A Historic Demonstration: 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.
GM Battery Plant Workers Vote to Unionize with UAW, a Key Win for Labor as Industry Shifts to EVs: “A joint venture battery plant in northeast Ohio overwhelmingly voted in favor of representation with the United Auto Workers, the union said early Friday. The vote was being closely watched as such battery plants are viewed as crucial for automakers to transition from traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines to all-electric cars and trucks. Several other multi-billion dollar plants from GM and other automakers are under construction in the U.S. The UAW reports roughly 98% of votes cast were in favor for the union. The count was 710 votes in support of UAW representation; 16 against; and one was void. The National Labor Relations Board, which was overseeing the election, did not immediately respond for comment.”
Wisconsin AFL-CIO Stands in Solidarity as AFSCME Red Cross Workers in Wisconsin Prepare for Possible Holiday Strike: “‘The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with AFSCME Locals 1205 and 1558 as they prepare to strike on December 23 if a mutually agreeable contract agreement is not reached before then,’ said Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. ‘Wisconsin workers who work at the Red Cross staffing blood drives provide an essential service that enhances the health, safety, and well-being of countless communities across our state. Quality wages and a fair union contract help ensure workers are effectively trained and remain in their position to improve over years of service. The men and women of the labor movement stand shoulder to shoulder with Red Cross workers in the fight for a fair contract.’”
New York Times Journalists Stage Historic 24-Hour Strike After Management and Union Fail to Reach Deal: “A 24-hour strike at The New York Times, a historic demonstration in which more than 1,100 employees are expected to participate, began Thursday at midnight, after management and the union representing staffers failed to reach an agreement for a new contract after more than a year and a half of negotiating. The NewsGuild of New York, which represents journalists and other staffers at The Times, said in a statement that the walkout was ‘due to the company’s failure to bargain in good faith, reach a fair contract agreement with the workers, and meet their demands.’”
House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill Requiring Radio Stations to Pay Royalties to Performers: “In a markup session, the House Judiciary Committee has given its approval to a bill that implements a sound recording performance royalty on over-the-air broadcasting, the American Music Fairness Act. If the bipartisan bill were to go through, artists, performers, producers and musicians involved in creating songs would receive royalties when their music plays on U.S. terrestrial radio stations, just as songwriters already do. The American Music Fairness Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the American Federation of Musicians, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange.”
SAG-AFTRA Partners with AFL-CIO on New Health Benefits for Medicare-Eligible Members: “SAG-AFTRA, in partnership with the AFL-CIO, is offering new SAG-AFTRA Senior Benefit Plans for all Medicare-eligible members and their Medicare-eligible spouses/partners, which includes a $0 premium option. The new plans are available to all of SAG-AFTRA’s Medicare-eligible members, regardless of their qualification for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. ‘We were determined to create easy, more comprehensive and better-than-ever options for our Medicare-qualified members and we did it,’ SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a message Tuesday to their members.”
Nickelodeon Production Workers Vote to Unionize with The Animation Guild: “Production workers at Nickelodeon Studios have voted to unionize with The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839. According to the guild, 65% of the studio’s 177 production managers, production coordinators, postproduction assistants, art production coordinators and asset coordinators have signed cards saying they want to be represented by the guild.”
Painters District Council 58 Celebrates the 135th Anniversary of IUPAT: “Painters District Council 58 is celebrating the 135th anniversary of the International Union of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), formed in 1887, with a trip down memory lane of Council 58’s success over the years. ‘As the union expanded, the idea of the word ‘local’ under the umbrella of a District Council caught on,’ said Joe Mueller, District Council 58 assistant business manager of Missouri. ‘The idea was to provide local and regional union offices so members could attend meetings without having to drive long distances.’”
Unions Bash Senators for Rejecting Paid Sick Leave for Rail Workers: “Labor leaders lashed out Thursday at senators who voted against a proposal to provide rail workers with seven days of paid sick leave. While the Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure to force through a railroad contract that gives workers a 24 percent raise over five years, a proposal to add paid sick days to the deal failed to reach 60 votes. All but six Republicans voted against the measure. ‘While rail workers won significant wage increases and other important gains today, it’s deeply disappointing that 43 senators sided with multibillion-dollar rail corporations to block desperately needed paid sick days,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/14/2022 - 10:49Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFM Members on Strike Against Fort Wayne Philharmonic
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.
Professional musicians who are members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association, AFM Local 58, went on strike last week in Indiana as their contract campaign with orchestra management heats up. AFM members are demanding fair wages and better working conditions after making significant sacrifices during the pandemic.
Players’ Association Chairperson Campbell MacDonald said in a press release on Thursday: “Fort Wayne Philharmonic board and management seeks to carry forth with unacceptable rates of pay for musicians, fewer concerts and a drastically reduced presence in our community.” He added that musicians are “unified in our resolve.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/14/2022 - 09:28A Labor Revival: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Equity is looking for part-time audition monitors in Chicago and Los Angeles. https://t.co/W3urqNfnvA pic.twitter.com/qN7mlckdjp
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) December 13, 2022AFGE:
Last year, the prison installed window coverings on cells and placed limits on prisoner accounts to prevent the behavior. But when the current warden removed those protections, the union says the # of incidents increased from 12 per month to 46 in Nov. https://t.co/QZhdeo7Rqp
— AFGE (@AFGENational) December 13, 2022AFSCME:
Although the New York Times News Guild's 24-hour strike is over, you can still get your pro-worker word game fix with Strikle – a Wordle alternative made by AFSCME Local 1624 member Chris Pitts: https://t.co/J3vM8ASFFT #1u #Solidarity https://t.co/J6N6hIIdgx
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) December 9, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
CAUTION: recent audits show that Medicare Advantage plans consistently overcharged the government and taxpayers. https://t.co/L8svMZVImu
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) December 13, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
It was a festive day in Washington, DC, today, as IPJohn Costa, IST Ken Kirk, IEVP Yvette Trujillo, and members of the ATU GEB had the distinct honor of joining President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh at the White House Labor Holiday Party in DC pic.twitter.com/WOofO57800
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) December 13, 2022American Federation of Musicians:
Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians go on strike amid contract negotiations https://t.co/axT3gS4trA
— AFM (@The_AFM) December 9, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
☑️ Voting rights heroes.
☑️ Public defenders.
☑️ Workers’ rights champions.
Pivotal judicial nominees are long overdue for a final vote. Their confirmation will make way for more nominees like them #CourtsMatter
American Postal Workers Union:
Solidarity forever! We’re proud to stand with our union family today rallying for rail workers ✊🏻✊🏽✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/mYe183k2OH
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) December 13, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
APALA's Young Leaders Council (YLC) will be hosting a virtual Organizing Institute (OI) on December 17 & 18 from 12-3 pm ET / 9 am-12 pm PT! Increase your organizing skills and sign up here: https://t.co/mgnxjVkR3y pic.twitter.com/iBhQeDBDY7
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) December 9, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
.@AirlinesDotOrg, @united, @Delta, @AmericanAir do you support women & moms in aviation? Your actions are holding up the right to pump for 9M+ women in the U.S. Don't talk about equity & inclusion in aviation and fight against the PUMP Act. Stop blocking the PUMP Act NOW. https://t.co/bPKGkIeMGW
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) December 13, 2022Boilermakers:
Tuesday Newsday: According to a recent article from The Miami Times, Americans are in the midst of a labor revival 💪 Read more: https://t.co/TCScTt4YXK#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong #UnionProud
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) December 13, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
#RaphaelWarnack #GA #Election2022 pic.twitter.com/FIsmQ5r5n7
— CBTU (@CBTU72) December 7, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
It makes no sense that all Latinas with reported earnings are paid an average of 54 cents to the dollar paid to white, male non-Hispanic workers. Change is long overdue. #LatinaEqualPay pic.twitter.com/osL0zBN5JE
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) December 8, 2022Communications Workers of America:
We need change and we're organizing to get it.
