Workers First: 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.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Senators @SenShelby @SenTuberville your constituency in west central Alabama needs your help and support. #WorkersFirstAgenda #1U pic.twitter.com/aAfhESL9qe
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 13, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
Historically, Alaska has some of the highest rates of on-the-job mortality and injury.
Please join us next Thursday as we commemorate Workers' Memorial Day and strive to organize and create safer working conditions for all. #1u pic.twitter.com/pecC4FqL1e
Arizona AFL-CIO:
An overwhelming majority of Americans support @amazonlabor's goal to seek "union representation in order to have job security, better pay, and safer working conditions.” https://t.co/ZnfqZTH26o #UnionStrong
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 19, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Workers shouldn't be spied on by their employers. It's time we restore workers’ rights to privacy, at work and outside the workplace!
Thank you @Ash_Kalra for supporting workers standing together for our privacy rights!#AB1651 #WorkerPrivacyNowhttps://t.co/2W1iffHa6V
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
STARTING NOW: Sen. @Gary4CT leads the debate on SB 163, which would protect workers seeking to form a union from coercive captive audience meetings. Watch live --> https://t.co/UJecDmjHnN pic.twitter.com/xlcjX7IavE
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Florida AFL-CIO:
“If you vote for this you are voting for revenge governance and the most brutal form of cancel culture, and once again voting to pick up tab for legal challenges,” said Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, of the bills."https://t.co/GYHS2n4PAh
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
It’s time to end the racial disparities for marijuana in Iowa and join many other states in legalizing recreational cannabis consumption! #Iowa #HIGHowa #IALegis
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Rally today at 12pm! https://t.co/tjwHXHPpGw
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) April 20, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
25-year old Oliver Bianchi has just been elected President of the Hampden Professional Firefighters. We spoke to him about his passion for supporting his brothers & sisters both on the Fire Dept & in the broader labor movement!https://t.co/oLKXmbNjdf
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Thank you, Maryland General Assembly, for overriding the Governor’s veto of this important bill for workers and their families! https://t.co/KjEIJQ8QeJ
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) April 9, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO unequivocally supports the efforts of workers everywhere to form a union.
Support the work of the State House Employee Union below #1u #mapoli https://t.co/gpMUgEXcy9 pic.twitter.com/sXa8veoEGK
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
It's Time to Pay Frontline Workers https://t.co/PuG0LELP14 Sign the petition urging Senate Majority Leader @jeremyrmiller to support and pass frontline worker pay for all of Minnesota's essential workers! #1u #mnleg #MakeItRight
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
⚽ ✊ FIFA is selecting the cities across the U.S. that will host the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Sign the petition today and tell FIFA we won’t accept the horrendous conditions and human rights violations tied to previous World Cup tournaments. https://t.co/dAe5XjZ1zA
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the new union nurses at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare! https://t.co/jP8QMXokQj
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 15, 2022Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
Rest in Peace former Nebraska Rep. Ashford, you will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/wwrwOFUP7l
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
We stand in solidarity with the Las Vegas @SpiritAFA in their fight against contract violations, empty promises, and unsafe working conditions by @SpiritAirlines!
How can we expect flight attendants to protect passengers in the air when they themselves aren’t being protected? pic.twitter.com/yh927ETlv2
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Coalition Wednesday! First, meeting with our Moral Economy allies, now the NH Faith & Labor Coalition! These days are a constant reminder that time spent planning in solidarity with our allies is crucial to our success.@AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @Ibew490 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH pic.twitter.com/Cnjw2IXcjh
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 20, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @UFCW Local 360 for successfully organizing cannabis retailer Cannabist in Deptford Township.
The 15 Patient Specialists, or "Budtenders," voted 14 to 1 in favor of joining Local 360 in today's ballot election.
✅ Union Yes! pic.twitter.com/D9xXoLEUjm
New York State AFL-CIO:
We love to see it! #FruitStandWorkersUnited https://t.co/xHVGQSrDZC
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 19, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
"We are proud to support candidates who are willing to stand alongside us and fight for higher wages, safer working conditions, and stronger labor rights." -@marybemcmillan #1u #ncpol https://t.co/hCPbDkaU6G
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://t.co/BNCgnh1snM
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 15, 2022Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
CWA needs your help!
Local 6016 seeks support to create change & bring awareness to the plight of their Union family at the AT&T retail store in Norman!
4-23 @1pm
1444 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK
Help Fight Against - unjust terminations, safety issues & disparity in compensation! pic.twitter.com/jzhVVxX2B9
Oregon AFL-CIO:
We’re proud to stand in solidarity with @OregonNurses at Providence! #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/MXWKVIbkwF
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Time to make wage theft a felony ✊⚖️ https://t.co/QK29Ao5R8Q
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 21, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
🚨ACTION ALERT! SB 2383/HB 2397 requires that some taxpayer-funded projects use products that are "Made in America" whenever possible. Click below to send a pre-written message to your lawmakers asking them to vote YES on SB 2383/HB 2397 ⬇️#1u https://t.co/dJ5Dk0uTNi
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 18, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Congrats to @workersdefense and our other labor allies for this groundbreaking victory in Harris County.
Essential workers deserve essential pay and equitable treatment. https://t.co/FMIlfjRTv7
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Starbucks workers at 5 Richmond area stores today who won their union! @SBWorkersUnited
Organizing for union representation takes courage & today, worker voices have been heard! Virginia is for Unions and we're so proud! #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/G5dGuxXvam
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
🎉 Congratulations to @VzwUnion workers on this massive win! This is worker power in action. https://t.co/aTn48Z0RjB
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 15, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
We Support Nurses Who Are Calling for a Union Voice for Safe, Quality Care at UW Health - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/v8ac6weNsZ
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 21, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/22/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Celebrates 4/20 with Organizing Wins
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.
Wednesday was 4/20, the informal holiday for celebrating all things cannabis. And for some new members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), it was also a day to celebrate their rights as union members in America’s growing cannabis industry. The union continued its organizing winning streak, adding new members in New Jersey, Missouri and Michigan.
Workers (pictured above with New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech [IUOE]) at a cannabis store in Deptford, New Jersey, overwhelmingly voted to form a union with UFCW Local 360. Also on Monday, workers at a recreational cannabis facility in Battle Creek became the first such group to gain union representation in western Michigan by becoming members of UFCW Local 951. And earlier this month, workers at a medical cannabis dispensary in St. Louis voted to form the first such union in the state with UFCW Local 655.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/22/2022 - 09:30Value Our Work: Worker Wins
Despite the challenges of organizing during a deadly pandemic, working people across the country (and beyond) continue organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. This edition begins with:
Consumer Reports Guild Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract: More than 250 workers at Consumer Reports voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract. The workers are members of the Consumer Reports Guild, which has been affiliated with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) for more than 70 years. The new contract includes: guaranteed wage increases of 14.2% over the life of the contract, a $3,000 ratification bonus, up to 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay, creation of a joint labor-management Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, expanded use of paid sick leave and more. “I’m extremely proud of the bargaining committee and the support that our Guild colleagues have given us during two often acrimonious years of bargaining,” said Richard Handel, unit chair at Consumer Reports. “From the start, we fought back against management’s retrogressive proposals and piddly wage offers. As a result, I’m happy to say we got to a good contract. We can’t wait for all our union colleagues to benefit from the strong policies they’ve collectively fought so hard to win.”
IAM Members at Cummins Secure Pay Raises After Nearly Two Months on Strike: After a strike that lasted nearly two months, workers at Cummins locations in New England have achieved the guaranteed pay raises they fought for. After management attempted to implement inconsistent and subjective pay-for-performance rules, the Machinists (IAM) Local 447 members went on strike. They built solidarity with allies, and organized a rally that attracted numerous community organizations and leaders. “Our members at Cummins held strong to get a contract that values their hard work and will make life better for themselves and their families,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “We want to express our sincere thank you to the New England community and elected officials for their unwavering support.” In addition to guaranteed pay raises over the next three years, the new agreement includes more paid holidays, discretionary leave, increased on-call pay and other benefits.
MIT Library Support Staff Ratify First Contract with AFSCME: Library support staff workers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are integral to the work of the university and the success of students. But these workers said they felt invisible at the institution, so they worked with AFSCME to form a union. Now they have ratified their first contract. “A lot of this started in mid-2018,” recalls library associate Lara Day. “There was a lot of continuous distrust from our management. We’d sometimes have a chance for feedback, but rarely anything came from it. We’d put our voices out there but there were no changes. Or, we’d say things and management would do the complete opposite.” In addition to a voice on the job, the support staff were focused on wages, particularly the pay inequities between White male staffers and everyone else. They knew that the best way to address these problems was to join a union. They were right, and the new contract addresses the support staff’s concerns well enough that it was approved unanimously.
UFCW Members in Alaska Secure Better Wages and Benefits in New Contract: More than 1,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) who work at Carrs in Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska, ratified a new three-year contract on March 4. The new agreement includes significant pay increases, improved upward mobility and earning potential, better paid sick leave, increased access to dental and vision coverage, and improved workplace safety. “Members of UFCW Local 1496 voted unanimously to approve an industry-leading contract that is among the most competitive for food and commercial workers in the state of Alaska,” said Local 1496 President Frank Mutchie. “This agreement, which was secured after 10 months of negotiations, ensures workers will receive first day paid sick leave, receive fair pay and wage increases, and have access to affordable, quality health care. The negotiated wage increases means that over the next 18 months, many of our members will earn 17 percent raises, some even higher. This agreement also reduces the length of wage progressions, increasing the upward mobility and earning potential of our members. Furthermore, this contract gives us a real say in scheduling and workplace safety conditions.”
