Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey CWA Activists Advocate for Pro-Worker Policies
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in New Jersey participated in a lobby day last Thursday to meet with their legislators and promote CWA’s legislative priorities. After attending a lobbying training, participants flooded the state legislature in Trenton and spoke with their representatives about the need to advance several pro-worker policies that would strengthen New Jersey’s working families, including the expansion of collective bargaining rights for local government and college workers, relief for local government workers from crushing health care premium increases and extension of the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax (CBT) surcharge. The members also attended various legislative committee hearings.
After their meetings with legislators, the CWA members joined community allies in front of the statehouse for a rally to call for the extension of the New Jersey CBT surcharge. This rally included a march from the statehouse to the Trenton office of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, where Christian Estevez, CWA District 1 New Jersey legislative and political director, spoke about the need to prioritize the funding of much-needed public services over tax breaks for big corporations and the billionaires that own them.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/06/2023 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists at Spirit AeroSystems Vote to Accept Improved Contract Offer
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Approximately 6,000 members of the Machinists (IAM) Local 839 at Spirit AeroSystems voted to ratify an improved four-year contract. The IAM members went on strike on June 24 and will return to work on July 5. The new contract includes significant improvements over the previous offer—which was rejected—including wage increases, improved prescription drug coverage and better overtime rules. The IAM members work at the Spirit AeroSystems plant in Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing major aerostructures for companies such as Boeing and Airbus, as well as defense and business jets.
“We knew these negotiations were not going to be your typical set of talks,” said IAM Local 839 Chief Negotiator Jason Baze. “Our membership clearly said the original offer was unacceptable by rejecting it soundly. The committee returned to the table to address their concerns.”
“At the end of the day, IAM members democratically decide what is acceptable to them during contract negotiations—and we always support their decision,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “These critical improvements demonstrate the power of collective bargaining. I am very proud of our Local 839 negotiating committee and membership.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/05/2023 - 10:30Pride Month Profiles: Sierra Kriston
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Sierra Kriston of the Bricklayers (BAC).
Sierra Kriston joined BAC in 2014 as an apprentice bricklayer and became a journey-level bricklayer in 2018. Kriston is currently a field representative for BAC Local 23. "I am passionate about helping to encourage and support diversity and inclusion," Kriston said.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/30/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Pride at Work Condemns Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Pride at Work Executive Director Jerame Davis wrote an op-ed condemning the nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in states across the country:
Not only are these bills bad for human and worker rights, but they are also detrimental to our democracy. Moreover, this wave of legislation is not being driven by public will. Poll after poll has shown that most Americans support queer and trans rights and view the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills as political theater and a distraction.
State legislators are appealing to only the most extremist part of their base and secret money front-groups that have funded anti-trans attack ads, lobbied against the Equality Act and funded extremist school board candidates. Current disclosure loopholes allow corporations and billionaires to fund these candidates and positions with no transparency or accountability.
Research from the UCLA School of Law demonstrates that LGBTQ+ inclusive laws are strongly associated with democracy, and autocracies have been shown to be less inclusive regardless of public support for LGBTQ+ rights. This wave of anti-queer and trans legislation is a dangerous sign of democratic backsliding.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/29/2023 - 10:11Pride Month Profiles: Kathel Griffin
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kathel Griffin of Actors' Equity Association.
Kathel Griffin is an actor and member of Equity. Inspired to act after drag bans and laws impacting trans people's health care and rights to public spaces started moving through various state legislatures, Griffin worked with members of Equity’s trans, nonbinary and genderqueer community to organize a video project featuring Equity members from across the country. Griffin is also a member of Equity’s LGBTQ+ community and Member Education and Engagement Action team.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/29/2023 - 10:07All Hands on Deck: 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:
All hands on deck! Join the Fairbanks Education Association for their rally against @GovDunleavy's disastrous education vetoes. Bring a red shirt and meet at the Fairbanks LIO (1292 Sadler Way) at 4:00 PM. pic.twitter.com/XsurWtGtqS
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) June 27, 2023Arizona AFL-CIO:
✈️ Airport Workers are demanding better wages & benefits nationwide. Let's join together and demand that Congress stand with us by including the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act's wage and benefit standards in FAA Reauthorization. Show your #solidarity ✊#1u pic.twitter.com/X8xFUU9XxN
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) June 27, 2023California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Give it up for our newest cohort of graduates from the @CaliforniaLabor Organizing Institute! 👏👏👏
These brand new organizers are hitting the ground RUNNING and signing up new union members all week long! No time to waste, together we’re going to #UnionizeCalifornia 💪 pic.twitter.com/138622cHc0
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@SenBlumenthal is proudly standing with baristas on strike in West Hartford with @CCSBWU as they fight for LGBTQ+ workers and demand the company bargain in good faith! pic.twitter.com/OYHzVlbPpC
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 28, 2023Florida AFL-CIO:
Florida’s union families are mourning the passing of Mike Williams, President of the Florida AFL-CIO following a water accident on June 17th at his home in St. Marks Florida. Williams was one of the most transformative labor leaders in Florida history.
