Take Action: Support Medieval Times Performers
Members of Medieval Times Performers United in New Jersey won their election in July. But management is fighting them at every turn and engaging in union-busting activity. Send a letter to management telling them to bargain in good faith!
The actors, knights, squires, show cast and stable hands at the Medieval Times castle in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, won their union election to join the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).
They formed their union to create a fairer, safer and more enjoyable workplace.
Now they’re at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair and just first contract. But management is fighting them at every turn—refusing to even discuss the union’s proposal regarding staffing minimums needed to ensure the health and safety of Medieval Times performers.
Medieval Times needs to stop union-busting and engage in good faith bargaining. Will you support Medieval Times Performers United NJ by sending a letter to management?
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/18/2022 - 10:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT’s Weingarten Visits Poland and 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.
At the invitation of Ukrainian unions, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten traveled to Ukraine last week to meet with students and teachers, as she did in the spring. This time, she crossed the border from Poland into Ukraine on the same day the Russian military launched missiles into Lviv, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Weingarten spoke with Education Week about her experience: “One teacher said to me as we were sitting in a bunker, as we’re waiting for Russia to finish flying their long-range missiles, ‘May the skies over your school stay clear, and your school bells keep ringing.’” Click here to read more.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/18/2022 - 09:51Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Timothy Gonzales
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Timothy Gonzales.
OPEIU Local 29 Business Rep. Timothy Gonzales has a sense of pride about his Hispanic heritage, traditions, food and community, instilled in him by his parents. At Local 29, he plays an integral role in developing the next generation of labor movement leaders.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 10/15/2022 - 10:27Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Evelyn DeJesus
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Evelyn DeJesus.
Evelyn DeJesus is the executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The first Latina officer of the union’s 107-year history. In 2021, she joined the executive boards of the AFL-CIO and the Solidarity Center and became secretary-treasurer of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). At the AFL-CIO, she serves on the Racial Justice Task Force and is the vice chair for the Immigration sub-committee. She’s also president of the National Association for Bilingual Education, and serves on the board of directors of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the National Immigration Forum. She was recently appointed to the White House Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. A native Puertorriqueña who grew up in New York City’s Lower East Side, DeJesus traveled an unexpected road from engaged parent to educator and trade unionist.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/14/2022 - 11:56Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Vince Saavedra
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Vince Saavedra.
Vince Saavedra is the executive secretary-treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions. He joined Ironworkers Local 416 in 2000 and worked his way up from apprentice to journeyman, later being elected to business agent in 2016, and to the Ironworkers District Council in 2018. Saavedra’s ties to the union are deep, all his brothers are also in the trade and his father joined Local 416 in 1979 after immigrating from Michoacán, Mexico. Saavedra is also the founding president of the Las Vegas chapter of LCLAA.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/14/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NALC Members in Phoenix Deliver for Union Voters During Day of Action
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 National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 576 held a day of action on Monday to campaign for pro-labor candidates. Fifty members participated in the campaign event at Branch 576’s union hall in Phoenix. Reps. Ruben Gallego, Tom O’Halleran and Greg Stanton were there to rally union members, along with union-endorsed congressional candidate Jevin Hodge.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport, it’s a contact sport, and you’ve got to get out there and make contact,” Hodge said. “Get them involved, engaged, motivated and excited.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/14/2022 - 09:44You Could Make $1.3 Million More with a Union: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
We could not be more proud of our labor sister Crystal Tidwell for winning her election to the Fairbanks City Council!
As a Field Rep for IUOE 302 and a graduate of the A.A.A. Labor Candidate School, Crystal will be a fighting force for working families. ✊ pic.twitter.com/Vle1FlBREZ
Arizona AFL-CIO:
On National #ComingOutDay we must celebrate the courage of the #LGBTQIA community and work towards creating a place where all can live openly pic.twitter.com/otvNIXlxJ7
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 11, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
On #IndigenousPeoplesDay— and every day— we must honor the past, the present, and the future of Indigenous cultures.