Stater Bros. Grocery Workers in California Ratify a New Contract: On April 9, over 13,000 members of UFCW locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167 and 1428 who work at some 170 Stater Bros. stores in Southern California ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits, provides guaranteed minimum work hours and protects pensions. The deal was reached after months of negotiations and active participation by tens of thousands of California’s essential grocery workers. “After more than two years of risking their lives to serve California’s communities as essential workers, the members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other, and secured one of the most historic contracts in California labor history,” the UFCW locals said in a joint statement. “This contract is a concrete and direct result of their tireless work.”
San Mateo Nurses Secure Numerous Gains in New Contract: Nurses working for San Mateo County ratified a new contract that includes better pay, more input on protections against COVID-19 and other diseases and improved protections against harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Nearly 95% of the registered nurses, members of the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), vote to ratify the contract. “The nurses are thrilled to have secured this unprecedented contract,” said Margarita Harrington, a surgical clinic charge nurse and bargaining team member. “The improvements included in this contract are important to retain and recruit experienced nurses. We know this, in turn, greatly benefits our patients and our community.”
Workers at Parcast Ratify First Union Contract: Members of the Parcast Union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America, East, (WGAE) unanimously ratified their first contract on Monday. Parcast is a popular storytelling podcast production company owned by Spotify. The workers’ new collective bargaining agreement provides significant wage increases, career development and workplace safety provisions, and binding commitments to enhance the company’s diversity, inclusion and equity. “It was a long road, with 15 months of bargaining, to get this deal,” the union’s bargaining committee said. “We’re very happy with the terms of our new Union contract, which we all fought together to achieve. Our unit demonstrated amazing solidarity, all the way to the point of signing a strike pledge, and we’re pleased to be able to move forward together into the next chapter of our effort.”
St. Louis Cannabis Workers Become First to Unionize in the State: Workers at a medical marijuana dispensary in St. Louis voted to join the UFCW, becoming the first cannabis-industry workers in the the state to unionize. The workers at the Root 66 dispensary voted unanimously to become members of UFCW Local 655. “Cannabis workers across the country are voting to join a union because they know it’s the best way to secure good wages and benefits on the job,” said David Cook, president of Local 655. “Workers need economic security and fair treatment in the workplace, and cannabis workers are no different,” he said. “We are committed to helping cannabis workers across Missouri.”
IAM Reaches Industry-Leading Tentative Agreement at Southwest Airlines: Some 7,000 union members at Southwest Airlines will vote on a contract that delivers industry-leading job protections and pay scales, as well as improved mandatory overtime rules. The IAM represents Southwest Airlines’ customer service employees, and its negotiating committee unanimously recommended a “yes” vote for the tentative agreement. Members will decide whether to ratify the four-year tentative agreement in the coming weeks. “Our members should be proud to have stood strong for a contract they deserve,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM chief of staff to the international president. “Thanks to this negotiating committee and the solidarity of our membership, we were able to secure a much stronger tentative agreement that will benefit our members at Southwest Airlines, their families and communities.”
Members of RWDSU-UFCW Win Historic Wage Increases in Contract with Kellogg: On Monday night, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 184-L ratified a new contract containing unprecedented wage increases for workers at Kellogg in Kansas City, Kansas. The new agreement, which covers approximately 570 workers who produce Cheez-It brand snack crackers, brings a 15.5% wage increase over the course of the three-year contract, with an additional $500 bonus for workers in the third year. “These wage increases will help us better provide for our families and improve the quality of our lives. And it’s not just our pay; improved benefits and protected health care with low premiums is what we need and deserve right now,” said Larry Smith, president of RWDSU-UFCW Local 184-L and a worker at Kellogg’s Kansas City plant.
Workers at Condé Nast Request Voluntary Recognition to Form Union: More than 500 workers at iconic magazine publisher Condé Nast delivered a petition to management Tuesday requesting voluntary recognition to form a union with The NewsGuild of New York-CWA. Condé Nast publishes highly regarded titles such as Vanity Fair, Vogue and Bon Appétit. “It comes down to prestige doesn’t pay the bills,” Vanity Fair web producer Jaime Archer told The Washington Post. “We love working here, and we want to keep working here.…If Condé wants to attract the best talent in the business, they have to stop relying on prestige and provide equitable pay and benefits.”
TWU Members at Kalitta Air Secure Their First Contract: Last week, workers at Kalitta Air ratified their first contract as members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The bargaining unit of flight dispatchers voted 87% in favor of their tentative agreement with the cargo air carrier. TWU International President John Samuelsen congratulated his members on their new collective bargaining agreement and said: “Organizing drives aren’t complete until workers win the massively important first contract. A winning drive is nothing but an empty shell absent a winning first contract.”
Minneapolis Educators Ratify Groundbreaking Contract: After nearly three weeks on strike, the courageous members of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals (MFT), AFT-NEA Local 59, have won their fight for safe and stable schools. MFT members voted this past weekend to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Minneapolis Public Schools. The new contract will provide living wages for educational support professionals, retain educators of color and increase mental health support for students all while reducing class sizes and caseloads. Greta Callahan, president of the MFT teachers chapter, said, “We will return to our schools on Monday more united with our students, our communities and each other.”
Google Fiber Contract Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union with CWA: In a sweeping victory for workers who overcame a relentless anti-union campaign from their employer, a group of Google Fiber contractors in Kansas City, Missouri, overwhelmingly won their union election this afternoon. This is the first officially recognized bargaining unit to be formed with Alphabet Workers Union-CWA (AWU-CWA) Local 1400, an affiliate of CODE-CWA. Alphabet—the parent company of Google—is a multitrillion-dollar corporation that heavily relies on contract workers to rake in massive profits. With this groundbreaking win, these workers are now the first to form a union at Google Fiber. “Today, we are elated to see the [National Labor Relations Board] reaffirm what we have already known—that we enjoy overwhelming support for our union as the workers of BDS Connected Solutions, a Google Fiber subcontractor,” said Eris Derickson, a retail associate at BDS Connected Solutions and Google Fiber. “It was always clear to all of us that together we can positively shape our working conditions to ensure we all have access to the quality pay, benefits and protections we have earned.”
AFSCME Member Activism Wins in Florida Legislative Session: The Florida legislative session drew to a close on Monday. For AFSCME Florida Council 79 members, it was the end of a frustrating yet ultimately successful session. Thanks to nonstop grassroots activism, AFSCME members fought off one of the most aggressive anti-union measures proposed in recent history. Additionally, in what would be the largest budget in state history, legislators released $112.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year that, thanks to the union’s lobbying efforts, includes more than $1 billion in pay raises for state workers and contractors. Vicki Hall (pictured above, front row center), president of AFSCME Florida and international vice president of AFSCME, said: “We applaud the leadership of both the House and Senate for historic increases for the state workers who provide the vital, essential services our communities need. State workers need both living wages to lift families out of poverty and enhanced compensation for professionals whose pay has not kept pace with comparable private-sector counterparts.”
LIUNA Secures Strong Apprenticeship Requirements in St. Louis: Members of the Laborers (LIUNA) in St. Louis County, Missouri, have won legislation upgrading apprenticeship requirements on projects valued at more than $75,000, helping to ensure top-notch training, quality construction and new opportunities for workers. The Missouri Kansas Laborers’ District Council celebrated its victory and tweeted: “St. Louis County Bill #8 is a big win for union workers. Our apprenticeship program is world class. Our union apprenticeship program ensures top-notch training that helps keep workers safe. And our craftsmanship saves tax-payer dollars!”
Workers at Nava PBC Form Largest Union in Civic Tech: Workers at Nava PBC made history on Friday, winning voluntary recognition to form the biggest union of civic technology workers in America. Last month, they requested a formal card-check process for their new bargaining unit, Nava United, which was organized by the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Tech Workers Union Local 1010. As these new union members head to the bargaining table, senior infrastructure engineer Sean Fern said: “Everyone asks, ‘What are our demands in building a union?’ And yes, this is about improving our conditions at work—like pay and [paid time off]—but the longer we’ve been organizing, the more I’ve realized this isn’t about any particular demand. We’re doing this to get a say in how company policy evolves in the coming years. We’re doing this to improve how both tech and government contracting industries treat workers.”
New York Times Tech Workers Form Largest Tech Union in the U.S.: New York Times tech workers voted overwhelmingly to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The 600-member unit is now the largest group unionized tech workers at one workplace in the country. The New York Times Tech Guild is pursuing five key goals during their first contract negotiations: improved pay (including equity for women and people of color), affordable health care plans, opportunities for career growth, access to remote work and more inclusive policies such as annually publishing the company's diversity statistics and improving efforts to hire, promote and retain workers of color. The workers overcame what they describe as relentless union-busting methods from the Times. The National Labor Relations Board filed a formal complaint against the company's tactics in December.
