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 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Stalwart Sacco Retires After Distinguished Career

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.

Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers (SIU) history, announced his retirement. “I am in good health and good spirits,” he stated. “But I have often heard that you simply know when it’s time to retire, and this is the time.”

“Mike Sacco’s distinguished career in trade unionism is an inspiration to all of us,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Mike’s leadership at the Seafarers International Union benefited generations of merchant mariners and all working people. Mike led his union with integrity and a fighting spirit that he learned as a rank-and-file member. It’s been an honor to have him serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for more than three decades, always quick to offer sage advice and guidance about the future of our movement. We wish Mike nothing but the best in retirement and know he’ll always be ready to take up any fight that boosts working people.”

Sacco hails from Brooklyn, New York, and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and worked aboard U.S. merchant vessels. In 1960, he began working for the international union in a series of posts until he began serving as president of SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. As president of the international union, he also served as president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and as the longest-serving member and vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

Read more on the SIU website, where the celebration of Sacco’s career will continue in the LOG, SIU’s official publication, in the coming months.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:30

Black History Month Profiles: Orlando Riley

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 Orlando Riley of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Orlando Riley serves as the chair of the Amalgamated Transit Union New Jersey State Council and a member of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Executive Board. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riley fought for the health and safety of his members, by securing testing and PPE for front-line New Jersey transit workers. He continues to advocate for laws to protect public transit drivers from assault and work-related respiratory health problems.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/15/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF in Orion Township, Michigan, Ratify First Contract

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.

Fire fighters in Orion Township, Michigan, members of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 5342, recently ratified their first contract. The local formed in August 2021 and immediately began working with the city on a first contract. Representatives of Local 5342 said the negotiations were amicable, but there were numerous issues to iron out.

“We are very pleased with the new labor-management agreement between Local 5342 and Orion Township,” said Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union President Matthew Sahr (pictured third from the right). “Both sides trusted the process and negotiated in good faith. The result was one of the best first contracts I’ve seen.

The contract covers the next three years and includes a 3% pay raise each year, increased employer contributions to 401(k) retirement plans, time off for union activities and other benefits. Local 5342 President Chris Hagan (fifth from the left) said the contract will help improve recruitment and retention.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/15/2023 - 09:23

Black History Month Profiles: Bruce Davis

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 Bruce Davis of AFSCME.

Bernard “Bruce” Davis is entering his second term as the president of AFSCME Local 2406, which provides representation to more than 1,200 Oklahoma City employees. Davis has been instrumental in ensuring the visibility of the union in the community. From providing meals for teachers during a walk out to distributing 500 turkey baskets to families for Thanksgiving to giving 300 bicycles to kids for Christmas, his tenure has focused on community service. In 2022, he received the NAACP Labor Award.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/14/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Provides Innovation Grants to Support Educators

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 American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced a new round of Innovation Grants last week. Nearly $500,000 in funds will be distributed to educators, students and communities, bringing AFT’s total Innovation Fund investments to $1.6 million since the start of the pandemic.

The 14 projects selected for this round of grants address teacher shortages, recruitment, retention, professional collaboration and aid to community schools.

“We want every public school to be a place where parents want to send their kids, educators want to teach and kids thrive,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “We know teachers do everything in their power to make this a reality for all kids. These grants will help them put their ideas into action; recruit and retain educators; access professional learning opportunities; and improve well-being, working conditions and workforce shortages.”  

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/14/2023 - 09:27

Super Bowl 2023, Brought to You by Unions

In addition to being the most-watched televised event of the year, the Super Bowl represents the hard work of thousands of union members. This includes not only the union members who everyone sees, like the players (NFLPA) and the referees (NFLRA), but also the announcers, musicians, and food, transportation and hotel workers, and many more. We want to recognize the many unions that bring Super Bowl Sunday to millions of people around the world every year.

On the Field of Play

• NFL Players Association (NFLPA)
• NFL Referees Association (NFLRA)

Announcers, Camera Operators, Technicians, Field Workers and Other Hardworking Folks

• SAG-AFTRA broadcast announcers
• SAG-AFTRA and American Federation of Musicians (AFM) member Chris Stapleton sang the national anthem
• SAG-AFTRA member and SAG Award-winner Troy Kotsur performed the national anthem in American Sign Language
• SAG-AFTRA member Babyface performed “America the Beautiful”
• SAG-AFTRA National Board member and “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
• National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA (NABET-CWA)
• Electrical Workers (IBEW) who were part of the Fox Sports broadcast crew 
• Laborers (LIUNA)

Electricity

• Mine Workers (UMWA)

Stadium Construction

• Ironworkers erected the steel at State Farm Stadium in 2006. Members of Ironworkers Local 75 worked primarily on the project with Schuff Steel.
• The Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) painted the stadium. 
• The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) completed the plumbing, pipe fitting, sprinkler system and HVAC. 

Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

• SAG-AFTRA member Rihanna and others performed
• Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
• American Federation of Musicians (AFM) 

Official Football

• The leather for every single NFL football, including the ones that were used in Sunday’s Super Bowl, was crafted by members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1546 who work at Horween Leather Co. in Chicago.
• After UFCW members finish processing the leather, members of Workers United Local 1385 hand-make all NFL footballs, including the Super Bowl footballs used at the game, in Ada, Ohio. 

Food

• UFCW members who work at E.&J. Gallo Winery in Modesto and Fresno, California, also were represented at the Super Bowl this year. These workers are represented by UFCW Local 8-Golden State and UFCW Local 186D. E.&J. Gallo Winery is the official wine sponsor of the NFL. E.&J. Gallo products—including the Barefoot brand—made by UFCW members, had an on-site presence at premiere events, and in broadcast, digital and social media content leading up to and during the Super Bowl. 
• International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) members produced soft drinks and beer.
• Pouring Gatorade on the winning coach is one time-honored tradition made possible by the United Steelworkers (USW). The USW Local 1999-15 in Indianapolis produced the Gatorade used to shower the champions.

Journalists

• Thousands of reporters and members of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) attended the Super Bowl this year and covered the event. There also were countless photographers, videographers and other other professionals who worked behind the scenes to provide news coverage.

Local Transportation

• Transport Workers Union (TWU)
• Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)

Hotels

• UNITE HERE
• SEIU

Travel

• Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) members work at United Airlines (Kansas City Chiefs’ official charter) and got attendees safely to game day.
• Machinists (IAM) members work at American Airlines (Philadelphia Eagles’ official airline) and helped fans and others get to and from the game on several carriers.
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) members were proud to safely fly the Chiefs and fans of both teams into Phoenix for the big game.
• As soon as the Super Bowl city was announced, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)-represented employees at the Federal Aviation Administration started working with the NFL on flight plans and restricted airspace around the stadium. Technicians were pulling extra shifts all week at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the air traffic control facility in Albuquerque. There were more aviation safety inspectors on hand in Phoenix, as well as at smaller airports, to ensure all private jets were legally registered.
• Transportation security officers, who are members of AFGE, ensure the safety of America’s flying public, including the increased traffic of folks who flew in for the Super Bowl.
• Transport Workers Union (TWU) members helped maintain the planes that transported the Eagles. In addition, TWU has members who work at the Phoenix airport and represent aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, fleet service workers, flight technicians, customer service workers, air dispatchers and others at airlines that transported fans to the game.
• Fans who flew in for the big game got there safely, thanks to aviation workers, who are members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

First Responders

• Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 493—the United Phoenix Firefighters—represents more than 2,700 fire and EMS professionals in the greater Phoenix and Glendale area.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 11:19

Black History Month Profiles:

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 Capt. Mario James of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Alaska Airlines pilot Capt. Mario James has been a member of ALPA for 22 years. He is part of a team of trailblazers who are the first ALPA pilot group to form a Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion Committee. James has served on various other committees, including serving on the merger committee during one of the most successful mergers in ALPA history, between Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. He says, “I am passionate about leaving something better than I found it, and I am fortunate enough to serve my purpose through my work at ALPA.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Advocates for Working People Welcome Brazilian President Lula to the United States

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 hosted a discussion today with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and numerous union leaders. Lula has spent his entire life fighting for the working class as both a union and political leader. He knows the futures of Brazil and the United States depend on dismantling systemic inequality, building worker power, and fighting racial and economic injustice.

Today’s meeting was a momentous step forward in the longstanding bond between our two movements. Four years ago, while Lula was wrongfully imprisoned, late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka traveled to the country’s federal police building to demand justice and organize for Lula’s release.

“We stood by him then and we will continue to stand alongside Lula, his Workers’ Party and the Brazilian labor movement in their fight to defend democracy and build a better world for working people,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond in a statement.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 09:33

Black History Month Profiles: Darryl K. Taylor, Sr.

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 Darryl K. Taylor, Sr. of the Utility Workers (UWUA).

Darryl K. Taylor Sr. is a senior business agent with UWUA Local 1-2 and director of the local’s Military Assistance Program. In his spare time, he works with Black Veterans for Social Justice, a nonprofit that serves veterans in the New York area, and other community efforts and charitable work.

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/12/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Adrian Bland

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 Adrian Bland of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).

Adrian Bland works as an aeronautical information specialist at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he develops "road maps for the sky." He joined the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) less than a month after coming to the FAA in 2012, and has been an active chapter officer and union contract representative.

Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/11/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Shawnte Harris

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 Shawnte Harris of the Laborers (LIUNA).

Shawnte Harris is a third-term apprentice for LIUNA Local 737. "I have been able to get a house, and my family is way better off. I like knowing that I am doing things the right way in life. I am a blue-collar American!"

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/10/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Sandor L. Duncan

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 International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

Sandor Duncan, a member of UAW Local 892, started his career at the now-closed Ford plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is in his second term as district committee person for the local. He constantly works to strengthen and engage Local 892's membership while mentoring future leaders. Duncan is a single father of three.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/09/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: WNBA Players Are Latest Group of Athletes to Affiliate with AFL‑CIO

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.

Today, we welcome the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to the AFL-CIO. The labor movement’s commitment to gender and racial diversity isn’t simply rhetoric. We’re a movement about action. The WNBPA’s affiliation is a historic step in our ongoing efforts to advance the rights and freedoms of women and people of color. As our nation celebrates Black History Month and gets ready to celebrate Women’s History Month in March, we’re reminded every day of how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go to build a nation that’s truly dedicated to equal rights for all. The WNBPA has long understood the intersection between a union on the job—every job—and equality. Now, in its 25th year, the WNBPA’s new partnership with the broader labor movement through the AFL-CIO turns a page in the story of our movement and elevates our shared commitment to equal rights, stronger job protections, and gender and racial justice for players and all workers around the country. Together, we’ll develop new initiatives to advance equal pay, better conditions and justice on the job for all workers.

“We truly understand the value and the power of good labor principles. A union such as ours has so few resources,” said WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson. “But as our mission statement declares:

“‘It is through collective bargaining, protest, public service, community engagement and educational programming, that we challenge the workplace and societal conditions that stand in the way of our vision of what is possible for our lives and the future of our sport. Organizing, arriving at consensus, speaking with one united collective voice and moving as one, we prevail.’

“Your vote of affiliation is an affirmation of our place in the labor movement. May history accurately and properly record our contributions to the resurgence of the labor movement. This vote of affiliation is an award! And we thank you!”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/09/2023 - 09:30

Working People Respond to the State of the Union Address

President Biden gave his annual State of the Union address Tuesday night. Here is how advocates for working families across the country responded.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler:

In tonight’s State of the Union address, President Biden delivered a bold blueprint for an economy that, at long last, puts working people first. Instead of catering to the wealthy and well-connected, the President declared that workers are America’s backbone and good union jobs are the keystone of an economy that works for all.

In his first two years in office, President Biden made historic investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing and technology that will result in transformational economic opportunities not seen in generations. To this President, “Made in America” isn’t a slogan; it’s a clarion call for us to rebuild American manufacturing and bring supply chains home. 

The President made clear that his focus is reshaping the economy so that working people have a fair shot of getting ahead through a good union job. He understands that workers’ ability to organize is inextricably tied to a future in which we rise together. That’s why he called for the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, so that all workers have the freedom to stand together in a union to negotiate for good pay, affordable health care and safe working conditions. And we applaud his call to ensure billionaires will no longer get a free pass to exploit loopholes that allow them to get out of paying their fair share, siphoning funds from schools, public safety and other vital social services.

The administration’s accomplishments in the last two years are just the beginning. As President Biden said tonight, it’s time to finish the job. The labor movement is organized, we are mobilized, and we are ready to ensure all workers—no matter who we are or where we’re from—have the future we and our families deserve.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders:

When President Biden first took office, he pledged to be ‘the most pro-union president in history.’ He is living up to his promise. The American Rescue Plan brought the economy back from the brink following the shockwaves of the pandemic. The unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 1969. The historic bipartisan infrastructure law is adding good-paying union jobs to the economy, while the Inflation Reduction Act is actively lowering costs for working people. Biden has also fostered the most labor friendly environment we’ve seen at the federal level in decades. As workers join together to form unions in record numbers, the NLRB is holding employers accountable and defending workers’ rights.
 
Pres. Biden clearly understands that a strong economy depends on a strong labor movement. But the job isn’t done. We still need to overhaul labor law in this country so workers who want to form a union can finally do so. That means passing the PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. To keep our economy moving in the right direction, Congress must pursue a clean vote to raise the debt ceiling and continue to ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. Finally, the federal government must continue to make critical investments in the public services our communities depend on like child care and health care.
 
The path ahead in a divided Congress will be tough, but to keep the state of our union strong we must press ahead and fight for common sense policies that will empower working families and finally level the playing field.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President John Costa:

In the past two years, President Biden has created more jobs than any other president in American history. This is after entering office with the early support of the ATU when our economy was in crisis. President Biden not only led us through a pandemic, but he oversaw a historic recovery that stands to benefit workers and families for years to come.  