We also must continue the fight for respect, representation, equity and justice for Indigenous communities. pic.twitter.com/wgIDrG6WNi
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Listen to Colorado labor organizer Alejo Gonzalez on Invisibilia. #coloradopolitics #coleg #1u #unionstrong https://t.co/TNulNJR8CZ
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 12, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@SenBlumenthal: "Hospitals should be putting patients above profits." Thank you, Sen. Blumenthal, for standing with nurses, hospital staff & patients! https://t.co/6QccazSnhl
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 11, 2022Florida AFL-CIO:
The Florida AFL-CIO continues to roll trucks into SW Florida driven by our @teamsters packed with relief supplies for victims of Hurricane Ian. Help us keep the trucks full and moving by donating to our relief effort. https://t.co/yzGF4pT4c2 pic.twitter.com/ieidvmyvGF
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 7, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Early voting begins Oct. 17th!!! It’s time to get to know who’s on your ballot. Here’s a few things you need to know about Stacey Abrams, one of Georgia’s candidates for governor. #staceyabrams #gapol #voteready #unfinishedbusiness #TGCC pic.twitter.com/NugO2IQboF
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 12, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
New study shows that workers in a union are likely to make $1.3 million over the course of their lifetime.https://t.co/GqO6klF66j#UnionYes
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 13, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Hoosiers showed up last night to tell US Steel - FAIR CONTRACT NOW. #NoJusticeNoPeace https://t.co/nk6hTbv9LK
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 13, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology Notifies Employees of Labor Law Violations https://t.co/pOqfu35q5i
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 13, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
In 2012, corrections officer Phil Newth nearly lost his home after suffering a heart attack due to work-related stress. He was barely able to save it thanks to a $2/hr pay increase that the Maine Legislature passed over Gov. LePage's veto. (1)https://t.co/RhzDWgmkHz pic.twitter.com/Njm6mi0cWa
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 13, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
From Hagerstown to East Baltimore County. From the City to Prince George’s… Labor is knocking union doors for our endorsed candidates. #VoteUnion @1199SEIU_MDDC@AFSCMEMaryland @AFT_Maryland @AFGENational @IBEW pic.twitter.com/Y9RpW5va13
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) October 8, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Labor is out in strong support of @maura_healey tonight before the debate #1u #mapoli pic.twitter.com/kygJNYIj70
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) October 12, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
#PrevailingWage ensures a fairer and more competitive bidding process for contractors, and means more working men and women are paid a living wage that can support their families https://t.co/3sZAHQS9wa
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 11, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
25 days. Are you ready to knock on doors or make phone calls to your fellow union members? https://t.co/I4NX7WqgSw #1u #Labor2022 #MNVotes pic.twitter.com/LqvsWOuX94
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 13, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
FACTS:
– 52% of non-union workers
– 61% of women workers
– And nearly 75% of workers 18-24 say they would vote for a union if an election was held today
Learn how @USDOL is helping more workers organize: https://t.co/LHCjmSnPt4 #UnionsMatter pic.twitter.com/vZJxG95I2l
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
This is how we do it!
Our volunteers in Reno are ready and excited to knock on doors for our pro-labor candidates who will fight for Nevada’s working families! #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/RejiDJJPvp
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
House Ed. Committee work session on HB1229. A student w/out a decent lunch is student who isn't learning. @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU pic.twitter.com/xyRUSRSq1Q
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 6, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Union-endorsed candidates support good union wages and good union jobs. They will fight for living wage, prevailing wage; equal pay, worker training, apprenticeships, clean energy, infrastructure and American manufacturing. Visit https://t.co/2b65aZAdPY to learn more pic.twitter.com/k0CIYu9Wuf
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 11, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Broome Tioga Central Labor Council walking doors for @JoshuaUE99 and @leawebbforny Webb! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/cFFNolBvbg
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 8, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Awesome turnout by @nalc_national @seiu and other @cmlaborcouncil members at our Labor 2022 walk in Charlotte last Saturday! Join us every Saturday until Election Day at https://t.co/0qud9EI45U! #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/hNEl0pNxmh
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 10, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Welcome to the movement, @DroUnited! #Solidarity forever, for your #Union makes us strong! https://t.co/gxeG9UrhCG
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 13, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Giving @Apple_Union workers a real voice at the table means workplace safety can be acknowledged and addressed. #UnionStrong https://t.co/9UWjgUAMSo
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 12, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Yesterday our Secretary Treasurer George Piasecki, was joined by @wildforcongress and @steelworkers District 10 Director Bernie Hall for an event in Lansford. #1u #UnionStrong #UnionProud #PowerToThePeople pic.twitter.com/hjhFPn2zoh
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 13, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Listen to RI AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer @PatCrowley401 talk about the Rhode Island labor movement and our impact on issues important to working class families with @BillBartholomew on the Bartholomewtown Podcast ✊🎧 https://t.co/00pucgL3ha
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 6, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
In our appearance on @TheLoyalOppoTN, we share the statistics on why “Right-to-Work” is wrong for Tennessee. Give it a listen:#1u #Labor2022 #NoOn1 pic.twitter.com/hEMFS9lvqU
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 13, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Yesterday we joined the National Elevator Industry Educational Program Fair. Worker and public safety is a priority for our members. @IUEC apprenticeship program is critical and benefits workers, employers and the public. #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/CEjJuRohSn
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 12, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
We are proud to announce that April Sims & Cherika Carter have been selected by affiliated unions to lead the WSLC.