Denver ATU Workers Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement: Members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1001 have agreed to a three-year contract with the Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colorado. The new contract raises wages more than 25% over the life of the contract. “ATU 1001 is pleased with the outcome of our contract negotiations with RTD,” said Lance Logenbohn, president of ATU Local 1001. “The bargaining was conducted in good faith, and many significant improvements were made in wages and working conditions. Under General Manager Debra Johnson’s guidance, the district demonstrated a commitment to its union employees and their well-being that is sure to contribute to our mutual goal of the success of the agency.” In addition to wage increases, the new agreement includes improved retirement benefits, a modified work week, vacation flexibility and more.
Center for American Progress Union Union Members Approve New Contract: Members of the Center for American Progress (CAP) Union voted to ratify a new contract that raises salaries and other agreements. This is the third contract for the workers at CAP since they joined the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) in 2016. “We are extremely excited to have reached an agreement with CAP management that reflects the priorities of our members. This wouldn’t have been possible without the solidarity of our members throughout these negotiations,” said CAP Union President Marissa Alayna Navarro. In addition to pay raises, the contract improves workplace transparency, increases equity, improves the review process, provides for severance pay, limits overtime work, encourages internal hiring and other benefits.
REI SoHo Workers Become First Unionized REI Store in the U.S.: More than 85% of workers at the REI Co-Op at Lafayette Street in Manhattan, New York, voted to join the RWDSU-UFCW. This location becomes the first REI location in the U.S. to unionize. Workers say they faced a union-busting campaign similar to what Amazon workers faced in Bessemer, Alabama. “I am proud to be here in this moment with my coworkers at REI SoHo as a part of this new wave of unionization efforts that is sweeping the nation,” stated Claire Chang, a member of the REI SoHo Organizing Committee. “As members of the RWDSU, we know we will be able to harness our collective strength to advocate for a more equitable, safe, and enriching work environment. A union is necessary for many of us to achieve more stability and security in our lives which could allow for us to explore and play more outside of work! As green vests, we believe ‘a life outdoors is a life well lived’ and in order for that to be viable and accessible to us, we need to be at the bargaining table alongside REI leadership to work out a collective bargaining agreement that works for us. Hence, we’re hopeful that REI meets us in good faith during negotiations for our first contract, while keeping our co-op values in mind and applying them to workers, so we can all demonstrate that we really do go further... together!”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/21/2022 - 11:00Tags: Organizing
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: TUCA President Fred Redmond Leads on Organizing at Global Convening
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.
This week, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Vice President Fred Redmond, who serves as president of the Trade Union Confederation of America (TUCA), gathered with international labor leaders in Panama. During the conference, participants exchanged stories on organizing, protecting democracies and building greater gender and racial equity throughout our union structures. Redmond spoke about the progress America’s labor movement is making here in the United States, and what we can do with our brothers, sisters and siblings around the world to fight against corporate greed.
“Amazon workers in New York and Alabama stood up against Jeff Bezos, one of the richest people in the world. And workers at more than 200 Starbucks stores have sought union elections, with more added every day. And they’re winning,” Redmond said. “Our work together at TUCA must be to recognize, strengthen and leverage our unity to combat the challenges ahead.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/21/2022 - 09:26To Protect the Rights of Working People: 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:
#ArabAmericanHeritageMonth continues! Revisit this article from 2019 about the many contributions Arab Americans have made to US Labor. https://t.co/NEKEzDKVUq
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 20, 2022AFGE:
When veterans are pushed into private care, they're just a number. At the VA, they're a name. #SaveMyVA https://t.co/ujOYBSPIKW
— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 20, 2022AFSCME:
Student loan borrowers don’t have to make a loan payment until Aug. 31, thanks to a Biden administration extension. Find out how AFSCME is fighting to provide more relief for public service workers and see if you’re eligible to have your loans forgiven. https://t.co/JzTdFEM2Yr
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 19, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
Last week, the AZ Alliance Executive Director testified at a drug prices hearing held by @SenMarkKelly.
Learn more here: https://t.co/lHxh8SOL3m
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Cleveland Local calls for better protection for our members and riders amidst uptick in violence on the RTA. #NotOneMore #1u https://t.co/pw4Kf6XZLc
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 20, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
Good morning from Detroit, MI! We're kicking off our day with @aftmichigan and @DFT231 at Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle School, visiting students and their educators. pic.twitter.com/TXGouFSfrD
— AFT (@AFTunion) April 20, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Immediately, we urge calm & consistency in airports & on planes. The last thing we need for workers on the frontlines or passengers traveling today is confusion & chaos. Check the latest updates from airlines for specific travel requirements. Read more: pic.twitter.com/6px0OGDCZG
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 18, 2022Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Unionizing is hard, worthy work. It has a way of bringing us together even when we ultimately “lose.”
Listen to this 35-minute recap with Hershey BCTGM supporters NOW 👉 https://t.co/6XTEvUNVg7#bctgmvoices #hersheyunionyes #laborradiopod #1u pic.twitter.com/4ADhvGWcpL
Boilermakers:
Read International President Jones' recent commentary on the war on Ukraine and the need to rethink energy security ➡️ https://t.co/wj4rUNqU9m#BoilermakersUnion pic.twitter.com/wj3YpV2U6z
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 20, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Winning! https://t.co/HilafV3FjT #amazonlaborunion
— CBTU (@CBTU72) April 19, 2022Communications Workers of America:
We are so excited to welcome Apple workers into CWA! ✊ https://t.co/kNRddDWQvi
— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 20, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
We are supporting efforts to make architecture firms and workplaces better and are looking for information about conditions in the industry. Help us by filling out our short survey on work conditions in the architecture industry: https://t.co/EwBlCqwum1 pic.twitter.com/op2l4Qf8Ck
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 20, 2022Electrical Workers:
It's a new National Labor Relations Board and its finally doing its job: to protect the rights of working people. https://t.co/hsWM2wT7Sd
— IBEW (@IBEW) April 20, 2022Fire Fighters:
The @IAFF5TH will host an IAFF Partnership Education Program (PEP) Event on May 24-25, 2022 at Hilton Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN. Learn more: https://t.co/I6wf82ZBII pic.twitter.com/p4AofEAsHn
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) April 20, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
Calling all women who want equal pay, education without debt and room to grow in your position. Join the Insulators Union Here is a snapshot of life as a female Mechanical Insulator: https://t.co/Kyi7G6JwZK pic.twitter.com/5BQHeK0WdK
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 20, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
Brand new CCSF employees and Local 21 members from our New Employee Orientation 💙✨ are wearing #UnionProud stickers today to show our support for the San Francisco bargaining team.
Let's reach a deal this week that invests in staffing up our public services! #StaffUpSF pic.twitter.com/1ZE1yp4RTl
International Labor Communications Association:
This #MemberMonday we’re celebrating ILCA member @MIBldgTrades! The Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council supports the interests of nearly 100,000 construction workers in the State of Michigan. pic.twitter.com/9svvnMhKPq
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) April 18, 2022Jobs With Justice:
#TheFutureWeNeed: Organize for a Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century is available now! Get your own guide to organizing a better democracy in the twenty-first century. https://t.co/i6wRJCKq17
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 19, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Flint Michigan’s largest union @AFSCME Local 1600 is getting a new contract, its first in over a decade! #UnionStronghttps://t.co/L2h5gx9Z5Z
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 19, 2022Laborers:
#ProtectLIUNAPay by supporting the Dept of Labor's historic update to protect & strengthen Davis-Bacon #prevailingwages. These changes will protect Laborers’ wages, and ensure union contractors have a fair shot. Go to https://t.co/jeP6VUbmEO pic.twitter.com/ASqlIBBKNH
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 19, 2022Machinists:
We agree. Bring hotel workers back to work full-time.https://t.co/2NC6UouFN3
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 19, 2022Metal Trades Department:
Do you wish to do more for workers? Well you can help by finding a picket line near you or donating to a strike fund. #Solidarity #LaborMovementhttps://t.co/tWthmWoOCw
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 20, 2022Mine Workers:
A little Thursday shout out to the members of Local Union 8935 in Trinidad, Colorado!https://t.co/6ux3scgDPH
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 14, 2022Musical Artists:
AGMA will host two free webinars for performing artists! The webinars will focus on union organizing within the Opera (May 9) and Ballet (May 11) worlds. Learn more: https://t.co/PgbzNFGfdJ pic.twitter.com/MlSotimSr4
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 18, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
President Rich Santa & NEA RVP Brian Shallenberger joined other aviation and aerospace community members at the @airandspace last month to honor the winners of the museum’s 2022 Michael Collins Trophies for Current Achievement and Lifetime Achievement. https://t.co/y1QQgd0Z7A pic.twitter.com/JJ2aN36EyI
— NATCA (@NATCA) April 20, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
NALC Director of Retired Members Dan Toth met with Phoenix, AZ Branch 576 and Auxiliary 377 at their meeting in January. Pictured here (left to right): Barbara Lewis, Dan Toth, Rosemary White, Jana Maron, NALC Auxiliary Vice President Cynthia Martinez pic.twitter.com/U5BC4RyfCA
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 19, 2022National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Lladi was deported after ICE’s retaliatory raids in Mississippi. She made the journey back to escape threats and reunite w/ family - instead of protection, she is jailed by ICE. Will @SecMayorkas use his power n discretion to #FreeLladi, or will DHS continue the harm? #Dale pic.twitter.com/jaV3jN3RsF
— NDLON (@NDLON) April 20, 2022National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Ensuring livable wages for home health care workers requires making sure providers have necessary funding. That’s how we achieve pay equity. https://t.co/R9elhLHZtP
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 19, 2022National Federation of Federal Employees:
NFFE Praises @USOPM Strategies to Promote Worker Organizing and Empowerment Buttressed by Biden Executive Order - https://t.co/qeSINrjrkq
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 12, 2022National Nurses United:
This is appalling.
