Service + 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 - 10:57Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Lupe Valles
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 Lupe Valles.
Lupe Valles reflects often on the words of her grandfather, a unionist exiled from his home country of Mexico for organizing unions in 1955: "Work hard, always fight for justice and never give up." As OPEIU Local 174's president and business manager, Valles is committed to organizing the next generation of unionists, as well as fighting for immigration reform, voting rights protections, collective bargaining rights and equal pay for equal work.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 09/17/2022 - 10:57Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Mayra Muñoz
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 Mayra Muñoz.
Mayra Muñoz has been the president of UAW Local 1850 (Asociación Empleados del ELA), which represents nearly 350 members who work at Puerto Rico's largest credit union. Muñoz has served as the local union's president since 2009. Muñoz fought tirelessly to protect UAW members and win better wages and benefits despite the economic challenges on the island. Muñoz is currently the president of CAP Puerto Rico.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/16/2022 - 10:30Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rocker Tom Morello Holds the Line with UMWA Members on Strike at Warrior Met Coal
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.
Hundreds of members of the Mine Workers (UMWA) have been on strike against Warrior Met Coal in Alabama for nearly a year and a half. These union members are standing strong, demanding a fair contract that repays them for the sacrifices they made several years ago to bring Warrior Met Coal’s predecessor out of bankruptcy. The UMWA strikers have received support from the entire labor movement throughout their courageous fight against management greed.
Rock star Tom Morello (AFM) rallied with UMWA members on strike Wednesday to give them his support and solidarity. Morello performed his labor rock anthem, “Hold the Line,” about brave union members across the country who are standing up for dignity and justice at work.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/16/2022 - 10:03Workers Need Stronger Labor Laws Now More Than Ever
Nearly 20 years after the publication of Kate Bronfenbrenner’s groundbreaking report on the state of organizing, she testified this week before Congress to preview new data showing that working people continue to face significant barriers in their efforts to form a union. Her testimony was given during a hearing before the House Education and Labor Committee on corporate union-busting and removing barriers to organizing. Bronfenbrenner’s testimony highlighted that while election win-rates have increased, the level of opposition workers face has intensified. Her analysis is further evidence for why we must pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
“Strengthening our labor laws has never been more urgent,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in response to the new data. “The working people who keep our economy going each day deserve the freedom to join or form a union without intimidation and fear. All workers deserve dignity and respect on the job.”
Approval of unions has reached 71%—the highest rate in nearly 60 years—and a significant portion of workers report that they would join a union if they could. Despite this unprecedented period of organizing, with millions of workers standing up nationwide to demand fairness on the job, the conditions that workers face have not changed much over the past two decades. Bronfenbrenner’s findings show that a majority of companies still hire union-busting firms to deploy aggressive anti-union campaigns to thwart worker organizing.
Rates of retaliation, coercion, threats and intimidation remain inexcusably high:
- Eighty-five percent of employers used captive audience meetings while 71% used one-on-one meetings to harass workers.
- Forty-four percent interrogated workers about union activity.
- Forty-five percent threatened workers with plant closings, outsourcing or contracting out of their work.
The evolution of technology has allowed employers to introduce newer and so-called softer tactics to prevent organizing. Bronfenbrenner found that surveillance of workers has doubled and this includes monitoring through phones, computers key cards, social media and more. Email communication has jumped from 3% to 43%, and employers now use text messages 18% of the time to contact workers with anti-union messages. While this data primarily shows employer opposition only after workers have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), it does not reflect what workers know from lived experience—about how increased surveillance and other tactics are used by employers to mount anti-union campaigns even before a petition is filed.
These tactics continue to have a chilling effect on working people’s desire to organize and improve their workplaces. Workers have had to be more cautious in filing petitions for elections with the NLRB because employer misconduct so often precludes a fair election. And even when workers are successful in organizing by going through the NLRB election process, only 36% of elections result in a first contract within the first year while 44% still do not have a union contract within three years.
Without strong labor laws, workers will remain vulnerable to corporate abuse and overreach. Building a more equitable economy requires that employers be held accountable for violating workers’ rights.
Read Bronfenbrenner’s full testimony here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/15/2022 - 14:30Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aldo Gomez
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 Aldo Gomez.
Aldo Gomez is a first-generation American, and his family is originally from Guatemala. He recently led a Pipeline and Pawprints fundraiser, where he raised nearly $10,000 to save dogs and cats from euthanasia. He coordinated the donations with his company, which matched member donations dollar for dollar. In his job, Gomez plans and oversees distribution projects to help ensure safe operations.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/15/2022 - 11:52Tags: Hispanic Heritage Month
Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Dennis Sabina of TWU
At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.
In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of these workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today’s story comes from Dennis Sabina of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). Dennis works as a carman at Norfolk Southern in Conway, Pennsylvania.
