Black History Month Profiles: Derrick McDonald II
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Derrick McDonald II of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Derrick McDonald II is a shop steward with OPEIU Local 153 who works at Advantage Care Physicians. Through the power of his union, McDonald advocates for his co-workers and his community. A skilled organizer, McDonald also currently serves on his union’s bargaining team. “We’re still fighting the same fight Dr. King was fighting,” he said. “For equal pay, equal protection under the law, a right to be heard and a seat at the table.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/25/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda Hunt of UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union.
Linda Hunt is a food server and an active member of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union (Local 226) for the past 42 years. In 2022, she took a leave of absence during the 2022 elections to help elect leaders who would champion issues important to working people: “We aren’t going to give up. We will keep fighting every day. We vote. We win!”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:15Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Clint Brown
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Clint Brown of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Clint Brown joined the staff of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 881 in 1986 as a union representative. He has held many positions with the local, and his efforts have been instrumental in fighting for the rights of workers across Ohio, from paid sick leave to minimum wage increases and many more. Brown's service to the labor movement is extensive. He has been a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and delegate to CBTU's international convention, a trustee and active member of the Minority Coalition of the UFCW International, as well as president of the Chicago chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: YouTube Music Strike Reaches Day 14; Alphabet Workers Stand Strong
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.
Workers at YouTube Music have been on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike for two weeks against Cognizant Technology Solutions and Google. The vast majority of the workers, who filed for recognition with the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU-CWA Local 1400) in October, were hired remotely and the companies’ announced “return to office” plan ordered those workers to move to Austin, Texas, or they would lose their jobs. The workers then went on strike.
The workers say that Cognizant is desperate to break the strike and has engaged in smear tactics against low-wage workers. Google refused to call on Cognizant to end the return to office mandate, making them part of the problem. The workers demand that Cognizant and Google put an end to union-busting and the mandate, and allow their workers to freely exercise their right to organize.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 09:30Tags: Strikes
Major League Soccer Players Formally Affiliate with AFL-CIO
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) today announced its formal affiliation with the AFL-CIO. The request to affiliate was unanimously approved by the MLSPA’s Executive Board and approved at the AFL-CIO’s Winter Executive Council meeting in early February. MLSPA members will join the more than 12.5 million workers who make up the unions of the AFL-CIO.
“From locker rooms and classrooms to coffee shops and warehouses, workers all over the United States are demonstrating the power of organizing on a daily basis,” said MLSPA Executive Director Bob Foose. “Over the past twenty years, our players have fought to improve the working conditions and rights of athletes in Major League Soccer. We look forward to working with the AFL-CIO and standing beside its member unions as we fight for every worker, whether it be an athlete or a stadium employee, with one collective voice.”
“When we speak with one voice, when we’re united in solidarity, our collective power is undeniable,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This affiliation is about building that power for workers and ensuring professional soccer players have the strength of the entire labor movement behind them every single day. We’re thrilled to welcome the MLS Players into the AFL-CIO. This is historic—joining together in this pivotal moment in our economy will raise standards for all working people and the communities where we live, work and play.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 14:46Black History Month Profiles: Yvonne Brooks
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Yvonne Brooks of AFSCME.
Yvonne Brooks is a native of St. Louis and the ninth of 10 children. Brooks comes from a union family. She joined AFSCME Local 410 and became a shop steward during her first six months of employment. In 1996, Brooks accepted the position of staff representative for AFSCME Council 31. In 2008, Brooks accepted an international position with AFSCME as an area field service director. She worked for the AFSCME Florida Voter Protection Project during the 2008 election. Brooks was elected secretary-treasurer of the Georgia State AFL-CIO in 2011. And in 2023, she became the first woman and first African American to be elected president of the state federation.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 10:15Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Dejon Ellis Jr.
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Dejon Ellis Jr. of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Los Angeles native DeJon Ellis Jr. has been a grip with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 80 for 25 years. He has worked on various projects, from feature films to prime-time television and music videos. Ellis currently serves as Local 80’s business agent for grips, crafts services, set medics, marine, first aid employees and warehouse workers. Ellis is also a member-at-large for IATSE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee."