When @VAAugusta nurses spoke up against a hostile work environment, the VA director threatened nurses with arrest, blocked emergency room access with a truck barricade, and bullied nurses who were advocating for patients. https://t.co/b442mi1OBt
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Reason 5,602 why local regulation matters. @Uber needs to adopt this nation-wide and not leave drivers at risk, especially in cities where most Uber/Lyft cars are without a partition & mainly used for personal transport. https://t.co/Zvl5xubW4Z
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) April 19, 2022NFL Players Association:
Announcing the first two Playmakers for our NFLPA Driven Accelerator: @GreentopGifts and @Signables1!
Driven was created to accelerate diverse-led, early-stage consumer product businesses through a robust two-year group licensing + marketing curriculum: https://t.co/uT9ZUGT9NA. pic.twitter.com/hBafUW5ftT
North America's Building Trades Unions:
ICYMI: Check out this @ENRNews article recapping some of the best speeches from this year’s Legislative Conference and the importance of developing the next generation of #BuildingTrades members.https://t.co/B4DIpLZQVN
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 19, 2022Office and Professional Employees:
If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.
That’s why OPEIU is committed to the organizing model and why we continue to organize the unorganized. ✊ https://t.co/Q7JhiIQb0p
Painters and Allied Trades:
When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
Congratulations to @IUPATDC3 LU 2012 on winning their largest contract increase in 17 years after over a week on strike!https://t.co/E4ZYcfdPij
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Get ready for the Falls #StandDown4Safety. Order your free hardhat stickers today: https://t.co/i9AbG5dQ3w
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 19, 2022Pride At Work:
At a time when teacher shortages are an issue nationwide, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed in Florida is making it even harder to retain educators. @NEAToday @AFTunion https://t.co/11IqYRl7ZP
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) April 14, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS stands w/ union brothers & sisters @SpiritAFA @afa_cwa @MCO calling @SpiritAirlines to treat them w/ dignity, respect they deserve! Flight attendants can't protect passengers in the air if they aren't protected themselves! #EnoughIsEnough #unionsolidarity #aviationsafety https://t.co/9ATYz3i2ME
— PASS (@PASSNational) April 11, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Cannabis jobs should *always* be good, union jobs! #CannabisWorkersUnion https://t.co/tuKZV4ruBY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 20, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
When properly installed, guardrails can prevent falls. Learn more at: https://t.co/6bFN4YLm3l #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/YCxXtCguwv
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 20, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
See you Monday, members of @PressClubDC! #NPCLive #1u https://t.co/R7qwDMykRB
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 19, 2022Seafarers:
Ukraine: More than one hundred seafarers’ family members helped to escape conflict https://t.co/WtlDxzrZCL #1u #Maritime #Ukraine
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) April 12, 2022Solidarity Center:
We #StandWithUkraine. Here's some groups supporting Ukrainians as they shelter in-country or flee war. https://t.co/iyp13PE7U5 & https://t.co/vEOubqThjx & https://t.co/8Ku6TSaxuL & https://t.co/H7AorNk3hs & https://t.co/mxnWNwIVk5 pic.twitter.com/YkPJq6jjg0
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 8, 2022TCU/IAM:
Rail Labor Echoes NGFA Service Complaints https://t.co/RLD0MluwVn via @TTDAFLCIO
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) April 14, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
You wanted mugs, you got mugs! Get 'em while the coffee's hot!https://t.co/zz3BQaupub https://t.co/aCdrehUczB pic.twitter.com/C2VBQQpK8n
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 20, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
These Young Workers just wrapped up another day of growth and learning at #YWCC2022 in Minneapolis! Attendees are eager to lead, engage, educate, and support the next generation of active IATSE leaders to build long-term collective power! pic.twitter.com/HXIlg8y5EU
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 13, 2022Transport Workers Union:
via @NYTimes — great article by @migold on the shooting on the N Train in #sunsetpark. Great reporting on our members and their professionalism in the face of chaos @AFLCIO @CentralLaborNYC @transportworker https://t.co/mHxGiE2z6J
— TWU Local 100 (@TWULocal100) April 16, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
👋 Does your food cost more now? Thank the nation's freight railroads for breaking the supply chain with deep job cuts and inadequate service to get goods to market.
The railroads eliminated 20% of their workforce prior to the pandemic and are in a crisis of their own making. https://t.co/zFMjDCKhUY
UAW:
UAW's Family Scholarship program changes lives & is an incredible way to introduce your family to the labor movement. If you would like to be considered, fill out the online form and mail it to your local. https://t.co/DN23r4REqb
— UAW (@UAW) April 14, 2022Union Veterans Council:
We did, so should you❗️❗️#BurnPits #PACTAct ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/5CBRHRwghL
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) April 19, 2022UNITE HERE:
"Young radicals today can help to transform the labor movement from the bottom up — put the “movement” back in the labor movement, as the labor organization Labor Notes’ slogan goes — by getting a job and organizing at work."https://t.co/mFOcSLKwwQ
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 19, 2022United Food and Commercial Workers:
UFCW Local 75 members Mary Ross and Brian Baker from Kroger 836 showing some co-worker lover 💛 💙 Mary Ross has been a member since 1985 and Brian Baker has been member since 2003. pic.twitter.com/ekj2Ck8qnF
— UFCW Local 75 (@UFCW75) April 19, 2022United Steelworkers:
USW Applauds the Biden Administration’s Interim Build America, Buy America Guidance https://t.co/g4GL3sRW1K
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) April 19, 2022United Students Against Sweatshops:
TAKE ACTION NOW in solidarity with garment workers producing @Nike collegiate apparel. USASers across the country refuse to allow our universities to be complicit in mass wage theft. Learn more: https://t.co/CabLo1lP8s pic.twitter.com/rx3pG5JVSc
— USAS (@USAS) April 18, 2022Utility Workers:
⚡️Shout out to all the UWUA apprentices out there-- past, current, and future! #UnionStrong #Solidarity https://t.co/hyDNmQcTWy
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 20, 2022Working America:
Americans are fighting for dignity at work, and standing up against corporate greed. #1u pic.twitter.com/yckzfxEdzJ
— Working America | Pass the #PROAct (@WorkingAmerica) April 15, 2022Writers Guild of America, East:
The WGAE is proud to be a partner in helping create the #GoodEnergyPlaybook. We highly recommend writers check out this valuable resource. https://t.co/ybUGAF88Hs
— Writers Guild of America, East / #PROAct (@WGAEast) April 19, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/20/2022 - 15:50Service + Solidarity Spotlight: TWU, ATU Call for Action to Halt Increasing Violence on Public Transportation
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.
Last week’s shooting on a New York City subway train was the latest in a growing number of violent incidents to take place in America’s public transportation systems. Five members (pictured above) of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 received commendations from New York Mayor Eric Adams in recognition of their brave response to the subway shooting. In the wake of this incident, America’s transportation unions are reiterating their call for comprehensive staffing levels and increased safety measures.
Local 100, which represents workers in New York’s subways, said, “This latest emergency illustrates again why we need station agents, and fully staffed trains with both a conductor and a train operator on board, to assist with evacuations and communications.” TWU International President John Samuelsen (not pictured) added: “The conductors proved heroic in the evacuation of the system. It wouldn’t have happened without the train crews.”
Unlike violent incidents that take place onboard airplanes, the federal government does not track violence on public transit. “For years they have just been sweeping it under the rug and hiding it,” Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) President John Costa (not pictured) told NewsNation. “I saw one of my operators get stabbed seven times and they called it a simple assault. You stabbed me seven times and that is not attempted murder? We had to go fight that.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/20/2022 - 09:36Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Pro Athletes’ Unions Honor Jackie Robinson’s Lasting Legacy
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.
Eight professional sports unions came together on Friday to pay tribute to legendary trailblazer Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in modern Major League Baseball. The unions, including the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), shared this statement:
“On this, the 75th anniversary of Jackie’s debut, it’s clear that the inclusion of Black athletes has raised the quality of play on the field….The courage and perseverance that Jackie Robinson displayed with his groundbreaking achievement should inspire us all to recommit ourselves to the quest for diversity, inclusion and equality in all occupations and walks of life.”
Union Busting Is Digusting: 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.
Companies Like Amazon Spend Millions on Anti-Union Efforts. Where’s That Money Going?: “Employers spend about $340 million a year on consultants to prevent union elections, according to a 2019 report from the Economic Policy Institute. Laboratory Corp. of America spent $4.3 million on these efforts between 2014 and 2018, while FedEx spent $837,000 over the same period and Quest Diagnostics (one of America’s largest COVID-19 testing companies) spent $200,000 between 2015 and 2017. The EPI also found that consultants can get paid $350-plus an hour or $2,500-plus a day.”
TTD Union Asks Federal Regulators to Delve Into Rail Service, Employment Issues: “The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO has joined the chorus of organizations asking federal regulators to address Class I railroad service problems. ‘It is clear that a lack of oversight has allowed Class I railroads to operate in a manner that is harmful to shippers, employees, and the American public, and these issues will not resolve out of self-regulation by the carriers,’ TTD President Greg Regan wrote in a letter sent to the Surface Transportation Board on Monday. ‘We urge the Board to continue to delve into the service issues faced by shippers, and how these issues have been caused or exacerbated by an overly reduced workforce.’”
