General Election ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #LaborVotes
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) September 20, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Since we are officially less than 50 days out from Election Day on November 8, we are proud to announce once again that bumper and hard hat stickers encouraging folks to vote NO on Amendment 1 are still available! Order here: https://t.co/9pzptIRIAF pic.twitter.com/eQuHK36InC
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) September 20, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Breakthrough union organizing win at Ascension Seton Medical Center by @NationalNurses is cause for celebration. @RickTxAFLCIO salutes union’s “courage & vision,” asks, “Who’s got next?” 800 nurses, 72% “yes” in landslide. #1u pic.twitter.com/PvpW4ViUDW
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 22, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
We can see your greedy side, Weyerhaeuser! @MachinistsUnion District W24 shutting it down at @Weyerhaeuser HQ in Seattle. Weyerhaeuser is making record profits - its time for the boss to come to the table and bargain a fair contract. #1u pic.twitter.com/Xjr7qGEcVO
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 20, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
“That united mindset is what's going to keep us stronger. It gives us the leverage that we need up against big money corporations,” Abdalla said. “And as long as we continue to strive like that collectively, the sky's the limit.”https://t.co/OdedqqykF6
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 22, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/21/2022 - 15:40Transforming the Economy: 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.
Minor Leaguers Form Union, 17 Days After Organizing Began: “More than 5,500 minor league baseball players formed a union on [Sept. 14], completing a lightning-fast organization campaign that launched just 17 days earlier in an effort to boost annual salaries as low as $10,400. ‘In a multibillion-dollar industry, there is no excuse to pay these players below the poverty line,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. ‘By joining together to use their collective voice at the bargaining table, the minor leaguers will be able to advocate for a union contract that will ensure a future with the good pay and benefits they deserve.’”
Minor League Baseball Union Creates Massive Change Nearly Unthinkable 3 Years Ago: “‘Today’s overwhelmingly victorious card-check from minor leaguers to be represented by the Major League Baseball Players Association is a historic win that will benefit the players both on and off the field for generations to come,’ Shuler said. ‘Minor leaguers have gone more than a century without union representation. In a multibillion-dollar industry, there is no excuse to pay these players below the poverty line. Now, by joining together to use their collective voice at the bargaining table, the minor leaguers will be able to advocate for a union contract that will ensure a future with the good pay and benefits they deserve.’”
The Man Who Keeps Baseball’s Union Moving: “Shortly after finishing his oatmeal and fruit plate, he was completing details to unionize more than 5,000 minor league players, offering power to a group that has traditionally been treated as disposable labor. In Washington, soon after, Clark announced his union would be joining the AFL-CIO. Strategically, the hope is that aligning with the nation’s largest labor federation and its 12.5 million members will allow growth both in terms of influence and power. Throughout his athletic life, fighting for his career came naturally to Clark. As soon as his production diminished, he knew he would be replaced. Today, in different ways, the battles continue.”
Labor Activists on How Workers Are Shaping the Future of Work: “‘The future of the labor movement is bright. People are coming together organizing in numbers we haven't seen in a generation. Numbers last week, 71% of the public supports unions. The time is now to rise up, make your voice heard, and come together collectively to make change and do that through a union.’” —AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
Baseball Players Union Joins AFL-CIO in Show of Solidarity with Other Workers: “The Major League Baseball Players Association plans to join the AFL-CIO labor federation, putting one of professional sports’ top unions in a formal alliance with other labor groups. Tony Clark, the former switch-hitting first baseman who is now the union’s director, announced the new affiliation in downtown Washington on Wednesday. He was joined by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, which includes 57 other unions representing more than 12 million workers. ‘The point here is we’re all workers, and we all have the same struggles,’ Shuler said. ‘Whether you’re working on the pitch or on a baseball field or on a construction site, we’re all concerned about safe workplaces.’”
Workers and Unions with First Female President of AFL-CIO: “We continue our Woman Thought Leader Series with Liz Shuler, the first female president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). She discusses the rights of labor workers, the organization’s fight for equal pay among women and men, the current presidential administration's stance on labor unions, and much more.”
Liz Shuler: Once 'Essential,' then Expendable, American Workers Are Transforming the Economy: “Last year alone $6.5 trillion flowed from the bottom 90% of wage earners to the top 1%. That means the janitor who cleans our child’s school, the nurse who cares for our sick father and the grocery clerk who always greets us with a smile are struggling, while the wealthiest among us literally skyrocket into space with bottomless bank accounts. Upward mobility seems out of reach for most Americans. Young people are backsliding with low wages, out-of-control housing prices and crushing health care costs. But our story—the American workers’ story—will not be written by billionaires. This Labor Day, working people are writing a new chapter infused with hope for a brighter future. We’re no longer tolerating being called ‘essential” one minute and treated as expendable the next. Whether on a manufacturing shop floor, in a high-rise office, in a corner cafe or Amazon warehouse, workers are transforming our economy.”