Under President Biden, our economy has created more than twelve million jobs and ushered in a 54-year low unemployment rate, with near record lows for Black and Hispanic workers. These jobs to a community, an individual, and a family have been life-changing. 

Along with record-breaking job creation, policies implemented by the Biden Administration intended to help workers have left them more economically secure than before the pandemic. Child poverty was at a historic low in 2021, and families now have the breathing room they need to advance their lives.

In his State of the Union, President Biden also outlined the historic investment in public transit and our nation’s infrastructure his administration has made under the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, which the ATU helped get passed. In fact, his economic plan includes the most significant upgrade to our nation’s infrastructure in generations. Equally important, President Biden is also ensuring that everything from zero-emission buses to bridges to rail cars are made here in America.

We join the president in calling for Congress to immediately pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to ensure every worker has the choice to organize, join a union, and collectively bargain for a fair living wage to provide for their families.  

The Biden Administration has also put more money in our pockets by lowering health care costs, including prescription drug prices. This is just one of the ways President Biden is sticking up for everyday Americans, including making large corporations and billionaires finally pay their fair share in taxes.

The American people want stability and leadership, and that’s what the Biden Administration has delivered over the past two years. We must keep moving forward and continue providing meaningful change for working people and their families. Thank you to the Biden Administration for keeping your promises to the American people and putting workers’ rights in the national spotlight. Now is the time, as President Biden said, to “finish the job.” 

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten: 

President Biden may have been speaking from the U.S. Capitol tonight, but he could have been sitting at any of our kitchen tables, because he spoke from the heart, directly to the American people, particularly to those left behind or who feel invisible. He made that his North Star: making people’s lives better, in an economy that works for all, in communities that are safe for everyone and in a world where sustainable democracies can thrive over autocracies and war. Most of all, Biden challenged us to hope and dream, and to stay united. 

His record, while still unfinished, is remarkable, and it gives us a launching pad for a more perfect union: massive job growth, the highest in a two-year period; record-low unemployment; reimagining our manufacturing base, from electric buses to bringing back chip manufacturing; rebuilding roads, bridges and tunnels that commuters rely on; game-changing student loan forgiveness, plus critical education assistance and school safety measures that helped our students and teachers get their mojo back; and driving down drug costs and gas prices, even when it meant standing up to big pharma and big oil. This work has made a clear difference in the lives of families, regardless of where they live and who they voted for. And whether he is middle-class Joe or working-class Joe, the president stayed true to the basic value that all Americans—not just the wealthy and powerful—should feel and benefit from our country’s success. 

But there is much more to do, and we appreciate that the president spoke with optimism, rooting for the American people, as he laid out a very ambitious agenda that started with safety and education, like paid family leave, child care and raises for the teachers who educate our kids. It’s clear that this president recognizes the promise and potential of public schooling—including using career and technical education and building pathways to career and college so more students can access opportunities at an early age—and the urgent need to address mental health, both in our schools and in our healthcare workforce, proposing important workplace and school-based programs to tackle stress and trauma, as well as stronger protections to rein in tech companies and address our kids’ privacy, health and safety online. He voiced a strong commitment to keeping our families and communities safe from violence, building on the progress already made on gun safety, and going one step further by banning assault weapons, while also making important advances in effective, accountable policing, including reissuing the call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. And, of course, he spoke with his signature Joe Biden vision, vowing to make good on his commitment to veterans, to continue the cancer moonshot and to cure the opioid epidemic.

And while the president was optimistic and hopeful, he was clear that there is no place for holding hostage Social Security, Medicare or the full faith and credit of the United States. And in a brilliant master class, he got everyone in the hall to agree not to make those cuts. Further, he vowed to continue to stand up for democracy and basic human rights, both at home and abroad. He reminded us that America is a story of progress and resilience, that having a strong democracy makes this possible, and that together we can deliver on a families-first agenda that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. In true Joe Biden form, he celebrated the efforts of working people and the power of a union, urging Congress to protect collective bargaining and pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

That was our president’s message tonight, and we at the AFT are grateful that he is our leader and wants to finish the job.

Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Edward Kelly: 

There is no stronger advocate for fire fighters and emergency medical professionals than President Biden, whose administration has enabled the legislative progress our profession has needed for generations. He understands the dangers of our job—including the urgent need to fight cancer. That's why last night's State of the Union reiterated the importance of the Cancer Moonshot—an initiative we should all get behind—to bring America's research system into the 21st century and provide support for those facing cancer. Cancer has impacted nearly every family, especially our own. As President Biden said last night, let's "finish the job" and end cancer as we know it.