Amazon Workers Seriously Injured at Twice the Rate of Other Warehouses, Study Finds: “Injuries at Amazon warehouses jumped last year, according to a study published Tuesday by union coalition the Strategic Organizing Center. Injury reports at Amazon warehouses exceeded 38,000 in 2021, an increase of more than 20% over the previous year, according to the study. Of the recorded injuries, more than 89%, or roughly 34,000, were classified as ‘serious’ injuries that left employees either unable to perform their regular job functions or forced them to miss work entirely.”
Vice President Kamala Harris Offers Union Support in Philadelphia Visit: “Liz Shuler, president of the national AFL-CIO talked about how the Biden-Harris administration was one of the most pro-union ever. ‘It looks like a national labor relations board that is ready to put an end to the days of captive audience meetings and bosses cornering employees about unions,’ Shuler said. ‘Put that away. It looks like an administration that puts working people at the heart of their plans for recovery and for the future.’ ‘This administration is not afraid to say the word union,’ said Walsh, a former Mayor of Boston and union leader. He added the Biden infrastructure bill has high standards to ‘build a middle class for all.’”
Labor Board’s Top Counsel Makes a Formal Move to Make it Easier to Unionize: “‘Reinstating Joy Silk in its original form would stop employers from playing games and refusing to recognize a union when workers have unquestionable proof of majority support and would deter employers from unlawfully interfering in organizing campaigns,’ wrote American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) President Liz Shuler on Tuesday.”
On Strike for a Year, Alabama Coal Miners Say: ‘We Won’t Back Down!’: “Members of United Mine Workers (UMWA) Locals 2245, 2368 and 2397 continue to ‘hold the line’ against predatory Warrior Met Coal. They walked out 370 days ago to protest the company breaking its promise to reverse givebacks that workers made in 2016. To save the parent coal company from bankruptcy, the miners had agreed to bone-deep cuts in wages, health benefits, leave time and other previous gains. Alabama AFL-CIO President Ben Riley summed up the solidarity of the rally: ‘Our labor family is supporting you, across the U.S., across the globe. Give ’em hell!’ In addition to Riley, presidents or other officers of the Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia state AFL-CIOs spoke. They brought contingents ranging from mining to tobacco to confectionary production workers.”
Kamala Harris, Marty Walsh and the Unlikely Bonds of Politics: “‘They make such a powerful pairing because they bring different perspectives but are rooted in the same values,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. ‘Sometimes the most rich exchange of ideas and perspectives is when you come from such different places.’”
Largest U.S. Union Federation Presses FIFA on Labor Rights Around 2026 World Cup: “FIFA wrote back in January 2022, dismissing concerns about the governing body’s human rights policies and implementation of them. ‘It was really just a superficial response. There were no initial commitments, no serious commitment to engaging us,’ said Cathy Feingold, Director of the International Department at the AFL-CIO. Feingold explained now is the time multi-million dollar deals are made ahead of the 2026 World Cup, in terms of major tax breaks and contract bids, and the coalition is pushing for minimum labor standards to be included in these deals, such as local hiring and diversity hiring directives, use of unionized labor discrimination protections for workers, healthcare access while workers are working events, and minimum wage standards for the event that generates billions of dollars in revenue and profits. In their response, the AFL-CIO and other groups set a deadline of March 15, 2022 for FIFA to schedule a meeting with the groups to discuss the issues before host cities for the 2026 World Cup are selected.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/18/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Take Action: Red Cross Workers Need Your Help
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.
American Red Cross employees, members of 10 different unions, are reaching a breaking point, and they need your support in negotiations with their employer before their contract expires on May 31. After more than two years on the front lines of the pandemic, these everyday heroes who collect our lifesaving blood supply are mobilizing for a fair contract that addresses chronic understaffing and unsafe working conditions.
While executives were safe at home, Red Cross staff put themselves in harm’s way working in our communities. At times, they weren’t even provided adequate personal protective equipment. And when they were exposed to COVID-19 on the job, they were told to go home—often without pay.
Red Cross workers are deeply committed to their jobs, but they will not sit back and watch while their colleagues and donors are put at risk because management has no respect for front-line heroes.
Take action and tell the American Red Cross: Front-line workers deserve respect and a fair contract.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/18/2022 - 09:37Stand Up, Fight Back: 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.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Photos from today https://t.co/lqt32OrKhL pic.twitter.com/rZ2eAJnYsb
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 7, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Confirmation Is a Victory for Working People—and Democracy #1u pic.twitter.com/K01FqpDbfu
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 7, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Nearly 80% of young people support unions, an all-time high. And they're breathing new life into our movement. The amazing organizing we're seeing at Starbucks, Amazon & other corporations isn't a "moment." This is the future & the future is #UnionStrong! https://t.co/4FuH3u5Kj3.
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 11, 2022Colorado AFL-CIO:
On tonight's Labor Exchange - an interview with Carl Smith with SMART-TD on a new attendance policy at BNSF Railway that is raising concerns on safety and workers quality of live. LISTEN 6:00 p.m. TONIGHT on https://t.co/fuXuspKDjv 88.5 FM 1390 AM Denver/Boulder pic.twitter.com/t81ko4cl3w
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 4, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Ally Dube was a school bus driver. When Ally and her co-workers tried to form a union, they were subjected to intense captive audience meetings where she felt "like a hostage."
Watch the full video & take action: https://t.co/GyzJzTiC71 pic.twitter.com/NbAyrkjjmT
Florida AFL-CIO:
Happening Now: @SCPABrevard joins @rtemplin and @AnnaForFlorida for a discussion about the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. https://t.co/RnXX6hcWeV
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 7, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
What do we do? STAND UP, FIGHT BACK. #1u pic.twitter.com/5U0F4zdDPC
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 3, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week. Drive safely and use extra caution in work zones to protect our brothers and sisters working near the road. pic.twitter.com/OUBeY3dzVd
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 11, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
BLUE STATEHOUSE ALERT – ONE WEEK LEFT https://t.co/SrUdoRjegA
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) April 12, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
LD 1969 would ensure renewable energy policies create good quality jobs that pay living wages! #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/yK2Z2nKBzI
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 12, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Thank you, Maryland General Assembly, for overriding the Governor’s veto of this important bill for workers and their families! https://t.co/KjEIJQ8QeJ
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) April 9, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Tell Your State Legislators: Save Massachusetts Call Center Jobs! #1u #mapoli https://t.co/ClG8dmq3xG
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) April 12, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
ICYMI: Minnesota nurses share ‘Why We Left’ the bedside in new report, call for solutions to staffing and retention crisis https://t.co/vSdsdBwW9t #1u #mnleg @mnnurses pic.twitter.com/EktQKBUEWt
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 7, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
We are building union diversity! https://t.co/9N7VO17MNX
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 11, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
#mtnews #unionstrong https://t.co/RyJvXZsB4T
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 11, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Enjoying an amazing afternoon with @GovSisolak, @SomosVotantes, & @NevadaHLC at the 8th Annual César Chávez Day festival! pic.twitter.com/ekXPSbAcDN
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 2, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Everyone in the labor movement in New Hampshire has lost a valued friend and ally. You will be missed, Rep. Rogers. https://t.co/fywhhYIyuw
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 11, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
The 2022-23 New York State budget includes several victories for working people. Read the statement by New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento: https://t.co/DFrhtMNG4g
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 11, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Good jobs.✅
Lower childcare costs. ✅
Improved healthcare access. ✅
Invests in education. ✅
Protects our right to organize. ✅
"Let's pass a Workers First Agenda and build a better America!" -@marybemcmillan #1u pic.twitter.com/kBDresfPiB
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Letter: Investing in child care solutions will benefit us all https://t.co/FZQqMxqGro
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) April 6, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
We are wide awake and fighting like hell to make sure #Ohio's workers have a champion to stand shoulder to shoulder with @SenSherrodBrown https://t.co/dbYPxSCqjd
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 12, 2022Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Oklahoma Union Volunteers Build 120 Fish Habitats Over A 3-Day Expo!
Thank you everyone who helped!!
Read the article in full...https://t.co/nKn08otl3W
Oregon AFL-CIO:
While the Senate played political games, working people struggled for years. It is now time for your senators to do their jobs. @AFLCIO https://t.co/EK686uTeV9 pic.twitter.com/nNW2NaReMb
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 11, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Pittsburgh, PA) – Frank Snyder was elected president of Pennsylvania AFL-CIO on Wednesday, and his running mate, Angela Ferritto, was elected as secretary-treasurer of the state federation.
/1 pic.twitter.com/5TuPSDPAjS
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Read this week's E-News -->https://t.co/8HfXDlZCrR @LIUNALocal271 @Fuerza_Laboral #1u #Unions #UnionStrong #UnionYes
Send your E-Mail to Info@riaflcio.com to receive it weekly in your inbox. pic.twitter.com/YGEXy4pKhH
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Starting off our Monday by celebrating the fact that we officially passed a bill last week...no small feat in a legislature with a Rep. supermajority!