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Union Veterans Council Leads Delegation to Express Solidarity with Ukraine
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.
Will Attig (UA; pictured left), executive director of the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO (UVC), led a delegation of labor leaders and working people to meet with Ambassador Oksana Markarova (not pictured) at the Ukrainian Embassy. The delegation expressed the U.S. labor movement’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Joining UVC in the delegation were representatives from the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), Mine Workers (UMWA), Machinists (IAM), Ironworkers, AFT, AFGE, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and the Solidarity Center.
Ambassador Markarova asked union members to express support for Ukraine. She was also interested in learning more about training, mental health and child assistance programs run by America’s unions.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 09:45Tags: Union Veterans Council, Ukraine
Black History Month Profiles: Linda L. Hinton
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda L. Hinton of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Linda L. Hinton started her career at Ohio Bell in 1970. Not long after, she was elected vice president and, later, president of CWA Local 4310. She went on to be a staff representative for CWA District 4, and then administrative director before becoming assistant to the vice president. She is the first woman to be vice president for District 4. She is a member of many constituency groups, including the Coaltion of Labor Union Women, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the NAACP, the CWA National Minority Caucus and the CWA Women for Political Power Program, which she leads.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 10:30Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Belle Allen
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Belle Allen of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Belle Allen has proudly worked as a training director for Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 480 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her career working for the Department of Energy then spent a decade as an IT project manager before moving to New Mexico, where she discovered a thriving entertainment industry. Allen currently serves as Local 480’s director of training and diversity and co-chair of their Inclusion Committee.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Harris County, Texas, Commissioners Approve Historic Investment in Apprenticeships
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.
Commissioners in Harris County, Texas, approved a $9.1 million contract that will double enrollment in union apprenticeships in the building and construction trades. Additionally, the investment will create two new apprenticeships, one in the entertainment industry and one in the transportation industry. The investment is part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act and represents one of the largest apprenticeship investments in the country.
“Building a better, more resilient labor force—by investing in our workers—is an essential investment in the future of Harris County,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Apprenticeship programs provide an avenue to high-wage careers without the need for a traditional four-year college degree.”
“High-quality apprenticeships run jointly by unions and employers are a proven path to prosperity: Apprentices ‘earn while they learn,’ garnering wages above industry average while being mentored on jobsites and taking classes at night or on the weekends,” said Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. “By developing a highly skilled, highly productive workforce, apprenticeships strengthen the economic foundation on which employers and our communities’ shared prosperity depend.”
The investments will fund 11 participating apprenticeship programs and recruit, train and place 665 new apprentices with employers over two years. They will also upgrade the skills of hundreds of current apprentices and journey-level workers.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 09:34Black History Month Profiles: Daryl Newman
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Daryl Newman of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Daryl Newman serves as the president of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO and secretary-treasurer of the Michigan AFL-CIO. Newman is also a member of AFT Michigan, and is a loud and proud voice from the Motor City!
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/21/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Culinary Union Calls for Increased Mental Health Funding for Young People
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.
Addressing a growing crisis in the state of Nevada and beyond, UNITE HERE Culinary Union is calling for increased funding for youth mental health. The campaign will focus on direct voter contact to make sure Nevadans understand that sustainable investment in youth mental health is good public policy.
“It’s clear that long-term capacity building for mental health is needed, and a specific source of consistent funding is critical for this,” said Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge. “Nevada needs sustainable, long-term funding to establish, continue and expand programs to train, recruit, and retain mental health professionals, and to fill considerable gaps in Nevada’s mental and behavioral health services system.”