Don't miss this @AlphabetWorkers event tomorrow (Dec 14) with @sarahljaffe! https://t.co/RLjb5pHJNS
Department for Professional Employees:
DYK non-union professionals of color support unions at a higher rates than non-union professionals as a whole. Learn more about the attitudes of non-union professionals: https://t.co/HX5DumqAdQ #1u pic.twitter.com/8nmXSu3hZk
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) December 13, 2022Electrical Workers:
A first hand look at how #IBEW members from across North America are helping rebuild Florida after one of the worst storms of the century. https://t.co/KlJgfxPsFu
— IBEW (@IBEW) December 12, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
Dir. of Canadian Affairs Adam Melnick had a great discussion with the Official Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre and MP Chris Lewis, Conservative Shadow Minister for Labour, on various topics affecting our Union. pic.twitter.com/a9l02cFX7M
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) December 13, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Urges Congress to Pass Omnibus Budget that Supports Working Families https://t.co/OuFK25uAAU
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) December 9, 2022International Labor Communications Association:
Today’s #MemberMonday is @CFM10208! The Chicago Federation of Musicians is an organization of 2,000 professional musicians. CFM members perform in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the orchestras for Chicago Broadway shows, etc! pic.twitter.com/VgR72dtoDH
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) December 12, 2022Ironworkers:
Ironworkers are working on clean energy projects from coast to coast. We are building America’s future 💪 https://t.co/bJP52bDuEe
— Iron Workers Union (@TheIronworkers) December 13, 2022Jobs With Justice:
The future of unions is electric! ⚡️✊🏾 https://t.co/C6kZ7LsFxT
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) December 9, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Listed to our newest podcast episode to learn about the labor violations associated with the #FIFAWorldCup and hear from @MayRomanos, @amnesty Researcher!
🔽 Listen: https://t.co/2Irr23WIVN pic.twitter.com/HKgjbBV6qG
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Coming in January...https://t.co/KjCwHPktfH
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) December 9, 2022Laborers:
#LIUNA in the news:
Supporting Alaska’s Willow Project Supports Our Unions https://t.co/N4nDxUVmYc
Machinists:
TAA is a lifeline to workers when their jobs are sent overseas due to bad trade policies.
We’re joining unions and advocacy organizations across the country to urge Congress to #SaveTAA and help workers suffering the consequences of unfair trade and outsourcing. ✊ https://t.co/HbCzaPwAZU
Metal Trades Department:
Pregnant workers shouldn't fear discrimination when asking for accommodations. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will allow pregnant people to remain on the job to support their families without risking their health or the health of their baby. #PWFA https://t.co/euxhT7Nlqh
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) December 13, 2022Mine Workers:
December 9, 1926, an explosion at the Francisco No. 2 mine in Francisco, IN, kills 37 miners. pic.twitter.com/CBZvRkFNhH
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) December 9, 2022Musical Artists:
✊️IN THE NEWS: Philadelphia Orchestra’s choir moves to unionize via @PhillyInquirer https://t.co/liRFeiPyrA
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) December 9, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA President Rich Santa and Executive Vice President Andrew LeBovidge took the stage and welcomed attendees to the Union’s first-ever Activism and Training Expo. Read more about ATX here. https://t.co/qxgVrxb3Mv pic.twitter.com/w3U2pMluIj
— NATCA (@NATCA) December 13, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
Today, meet Israel Fontanez of Southern IL Br. 1197. When he's not delivering the mail, Israel builds wheelchair ramps to help make his community more accessible. Israel, and some partners, founded Mission Centralia, an organization that has built 50 ramps so far! #MemberMonday pic.twitter.com/34Yj7wABTn
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) December 12, 2022National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
👏 More workers demanding for protections please 👏
“He didn’t respect my pay. He didn’t respect my schedule,” said Sandoval, who has been a domestic worker in the nation’s capital for 25 years. “Because I didn’t have a contract." - G. Sandoval#DALE https://t.co/LgTkMDQBRT
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We are cheering with pride that the DC council voted unanimously on the first vote to pass the #DCDomesticWorkersBillofRights 🎉 — this is what we have been working so hard for! https://t.co/raUEYLfdz9
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) December 12, 2022National Federation of Federal Employees:
First Responder Retirement Victory, Local 2086 Wins IAM Photo Contest, FEEA Scholarships, and much more - https://t.co/dBBskifkkS pic.twitter.com/VbzuY7kzrW
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) December 2, 2022National Nurses United:
The fight to protect our patients is global! ✊
NNU nurses stand in solidarity with 270,000 @theRCN nurses across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland preparing for the largest strike in the history of the National Health Service! https://t.co/2kPGbMkfua
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Taxi drivers rally outside federal courthouse demanding paid damages for lost work. https://t.co/WqnPx9Oaiv
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) December 12, 2022NWSL Players Association:
Our friends at the @TheWNBPA have worked tirelessly for this moment. 🧡
Welcome home, BG!#WeAreBG https://t.co/IzakEKhoP7
NFL Players Association:
ICYMI: @DevinWhite__40 passes the torch and congratulates our Week 14 #CommunityMVP @JHekker. Johnny gave back to his community through hosting a shopping spree and bowling event for kids in Charlotte last week.
🔗 https://t.co/CTkyH087hu pic.twitter.com/yPdrgxvbTv
North America's Building Trades Unions:
ICYMI: Yesterday, @POTUS announced the approval of $36B in American Rescue Plan funding to safeguard the hard-earned pensions of over 350,000 union workers and retirees 💪https://t.co/OOG07DcvZz
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) December 9, 2022Office and Professional Employees:
The @NLRB’s budget has remained stagnant since 2014 despite inflation and record numbers of workers organizing.
We can and must fully #FundTheNLRB to protect and expand workers’ rights.
Take a moment to write your senators ⏩️ https://t.co/RNyUGodxvB #1u https://t.co/SCOUBtBKlK
Painters and Allied Trades:
It's our duty as unionists to assist our communities.
After Hurricane Ian hit Florida, @iupat_dc78 spent months assisting their community doing everything from getting waste water treatment plants back up and running to using our halls for community food banks. pic.twitter.com/OfvzgfTviB
Pride At Work:
@PrideatWork sends a message of solidarity to @newsguild members on strike in NY, TX, and PA. We support you @NYTimesGuild @FortWorthGuild @PGHGuild @CWAUnion #NoWordle #Unionjournalistsarethebest
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) December 8, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Civilian DoD employees represented by PASS at @MCASCPPA are proud to work alongside dedicated aviation professionals like Sgt. Thompson. Her work on behalf of American public & service to her community are admirable; award below so well deserved! #aviationsafety #publicservice https://t.co/MVbQJT5Ld8
— PASS (@PASSNational) December 12, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Congrats to @RWDSU Local 139 members at Valley View Manor in Norwich, NY, who recently ratified a new contract with 18-32% wage increases! Importantly, reception workers were added to the bargaining unit, giving more workers a union voice for the 1st time! https://t.co/1N7VW4lg0v pic.twitter.com/x7uKlnUaKs
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) December 13, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Wondering whether your workers feel safe on the job? Curious about creating a positive jobsite safety culture/climate? The Safety Climate ̶ Safety Management Information System (SC-SMIS) can help! Go to https://t.co/sOFazJaiua to learn more. #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/hCo9Fc7XEe
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) December 12, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Exciting news! Any entertainment professional with an existing IMDb name page can now join IMDbPro, claim their IMDb page and update their demographic information on their IMDbPro and IMDb name pages – all for FREE! https://t.co/orSO5udDFs
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 13, 2022School Administrators:
It’s time to increase #EDfundingNow! The public supports investments in education. Tell your Senators and Rep why edfunding matters. pic.twitter.com/rNj0747ZKt
— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) December 13, 2022Seafarers:
Thanks and also give this a look: https://t.co/zjZDycmcJa https://t.co/bCj3CPf1iw
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) December 7, 2022Solidarity Center:
#Truckdrivers in #SouthKorea voted to end a #strike over minimum freight rates, fuel prices and living costs after the government invoked tough strike-breaking law to order #truckers back to work.https://t.co/yvvoD7mqOS
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) December 13, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
Journalists hold power to account and report the truth. Solidarity with @FortWorthGuild for speaking truth to power. https://t.co/D7dAPDBEfP
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) December 12, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
IATSE applauds Congress for ensuring the rights of our members and their families are protected regardless the ideological bias of current or future U.S. Supreme Court justices. https://t.co/68dwgamhXf
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) December 8, 2022Transport Workers Union:
.@twusamuelsen connected with @SenGillibrand today about sick leave for rail workers, ending the threat of offshoring aircraft maintenance, and protecting transit jobs as technology changes. Gillibrand stands with Transport Workers 👍 pic.twitter.com/sq4Guhvw5l
— TWU (@transportworker) December 13, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
This fight is not over.