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART):

On the campaign trail and during his first State of the Union speech last year, President Biden made big promises: substantial infrastructure investment for the first time in decades, the return of manufacturing to America, and an economy that works from the bottom up and the middle out, not the top down. Now, two years after the president’s inauguration, we can say that the Biden administration is delivering on those promises.

President Biden signed legislation like the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act into law: saving hundreds of thousands of union pensions, providing the most significant investments into our country’s infrastructure and semiconductor production in generations, and making the largest American investment in clean energy ever. These investments have already put thousands of SMART sheet metal members to work, and they will drastically improve the health and working conditions of our Transportation Division members across sectors.

Since President Biden took office, more than 200 companies have announced private investment in manufacturing, utilities and energy to the tune of $700 billion, across all 50 states. Our members are already working these jobs, from solar panel production facilities in New York to data centers in Arizona.

And after two years of President Biden’s agenda, the American economy has created more than 12 million jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, a 54-year low.

But, as the president made clear in this year’s State of the Union, there is more work to do. We look forward to working with Congress and this administration to end the anti-worker corporate scheme that is Precision Scheduled Railroading. And we call on Congress to pass a billionaire minimum tax, which will finally see the one percent pay their fair share and ease the damaging impact of inflation for working families; expand the Child Tax Credit, which will lift more children and families out of poverty; extend the Inflation Reduction Act’s price cap on insulin to all Americans; and pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which will make it easier for workers to form a union.

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) President Ray Curry:

President Biden promised to be the most pro-union President in our country’s history. Two years into his first term, he has made good on his promise time and time again.

Under his leadership, Congress passed landmark laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Altogether they will create good paying jobs throughout the country, rebuild aged and crumbling infrastructure, and put our country in a position to win the jobs of the future.

Investments made by the President in American workers and manufacturers will strengthen our economy while improving our national security. Our country’s stronger when we are less dependent on foreign nations for vital products and materials.

President Biden also fought for passage of the PACT Act which significantly expanded benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxins. He put the interests of working people over Big Pharma by reigning in skyrocketing prescription drug prices and made our tax code fairer by cracking down on wealthy tax cheats and having the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share. President Biden nominated, and the Senate confirmed, dozens of judges from diverse backgrounds who understand the struggles of working people. Under his leadership, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court.   His groundbreaking student debt relief plan, if allowed to go forward by the courts, would significantly improve the quality of life and overall financial well-being for sixteen million Americans, including tens of thousands of UAW members and their families. 

Remarkably, despite the worst pandemic in a hundred years, record high inflation throughout the globe, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and many other historic challenges, President Biden has managed to create millions of new jobs. Unemployment is now at the lowest rate since 1969 and gas prices are down sharply.  

Yet as the President acknowledged, more work needs to be done.  Congress should heed his call by passing the bipartisan Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act removes barriers that make it very difficult for workers to form a union and collectively bargain for better wages, improve working conditions, greater retirement security, and other benefits. Congress must also work with the President to ensure that future jobs and investments in electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductors are good middle-class union jobs.  Finally, we urge the Senate to expeditiously confirm more judges who support workers’ rights, defend civil rights, and protect access to health care.

We firmly agree with President Biden that the debt ceiling needs to be increased without conditions like it was three times under President Trump. We urge the House Majority to not play Russian roulette with our future and economy. Congress must not make it harder for working people to afford lifesaving medicine and retire with dignity. The most vulnerable in our society should not be made to suffer because of misplaced priorities.

UAW stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress to build on the record of the last two years to ensure a brighter future for all.

Ironworkers:

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers applauds President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address and the clear message of support for organized labor the speech carried.

Our union is proud to count Saria Gwin-Maye, an ironworker from Local Union 44 in Cincinnati, as a 34-year member. Saria was the first building trades unionist to attend a State of the Union in the presidential family section. We are honored by the president’s recognition of Saria and our union in his speech.

Last year, Biden became the first president since FDR to call for a stronger, larger labor movement.

This year, he gave examples of how his administration is making that a reality. His recognition of the Iron Workers Union came as he spoke about the Brent Spence Bridge, a project that will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). BIL projects are already employing thousands of tradespeople around the U.S. Our union is working with the administration and state governments to ensure it creates many more union jobs.

The president highlighted other legislative accomplishments. The CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan law he signed last year, will fund the growth of semiconductor foundries in our country. These are some of the largest industrial projects on earth and thousands of ironworkers stand to benefit. Biden pointed out more jobs have been created in the first two years of his administration than any other president in four years. This forward-looking industrial policy is a top reason why.