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association issued a declaration that we are in a national state of emergency for children’s mental health. The pandemic exacerbated things. Nevada shows a particular need for investments to fight the youth mental health crisis, after being named the worst state in the nation for overall mental health. Working people are stepping up to make sure that Nevada continues to make the changes young people need.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/21/2023 - 09:30Black History Month Profiles: Stephanie Matthews
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Stephanie Matthews of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Musician and consultant Stephanie Matthews of AFM Local 47 in Los Angeles has a message: “We are here.” That message is directed at anyone doubting the level of Black string talent in today’s music industry. And she should know. Matthews has put together string sections for some of the biggest stars. In 2020, she assembled an all-Black, all-female orchestra for Lizzo’s opening performance at the Grammy Awards. At the 2022 Academy Awards, she brought together the ensemble for Beyoncé’s opening performance of “Be Alive,” from "King Richard," which she says was an incredible experience. Also this year, Matthews gathered orchestra musicians for composer and pianist Robert Glasper’s salute to Duke Ellington at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Tamara Rose
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Tamara Rose of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
Tamara Rose is a regional vice president with the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). In its 45 years, Rose is the first Black woman to serve as a regional vice president and member of the National Executive Board for PASS.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/19/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Aaron Walker
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Aaron Walker of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
Aaron Walker graduated as his Flint, Michigan, high school's valedictorian before becoming the fourth generation from his family to be a member of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). He currently works full time as a hi-lo driver for the Lear Corp. while continuing his educational pursuits at the University of Michigan where he maintains a 3.5 GPA.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/18/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Yokasty Thomas
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Yokasty Thomas of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Yokasty Thomas has been treasurer of the Hartford Federation of Paraeducators, AFT Local 2221, for the past nine years. She's active in her local, particularly in the recruitment of new members. She has been a paraeducator for 18 years, and last August she decided to continue her education and pursue a career as a teacher.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Calls for Bold Action to ‘Staff the Front Lines’
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.
States, counties and cities across the country currently face massive shortages of public service workers. State and local governments still dealing with recovery from the Great Recession saw things get worse because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to AFSCME President Lee Saunders, the public service sector is short 500,000 jobs. Communities are struggling.
AFSCME is launching “Staff the Front Lines,” an initiative to improve retention, recruitment and outreach for public service workers. “We’ve got to be creative,” Saunders said. “States and cities across the country are working on this issue, and we’re hopeful that we can work together.”
Among the tools the initiative will use are outreach to high school and community colleges, job fairs, streamlined hiring practices, and apprenticeships. With help from Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), AFSCME Council 75 recently secured $900,000 for pre-apprenticeship education and training. This money will help 60 people pursue careers in behavioral health and another 60 will become certified drug and alcohol counselors.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/17/2023 - 09:29Celebrating Leaders and Activists for Black History Month
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Here are the profiles we've done so far this year:
- Annie Anderson, AFSCME
- Calvin Brooks, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
- Karen Thomas, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
- Ron Carter, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
- Janella T. Hinds, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- Veronica Hopkins, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM)
- Jamaar Evans, Bricklayers (BAC)
- Shawanda Rankin, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
- Sandor L. Duncan, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
- Shawnte Harris, Laborers (LIUNA)
- Adrian Bland, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
- Darryl K. Taylor, Sr., Utility Workers (UWUA)
- Capt. Mario James, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
- Bruce Davis, AFSCME
- Orlando Riley, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
- Benjamin Wright, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
- Yokasty Thomas, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- Aaron Walker, United Auto Workers (UAW)
- Tamara Rose of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
- Daryl Newman of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
Check back throughout February for more profiles.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 14:09Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Benjamin Wright
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Benjamin Wright of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
With a career spanning 60 years, Benjamin Wright of AFM Local 47 in Los Angeles has worked as a music director, arranger, songwriter and producer. He has a staggering résumé of nearly 250 songs to his credit, either as writer or arranger, and that number continues to grow. He worked as the music director and producer for The Temptations, and in 1977, he joined Gladys Knight as her music director, a job he would hold for the next 30 years. His collaborations with notable artists have continued, with Wright contributing award-winning material and production for artists as disparate as OutKast, DeBarge, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan and Justin Timberlake.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