The full might of America's transportation labor movement will move this fight forward. Workers are united on this issue. We are millions strong.
We will continue to pursue rail worker sick leave through every avenue available to us.
And we will win.
UAW:
Newly elected UAW International Executive Board members were sworn in today.https://t.co/jOcoHUOzuy
— UAW (@UAW) December 12, 2022Union Label and Service Trades Department:
2022 was tech's biggest year yet for labor unions and workplace organizing https://t.co/RcojhcA6bB
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) December 13, 2022Union Veterans Council:
Have you made a call today for our #AfghanAllies? https://t.co/hY3GaR6GuK
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) December 12, 2022UNITE HERE:
.@Loyola_NOLA's history is so relevant for @sodexoUSA dining workers’ struggle today. Thank you @cody_melcher.https://t.co/CYIOH0UZZd
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) December 13, 2022United Food and Commercial Workers:
🚨 REMINDER: UFCW Free Language Program Winter quarter applications will open on December 16th at 1pm ET and are given on a first come, first serve basis!
Learn more about the program here: https://t.co/ztcITkkEP2 pic.twitter.com/j806dl1NEw
United Steelworkers:
Today we’re calling on #Congress to stand by workers who have seen their jobs shipped overseas due to unfair trade practices. 40,000 workers in the U.S. are waiting for help, @WaysMeansCmte @SenFinance.
Join our effort to #SaveTAA ⬇️:https://t.co/5vTcz1bRNP pic.twitter.com/bIIZQ3kXTM
Utility Workers:
😂 “As it has been previously established that Santa performs the majority of his job duties in a once-annual, approximately 36-h stretch, it is extremely unlikely that an opportunity exists for heat acclimatization training beforehand.”https://t.co/Tc2VDB27PK
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) December 13, 2022Writers Guild of America, East:
"I’d like to have some time for my family. Not having a day off isn’t right, we’re not machines, we’re human beings." https://t.co/OAeSYgKNRo
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) December 9, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 12/13/2022 - 15:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Members Picket United’s Board of Directors Meeting
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.
A total of 200 United Airlines pilots, together with 100 members of the Machinists (IAM) and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) who work at United, held an informational picket during the airline’s board of directors meeting in Houston on Wednesday. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which includes pilots at United, said its last contract was negotiated 10 years ago and is now more than four years out of date.
Also on Wednesday, ALPA, AFA-CWA, IAM and two other unions that represent workers at the airline announced a joint bargaining campaign to secure fair agreements with United. “We have each other’s backs in bargaining and we will stand together until all of us have ratified contracts that reflect the world-class airline United should be,” the unions said.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 12/13/2022 - 10:20Working People Call for Increased Funding for National Labor Relations Board
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and the presidents of more than 40 unions call upon Congress to increase funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) so the agency can fulfill its mandated task: supporting and protecting workers' right to organize.
NLRB funding has remained stagnant since 2014, despite the board's vast and growing mandate:
A robust NLRB is critical as workers’ organizing surges nationwide. In fiscal year (FY) 2022, workers filed 2,510 union representation petitions—a 53% increase from the number in FY 2021 and the highest number of union representation petitions since FY 2016. Workers and their unions also filed 19% more [unfair labor practice (ULP)] charges this year than they filed in the previous year. The total caseload (both ULP and union representation cases) increased by 23%—the single largest case increase in 46 years and largest percentage increase in more than 60 years.
The NLRB faces a funding crisis as the agency's staffing levels have fallen behind the growth of the private-sector workforce. The number of full-time NLRB employees has declined by more than 30% since 2006. At current funding levels, the problem will get worse.
Shuler and the union leaders continued, offering next steps:
Congress must fund the NLRB so the agency can hire staff and procure the necessary resources to conduct hearings and elections, investigate ULP charges, and obtain full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights are violated. It is important to note that the lack of NLRB staff and delays in processing contribute to a hostile environment for organizing unions and filing ULPs. Workers are far more hesitant to engage with the agency to enforce their rights or form a union when they think their case may take a year or two to be resolved.
The letter was signed by: Elizabeth H. Shuler (AFL-CIO), Fredrick D. Redmond (AFL-CIO), Stuart Appelbaum (RWDSU-UFCW), Matthew Biggs (IFPTE), James T. Callahan (IUOE), Bonnie Castillo, RN (NNU), Frank J. Christensen (IUEC), Thomas M. Conway (USW), John A. Costa (ATU), Ray Curry (UAW), Capt. Joe DePete (ALPA), Eric Dean (Ironworkers), Fran Drescher (SAG-AFTRA), Timothy J. Driscoll (BAC), Carlo Fiorletta (GIAA), James A. Hadel (Roofers), Paul V. Hogrogian (NPMHU), Newton B. Jones (IBB), Edward A. Kelly (IAFF), Richard Lanigan (OPEIU), Matthew D. Loeb (IATSE), Arthur Maratea (TCU/IAM), Donald Marcus (MM&P), Robert Martinez Jr. (IAM), Mark McManus (UA), Raymond Menard (AGMA), Sara Nelson (AFA-CWA), Terry O’Sullivan (LIUNA), Marc Perrone (UFCW), Cecil E. Roberts (UMWA), Fredric V. Rolando (NALC), John Samuelsen (TWU), Rich Santa (NATCA), Lee Saunders (AFSCME), Joseph Sellers Jr. (SMART), Anthony Shelton (BCTGM), Christopher M. Shelton (CWA), James T. Slevin (UWUA), Mark Spano (Novelty and Production Workers), Lonnie R. Stephenson (IBEW), Robert Suplee (IPPDSPM&E), D. Taylor (UNITE HERE), Adam Vokac (MEBA), Randi Weingarten (AFT), and James A. Williams Jr. (IUPAT).
Send a letter to Congress telling them to fully fund the NLRB.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/12/2022 - 15:38Service + Solidarity Spotlight: 2022’s Largest Union Campaigns All on Campus
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.
2022 has been an incredible year for worker organizing in every sector of the economy all across the United States. And with union approval at a sky-high 72% among people under the age of 35, it makes sense some of the largest organizing campaigns this year have been on college campuses.
According to data analyzed by Daily Union Elections, the top five largest union election petition filings of 2022 have all been among graduate workers. This includes 4,000 graduate workers at Yale University who are organizing with UNITE HERE Local 33.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/12/2022 - 10:31An Amazing Collaboration: 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.