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Who moves this city? We move this city! We're mobilizing with @atu_local_732 and talking to folks about the historic federal investments in Georgia. #1u #UnionsForAll #solidarity pic.twitter.com/mXKtdknRjm
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 17, 2023Illinois AFL-CIO:
We are LIVE with @iftaft @EqualityILL @afscme31 @UAW Local 551 and @transportworker to discuss LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Tune in here: https://t.co/N3cJggF261
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Today we remember the historic struggles of Black Americans and their fight for freedom. We must continue that fight and end systemic racism in the workplace and in society as a whole. Celebrate Freedom. #Juneteenth2023 pic.twitter.com/zo4K9OlebF
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Maine AFL-CIO:
Gov. Mills, like Gov. LePage before her, has pulled the plug on offshore wind.
“We would expect this type of resistance from a Republican governor. But to have a Democratic governor impeding the president’s agenda is something that we just didn’t expect." #mepolitics https://t.co/z2lwAvkAUX
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Check out a sneak peak of some of our pics from the Richard L. Trumka Educational Conference earlier this month pic.twitter.com/mqbCQNpdEd
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) June 20, 2023Michigan State AFL-CIO:
During Pride, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our workplaces, the labor movement, and beyond.
No one should be fired because of who they are or who they love. We're proud to continue standing in the fight for LGBTQ+ workers' rights. pic.twitter.com/FtMM7fXqFF
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Minnesota set for $650 million broadband windfall from federal infrastructure bill https://t.co/h8KJhOcLIO #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 27, 2023Missouri AFL-CIO:
Defend workers - pass the #PROAct and hold corporations accountable. #1u pic.twitter.com/r2Z30IrtAj
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) June 28, 2023Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @Culinary226 on their victory! Las Vegas is a union town, and we’ll make sure that no one ever forgets it. ✊ https://t.co/FsFLqMCoqJ
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) June 28, 2023New York State AFL-CIO:
We stand with our LGBTQ+ siblings! ✊ 52 years ago today the first gay pride parade happened in NYC, which commemorated the Stonewall Riots that took place a year earlier. Learn more about the fight for gay rights in the US: https://t.co/2yq31ZnsbA #PrideDay pic.twitter.com/WAXDoxutWT
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) June 28, 2023North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to NC native, former @UAW Pres, and newest member of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Ray Curry, on receiving this honor from @NC_Governor today! Ray is only the 3rd union member of the Order, the others being our former GC & former Pres, Mike Okun & James Andrews. #1u pic.twitter.com/pkYB5Sd4Bi
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) June 26, 2023North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Ohio AFL-CIO:
From a community press event in Toledo to postcard writing parties in Columbus and Cleveland, members of the #Ohio @AFLCIO are working hard to political power grab known as Issue 1. #VoteNoInAugust to protect #OnePersonOneVote and stop special interests from stealing our power. pic.twitter.com/xyH7c4DPyN
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 27, 2023Oregon AFL-CIO:
We are proud to announce that Sarina Roher, Secretary and Steward for @OFNHP is our new Secretary-Treasurer! We’re incredibly inspired by her spirit of justice and passion for defending the rights of working people. #OregonLabor #UnionStronghttps://t.co/chRigFuvkx pic.twitter.com/CdTqfnHJoV
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 23, 2023Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
On Tuesday, A Pennsylvania state court rejected the latest effort to throw out the presidential battleground state’s broad mail-in voting law that has become a target following former claims about election fraud. https://t.co/EsHPBiPe5w
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 28, 2023Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
The best way to protect workers in RI is to make wage theft a felonyhttps://t.co/CsE1fyyYfj
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) June 14, 2023Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"Some noted they want to continue to work for IFF, many have been there for years because they were treated well. But, they said, facets of what made IFF a good company to work for are being taken away one by one." #IFFStrike #1u https://t.co/HCo8zanJZp