Details on the win, plus a call to action on "Buy American" legislation in this week's update below #1uhttps://t.co/kpJn3FKsrx
Texas AFL-CIO:
Gov. Greg Abbott’s bogus edict that gender-affirming health care = “child abuse” has prompted dedicated state employees to resign, @TexasTribune reports. Despicable order targets children, subverts actual child abuse prevention. https://t.co/IlL2qyNOE1
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 11, 2022Virginia AFL-CIO:
Today we celebrate the historic vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her strong character and exemplary service reflect the best of our nation. The working people of Virginia are proud of our Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for standing on the pic.twitter.com/kETbT2vs6p
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) April 7, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Are you interested in building power for workers? Want to get your start working in the labor movement? Then Union Summer is for you! Spend 6 weeks getting hands-on experience w/ local unions and pro-worker candidates. Get all the details and apply at: https://t.co/Pyaf1jLVVt #1u pic.twitter.com/90J1GY0D68
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 11, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Wisconsin AFL-CIO’s Bloomingdale Congratulates Ketanji Brown Jackson on Historic Confirmation to US Supreme Court https://t.co/nkXhiFkiv0
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 8, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/14/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF’s Annual National Boot Day Raises Funds for Muscular Dystrophy
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.
Yesterday was National Boot Day, where the Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) partner to raise funds for research and care for families living with muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s disease and related neuromuscular diseases. For 68 years, the IAFF and MDA have worked together to raise more than $679 million. National Boot Day kicks off more than 2,000 events to support the 300,000 families in the United States who live with these related diseases.
“Traditions are at the heart of the fire service, and MDA’s Fill the Boot, which the IAFF began in Boston over 60 years ago, is very dear and personal to me. With gratitude for the trust of the MDA family, the IAFF is taking to the streets throughout the United States and Canada to Fill the Boot once again. The pandemic has taken its toll on MDA fundraising, and we need to double our efforts,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “The kids need us, and MDA is ringing the bell.”
“Our partners at IAFF have been a vital part of the MDA family in communities across America for decades. We are forever grateful to IAFF for maintaining their strong commitment to the Fill the Boot program,” said Donald S. Wood, president and CEO of MDA. “Thanks to fire fighters filling the boot for decades, the pipeline of promise is growing and creating hope [for] a longer, more independent life for the millions of people and their families who are at the heart of MDA’s mission.”
Make a donation to help Fill the Boot.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/14/2022 - 09:31Service + Solidarity Spotlight: International Transport Workers’ Federation Rescues Families in Ukraine
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), in connection with several partners, has been working to help seafarers and their families find refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ITF, which counts among its affiliates numerous U.S. unions, has teamed up with the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) and shipping company V.Group to help more than 100 people find safety as the conflict rages. In particular, the initiative has focused on port cities like Odesa and Mariupol.
Oleg Grygoriuk, chair of MTWTU, explained the process: “Many seafarers’ families are at the epicenter of the military actions taking place in key maritime cities in Ukraine. We do our best to ensure safety for seafarers’ families. Prior to the start of this project, we helped more than 60 people to cross the border using MTWTU resources. We gained valuable experience and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this project, which definitely is the number one priority for seafarers’ families now.”
Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said: “In less than three weeks we have helped more than 100 people reach safe and secure accommodation and provided support as they plan their onward journeys. Today we heard that three families managed to make the move from Kherson to Odesa and will be on their way to safety on the next bus out this week. We can barely imagine the levels of courage and endurance required to take these perilous journeys. We continue to call for industry partners to join our initiative so that we can keep the project running for as long as it is needed and help as many families as possible.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/13/2022 - 09:43Tags: Ukraine
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Take Action to Support Federal Arts Funding
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.
Working people are coming together to call on Congress to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). These organizations support job opportunities for creative professionals and boost local economies across the country. Both are critical not only for enriching the lives of working people and our families, they also are critical in advancing diversity, inclusion and equity in the arts, entertainment and media industries. The letter calls upon funding for the NEA and NEH to be set at $204 million for next year in pursuit of a bigger goal of restoring funding for these organizations to $1 per capita, or $331 million.
Call your members of Congress today and ask them to sign the letter supporting $204 million in funding for the NEA and NEH.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/12/2022 - 09:30The Future of America's Labor Movement: 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.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the Future of America's Labor Movement: “Liz Shuler is the first woman ever elected president of the AFL-CIO. She took over a time when the world of work has been turned upside down. Today, On Point: A Conversation with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.”
NLRB Lawyer Seeks to Toss Out Company Meetings on Unions: “The top lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board will ask the board to rule that mandatory meetings held by some companies to persuade their workers to reject unions is a violation of federal labor law. NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo said in a memo to the agency’s field offices Thursday that she believes these meetings, sometimes referred to as ‘captive audience meetings,’ are at odds with the National Labor Relations Act. She argues the law allows workers to refrain from listening to employer speech about collective bargaining. The meetings are routinely held by companies such as Amazon and Starbucks during union drives. The labor board has allowed corporations to hold such meetings in the past but Abruzzo, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, is seeking to overturn that precedent.”
‘Amazon, Here We Come’: Biden Boosts Warehouse Unionization Efforts: “President Joe Biden on Wednesday expressed support for efforts to unionize Amazon workers, after one of the company’s warehouses voted to join a union last week. ‘The choice to join a union belongs to workers alone,’ Biden said in remarks at the national conference of North America’s Building Trades Unions. ‘By the way, Amazon, here we come. Watch.’”
AFL-CIO’s Shuler Envisions a More Diverse Construction Workforce: “Democratic President Joe Biden’s five-year $1.2 trillion Infrastructure And Jobs Act presents building trades unions with ‘a golden opportunity’ to grow, but ‘it’s up to us’ to shape the future U.S. construction workforce, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler says.”
Infrastructure Law Demands New Focus on Transit Worker Assaults: “Transit operators and unions say they’ve seen a spike in violence against transit workers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And workers complain it’s hard to quantify that spike. Under the Federal Transit Administration’s prior definition, a worker was considered assaulted if, for example, they had to be hospitalized for more than 48 hours or if they had certain fractures, severe bleeding, or damage to nerves, muscles, tendons or internal organs. The FTA also does not separate customer assaults from assaults by fellow workers in the National Transit Database, according to the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. That the law creates a more specific definition of assault is important, according to Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Currently, ‘the way they define assault is really odd,’ he said. ‘You could have a worker with a broken nose, and it would not be considered an assault under the current guidelines. Similarly, a driver who had hot coffee thrown on him would not be considered assaulted.’”
WRTP: Awarded Mark H. Ayer’s Community Achievement Award by North America’s Building Trade Unions: “BIG STEP (WRTP) and the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council (MBCTC) have been awarded the prestigious Mark H. Ayer’s Award by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). NABTU announced the award recently in response to the ongoing work by WRTP and MBCTC to engage women in careers in the trades. Mark H. Ayers was an American labor leader and president of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department from 2007 until his death in 2012. The award was established to recognize and honor programs and individuals that expand, grow, and open new doors that provide opportunities for all.”
Spotify Podcast Union Is Ready to Strike Over Contract Terms: “A Spotify Technology SA podcast union said its members are willing to walk off the job if the company doesn’t meet its contract demands, complicating the streaming giant’s effort to build out that business. The Parcast Union, affiliated with the Writers Guild of America, East, is meeting with management for final contract negotiations this month and said outstanding issues include staff diversity, control of intellectual property rights and pay.”
‘We’re Not Disposable’: Massachusetts Senate Staff Move to Form Union: “Senate employees at the Massachusetts State House launched a petition to form a union this week, hoping to become the second collective bargaining unit of legislative staff in the nation after workers in Oregon unionized last year. ‘We are not disposable. We are people who provide a valuable service to the commonwealth and deserve workplace protections,’ said Evan Berry, an organizer and communications director for Sen. Becca Rausch. ‘At the end of the day, we're still trying to put food on our tables and get by paycheck to paycheck.’ Union organizers secured a majority of support for the effort and are organizing with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 2222.”
Worker-Led Win at Amazon Warehouse Could Provide New Labor Playbook: “‘If you think of unions as just for a certain industry or sector from the ‘old economy,’ that’s not the case. It’s an outdated view of what unions are,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in an interview. ‘Unions are what you want them to be. The workers themselves define it, and I’m seeing all kinds of innovative examples of unions being used to negotiate their companies carbon footprint, and workers in some of these new ‘emerging industries’ are facing the same working conditions and challenges around securing predictable schedules and decent pay and benefits as workers in the traditional economy.’”
The March Jobs Report Was the First Good Month for Black Women in a While: “‘After the Great Recession, it took a long time for Black women's labor force participation to climb back up,’ Dr. William Spriggs, the chief economist of the AFL-CIO and economics professor at Howard University, told Insider. ‘Fortunately, we're not waiting years in this case.’ However, the participation rate dropped for Black men, as 149,000 Black men exited the labor force in March.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/11/2022 - 12:57Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Wisconsin AFL-CIO Supports Striking UAW Members at Vollrath Manufacturing
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 April 4, more than 250 members of UAW Local 1472 went on strike at Vollrath Manufacturing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The workers at Vollrath produce deep drawing, metal spinning, metal fabrication, annealing, polishing and finishing, and refrigeration systems. The workers are striking over wages and the equitable elimination of wage tiers for employees.