'An Amazing Collaboration': United Way Highlights Holiday Volunteer Opportunities: “The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is making it easy for residents to find opportunities to give back and volunteer for the holidays with an online guide. The Holiday Volunteer and Giving Guide is a collection of the United Way’s many partner agencies’ volunteer opportunities. Jodi Flurry, director of community investment for United Way, said the organization’s volunteer center works hard to compile the list of volunteering options.”
The Power of Apprenticeships: How an Air Force Vet Found a Rewarding Career in Sheet Metal: “The demand is there, especially with new construction across Southwestern Ohio. More than five million square feet of industrial space have been built around Dayton International Airport alone since 2014. Honda and Intel this year announced big Ohio construction projects of their own. ‘The amount of work that is stacked up in the Miami Valley is out of control,’ said Tony Stephens, apprenticeship coordinator at Local 24. ‘It seems like every week there is another $750 million...project that gets announced. We are recruiting like mad.’”
AFL-CIO Urges Congress to Add Paid Sick Leave to Rail Contract: “The AFL-CIO on Wednesday called on Congress to add paid sick leave to a contract between rail workers and railroads. ‘While the tentative agreement unions negotiated this year included many critical gains—significant wage increases, caps on health care premiums and prevention of crew reduction—it also fell short by not including provisions on paid sick leave or fair scheduling,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. “It’s now up to Congress to do the right thing by passing paid sick days for rail workers.’”
More Than 150 Agents Back Striking HarperCollins Workers: “More than 150 literary agents, whose clients include Danielle Jackson, V.E. Schwab and L.A. Chandlar, have signed an open letter to HarperCollins vowing to ‘omit’ the publisher from upcoming book submissions until it reaches an agreement with striking employees. Around 250 entry- and mid-level staff members, from publicists to editorial assistants, have been on strike since Nov. 10, with the two sides differing over wages, workforce diversity and other issues that have become increasingly prominent across the industry. No new talks are scheduled.”
Working People Key in Driving Midterm Wins—and We’re Just Getting Started: “In state after state, union households provided critical votes that put pro-worker candidates over the top. Our approach to politics is simple: Organize. Face to face. Cut through the noise with real conversations about the issues that matter. It’s a feedback loop. Organizers talk with workers. Workers share their concerns, which informs future conversations.”
Is America’s Labor Movement on the Upswing?: “The American labor movement seems resurgent, at a time when pandemic-weary employees are battling their bosses over work-from-home policies and thinking of ‘quiet quitting.’ We asked David H. Webber, a School of Law professor of law and Paul M. Siskind Scholar, to sort it out. Webber is the author of The Rise of the Working-Class Shareholder: Labor’s Last Best Weapon.”
Protecting the Right to Organize Act Will Help Unions Win Their First Contracts: “We are witnessing more worker organizing than many of us have seen in our lifetimes. Workers at colleges and universities, retail stores, newsrooms, nonprofits, museums, and more are forming unions with their co-workers. It has been nearly a year since the first group of Starbucks workers voted to unionize, and since then workers at more than 250 other Starbucks stores have joined them in unionizing. Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island have also voted to unionize, as have workers in diverse industries across the country. Petitions for union elections are up 58% at the National Labor Relations Board compared to last year.”
AFL-CIO’s Feingold: Unions Demand ‘Just Transition,’ but Are G20 Leaders Listening?: “World leaders meeting at the G20 summit in Indonesia, and the COP27 clean energy conference in Egypt have apparently heard world trade unionists’ calls for ‘a just transition’ for workers as the globe makes the difficult move away from depending on fossil fuels, said AFL-CIO International Affairs Department Director Cathy Feingold. But did they heed it? ‘We’re moving in the direction of a new social contract’ around the world, Feingold replied. In a telephone interview from the Melbourne, Australia, airport, Feingold, re-elected as a deputy general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), stated unionists are pushing for ‘a new social contract’ around the globe.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/07/2022 - 09:50Fighting for a Better Life: 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:
Oh look, it's our birthday! 🎂🎈🎊 https://t.co/TcnncVVxzK
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) December 5, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Huge congratulations to the workers at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on this week’s voluntary recognition of their union!
They’re joining @AFSCMECouncil36, as part of the @cwuafscme Cultural Workers United campaign. https://t.co/iHTHri0070
Colorado AFL-CIO:
All of our love to the LGBTQ+ community this morning. Our hearts break for all those killed or injured at the hate inspired massacre at Club Q.
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 20, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
We’ve got your back @ReverendWarnock! Let’s bring this home Georgia! #1u pic.twitter.com/VnaCb0cT1y
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) December 3, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
It's a wrap! Veto session concluded late on Thursday.
Lawmakers and advocates came together from both sides of the aisle to fight for working Illinoisans.
The work isn't over yet, and we will be back at it for lame duck in January! pic.twitter.com/Oe9G10ZsyV
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Incredible work by our union firefighters. https://t.co/4dWcXoDSwf
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) December 1, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Labor History https://t.co/3cCzw6ZnrT
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) December 5, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Great article in @amjamboafrica about our Peer Workforce Navigator program to help job seekers apply for unemployment & connect them with union apprenticeships & well paying union jobs.https://t.co/6GgyaZP03Q
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) December 5, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
It was an honor to be joined by President @JoeBiden at a Labor Phone Bank for @ReverendWarnock in #Dorchester, hosted by @IBEW103 with @MetroBTC, @GBLCBoston, @ewarren, @EdMarkey. Our most pro-union President ever knows that when the Middle Class has a chance, we all do. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/ExO52lwz0l
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) December 2, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
One week left to reach a deal before Minnesota nurses' strike https://t.co/iQWKImSd0d #1u @mnnurses
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) December 5, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
"District Council 58 currently has 4,200 members, and it continues to grow stronger and attract more employees into its fold." #1u https://t.co/Q2KAWAKuSX
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) December 5, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Fiscal Comm. considers $40 million in federal funds thanks to our congressional delegation and Pres. Biden. Elections & advocacy matter! @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU pic.twitter.com/f4ZwakWUiM
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) December 2, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Join our sisters and brothers, the faculty and staff of Rutgers university, together with university students, as we rally to send a message to the administration and Board of Governors that we want fair union contracts now! pic.twitter.com/3zO9TWMCER
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) December 5, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to @RepJeffries, the incoming Democratic leader of the House of Representatives. Full statement from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento: https://t.co/SWk2vqGNva pic.twitter.com/vsxoFFcPk3
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 30, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Faced with the choice to organize the South or die, unions like National Nurses United have chosen to fight for a better life. #1u https://t.co/nS4eFHvQWy
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) December 2, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Tomorrow, Georgia voters head to the polls. We want to thank #Ohio @AFLCIO staffer and former @TheIronworkers Jessica Risenburg for helping lead member-to-member local union mail and worksite mobilization. She left her family to help get this done for @ReverendWarnock! pic.twitter.com/bcuqeWJzXY
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) December 5, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Amazon ordered to cease and desist from retaliating against workplace activists: https://t.co/yOtDF4pOBU #1u #UnionStrong #OregonLabor
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 28, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Read this week's E-News--->https://t.co/hTCw3JM7sP @JoeShekarchi @GoIUPAT #1U #Unions #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/3qSVoRroq0
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) December 1, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
We are with CWA in this big moment... https://t.co/U9YpiHZVPT
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) December 5, 2022Virginia AFL-CIO:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of labor champion @Donald_McEachin. He was a long time fighter for working people and represented working Virginians and our families well. @RepMcEachin will truly be missed. (1/2) https://t.co/1PWa5cdlu0
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) November 29, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
TAKE ACTION: Send an email welcoming 18 new state legislators and urge them to support bills that make Washington’s ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. We need tax fairness NOW to invest in public education, transportation & accessible health care! https://t.co/VzGKHypIl1 #WAleg pic.twitter.com/jbSwbWm34J
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) December 2, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Vote for 8th Senate District to be held on April spring election https://t.co/LAiOcsAoeA via @madisondotcom
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) December 5, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/05/2022 - 16:44Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AGMA Unveils Ballet Organizing Campaigns in Memphis and Fort Worth
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 Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced this week that it is moving ahead with two new organizing campaigns at ballet companies based in the South. The wave of artists organizing across the country continues as the dancers of Texas Ballet Theater in Fort Worth and Ballet Memphis have signed authorization cards to form their unions with AGMA.