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) June 27, 2023Texas AFL-CIO:
Mental health workers in our state are indispensable, but they need support too. That's why they've come together to form a union with @CWAUnion
Thank you @LinaHidalgoTX & @RodneyEllis for advocating for worker unity and organizing in Texas.https://t.co/0fveNznLSy
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Over $1 billion to expand broadband coming to Wisconsin https://t.co/ikq00pEMf3 via @madisondotcom
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 26, 2023 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/28/2023 - 15:29Pride Month Profiles: Erdem Odner
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Erdem Odner of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Erdem Odner is a member of CWA Local 9509 in San Diego. Odner has been a retail sales consultant at AT&T for eight years. Odner is a proud member of the San Diego chapter of Pride at Work and has been instrumental in the revitalization of the CWA Pride Caucus this past year, while increasing membership and organizing and originating petitions to Congress on trans rghts and liberation.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/28/2023 - 10:07It's About Respect: 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.
Film Forum Union Ratifies First Contract: “Unionized workers at the renowned New York cinema Film Forum have ratified their first contract, about a year after the group voted to unionize. An ‘overwhelming majority’ of the 45-member bargaining unit, including both full- and part-time staffers, voted to ratify the five-year agreement, the union said, declining to give exact numbers. The deal will go into effect on July 1, 2023, and will run through June 30, 2028. The union is allied with UAW Local 2110, which represents workers at museums, universities, publishers and other cultural institutions. In the film space, the union also represents workers at Anthology Film Archives.”
‘It’s About Respect’: Union Members at Encore Boston Harbor Vote to Authorize Strike: “Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett voted Wednesday to authorize a labor strike in a continued push to secure a new contract. More than 98% of Encore workers who are members of Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 voted in favor of a labor strike that will begin at midnight on June 30, according to a Unite Here spokesperson. The strike will impact an array of workers at the resort casino, including room attendants, cocktail servers, bar porters, cooks, dishwashers, public area cleaners, and drivers, the spokesperson said.”
Apple Engaged in 'Coercive' Interviews and Other Anti-Union Tactics at New York Store, Judge Rules: “Apple illegally subjected employees to ‘coercive’ interviews and interfered with the distribution of union leaflets at a New York City Apple Store, a U.S. labor board judge ruled Tuesday. The finding represents the first time that an administrative law judge at the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency, has ruled against Apple. But it is not the last word on the subject; Apple is free to appeal the ruling to the agency's full board or to federal appeals court.”
Nurse Staffing Bill Would Help Maine Patients: “That is why we are fighting for passage of LD 1639, sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, a registered nurse, which would limit the number of patients nurses can be assigned during their shifts and provide protection to nurses who report unsafe care conditions. This legislation will protect patients and nurses. We know that safe staffing improves patient outcomes. A 2021 study reported that each additional patient per nurse increased the odds of hospital patient mortality by 12% in patients with sepsis. The Maine Quality Care Act would keep nurses at the bedside. When nurses know they will get an appropriate patient assignment that affords them the time to deliver the care that patients need, they will stay. Unsafe staffing drives nurses away.”
WGA Strike at Day 50: Major Hollywood Unions to Join Big L.A. March Tomorrow as Economic Impact Mounts: “The 50-day-old Writers Guild strike has now reached the halfway point of the guild’s 100-day strike of 2007-08, and tomorrow it will be one-third as long as the 153-day strike of 1988—the longest in the guild’s history. On Wednesday, the guild will suspend picketing for the day in Los Angeles to stage a ‘March and Rally for a Fair Contract,’ which kicks off at 10 am at Pan Pacific Park and ends at the La Brea Tar Pits, where representatives from the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild, IATSE, the Teamsters and the American Federation of Musicians will speak to striking writers and their supporters.”