President Stephanie Bloomingdale (AFT) said the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO fully supports the UAW members: “The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of UAW Local 1472 on strike at Vollrath in Sheboygan for a fair and just contract. UAW Local 1472 members are holding the line to protect our American middle class and standing up for fair wages and benefits. We urge Vollrath to come back to the table and negotiate in good faith with meaningful proposals to reach a mutually agreeable contract. It’s never easy to go on strike. The brave members of UAW Local 1472 are coming together and taking courageous action to protect and advance good jobs in our local communities across Wisconsin.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/11/2022 - 09:31Working People Celebrate the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
After Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to be the next associate justice of the Supreme Court, working people celebrated the historic appointment. Here's what they said:
AFL-CIO: Today’s historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court ushers in a new era for our country, and we congratulate her on this extraordinary achievement. Throughout her confirmation hearings, Judge Jackson demonstrated why she is more than deserving of a seat on the bench. She personified grace and integrity in the face of many outrageous attacks on her character and impeccable credentials. Judge Jackson has the experience, temperament and commitment to ensure the judicial fairness we need in an associate justice. Her intellect, legal knowledge and record of upholding justice under the law will be invaluable as she makes decisions that directly impact the lives of working people, and champions equal rights. Judge Jackson’s life story and the milestone she has reached send a potent message to women and girls across this nation that nothing—not even a seat on our highest court—is out of their reach.
Judge Jackson’s confirmation is a victory for our democracy and our nation, and we look forward to her serving on the bench for a very long time.
—AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
Actors’ Equity Association: As a nation, we are better served when diversity of thought, background and lived experience are represented on the Supreme Court, and so we celebrate Justice Jackson’s confirmation not only because of her enormous qualifications, but also because the presence of a Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court is long overdue. Additionally, Justice Jackson’s record on labor is superb. Time and again her rulings from the bench have recognized the inherent right of workers to unionize, which makes our jobs safer and more equitable. By now, we’ve all seen the photo of Justice Jackson in Little Shop of Horrors; it’s a delightful bonus that she has experienced the human labor that goes into creating live theatre. Equity is confident that Justice Jackson will be a wise and fair arbiter of the complex issues that come before our nation’s highest court.
—President Kate Shindle
AFGE: Judge Jackson has made history as the first Black woman ever confirmed to the highest court of the land. This is indeed a cause for celebration, as yet another barrier has been overcome in the fight for equality.
Judge Jackson’s previous work as a public defender and an advocate for reforming our criminal sentencing laws, along with her prior judicial rulings, show she will affirm the rights of regular American workers and everyday citizens while holding accountable those who break the law—even the most powerful among us.
On behalf of all the federal and D.C. government workers AFGE represents, I congratulate Justice Jackson on her historic achievement.
—National President Everett Kelley
AFSCME: Today is a joyous day in our history, as we celebrate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the nation’s highest court. As Justice Jackson demonstrated in her confirmation hearings, she is an exemplary, fair and skilled jurist who will fiercely defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law against escalating attacks on our democracy and working people.
Justice Jackson’s life experience and extraordinary professional credentials have prepared her for this moment. As the daughter of two public school teachers, as a public-school graduate, as a clerk at every level of the federal judiciary, as a former federal public defender, sentencing commissioner, district court judge and appellate court judge, her understanding of the challenges working people face is unparalleled.
This is also a watershed moment in the struggle for racial and gender justice, as Justice Jackson becomes the first African-American woman to sit on the Supreme Court. The determination and pursuit of excellence that earned her this appointment are a testament to the promise of our nation. Even in the face of intolerance and bigotry, even with so many barriers to progress, we can make America better. Justice Jackson inspires and paves the way for a new generation of leaders, especially young women of color, who now stand even taller on her shoulders.
On behalf of AFSCME’s 1.4 million members, I congratulate our newest Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
—President Lee Saunders
Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU): Today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson broke barriers as the first Black woman to serve on the highest Court in the United States. The historic confirmation of Judge Jackson, one of our nation’s brightest legal minds to the Supreme Court, means that Americans have a highly qualified Justice who has a clear understanding of the lives of working people and a long record of protecting them.
Judge Jackson, a daughter of public school teachers, has been a tireless advocate for the American people with exceptional qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. With extensive litigation experience at every level of the federal court system, Judge Jackson has demonstrated through her extraordinary legal career that she will be a champion for justice and a defender of civil rights. She is the right person for this moment.
We congratulate Judge Jackson and the Biden Administration on this historic day for our country. President Biden promised to nominate a candidate who is a more accurate reflection of the American people, and he kept that promise.
—International President John Costa
American Federation of Teachers (AFT): The confirmation of Justice Jackson is a momentous day for our Constitution and the rule of law, and for young girls everywhere, particularly African American girls. As Sen. Cory Booker recently said, referencing a quote by Maya Angelou, ‘Rise, Judge Jackson, all the way to the highest court in the land.’ Rise she did—to become Justice Jackson, and the American people will be better off because of it.
—President Randi Weingarten
Communications Workers of America (CWA): Today’s confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, on a bipartisan, 53–47 vote, is a momentous step towards ensuring equal justice for generations to come.
Judge Jackson is an eminently qualified, fair minded, and brilliant jurist with a proven track record of defending the rights of working people over corporations and powerful special interests. She has supported workers who face religious and racial discrimination, and has opposed efforts to limit the scope of collective bargaining. Judge Jackson has a deep and demonstrated commitment to economic justice, environmental justice, voting rights, women’s rights, and other pressing human rights issues that impact the lives of everyday working people. As the first Black woman to be nominated for the nation’s highest court, she brings much needed diversity that is severely lacking in our entire justice system.
We applaud the Senate’s swift action, despite attempts by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican leaders to derail her nomination, and we thank President Biden for his continued commitment to protecting workers’ rights and to ensuring that the Supreme Court is representative of the makeup and lived experiences of the American people.
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA): Congratulations Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson! We are thrilled to have your experience on the Supreme Court, protecting the constitutional rights of workers and everyday people. This is just totally awesome!
—International President Sara Nelson
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE): IFPTE celebrates the confirmation of Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court as a historic moment for all Americans. Throughout the Senate confirmation process, Judge Jackson proved herself to be an exemplary nominee for Supreme Court justice, demonstrating exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Based on her record as a federal judge, we know she is a reasoned and thoughtful jurist who makes rulings based on the law, not ideological biases. Our union and union members across the country know how important it is to have Supreme Court justices and federal court judges who will even-handedly apply the law without any bias when it comes to matters impacting workers’ rights, civil rights, and other aspects of the working lives of Americans. We applaud President Biden for nominating Judge Jackson and the bipartisan Senate support for confirming our nation’s first Black female Supreme Court justice.
—President Matthew Biggs
IFPTE: IFPTE welcomes Judge Jackson as the newest justice on the United States Supreme Court and we commend the bipartisan Senate vote to confirm her. Her legal career has been focused on public service, including serving as Vice Chair and Commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, working for the District of Columbia’s Federal Defender Service, and close to a decade on the federal bench. Her character, her life and work experience, and her legal scholarship will add a needed perspective and a high level of judicial prowess to the Supreme Court. Based on her record on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court, IFPTE is confident she will even-handedly apply the law when it comes to issues affecting working Americans. She has proven herself to be a highly qualified legal mind and IFPTE celebrates her confirmation to the Supreme Court.
—Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson
Long Island Federation of Labor: Today is a truly historic day for our country. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson demonstrated tremendous grace and humility throughout the confirmation process. Throughout her legal career, her judgements demonstrate a keen understanding of what it is to be a working person. She is fair and just. Her character and leadership will serve her and the citizens of this great nation well when she is seated as a Supreme Court Justice. We commend the United States Senate for doing the right thing today.
—President John R. Durso (RWDSU-UFCW)
Machinists (IAM): The IAM welcomes the historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Her qualifications were on full display during the confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. Judge Jackson proved to the nation that she deserves a seat on our nation’s highest court. Her lifetime of achievements serves as a beacon of light for so many of our IAM members and other working families in our great nation. Judge Jackson proved that she will fight to protect the rights of working men and women, allowing their voices to be heard. The Biden-Harris Administration continues to bring balance to our nation’s courts. We also want to thank the U.S. Senators who voted to confirm Judge Jackson.
—International President Robert Martinez Jr.
Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU): We applaud the Senate’s swift confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court earlier today.
As the first Black woman and first public defender to sit on the Supreme Court, Justice Jackson’s confirmation is a milestone in the history of our nation. Throughout her confirmation hearings, Justice Jackson displayed a strong sense of integrity and intellectual vigor, despite attacks on her impressive credentials, leaving no doubt her nomination to the court was well-considered and well-deserved.
We congratulate her on her groundbreaking confirmation. With cases on the docket impacting workers’ rights and the very future of our democracy, we are pleased to have a principled jurist like Justice Jackson sitting on our nation’s highest court.
SAG-AFTRA: Ketanji Brown Jackson is a thoughtful and extraordinarily qualified jurist who has been on the side of labor and civil rights throughout her career. SAG-AFTRA strongly believes in the importance of diversity, and nowhere is that more important than on the highest court in the land. We still have a long way to go until the court looks like America, but this is a step in the right direction.
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART): Americans of every background, color and gender believe in the sacred promise of equal justice under the law. For generations, Black women have been locked out of the opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court. With the nomination and confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, we are taking a step towards making our justice system one that respects and reflects the very best of every kind of American.