While focusing on his bipartisan accomplishments, Biden acknowledged sometimes Democrats have had to go it alone. The American Rescue Plan, which every Republican in Congress voted against, included long-needed pension relief. Ironworkers from Local 751 in Anchorage, Alaska, won that pension assistance last month, joining Cleveland Iron Workers Local 17, which was awarded pension relief last year. This life-changing help restored the retirement benefits of thousands of ironworkers.

We believe the president’s message was clear. Union ironworkers like Saria will build the years of infrastructure, energy and industrial projects created through the accomplishments of the Biden administration.

In the wake of this State of the Union, we will strap on our tools and get to work.

Laborers (LIUNA) General President Terry O’Sullivan:

In his State of the Union address, President Biden laid out his plan to continue progress on the Administration’s landmark accomplishments and finish the job. The Biden Administration is delivering for working men and women through historic investments that are creating good, family-supporting jobs, measures reducing inflation reduction, and record-setting job growth, and wage growth.

The strong, proud, and united men, and women of the Laborers’ International Union of North America could not be more grateful to the President for his commitment to labor rights, good jobs, and protecting our hard-won wages and benefits.

LIUNA looks forward to continuing to work with the Administration to rebuild the backbone of this country with the roll-out of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Machinists (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr.:

As one of the largest and most diverse labor unions in the United States, the Machinists Union cares first and foremost about providing good, family-sustaining jobs for our members. And we believe that creating good union jobs here at home is the best way to revitalize our manufacturing sector, grow the middle class, stabilize our national security, and so much more.

In his State of the Union address and through his actions leading our nation, it’s clear that President Biden shares our vision for helping working Americans build back better. For starters, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear a president consistently say that unions are good for working people, the economy and our country. We couldn’t agree more.

Amidst great challenges—a pandemic, inflation, a foreign war that has strained our supply chains, and more—the Biden-Harris administration has remained laser focused on delivering for working people.

Since President Biden took office, the economy has created more than 12 million jobs, including more than 800,000 manufacturing jobs. The unemployment rate is at a 54-year low. Inflation has begun to ease and wages are catching up with higher prices.

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, the American Rescue Plan and more, this administration and its allies in Congress have truly put working people first. By listening to and acting on behalf of working people, instead of large corporations, the Biden-Harris administration has rewritten the rulebook for economic recoveries that benefit Main Street.

And as we make record investments in our nation’s infrastructure, this administration is keeping its promise to strengthen Buy American and ensure the products of tomorrow are built here at home by union workers. The IAM is especially glad to hear that President Biden announced new guidance to ensure that critical materials, including aluminum, are made in America.

We have a long way to go. It’s still too hard for American families to get ahead. Good jobs with strong benefits and secure retirements are still unattainable for far too many working Americans. As public support for unions is at a record-high, we join the president in urging our elected officials in Washington to put politics aside and finally take down the draconian barriers to joining and forming a union. We can start by passing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

We know that President Biden, Vice President Harris and those fighting for working families in Washington can’t do it alone. The IAM will continue to advocate for the interests of our members and for workers across North America. Our agenda is America’s agenda—and we look forward to building on the progress of the Biden-Harris administration and protecting our democracy for the generations to come.

National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Brian Renfroe:

NALC applauds President Biden for recognizing that unions are the strength of the American workforce. We appreciate his support of organized labor, and we commend him for calling on Congress to pass the PRO Act, which would give all workers the ability to organize and negotiate higher wages, better healthcare and retirement benefits, and safer working conditions.

NALC also recognizes President Biden’s commitment to working with Speaker McCarthy on addressing the debt limit crisis. As we have seen in the past, federal employees, including letter carriers, have been an easy target in these types of negotiations. We urge the President to reject any proposals that seek to reduce or eliminate federal retirement benefits, or that would require public servants to pay a larger share for negotiated benefits that NALC members depend on.

We are committed to continuing working with the Administration and all members of Congress on policies that will improve the work and lives of our members and all working people.

Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President James Williams Jr.:

Tonight, like many others, I watched the State of the Union address by President Biden. What I heard was a President who is committed to an agenda that lifts up workers, unions, and our communities. With the lowest unemployment rate and highest number of manufacturing jobs in a generation, the president has delivered on his promise to make steps to rebuild our economy. In the first two years of the Biden Administration, we have seen what steady leadership and a commitment to workers can do with things like the passage of the Chips and Science Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. For our union, that means investing in registered apprenticeship, funding workforce development programs, and ensuring labor standards for all projects funded through public investments. The late Senator Wellstone was fond of saying “we all do better when we all do better” and tonight’s speech again highlighted that the Biden administration continues to be laser focused on helping all of us do better.