AFL-CIO Backs Biden in Early 2024 Endorsement: “The nation’s top union organization, the AFL-CIO, endorsed President Biden’s reelection campaign on Friday, a major win for the president as he works to shore up support from big labor for his 2024 White House bid. The endorsement comes ahead of Biden rallying with union members on Saturday in Philadelphia. It is the earliest the AFL-CIO’s general board has ever voted to endorse in a presidential election, according to the union. ‘There’s absolutely no question that Joe Biden is the most pro-union president in our lifetimes,’ AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said in a statement. ‘From bringing manufacturing jobs home to America to protecting our pensions and making historic investments in infrastructure, clean energy and education, we’ve never seen a president work so tirelessly to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and middle out.’”
AFT Backs Biden for Re-Election in Latest Union Endorsement: “The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teacher’s union in the country, endorsed President Biden and Vice President Harris for reelection Friday in another show of organized labor strength for the president. The AFT offered its endorsement of Biden on the same day the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest federation of unions in the country, did the same, reflecting a broader strategy to show support for Biden among organized labor.”
Actors’ Equity Joins Unions Endorsing Biden-Harris Second Presidential Term: “Actors’ Equity Association has joined with other unions of the AFL-CIO in endorsing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign. ‘President Biden and Vice President Harris listened to Equity when our industry was in crisis, on issues like Covid relief and federal arts funding,’ said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in announcing the union’s support for a second Biden-Harris term. ‘But four years of a pro-worker administration is simply not enough to put labor laws back on the side of workers, safeguard our democracy and our climate, address systemic racism, protect gender identity and bodily autonomy and so much more.’”
Spirit AeroSystems and Machinists Union Reach a Tentative 4-Year Contract: “Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. on Thursday presented a 4-year contract for approval by company workers in Wichita who are represented by Local Lodge 839 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM). Leaders of the IAM informed Spirit that they're recommending approval of the contract to its members. The tentative deal includes a 34% pay increase over four years, voluntary overtime on Sundays, job benefit increases, and a $7,500 ratification bonus. IAM said in a statement that they believe the contract is the result of negotiations ‘built on respect for employees and their families, their IAM representatives and Spirit's business.’”
Barnes & Noble Manhattan Flagship Store Workers Unionize with RWDSU: “With an overwhelming vote, workers at Barnes & Noble’s flagship Manhattan store, a multi-story emporium crammed to each ceiling with books, unionized with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. When certified as their rep, the union will represent 185 workers, and it said 97% of those casting ballots supported going union. It’s the third B&N store to go union this year, and there soon may be a fourth. On June 5, the National Labor Relations Board certified United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459 had won the election at the B&N store in Hadley, Mass., 11-0. And the board’s regional office just set a June 29 election date, for RWDSU versus no union, among the 32 workers at B&N’s store on Seventh Ave. in Brooklyn. The other unionized store, and third with RWDSU, is the Barnes & Noble College Bookstore at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The college bookstore division is separate from the B&N chain.”
Museum of Science and Industry Workers Vote to Unionize: “Workers at the Museum of Science and Industry have voted to unionize. Museum of Science & Industry Workers United posted on Twitter calling it an incredible achievement for cultural workers and said they are calling on museum management to collaborate. In a statement, museum officials said: ‘We respect an employee's right to choose or decline union representation.’”
Mike Williams, a Transformative Labor Leader in Florida, Dies: “Mike Williams, the longtime president of the Florida AFL-CIO and a giant in the labor movement, died Saturday, June 17. AFL-CIO official Rich Templin said in a statement that Williams died from a water accident at his home in St. Marks, Florida. ‘Mike served as the federation’s President since 2009. He has been one of the most transformative labor leaders in Florida history and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working families across the state, union and non-union alike,’ Templin said. Dan Reynolds, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida AFL-CIO said, ‘Mike Williams dedicated his life to the fight for justice and dignity for Florida’s workers. He was our leader and our friend, and his passing is a massive loss for our movement. We will dedicate ourselves to continue the fight for workers just as he would expect and will do everything we can to honor his incredible legacy of courage, dedication and service.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 11:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Alaska Fred Meyer Workers Join UFCW
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a huge win, workers from across 10 departments at the West Fairbanks Fred Meyer voted to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1496. This is the first step on a long road to securing a fair contract, as they navigate the bargaining process against the backdrop of a possible Albertson-Kroger merger.