AFL-CIO Official Says Unions Are Gaining Strength: “As Americans honor the labor movement and the contributions of workers this Labor Day weekend, AFL-CO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond says unions are gaining strength and numbers through an unprecedented nationwide grassroots movement. Redmond was in Detroit on Friday to meet with local union officials and to prepare for the kickoff of the AFL-CIO’s new Permission to Dream program later this month. Redmond, who has an extensive work history in the steel industry, said what he observes right now is unlike anything he has seen previously in the labor movement. ‘I never remember a moment like this,’ said Redmond. ‘What is happening is very organic and at a grassroots level. Workers are independently standing up and we embrace that, but we are also here to assist them and guide them through the process.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/21/2022 - 10:15Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Marcos Vélez
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Marcos Vélez.
Marcos Vélez serves as assistant director for USW's District 13, and is the first Afro Latino and the first Puerto Rican to hold this position. His commitment to the labor movement and fearless activism won him the prestigious USW Jefferson Award in 2018, celebrating his public service. Vélez is a great leader that is always looking for ways to help and highlight our community. Vélez is a Next Gen alumni and one of USW's top bargainers in industries like oil, paper and the public sector.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/21/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Equity Reaches New Heights by Organizing Lecturers at Griffith Observatory
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.
When Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage,” he wasn’t thinking big enough. On Monday, the entire universe became a stage as Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) filed a petition to form a union with planetarium lecturers at Los Angeles’ iconic Griffith Observatory. The entirety of the planetarium’s lecture staff have signed union authorization cards, and Equity is seeking voluntary recognition from the city of Los Angeles.
“We are incredibly proud and deeply protective of the work we do here,” explained Michael Faulkner, one of the planetarium lecturers. “Organizing with Equity, to have a collective voice when speaking to our employer, is one way of ensuring mutual respect between the parties, so that the tradition of live lecturers can remain a cherished part of the Griffith Observatory experience for millions of locals and tourists alike.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/21/2022 - 09:47Sign the Pledge to Say: I Am a Voter
This November, the labor movement will combat the power of organized money and big corporations. We’re voting to protect our freedoms—and our voices will be heard. Join us and sign the pledge to vote in November for candidates who will prioritize working people over profits for the exclusive few.
When workers organize, we change the world. We've seen this time and time again. Unions won us safer workplaces, eight-hour workdays, the weekend and many other benefits. Now we must organize at the voting booth to protect our freedoms.
We need to elect people who will fight for workers, not corporations. We need candidates who will make it easier to join a union, not break a union. Those who will expand access to health care, not take it away. We need to vote for candidates who believe in American democracy and the right to vote. Full stop.
Workers have the power to make a difference in this election. You have the power to make a difference in this election. So, will you pledge to vote in November? Will you do your part?
Please sign our petition and pledge to vote to protect our freedoms in November.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/20/2022 - 10:36Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Esther Hernandez-Kramer
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Esther Hernandez-Kramer.
Esther Hernandez-Kramer has been a teacher since 1994. She is fiercely devoted to union activism and to fighting to improve our collective working conditions. She has been actively involved in her local union for the past 12 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/20/2022 - 10:03Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Accelerate Labor 2022 Campaign in Pennsylvania
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 Labor 2022 election campaign is in full swing across Pennsylvania. Members of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO have been out in their communities, knocking doors and making phone calls, and connecting with fellow union members. From Allentown to Harrisburg, Scranton to Erie and beyond, union members in this key battleground state are investing in making important connections with their fellow union members on the issues they are facing across the state.
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport, and our movement is working to ensure that our rights to collectively bargain, a safe workplace, and fair wages for fair work are never at [risk].”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/20/2022 - 09:45Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Joseph Valdivia
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Joseph Valdivia.
Joseph Valdivia has dedicated his life to serving his country: Twenty years in the U.S. Navy as a readiness trainer for the Marine Corps and now as a public servant with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His work unit had no union representation until it was organized by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) last year, and Valdivia immediately stepped up to become a union representative.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/19/2022 - 10:05Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Georgia State AFL-CIO Ramps Up Political Action Among Local Union 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.
On Saturday, Georgia State AFL-CIO Political Field Director Chris Daniel (RWDSU-UFCW, pictured above, at the podium) addressed some 40 members of Machinists (IAM) Local 709 in Marietta, Georgia. Daniel talked about the importance of member-to-member conversations at the workplace and asked each member to take the AFL-CIO’s member issues survey. He also asked for volunteers for upcoming labor walks to increase support for pro-worker candidates.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/19/2022 - 10:01Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Yaneth Valencia
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Yaneth Valencia.
Yaneth Valencia on the importance of unions: “I am very happy that I work for a BAC signatory contractor that cares for its employees and gives me the opportunity to work on some of the most important buildings in this country. I enjoy the work I do and the people I work with. There are some challenges we have to overcome at the jobsite. For example, working in the sun with full PPE, including respirators, in heat is very difficult….Luckily, I have not fallen sick because of my union.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 09/18/2022 - 10:57