UNITE HERE International President D. Taylor:

President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address focused on ways to make a more just economy and help those who have been left behind by an uneven recovery. Corporations—such as the hospitality companies in the industry that we represent—see a global pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage. But with the unequivocal support of the passage of legislation such as the PRO Act, President Biden shows he knows that unions are part of the answer to workplace exploitation.

President Biden also focused his remarks on bread-and-butter economic issues that impact Americans daily. Issues from reigning in on Big Pharma’s greed, taxing the richest billionaires, and immigration reform with a path to citizenship for DACA and TPS holders are ones President Biden understands are what must be addressed for struggling working-class communities to have a chance at recovery. And they are the right kind of issues for Democrats to lead on if they want to connect with voters heading into 2024.

But this administration doesn’t just talk the talk—they’ve walked the walk. Actions like the launch of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment Report, or the appointment of folks like Jennifer Abruzzo and former union leader Marty Walsh to NLRB general counsel and DOL Cabinet Secretary, respectively.

The best way this administration can prove itself to truly be the most “pro-union” of a generation is by continuing to use all the executive power at its hands to support growing the labor movement. UNITE HERE looks forward to continuing to work closely with the White House and our allies in Congress in the months ahead on how we can together achieve a new standard of living for workers across the nation. We have a lot of work to do in 2023.

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Marc Perrone:

“Over the past few years, UFCW members across the country in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential industries have secured historic raises and badly needed workplace protections thanks, in part, to the work of the Biden administration which prioritized the needs of America’s essential workers.

“However, there is still more to be done. Passing a worker friendly Farm Bill, lowering healthcare costs, passing the PRO Act to strengthen the right to organize, and holding corporate employers accountable would go a long way towards building a fairer and more just economy that benefits all hard-working families.

“As America’s largest private sector union of essential workers, we look forward to continuing to work with President Biden and Congress on initiatives that will strengthen and improve the state of our union, while protecting the livelihoods of America’s workers now and in the years ahead.”

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Thomas Conway:

In President Biden’s first two years in office, he demonstrated time and again his deep commitment to building an economy that puts working families first, and his accomplishments so far have reflected that dedication. Tonight, we look forward to hearing the president lay out his plan for the next two years, in which we can work together to build on this progress.

The president fought for a series of legislative victories—including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act—that led to the creation of more than 11 million jobs, ushered in historically low unemployment rates, and began to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and supply chains using materials made by American workers.

Those historic victories will ensure good-paying jobs for millions of American families for a generation. Now, however, President Biden is facing two years with an anti-worker majority in the House of Representatives whose leaders are threatening to drive our growing economy off a cliff in an effort to advance an extreme agenda.

This far-right agenda could threaten the future of programs like Social Security and Medicare, putting at risk the secure retirements that millions of American workers have earned with their hard work and sacrifice.

As discussions about the debt ceiling continue, the USW is committed to working with the White House and other pro-worker leaders in Washington, D.C., to ensure that any agreement on spending does not include concessions that would imperil the future of these programs.

In the past two years, Americans have seen the most pro-worker president of our lifetimes fight, and win, countless times on our behalf. Tonight, as we turn our attention to the future, we are determined to build on the progress we’ve made and to keep fighting for an economy that puts workers first.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta:

The state of the union is strong, but older Americans’ retirement security is at risk.

The 4.4 million members of the Alliance for Retired Americans urge President Biden to reiterate that he will not approve any cuts or changes to Americans’ hard earned Social Security and Medicare benefits.

While House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently said that House Republicans won’t push for cuts to these critical programs during the debt ceiling debate, we frankly don’t believe him.

Speaker McCarthy has voted for Social Security and Medicare cuts as far back as 2013. More than 160 House Republicans endorsed a budget plan for fiscal year 2023 that increased the Social Security and Medicare eligibility age, privatizing Social Security, and reducing Social Security benefits by changing the formula used to calculate them.

Equally troubling is the recent letter two dozen Senate Republicans sent to President Biden on January 27. In it they vowed to vote against any bill to increase the debt ceiling that does not include ‘real structural spending reform that reduces deficit spending and brings fiscal sanity back to Washington.’ Seniors know that is code for Social Security and Medicare cuts.

Fortunately, President Biden has steadfastly pledged not to cut Social Security and Medicare, insisting that the debt ceiling should be addressed ‘without conditions’ and that cuts to these programs are off the table. Tonight’s address is an excellent opportunity to reassure the American people that his position has not changed.

Current and future retirees have earned these benefits. Congress must keep their promise and protect our retirement security.