"The result of this vote is a big win our pursuit of a better workplace," said Kris Kozak, a worker in the home department at the Fred Meyer store in West Fairbanks. "I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of my fellow co-workers who dedicated their valuable time and effort in this process. We are confident that this union win will pave the way for a brighter future for everyone in our store. We look forward to coming together as a team and making Fred Meyer a better place for its workers, customers, and the Fairbanks community. Our victory is a testament to our shared vision and the power of solidarity."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:19Pride Month Profiles: Denise Robinson
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Denise Robinson of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Denise Robinson serves as president of IFPTE Local 400, representing members at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. She works as an engineering technician and is the Northeastern area vice president of IFPTE. She previously served as correspondence secretary, steward, unit representative, chief steward and vice president. She currently serves as vice president of the Northeastern Council and is on the executive board of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. She is a member of the national Coalition of Labor Union Women and serves as a trustee on the CLUW state executive board. Robinson has been employed in union jobs for over 40 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:07Working People Have the Power to Restore Reproductive Rights
This past week marked one year since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn 50 years of precedent in Roe v. Wade.
This ruling continues to reverberate throughout our communities and have a direct and harmful impact on the lives of working women, people and families.
The state of reproductive health care in America is increasingly marked by confusion, uncertainty and chaos, and it has become more evident that the quality of health care we receive depends on where we live and work and our economic standing. Each day, we read horrifying stories of women who are denied lifesaving care, doctors facing criminal charges for simply doing what they were trained to do and extremist politicians who will stop at nothing to restrict interstate travel for people seeking reproductive care.
The burden of this decision will continue to fall disproportionately on low-income women and gender-oppressed people. It will work to deepen racial and economic disparities and push working families already struggling to get by into further financial insecurity. Dobbs was a wake-up call for working people to take action, and as we continue to deal with the fallout from the court’s decision, we are lifting our voices to demand economic justice and equity.
Now that the Supreme Court has forced a fight over fundamental rights into statehouses across the country, working people are speaking out in favor of legislation that would protect and expand the right to bodily autonomy and the confidential relationship between providers and patients. We are also demanding that electeds must prioritize overdue and necessary investments in our child care system and family and medical paid leave, end the gender wage gap, and increase access to jobs with high wages and good benefits. Efforts from extremist lawmakers to curtail our rights will only continue to ramp up over the next several months, but the labor movement will continue to stand in the gap.
As we look to the future, we must continue to increase the power of workers who have a union so that we can go to the bargaining table and stake out our right to comprehensive health care. That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness about the power of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to hold employers accountable and guarantee access to quality reproductive care. A union contract gives working families the support and protection we need to make the decision that is best for us.
If you are already in a union or you are considering forming a union to strengthen your rights in the workplace, check out these important resources to get started:
- Reproductive Care Model CBA Language.
- Training guide to help people connect the dots between reproductive rights and workers’ rights.
Pride Month Profiles: Emily Caulfield
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Emily Caulfield of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Emily Caulfield started her activism at the local level by creating an AFA-CWA HRE committee. She has been able to engage members who do not usually do union work or speak openly about their experiences with racism or other injustices. She was the impetus for the creation of the HRE committee of United Airlines' AFA-CWA Master Executive Council, which she now chairs.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/26/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NNU Applauds Introduction of Federal Safe Staffing Legislation
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After a historic wave of strikes, marches and informational pickets by nurses, and dozens of new successful nursing organizing campaigns across the country, registered nurses have brought their fight to Congress to fix the crisis of unsafe nurse staffing levels in hospitals across the country. The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, sponsored by Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), establishes minimum RN-to-patient ratios for every hospital unit, effective at all times. Additionally, the legislation creates whistleblower protections to ensure that nurses are free to speak out for enforcement of safe staffing standards.
Leaders with National Nurses United (NNU) refuted industry claims of a “nurse shortage,” arguing that congressional and industry leaders must create safer, sustainable conditions in hospitals so nurses will return to and stay at the bedside.