Both dancer groups sent letters to the management of their companies. The dancers at Ballet Memphis declared: “We believe in the future of this company. Our unionization will foster a stronger and more cohesive workplace culture and boost the company’s standing within the dance community.”
The dancers at Texas Ballet Theater stated: “This decision was made after extensive discussion, research, and careful consideration about the best steps to ensure the success of TBT and its current and future dancers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/05/2022 - 09:45Service + Solidarity Spotlight: MLBPA’s Playmakers Classic Raises Funds for Charitable Initiatives
🎥 Now Playing: The Playmakers Classic presented by @fanatics! pic.twitter.com/LBGF0RznFJ
— MLB Players Trust (@MLBPlayersTrust) November 30, 2022Working 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.
Whether they’re on or off the field, members of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) are always driven to make positive change. Earlier this week, the union hosted its inaugural Playmakers Classic fundraising event to support the charitable arm of the MLBPA. The MLB Players Trust helps a wide range of charitable initiatives, including youth development and disaster relief.
“Suffice to say, having all the players together and having an opportunity to raise money for the Players Trust…is something that I’m excited about and looking forward to doing,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark (pictured above, left) said at the event.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/02/2022 - 09:37Stand with Railroad Workers: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Check out this week's Equity Weekly:
🔵 RSVP for your Regional Membership Meeting
🔵 We're Hiring Audition Monitors
🔵 Audition Town Hall Video
🔵 New Agreement with Paramount Theatre
🔵 and more!
Read more in the member portal today - https://t.co/HXXjTmFQmZ pic.twitter.com/GRndR83hBG
AFGE:
Find out more about what's being done to improve customer service and reduce delays at the Social Security Administration→ https://t.co/6fP76lhKtx
— AFGE (@AFGENational) December 1, 2022AFSCME:
President Saunders: “@RepJeffries, @RepKClark, @RepPeteAguilar and @WhipClyburn are four proven labor champions in Congress. Together in leadership, they will be a force for working people across the country.” https://t.co/L1qeMLYHxC
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 30, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
Scammers are on the prowl, but there are ways to shut them down. Here are some computer security tips from @AAgencyonaging and @NCOAging https://t.co/Ab5WzU2IaL
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) December 1, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
Our Local 508-Halifax, NS, is in the holiday spirit with their Stuff A Bus charity drive to collect toys, food, and other donations for families in need in their community. #ATUStrongerTogether #stuffthebus pic.twitter.com/tt3oohAWNT
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) December 1, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
What's really dangerous is disrespecting and diminishing the work of educators, school support staff, healthcare workers, public employees, higher ed faculty, and graduate workers.
We don't need scapegoating. We need solutions. pic.twitter.com/bOT6sapSFn
American Postal Workers Union:
What are you thankful for? #Thanksgiving pic.twitter.com/s5W83N1rPj
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) November 24, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
A wonderful evening hosting the APALA National Executive Board and supporting the UAW academic workers strike against unfair labor practices in the University of California system! pic.twitter.com/VyrNnGSrfG
— APALA LA Chapter (@APALALosAngeles) November 21, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Flight Attendants stand with Railroad Workers. Their fight is our fight! As it stands, rail workers do not have a single day of guaranteed paid sick leave.
📱📱 Call 202-224-3121 to demand your Senators vote FOR seven days guaranteed paid sick days for railroad workers! pic.twitter.com/ZZgWpkj7dY
Boilermakers:
ICYMI: Industrial Sector Operations #Boilermakers met for the ISO Conference in Las Vegas this July, where members heard from leaders from the industrial, metal trades and railroad sectors. Read more: https://t.co/2eyBPMDz5O#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/SmpDDNEjuM
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) December 1, 2022Bricklayers:
Got 10 minutes? Help NIOSH understand they ways construction workers manage pain. The survey is voluntary, and your information will not be shared with your employers or coworkers. https://t.co/7WQP5Y4cPv
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) November 29, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Sen. Raphael Warnock fires up voters at a Souls to the Polls rally in Atlanta on Sunday. With every vote at stake and the stakes so high, the message was simple: TURNOUT! TURNOUT! TURNOUT! #GA #Runoff #GeorgiaRunoff pic.twitter.com/Xe17HZSvoG
— CBTU (@CBTU72) November 28, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Sister Donna Brockington was active with CLUW for many years and a dedicated and passionate leader of our Metro DC chapter. pic.twitter.com/ivR3fpPVro
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) November 20, 2022Communications Workers of America:
CWA members in Georgia are working hard to get out the vote for Senator Raphael Warnock ahead of the December 6 runoff election! pic.twitter.com/PzDewnEnkM
— CWA (@CWAUnion) December 1, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
Join us in telling Congress to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: https://t.co/3OIAYFybs0 pic.twitter.com/jLxuWpNd6I
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 30, 2022Electrical Workers:
Just six days left #Georgia! #LetsWinThis #Warnock #IBEW pic.twitter.com/KNMRiHQgEW
— IBEW (@IBEW) December 1, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
What a view! On the job at a Coal Fired Power Plant in West Virginia with members of Local 2, Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/CjCAtjGCqC
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) December 1, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Stands in SOLIDARITY with AFT President Randi Weingarten #1u https://t.co/5a8UIthJ6e
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) November 23, 2022International Labor Communications Association:
This #MemberMonday we’re spotlighting @PASSNational! The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists represents more than 11,000 employees of the FAA and Department of Defense who install, maintain, support and certify air traffic control and national defense equipment. pic.twitter.com/0UUvqqidiX
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) November 28, 2022Ironworkers:
Today @ironworkers25 signed an articulation agreement with @OCCollege. This is the beginning of a great relationship! #Opportunities #students #apprentices #college #apprenticeships #Careers #welding #construction #MotivationMonday #skilledtrades #earnwhileyoulearn pic.twitter.com/Wb60oN0IHJ
— Ironworkers Local 25 (@Ironworkers25) November 28, 2022Jobs With Justice:
Help support Jobs With Justice this #GivingTuesday and your contribution will help those facing retaliation for organizing their workplaces.
Every donation of $75 or more receives an awesome JWJ X Starbucks Workers United travel mug!!
Donate today! 👇🏾https://t.co/DRU2aa8SpX pic.twitter.com/D67HRamcA5
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Are you ready to become a U.S citizen? Join @CFLCLAA for their final Free Citizenship Clinic of the year this Saturday, December 10! Call or text (689) 210-8790 to schedule an appointment. pic.twitter.com/RDXLBImBPw
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) December 1, 2022Laborers:
Today was a big win for workers! Just a few short hours ago the - the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has struck down #Bill124. The legislation that imposed a 1% wage cap on public sector employees. #Onpoli #OnLab
— LiUNA! Local 3000 (@LiUNA3000) November 29, 2022Machinists:
Our union has called on @POTUS to adequately fund the F-35 defense program, for the best interest of our national security and for the American workers it supports.