Sabina said: “I’ve been a railroader for 17 years. When I started, there were around 100 people and now we're down to about 50, so we've lost half of our workforce. We’ve also lost a lot of equipment that we used to have, like cranes, that we would use in our daily job function. Yet they expect us to keep everything moving the same as it was five or 10 years ago.
“In my department, they aren't hiring. So I still have six students that are laid off, and the railroad isn't bringing them back even though they clearly need more workers. It's all about the bottom dollar for them.
“All the layoffs and everything obviously have put us all into a position to work more. Obviously, that's going to take a toll on our bodies.
“Meanwhile, the workforce has gotten older. Our median age is about 50 years old, I would say. There’s a lot of wear and tear. We're walking on uneven surfaces, and it's just easier when you're 25. Your knees and back and shoulders are wearing out and you slow down over the years.
“I just had a knee replacement because of the walking conditions. Instead of paying to have smooth walking surfaces, the railroad lets us pay the price. We worked through the pandemic; while the management people stayed at home, we had to come and produce for them and keep the trains moving."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Organized 4,436 Government Workers in August
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.
AFGE welcomed 4,436 new members to its union family in August, representing the fifth consecutive month of growth. The union saw a net gain of 655 members—the highest in five months—as other members retired, switched jobs or left the union.
“We are not just growing our membership, but growing our union, our power and our ability to command new rights at the bargaining table, pay raises and job security on the Hill, a demand for fair treatment for every single federal and D.C. government employee,” said AFGE Membership and Organization Director Dave Cann.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/15/2022 - 09:42The Deeper Impact of Student Loan Forgiveness
President Biden recently announced that his administration will forgive $10,000 of student loan debt for low- and middle-class borrowers. Borrowers who received Pell Grants will be eligible for forgiveness of up to $20,000. Forgiveness will be limited to borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year, and nearly 90% of the relief goes to borrowers who make less than $75,000 a year.
The announcement means that up to 43 million borrowers will benefit from forgiveness, with 20 million borrowers having their full remaining balance canceled. This will cut monthly payments in half for undergraduate loans.
Among the many Americans who will benefit from this move are union members. We talked to several union members who will benefit directly from Biden's plan. Here are their stories:
Laura Morand, AFSCME Local 2627: Morand is an IT professional for the New York City Fire Department. Morand took loans out to get herself through college and to ensure her kids had an opportunity to pursue an education. At one point, she had $305,000 in debt and saw no light at the end of the tunnel.
Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, Morand saw nearly $200,000 in student loan debt wiped away. “Ten years ago, it was very difficult,” Morand said. “When I was raising my kids, I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, we’re able to have more freedom and be comfortable. All those years of suffering seem to be paying off. I feel almost 200,000 pounds lighter.”
Aaron Crane, AFSCME Local 2773: Crane works for the Parks and Recreation Department with the city of Avon, Ohio. He had nearly $40,000 in student loans, a financial burden that limited many opportunities for his family. He had his entire balance wiped away through the PSLF. “Having my loans forgiven means that such a huge burden has been lifted from my family,” Crane said. “It’s like this elephant in the room when we used to do our finances, but now it's like we have so many more opportunities and ways to care and support our family.”
Mistie Ryan, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1465: Ryan shared that when she “woke up to this...it was like winning the lotto. Such a relief. I've been turning in the exact same documents yearly, the only difference is the settlement. I'm so thankful to Randi and our union for fighting for this.”
Kelly Crone, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27: Crone, who currently works as a call center representative at a local credit union in western Maryland, has been a UFCW member for 17 years. She currently serves as a shop steward and participated in UFCW’s free college program. Her family took out about $25,000 in student loans when her son attended West Virginia University, where he graduated in 2018. “We only had a short period of paying on them before they got deferred because of COVID, but even having a relatively small amount—it was still $260 a month,” Crone said. “That’s a car payment, that’s half of some people’s rent, that’s a lot of money to have to budget out. I have another daughter, so I’ve always been stressed about—are we going to have these paid off in time for her to go to school to be able to get her a college education? Now that they’re doing the debt forgiveness, that’s going to help us out greatly. It won’t pay them off, but we’ll have a small balance once we find how much we qualify for. And that’s going to be so beneficial for my son. He’s now at the point where’s he ready to settle down and buy a house, and this student debt forgiveness will help him continue on with his life.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/14/2022 - 11:53Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NFL Is Back, and So Are NFLPA’s Community MVPs
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 new NFL season started last week, and that means the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is also starting this season’s highlights of its members who are going above and beyond to serve their communities off the field. Myles Garrett, who plays as a defensive end with the Cleveland Browns, is this year’s Week 1 NFLPA Community MVP.
His Back-to-School Kickoff saw hundreds of students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio receive free haircuts and hair styling before their first day of school, as well as essential back-to-school supplies. “From a very young age, my family taught me that helping other people is not just the nice thing to do; it’s the right thing to do,” said the six-year NFL player. “I’m passionate about uplifting the next generation, and I plan to positively impact as many lives as possible for as long as I can.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/14/2022 - 10:05