“This staffing crisis was manufactured by the hospital industry,” said Deborah Burger, RN and an NNU president. “Hospital executives claim there is a nursing ‘shortage,’ but we know that many nurses have left the bedside because they are unwilling to risk their patients’ lives by being forced to care for them in an unsafe manner. This bill would bring them back to providing direct care at the bedside and in clinics by ensuring their patients receive proper, safe, optimal, and timely care. The bill’s introduction is a direct response to the escalating staffing crisis in hospitals across the country. Tens of thousands of nurses have spoken out, marched, and struck for safer patient care conditions over the last year, sounding a clarion call for action. Nurses know the quality of our healthcare system is on the line and depends on the passage of this bill.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/26/2023 - 09:56Pride Month Profiles: Dara Tep, RN
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Dara Tep, RN of National Nurses United (NNU).
Dara Tep is a registered nurse at Keck Medicine of USC and member of California Nurses Association/NNOC, an affiliate of NNU. After getting stonewalled by insurance for coverage of her gender-affirming care, Tep rallied her union. Together, they sent a petition to management and won insurance approval for her health care.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/25/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Capt. Maya Tallman
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Capt. Maya Tallman of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
Capt. Maya Tallman is a pilot with United Airlines and has been an ALPA member for 24 years. Passionate about safety, pilot culture and diversity, she has spent many of her flying years volunteering as a writer, speaker, educator, mentor, and line check pilot evaluator. She has worked on several special projects with EQUAL, United’s LGBTQ+ business resource group. She is the chair of ALPA's United Airlines Master Executive Council Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. A firm believer and practitioner of the adage, “You cannot be what you cannot see,” Tallman is working toward a more inclusive pilot culture with the power of visibility, education and conversation.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 06/24/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Steven Alcantar
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Steven Alcantar of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union.
Steven Alcantar, utility houseperson and UNITE HERE's Culinary Union member for 13 years, said: "Inspired by my mom's activism, I became a union shop steward, supporting co-workers and fighting for better wages and equality. Being part of the union means being accepted for who I am, including as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. My union health insurance even covered my partner during the pandemic, providing us with much-needed security. Together, we stand with our union family, supporting each other in good and challenging times."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/23/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Rally During National Day of Action to Fix Lingering Problems at the Social Security Administration
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
AFGE workers visited Capitol Hill to demand Congress fix the problems festering inside the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reps. Maxwell Frost (Fla.) and Matt Cartwright (Pa.), Social Security Works, and the Center for American Progress joined AFGE leaders for a national day of action. SSA is facing a growing crisis based on staffing attrition that leaves many people in America helpless and without lifesaving resources. SSA workers are facing overwhelming caseloads with little to no support.
“It’s well past time that members of the House and Senate recognize the disrespect of SSA employees that has hung vulnerable Americans out to dry,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “We’re ready to talk to our nation’s leaders about what actually needs to get done in this Agency to see real results.”
AFGE leaders are meeting with members of Congress to discuss necessary changes.
“What we’re seeing now is unacceptable. We deserve better. The American people deserve better,” said Jessica LaPointe, president of AFGE Council 220. “That’s why we’re demanding action from our lawmakers in Washington. Individuals shouldn’t have to die while waiting for determinations on their benefits. Supporting Social Security workers means supporting our American values. Stand with federal employees in advocating for their well-being and every individual who relies on SSA to live."
Pride Month Profiles: Nate Richmond
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Nate Richmond of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Nate Richmond, IATSE's Canadian office operations manager and chair of the Pride Committee, represents the IATSE on the Canadian Labour Congress’ Solidarity and Pride Working Group. "When it comes to supporting your LGBTQ+ kin, you don’t have to be an expert. You just need an open mind, an open heart, and the willingness to learn," Richmond said.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/22/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Ally Burt
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ally Burt of the Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Ally Burt serves as an at-large executive board member for IAFF Local 644 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also serves on the Nebraska State AFL-CIO executive board. Burt actively participates in charitable giving events sponsored by her local.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Becomes Second 'Drunk Shakespeare' Company to Organize with Equity
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Actors, stage managers, bartenders and servers for "Drunk Shakespeare" in Phoenix became the second company of the franchise to organize with the Actors’ Equity Association (Equity). Chicago's company joined several weeks ago. Workers for the Phoenix production unanimously chose to unionize to pursue achievable solutions to recurring problems. “We learn so much from each other—collaboration and communication make the show better and make the workplace better," said Clara Kundin, a performer in "Drunk Shakespeare" Phoenix. “Going Equity means we can pull from a greater pool of actors next time we’re hiring. Union workplaces are strong workplaces.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:03