Read our letter to the President ⬇️⚙️💪 https://t.co/IT4d4NjQJn
Metal Trades Department:
“Workers should be able to take for granted that they can stay home and take care of themselves if they’re sick,” #WorkersFirsthttps://t.co/5e9J72idAc
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) December 1, 2022Mine Workers:
The UMWA Women's Auxiliary will be hosting a Santa Brunch on December 17th! The Alabama Auxiliary has been essential in providing much-needed supplies and has been amazing at building moral during this strike. Shout out to all the women stepping up to make this possible! pic.twitter.com/WEjm7R2Rox
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) December 1, 2022Musical Artists:
Dancers of Texas Ballet Theater Take Steps to Unionize: https://t.co/8kBvwQhFnp pic.twitter.com/GNJvTLvmOy
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 30, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Every year, NATCA offers a scholarship program for spouses, children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children of NATCA members. McKenzie Farrell, child of Donald Farrell (Chicago Center, ZAU) is among this year’s winners. https://t.co/0rx75ttYul pic.twitter.com/zOEPqScZsy
— NATCA (@NATCA) December 1, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
The December issue of The Postal Record is now available online! Don't miss NALC President Fredric Rolando's final President's Message, a retrospective article on his tenure as president, stories of letter carriers giving back this holiday season and more. https://t.co/XgNspwh3Ii pic.twitter.com/jSJ4lxJzJl
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) December 1, 2022National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Pledge your support to #NDLON this #GivingTuesday by making a donation. Your donation ensures the sustainability of our work such as our Arts and Culture Programming.
Stand in Solidarity with us and make a donation: https://t.co/uNFDWdijKx#Immigration #ImmigrantRights pic.twitter.com/ERTe1Xl0nU
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
This #GivingTuesday, join the Care Revolution.
Donate below to make a difference in the lives of domestic workers across the country ⤵️https://t.co/zG5OehXeVn pic.twitter.com/5EsW0D9Tw6
National Nurses United:
We work day and night to care for our patients at great risk, especially now with Covid, the flu, and RSV.
Health care systems must listen to @nynurses and guarantee #SafeStaffing, safe working conditions, and work to recruit & retain experienced RNs. https://t.co/c7bIlHdLMM
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Check out this whole great thread from our siblings at @VendorPower https://t.co/4HyGNVKRRc
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) November 26, 2022NWSL Players Association:
Well deserved! 👏 https://t.co/1u8ieNYIVu
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) November 30, 2022NFL Players Association:
Congratulations are in order to @gkittle46 + @jalenramsey for being named to the @ForbesUnder30 list this year 👏
Both players are active with endeavors off the field–Kittle has a deep endorsement portfolio and Jalen is an avid investor. https://t.co/gL4bcO4sc5 #ForbesUnder30 pic.twitter.com/mckYycaGZZ
North America's Building Trades Unions:
“This program gave me hope for my future… I have something I’ve never had: a path to self-sufficiency."
Registered Apprenticeships are an earn-while-you-learn ladder to a family-sustaining middle class career 💪https://t.co/rcAGICunf4
Office and Professional Employees:
Congress has the power to pass the #PregnantWorkersFairnessAct and require employers to make reasonable accommodations for workers with pregnancy-related limitations.
Take a moment to tell your senators to support this important piece of legislation ⏩️ https://t.co/0xkcFu4718 pic.twitter.com/5FNf2NpvBt
Painters and Allied Trades:
When our union was first founded, many painters died from the trade due to lead poisoning known as painter's colic.
Because of our union's efforts to ensure safety and regulation in our trades, lead-based paint was finally banned and tens of thousands of lives have been saved. pic.twitter.com/CvlGk563Di
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
#OPCMIA General President Daniel E. Stepano has released a holiday season video wishing all members well, announcing his January 31st retirement, and reflecting on his time as this great union’s top officer. Please watch here:https://t.co/tYhPKN6RP5
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 29, 2022Pride At Work:
Last week, the Marriage Protection Act was advanced for a final vote in the Senate. Contact your Senators at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to vote to codify marriage equality into law!#LoveWins#RepealDOMA#MarriageEquality
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) November 28, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS members @flymemphis are among the many dedicated public servants at the FAA who keep this economy moving, support @FedExPilots & get millions of packages in the air. Thanks @SecretaryPete for your support and for joining us yesterday! #aviationsafety #publicservice https://t.co/HwCCgAjQkW
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 30, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
The @RWDSU Southeast Council is out in Camilla, GA today with @ReverendWarnock for a meet and greet! Early voting is already underway in GA for the Senate Runoffs; let's get out the vote for our brother Raphael Warnock! Find your pollsite: https://t.co/m447h1BS3e pic.twitter.com/CxIbDEAHgY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 30, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
If you’re working 6 or more feet above a lower level, your employer is required to provide you with fall protection – learn more at: https://t.co/SS3wZ2YgbS #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/iiNqQPS7xz
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 30, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Today we honor the lives lost to HIV and AIDS related complications and celebrate the millions living with HIV and continuing to thrive. We thank our #sagaftramembers for their dedication and efforts in raising funds and awareness to combat HIV/AIDS. #WorldAIDSDay pic.twitter.com/KO80tJfm5x
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 1, 2022School Administrators:
Check out the @KeepitMadeinUSA holiday Gift Guide, featuring 120+ companies from all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico that make their products in the United States! #MadeinUSAGifts #MadeinAmericahttps://t.co/LfzOy4AQ5b
— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) November 29, 2022Seafarers:
#1u #ITF @ITFglobalunion pic.twitter.com/gRqkL9mr34
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 28, 2022Solidarity Center:
As the #16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign gets underway, #women #tradeunionists worldwide are building on their momentum to end sexual harassment and gender violence at the workplace. #GBVH #RatifyC190https://t.co/dKhzpcAUPN
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) December 1, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
"Local news is being murdered by firms like Gannett. The path to a viable future for Gannett is not austerity." @gaufre
"We’re fighting for our families, for our neighbors, and our right to news and information that is central to our lives." @susandecaravahttps://t.co/lpR1ig33Ez
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Last but certainly not least, meet our final #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth member spotlight, Eric Moore. Thanks Eric, for being a proud member of our union family for 25 years! #1u pic.twitter.com/BV6hlZx1FM
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) November 30, 2022Transport Workers Union:
.@NewYorkStateAG Letitia James surprised the TWU Working Women's Committee meeting, where she encouraged women to take leadership roles, run for office, and get involved in their union. cc @TWULocal100 @CentralLaborNYC @TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/AnU6hcpc8Y
— TWU (@transportworker) December 1, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
In this house, we support rail workers.
Do your Senators? Call them at 202-224-3121 and tell them to support rail workers by voting YES on seven days of paid sick leave.
Speak up! ✊ pic.twitter.com/mwQsgx4otM
UAW:
“Our members stood up for improved wages and working conditions that truly reflect their value to the University of California system,” says UAW President Ray Curry. https://t.co/G6sIDscTjc #1u
— UAW (@UAW) November 30, 2022Union Veterans Council:
Statement by Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig On Current Rail Worker Labor Negotiations
Veterans serve as an integral part of the US railroad workforce– approximately 20-25% of all rail workers are #Veterans. #1U https://t.co/9EU7P5KIId
UNITE HERE:
This Giving Tuesday, make a donation in support of working people who are on the ground fighting for democracy in Georgia! ✊🏽✊🏿✊🏻 #givingtuesday2022 #workerstothefronthttps://t.co/PpNIggf7Lv pic.twitter.com/z3fdKic11A
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) November 29, 2022United Food and Commercial Workers:
A Native woman must work until today, November 30, in order to make the same amount made by a white man in 2021.