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA):

In the last year, President Biden and his administration have made strides to make life better for working class Americans. They have worked across the aisle to follow through on several of his campaign promises – signing monumental legislation to combat climate change, to protect our health and our livelihoods during the pandemic, and to address the student loan debt crisis. 

Yet, on key issues like immigration and the economy, the Administration has wavered between making progress and falling short. It has not been enough - not enough for workers, for immigrants, for Latinos. 

The Administration made history issuing a new guidance that allows immigrant workers to obtain temporary protections, but they have yet to permanently end the “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 policies, or to establish a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. President Biden was able to bring inflation down and to reduce our country’s unemployment rate to its lowest in over half a century, but high gas and grocery prices still impact all of our lives. 

Through his State of the Union address, President Biden issued a call for optimism. For the labor movement, optimism is vital as we are constantly facing new obstacles we must overcome. It allows us to persist and to preserve. But optimism alone does not produce the long-term change our movement strives for. 

LCLAA is hopeful for the future because we see that the Administration shares our goals and because we know that our membership and our allies will always organize to push the Administration towards progress. Our members are restless and they will not settle until all Latino working families have equal opportunities to live with dignity. 

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey:

“Last night, President Biden reminded us that when Americans work together, greatness follows. Whether it be rebuilding America’s infrastructure, strengthening protections for workers and increasing the diversity and skills of America’s workforce to restoring multiemployer pensions, boosting U.S. high-tech manufacturing and making the largest investment to fight climate change and accelerate domestic energy production, Biden’s priorities are setting America on a more secure and viable path forward. President Biden and the 117th Congress laid an extraordinary sustainable foundation that will generate millions of middle-class, family-sustaining careers and protect workers’ health and wages for years to come. The 118th Congress must finish the job and deliver more bipartisan wins for America—starting with the National Apprenticeship Act and reforms to our outdated permitting process.

“NABTU applauds President Biden’s blue collar blue print to rebuild America. As a result of his steadfast commitment to uplift working families in forward-focused investments, our economy, national security, public health and safety, and America’s middle class will be stronger with more meaningful opportunities for dignity and shared prosperity for all.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/08/2023 - 17:19

Black History Month Profiles: Shawanda Rankin

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 Shawanda Rankin of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Shawanda Rankin is a shop steward with CWA Local 6016. Rankin lives in Oklahoma City and has worked at Avaya for 27 years. She is currently a customer facilitation representative. She serves as the legislative director for Local 6016, and actively participates in several political and legislative campaigns throughout CWA District 6. In addition, she serves on the board of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/08/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Supports Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act

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 endorsed the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act that would invest in safer workplaces for food supply and agricultural workers. It also would improve the safety of our food supply.

The Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act would increase funding for both the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Read AFGE’s full statement of support here.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/08/2023 - 09:33

Black History Month Profiles: Jamaar Evans

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 Jamaar Evans of BAC.

Jamaar Evans says: "I am a proud member of the BAC. The union takes care of their members almost like a family, it doesn't matter your race, we are all one. You are offered training at your fingertips, you'll always have a chance to advance on many levels. Being a member has opened many doors for me as a young Black man. I even got to meet President Biden to showcase my skills."

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/07/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Veronica Hopkins

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 Veronica Hopkins of BCTGM.

Veronica Hopkins became a member of BCTGM 23 years ago, when she went to work at the Post cereal plant in Naperville, Illinois. The plant, now owned by Mondelēz International, was part of the nationwide Nabisco strike in 2021. As an organizer for BCTGM Local 1 in Chicago, Hopkins played a vital role in the strike, which halted production at all Mondelēz facilities in the U.S. Hopkins now serves as a international organizer and business agent for BCTGM and travels the country helping workers who want to join the union. "I work to help workers feel their own value and fight for equality," she says.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/06/2023 - 10:20

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: National Labor Leaders Show Solidarity with Temple Graduate Students

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.

Today, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond visited striking Temple University Graduate Students’ Association (TUGSA) members, showing that the labor movement stands in solidarity with the striking graduate workers. TUGSA (AFT Local 6290) members have been bargaining with the school for more than a year, but Temple refuses to meet the workers’ demands of a living wage, dependent health care, expanded leave and better working conditions.

Yesterday, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten visited the striking TUGSA members. “It should not take a strike at an academic institution that professes it wants academic freedom and professes it wants to rise up the next generation,” Weingarten said. “In my world, it is hypocrisy what you are doing.”

The average graduate assistant at Temple makes less than $20,000 a year, barely half the cost of living in Philadelphia, where the university is. The annual cost for a family health care plan can be as high as 86% of the average graduate employee’s salary. TUGSA workers are demanding the contract they deserve so they can provide an adequate education to their students.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/06/2023 - 09:47