Judge Jackson has served in prestigious judicial positions with distinction as a champion for everyday Americans, carefully applying the law for working people across race, place and origin. Her confirmation on the Supreme Court is especially meaningful in a time when a wealthy and powerful few have attempted to trample our rights or deny our freedoms. This is done deliberately by pitting working Americans against each other on the basis of our race, gender and ethnic identity.
No matter our color, background or party, Americans believe that Justices on the Supreme Court have a duty to serve our country faithfully and uphold the sacred promise of equal justice under the law. Judge Jackson has shown her propensity to uphold these American values time and time again. Her diverse background as a graduate of a public high school and a former public defender gives her a unique perspective on the life of everyday Americans that few of the current justices have. While we celebrate her confirmation, we know that more work needs to be done to open up similar opportunities for others.
Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE): The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court is historic, and marks a thoughtful effort to create a more representative judiciary in our country. Her wide field of experience and knowledge is not only impressive, but also speaks volumes about her judiciary process and stands on its own exemplary merits. Her appointment will bring a lived experience to the court that many Americans can draw parallels to their own life experiences. Her story is our story... an American story. Congratulations to Justice Jackson.
—Kimberly Butler-Gilkeson, co-chair of IATSE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Texas AFL-CIO: Working Texans believe fundamentally in equal justice under the law, but that ideal cannot be attained when broad communities are kept outside the chambers of the highest court in the land. Today’s confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice moves the court a step closer to the ideals of justice. Judge Jackson’s extraordinary preparation and poise under fire did not waver during her confirmation hearings even as several Senators, including the two from Texas, plowed new standards of absurdity in seeking to undermine the nomination. Now more than ever, we believe President Biden made a great choice. The Texas AFL-CIO is confident working families will be in good hands as Justice Jackson’s jurisprudence pursues equal justice for many years to come.
—President Rick Levy (CWA)
UAW: With today’s confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the United States Supreme Court gains a new justice who knows firsthand the challenges and hopes of working families across America as well as how the justice system impacts their lives.
Judge Jackson played a key role in the U.S. Sentencing Commission on criminal justice reform and showed a keen understanding of the implications of the law on everyday lives through her work as a public defender—many of whom are UAW members.
As Justice Jackson takes her seat in the nation’s highest Court, she will bring the experiences and perspective of the everyday lives of our UAW members, their families and all working families to our justice system for decades to come.
—President Ray Curry
UNITE HERE: UNITE HERE applauds the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Jackson’s qualifications are more than fit to fill the role on this crucial institution in the ongoing fight for a country where justice for all may prevail one day.
The impact of the Court’s decisions on workers’ lives cannot be overstated, from immigrant justice to LGBTQ+ equality, to rights on the job, and more. It’s more important than ever that the next appointee to the Highest Court be a person whose influence cannot be bought by corporate interests; someone who shares the vision of the Biden Administration’s pro-worker agency and cabinet appointees. Workers are facing a steep enough uphill battle when it comes to rights on the job. The Supreme Court may weigh in on significant decisions that will impact the everyday lives of millions of working people in one fell swoop, and to have someone involved in those decisions with such an impressive and consistent resume is a major step for the future of the labor movement.
It’s great to see the Biden Administration fulfill two promises with this confirmation—to nominate the first Black woman to the Highest Court, and to reach across the aisle for bipartisan support. It’s a remarkable thing to achieve in this day and age.
—President D. Taylor
United Steelworkers (USW): Today is a day for USW members and working people across the country to celebrate history, with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s bipartisan confirmation to the nation’s highest court.
In addition to breaking new ground as the first Black woman on the court, Judge Jackson has demonstrated throughout her career that she carries a deep commitment to protecting the rights of workers, upholding our nation’s core democratic principles, and ensuring equal opportunity for all Americans.
As we see increasing attacks on workers’ rights, voting rights and other fundamental civil rights across the United States, we now know that we have an ally in Judge Jackson who will safeguard our freedoms and uphold the sacred ideals on which our nation was founded.
As Judge Jackson demonstrated during her Senate confirmation process, she is the right person at the right time to serve on the Supreme Court. We are confident that she will serve our nation with honor and integrity.
—International President Tom Conway
Virginia AFL-CIO: Today Virginia AFL-CIO celebrates the historic vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her strong character and exemplary service reflect the best of our nation. The working people of Virginia are proud of our Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for standing on the right side of history by voting to confirm Judge Brown Jackson. We look forward to the wonderful diversity, insight, and leadership Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will bring to our highest court’s decisions. To Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Virginia’s labor unions share your excitement and send congratulations to you and your family on this special achievement, and may you continue to break glass ceilings and leave a legacy of greatness for years to come!
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: History has been made as Ketanji Brown Jackson is confirmed as our next U.S. Supreme Court Justice and our state and nation will be better off because of it. With an impeccable legal track record of prioritizing equal justice and fairness for working people, Judge Jackson is exceptionally qualified for this position and stands ready to protect the rights of all people equally under the law. Judge Jackson has the legal knowledge, experience and commitment to ensure the judicial fairness we deserve as Americans.
This bipartisan confirmation is a victory for democracy. Wisconsinites will not forget that Ron Johnson once again put partisan politics over what’s best for the country. In failing to join his colleagues in voting for the historic nomination of Supreme Court Justice Jackson, Senator Johnson once again showed just how out of step he is with the American people.
—President Stephanie Bloomingdale (AFT)
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/08/2022 - 15:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Caravan to Alabama in Support of Striking Mine Workers at Warrior Met
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 Mine Workers (UMWA) at Warrior Met Coal in Alabama have been on strike for one year, demanding a fair contract that honors the heavy sacrifices they made to make the company profitable. On Wednesday, members were joined by their families, labor leaders and other allies in McCalla, Alabama, to kick off the Caravan to Warrior.
Groups of union members from across the country hit the highways and crossed state lines to join their brothers, sisters and siblings in McCalla to show Warrior that not only will the workers not give up, but they also have the support and solidarity from working people and leaders well beyond Alabama.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/08/2022 - 09:37Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NABTU Legislative Conference Celebrates Wins, Sets Upcoming Agenda
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.
North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) held its 2022 Legislative Conference this week and took the time to celebrate a year of victories from its 14 craft union affiliates. In addition to President Biden’s remarks, conference attendees heard from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (LIUNA), numerous members of Congress, labor leaders and other champions for working people.
NABTU President Sean McGarvey (IUPAT) thanked the members for their hard work on many issues in the past year, from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic to keeping critical infrastructure working. NABTU members did “whatever it takes” to get the job done. “In the face of paralyzing fear and anxiety, you did it heroically, humbly and without fanfare,” McGarvey said. “Your fortitude throughout is one of the proudest moments in our history.”
The conference also focused on the present, with the annual Call-to-Action Service Day and by raising funds to support Ukrainian refugees, and the future, by focusing on NABTU’s upcoming priorities during an important election year.
Watch the conference’s opening video celebrating the wins of the past year.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/07/2022 - 09:30Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Foundation Expands Mission to Include More Philanthropy
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 Fire Fighters (IAFF) Foundation is expanding its philanthropic efforts by offering more ways to help IAFF members and their families in times of need. With a new website, By Fire Fighters For Fire Fighters, it’s easier than ever to contribute to the foundation and help protect those who protect us.
“IAFF members are on the frontlines every day, putting the needs of others before their own,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “But what happens when they are the ones who need help? The IAFF Foundation is here to assist our members following natural disasters, burn injuries and occupational illness, as well as to provide scholarships to children of fallen fire fighters and assist families attending the annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service.”
The foundation relies on charitable contributions to fund its mission to help firefighters as a way to help those who help others. Contributions go to fund disaster relief, the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, burn support, survivor scholarships, behavioral health and wellness, occupational cancer support and other important goals.
To learn more and contribute to the IAFF Foundation, visit its new website.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/06/2022 - 09:38Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT’s Weingarten in Poland to Meet with Educators and Ukrainian Refugees
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.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), is in Poland today to see firsthand the work being done to support refugee women and children from Ukraine. Weingarten was invited by the Polish teachers union, ZNP, and she will meet with refugee teachers and students from Ukraine and educators and health care workers from Poland. Weingarten is visiting Polish classrooms that have taken in students from Ukraine, and meeting with Ukrainian refugee teachers in Poland who are connecting remotely with their students who remain in Ukraine or who are living outside of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.
Through the AFT's partnership with First Book, Weingarten is delivering children’s books and language-appropriate educational materials to the Polish schools that are integrating Ukrainian teachers and students. The AFT has raised $100,000 to send to ZNP, the Ukrainian teachers union VPONU, and other humanitarian and labor groups. The priorities for these funds will be to help the ZNP union that is housing refugee children who crossed the border without parents, integrating Ukrainian children into Polish schools and supporting the needs of Ukrainian teachers and students still in Ukraine.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow educators and healthcare workers in the Ukrainian and Polish labor movement; with the educators, students and families across the border in Ukraine; and with their democratic government in this moment of their trial and need,” Weingarten said. “Our visit will shine a light, not only on the impact of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war, but on the persistence, compassion and bravery of the teachers dedicated to protecting and helping their kids learn amid Russia’s heinous attack, wherever they might be in the region.”
Learn more about Weingarten's visit to Poland on Twitter, @rweingarten, and donate now to assist the AFT’s efforts.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/05/2022 - 09:27Tags: Ukraine