Learn more about how pay inequality impacts women: https://t.co/mTZktYGNhR#GenderPayGap #PayEquality pic.twitter.com/uVCTA7Uzz6
United Steelworkers:
When you shop this holiday season, look for the Made in the USA label! Our friends at @KeepitMadeinUSA have this handy gift guide: https://t.co/RiEyVZWLTN #USWMade #1u pic.twitter.com/0v6jxqGLaG
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) December 1, 2022Utility Workers:
“The system hasn’t been stressed in this manner in the past, and probably more importantly, it hasn’t been as widespread.” - John Moura, NERC’s director of reliability assessment and system performance analysishttps://t.co/q6V5l31Ghl
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) December 1, 2022Working America:
Giving a special thanks to all the farm workers, grocery store clerks, public transit drivers, airline/airport workers, and so many others who make the holiday season possible for all of us! #1u https://t.co/z4DtW4F4ti
— Working America | GO VOTE (@WorkingAmerica) November 24, 2022Writers Guild of America, East:
"Most people can’t afford to just give up a job when they are faced with a threat like that. I don’t care how nicely a boss asks you, when a ‘choice’ comes from higher up, it is mired in some fear." https://t.co/N0O1wqXJza
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) December 1, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/01/2022 - 16:42Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NFLPA Members Lend a Helping Hand for Thanksgiving
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.
Members of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) make a point to pour back into their communities, and that’s especially true during Thanksgiving. The union put together an extensive list to give just a sample of the many unique ways current NFL players spread the holiday spirit to families in their hometowns and team cities. The list includes Jonathan Jones (pictured above), the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP, who hosted a tailgate in his college town of Auburn, Alabama, that raised enough funds to feed 450 families suffering from food insecurity.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/01/2022 - 09:42Take Action: Protect Pregnant Workers
Too many employers discriminate and retaliate against pregnant workers when they ask for necessary workplace accommodations so they can continue to work and have a healthy pregnancy. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would change that. Take two minutes to send a letter to your senators asking them to support pregnant workers.
The PWFA would create a clear standard requiring employers to engage with workers and provide reasonable accommodations to workers with pregnancy-related limitations.
The accommodations can include:
- More frequent breaks
- Flexibility in schedule for doctor appointments
- Reassigning tasks that include heavy lifting
PWFA has bipartisan support in both the U.S. Senate and House, and is endorsed by organizations and groups across the political spectrum.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will allow pregnant people to remain on the job to support their families without risking their health or the health of their baby.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/30/2022 - 15:10Take Action: Give Our Demands to Broadway
Sign the pledge to tell The Broadway League that you support the actors and stage managers. And as an audience member, you will respect any job action it may take!
Actors’ Equity Association has been bargaining with The Broadway League since September on the contract governing Broadway and sit-down productions.
It’s not an easy process—but the negotiating team is focused on doing everything it can to ensure the actors and stage managers of Broadway get appropriate levels of coverage, more humane schedules and safer workplaces.
As audience members, we must be ready to support these workers in whatever they need to do to get the contract they deserve.
And we need to respect any job action they may take in support of creating a theater industry that can be as empowering and inspiring for its workers as it is for those of us in the audience.
Sign the pledge to say you support the Broadway actors and stage managers.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/30/2022 - 09:57Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Goes All-In for Georgia’s Runoff Election
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 Electrical Workers (IBEW) union is executing a key element of the labor movement’s political organizing program in Georgia by holding worksite visits focused on the issues and the candidates who will fight for working families. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who is endorsed by unions, is running a strong runoff campaign in the Peach State, and his win would provide a key vote for our pro-labor agenda in the Senate.
IBEW leaders and volunteers visited hundreds of members of IBEW Local 613 working at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and QTS Data Centers last week. There are plans to hold additional worksite visits this week at Facebook and several manufacturing plants.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/30/2022 - 09:46Solidarity Brewing: 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:
Crossing a picket line undermines the collective power of all workers.
Incredible showing of solidarity from the faculty of the UC system! ✊ #1u https://t.co/KlFzHDuZxl
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
SOLIDARITY BREWING: Two Peet’s Coffee locations in Davis, CA send signed union cards to the NLRB.
“I got the highest mark you can get and that raise was 50 cents. With inflation, that’s less money than I made last year. It radicalized me.”https://t.co/hUuU2a9CBR
Colorado AFL-CIO:
TONIGHT: Special labor music episode on the Labor Exchange (11/28) listen on KGNU 6:00 pm 88.5 FM 1390 Denver/Boulder https://t.co/fuXuspLb93 #1u #solidarity pic.twitter.com/Rs73F5hQPz
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 28, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Affiliates of the CT Building Trades provide 17 joint apprenticeship training programs to allow workers a pathway to career and financial stability. Union apprenticeships are paid, and graduates finish their programs without any debt. @NABTU https://t.co/gv5i8B5YvG
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) November 21, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🔥 Sen. Warnock is a true champion of our movement who works with the interest of our working families in mind.
We're all in to re-elect him to the Senate—but we can't do it alone. Do YOU have a plan to vote?
Make one now: https://t.co/MIAxuAdUNY pic.twitter.com/1uxBr5rKRx
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Traveling for the holidays? Make sure to thank a union member.
Flight attendants to baggage handlers to concession workers - they are there for you when you're on the go.
Whether you're staying home or heading out, here are some travel tips:https://t.co/oK7accSIZo
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Only 36% of newly organized units reach a collective bargaining agreement within one year, and only 58% after two years.
Some employers drag out the bargaining process by stalling. We must pass the PRO Act to help protect workers in this situation. https://t.co/Nepepwinga
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
OPINION: Working people key in driving midterm wins — and we’re just getting started https://t.co/0qeZaQHdxv
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 29, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
There will be a “sip-in” to support workers who are holding a union vote at Little Dog coffee shop in Brunswick from 11am to 3pm on Wed., Nov. 30. If you’re in the neighborhood stop by & show some support! https://t.co/MIrFQ6ceFq
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 26, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to #LaborEndorsed candidate, @GarySim13775417 for his victory in the district 12B Delegate race! #VoteUnion pic.twitter.com/HpS4ZzUU6n
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 19, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Support the labor movement, buy union ✊✊ https://t.co/AAl8bAX5aV pic.twitter.com/WbOXHRaVCI
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) November 23, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
#Labor2022 was a member to member voter mobilization program independent of any party or candidate. Union volunteers knocked on 62,000 doors! #1u #mnleg #mngov pic.twitter.com/f2U7ovBF4N
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 22, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
Yup. #1u pic.twitter.com/9eHHoJ047i
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 28, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @NVSenateDems & Senate Majority Leader @Nicole4Nevada on your incredible leadership! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/DM7wNO7r0R
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) November 16, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Education day at the Gov. Budget Comm. w/numbers from Universities, Community Colleges, & Dept. of Ed. (pictured: Caitlin Davis & Tammy Vaillancourt - NH ed.) @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @APWU pic.twitter.com/7xvIomXRGw
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 29, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Happy Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/xLjEV6kmC9
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 24, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Want to help re-elect @ReverendWarnock? Shoot us a DM and we can get you hooked up to a phone bank to call fellow @AFLCIO #union members in Georgia about getting out the vote! https://t.co/ZvFZmHP9Oy
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 28, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Amazon ordered to cease and desist from retaliating against workplace activists: https://t.co/yOtDF4pOBU #1u #UnionStrong #OregonLabor
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 28, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to our president, Angela Ferritto, who has been named to the transition leadership board for Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis. #1u #powertothepeople #UnionStrong #UnionProud https://t.co/NWl198GBMy
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 23, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Thank you Speaker @JoeShekarchi and Senate President @SenatorRuggerio for joining our executive board meeting today.
We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us and we look forward to our continued work fighting for working people https://t.co/WACbBRKvrF
Texas AFL-CIO:
“The Fort Worth NewsGuild is dedicated to fair conditions for Star-Telegram employees. No amount of union busting will change that,”: @FortWorthGuild We stand in solidarity with the journalists at the Star-Telegram. #1uhttps://t.co/aO1LpMIXIk
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 29, 2022Virginia AFL-CIO:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of labor champion @Donald_McEachin. He was a long time fighter for working people and represented working Virginians and our families well. @RepMcEachin will truly be missed. (1/2) https://t.co/1PWa5cdlu0
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) November 29, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
#WeRollTogether 🎲 Support organizing workers at Noble Knight Games. Let workers know #WeRollTogether when you come in to the store, in the Order Notes at online checkout and on social media. @CWAunion @NkgUnited #1u #WIunion pic.twitter.com/c9dsSwOcxM
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 23, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/29/2022 - 13:09Service + Solidarity Spotlight: On Black Friday, Workers Around the World Demand That We ‘Make Amazon Pay’
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 Black Friday, workers around the world demanded that Amazon be held accountable for its unacceptable labor practices. During the busiest days of the holiday shopping season, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) bolstered more than a dozen actions in cities across the United States, including Bessemer, Alabama, and New York City, which were part of the global “Make Amazon Pay” effort. More than 80 labor unions, and allies in 32 countries around the world, held strikes and protests to Make Amazon Pay for its terrible working conditions, and its impact on the planet and local communities.
“No matter where Amazon operates anywhere in the world, the conditions and the existential threat are the same, and that’s why workers everywhere are standing up and demonstrating and striking today,” RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum (not pictured) said on Friday. “We need to let the world know that Amazon needs to change.”
Workers at the Amazon facility in Bessemer, who were the first to file for a warehouse-wide union election in the U.S., were joined by their Mine Workers (UMWA) union brothers, sisters and siblings still on strike at Warrior Met Coal.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/29/2022 - 09:55Tags: Amazon
Never Bet Against Workers: 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.
Apprenticeships Provide Skills for Longterm Employment: “Last week, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy hopefully connected two organizations that will both benefit from a tremendous opportunity to provide jobs for young people. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting with Jimmy Curry, the Oklahoma president for the AFL-CIO. We were discussing both our jobs at a backyard cookout held by one of our mutual friends in south Oklahoma City and I asked him what programs are in the labor movement that support young people. My father was a member of the Operating Engineers while working as a building contractor, so I knew personally the benefits one receives in a career through a trades union, but wanted to know if there were other things available. Jimmy pointed out an opportunity for high school students to learn a profession through CareerTech classes, which could lead to an apprenticeship through a labor association that would provide a job. For those not familiar with an apprenticeship, this is a pathway to learn a skilled trade through planned, supervised, on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. An apprentice is a regular part of the workforce and earns wages while acquiring important skills. The length of the tuition-free apprenticeship ranges from three to five years.”
Right to Work Isn't Working for Michigan: “Michigan Democrats scored historic victories in the midterm elections, taking control of the state House, Senate, and the governor’s mansion for the first time since 1983. The wins were thanks, at least in part, to the Democrats’ pro-worker, pro-jobs agenda. Now it’s time for Democrats to show that their pro-worker agenda isn’t just talk. One good way to do that would be for the legislature, as a first order of business, to repeal Michigan’s decade-old right-to-work law. By getting rid of a law that weakened Michigan’s labor unions, Democratic lawmakers would make a powerful statement that they are ready and eager to help workers win higher wages and better benefits.”
A Union Yes Vote Changed My Life: “It’s a special thing to get to vote in a union representation election. You’re lucky if it happens once in your life, as it did for me in 1984 when I voted for what would become Local 34, the clerical and technical workers’ union at Yale. That vote changed my life, and that union made me who I am. I want to share some of that experience for the members of Local 33, so they can reflect on what this moment means for them.”
Growing Number of Professional Workers Support Unions: “In a survey six years ago, 56% of health care workers said they would support a union at work. Then came COVID. The latest: Now, 71% of these workers said they'd support such efforts, according to a survey of more than 1,800 nonunionized professional workers conducted in August and released this week from the AFL-CIO, the U.S. labor federation. Why it matters: Union popularity is at a 57-year-high in the U.S.—but here's a sign that organizing is increasingly viewed positively among a set of workers that's historically been less likely to organize. Less than half of union members in the U.S. are professionals. By the numbers: Support for unionizing rose to 65% from 60% among all professionals, defined as those with at least an associate's degree who hold a job where a degree is required.”
Never Bet Against Workers: “For the better part of this year, the Oregon labor movement planned and implemented a robust, targeted grassroots campaign that relied on the most powerful tactic: conversations between union members about the issues that matter. We know that the best way to break through the noise is to reach workers where they are at. The national AFL-CIO took the same approach in battleground states and districts facing the most hotly contested races. In every state and in every major region, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler focused on deepening the labor movement’s investment in year-round organizing and bringing voter discussions back to basic economics. We in the labor movement often say during election campaigns that there is a key factor that polls simply can’t predict: a people-powered field program meeting likely voters where they are at.”
Student Loan Borrowers Who Applied for Biden's Debt Relief Shouldn't Have to Worry About Living with 'Crushing Student Loan Debt: “‘The AFL-CIO is extremely disappointed in the partisan legal effort to shut down the Biden administration's life-changing student loan relief. Borrowers who have filed for forgiveness should not have to wonder if they will once again be forced to live with crushing student loan debt as a result of a court challenge,’ AFL-CIO director of government affairs Bill Samuel said in a statement. ‘With the payment pause end date of Dec. 31 rapidly approaching, the AFL-CIO will continue to advocate for the full implementation of the Biden administration's student loan debt cancellation plan.’”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: The Labor Transformation at CNBC Work Summit: “Whether it’s video game developers, or minor league baseball players who just joined the AFL-CIO, graduate researchers at the University of California—the workplace is the workplace no matter what kind of work you do, and it’s working people coming together, having that conversation that forms a union. And businesses don’t need to be afraid of that.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/29/2022 - 08:38National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Irene Gonzalez
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Irene Gonzalez of AFSCME.
Irene Gonzalez, vice president with the Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officers’ Union, AFSCME Local 685, is a proud member of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, a federally recognized tribe of Indigenous people of California. Gonzalez grew up in the San Joaquin Valley area of California, shuttling between foster homes in Tulare, Visalia and Atwater, and has committed her life to restorative justice and union activism.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/28/2022 - 14:51Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement Strongly Condemns Mike Pompeo’s Disgusting Assault on America’s 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.
Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Mike Pompeo’s shameful attack on teachers:
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s characterization of the heroic work America’s teachers do every day as “filth” was a hurtful assault on all those who work tirelessly to provide our children with the education they so richly deserve. America’s labor movement strongly and forcefully condemns Pompeo’s dangerous remarks that were clearly meant to incite, creating risk for teachers and their families.
Teachers and school staff deserve praise and gratitude from our nation’s leaders. With Pompeo’s toxic, hurtful rhetoric aimed at educators and their advocates, it’s a stark reminder of just how far extremists will go to diminish and disrespect hard-working teachers just to score cheap political points. Make no mistake—when Pompeo called American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, the union’s elected leader, “the most dangerous person in the world,” he attacked all working people who work every day to build America’s future.
Dangerous rhetoric such as Pompeo’s attack on teachers has no place in our political discourse. The American labor movement stands in solidarity with AFT President Weingarten, all parents and every educator in this country who works day and night to provide every opportunity for children to learn and who inspires them to follow their dreams.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/28/2022 - 09:55