This selection is historic: Sims will be the first woman & POC to serve as Pres. & together, Sims & Carter will be the first Black leadership team to head the WSLC https://t.co/Zb7eYOjpQf
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Great news for workers. Biden Proposal Could Lead to Employee Status for Gig Workers https://t.co/6g499Qx33V
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 12, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/13/2022 - 14:20Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Jessica Rios Viner
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Jessica Rios Viner.
Jessica Rios Viner is a USW Woman of Steel and president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). Hailing from Puerto Rico, she is a fierce advocate for immigrant workers’ rights and inclusion of Latino and Hispanic members in the labor movement. She is proud to MC the annual ¡Que Viva Clemente! celebration organized by LCLAA each October.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/13/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tucson’s Union Members Drive Support Toward Pro-Labor Candidates
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.
With competitive elections up and down the ballot, union members around Tucson, Arizona, are working hard to push pro-labor candidates over the finish line. Members of NALC Branch 704, Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 415, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 570, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99, the National Writers Union-UAW Local 1981, the Boilermakers (IBB), the United Steelworkers (USW), the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and Southern Arizona Community Activists took part in the Pima Area Labor Federation’s Labor 2022 campaign event on Saturday.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/13/2022 - 09:47Make a Plan to Vote
Workers across the nation have already been taking matters into our own hands. The number of petitions filed at the National Labor Relations Board by working people to exercise our freedom to come together in unions and negotiate for a fair return on our work jumped 69% compared to last year. The fact remains, however, that electing pro-worker legislators in the U.S. Senate and House will be critical to protecting our freedom to vote, to making decisions over our own bodies both inside and outside of the workplace, and so much more.
Making a plan to vote will ensure that you can do your part without stress or complication. It's easy to make a plan to vote. Here are five easy steps:
Learn more at AFLCIOvotes.org.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/12/2022 - 11:51Union Representation Petitions Soar: 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.
U.S. Labor Board Says Union Representation Petitions Soar 53% in a Year: “The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said on Thursday that union representation petitions increased 53% in fiscal year 2022 when compared with 2021 and were at the highest since 2016. ‘Given the spike in case intake we are seeing in the field, we can expect even more cases to come before the Board in fiscal year 2023,’ NLRB Chairman Lauren McFerran said in a statement. The NLRB said 2,510 union petitions were filed in fiscal year 2022 ended September, up from 1,638 petitions in the same period a year ago. Unfair labor practice charges filed with NLRB field offices increased 19%, the agency added.”
Cedar Rapids BCTGM 100G Workers Take Strike 200 Miles to Ingredion Headquarters: “A fight that began in Cedar Rapids on August 1 made its way more than 200 miles east Thursday. BCTGM Local 100G members who work at Ingredion have been striking outside the facility on 1st Street for three months now. ‘We have had no member cross the line in 67 days of sacrifice,’ says Jason Davis, International Rep., BCTGM. ‘That is solidarity.’”
New Supreme Court Case Could Weaken Unions' Ability To Strike: “‘Congress chose to protect strikes as the motor of the collective bargaining system that broadly preserves labor peace,’ Becker said. ‘The Supreme Court should not use this case to narrow that fundamental protection.’”
NLRB GC Says ExxonMobil's 10-Month Lockout Was Illegal: “National Labor Relations Board prosecutors in the agency's Fort Worth, Texas, office have alleged that ExxonMobil unlawfully locked out more than 650 United Steelworkers members at one of the oil giant's refineries, according to an announcement from the union. The USW said Tuesday that NLRB attorneys lodged a complaint against ExxonMobil based on the union's charges over a 10-month lockout of workers at the company's Beaumont, Texas, refinery. The workers, who are members of USW Local 13-243, were locked out starting in May 2021 until they were permitted to return to work in March, according to the union.”
More Than 600 Nurses in Wichita Could Form a Union: “Nurses at St. Francis hospital in Wichita have filed for a union election. If successful in their union drive, about 625 nurses will form a new bargaining unit with the National Nurses United (NNU). The NNU is the largest nurses union in the country, with more than 175,000 members. Overall, about 20% of registered nurses in the U.S. are union members. The Kansas State Nurses Association says there are more than 50,000 registered nurses in the state. St. Francis is one of the biggest hospitals in the state and is a part of the Ascension Via Christi network.”
FAA Sets 10-Hour Rest Break Rule For Flight Attendants: “The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday finalized a long-awaited rule requiring U.S. flight attendants to have at least 10 consecutive hours of rest between shifts, a bump up from the current nine-hour rest break rule. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, which represents approximately 50,000 flight attendants at 19 airlines, lauded the Biden administration for delivering the final rule Tuesday. ‘Five years ago, after decades of action by AFA members, science to back up our alarm on flight attendant fatigue, and relentless efforts with lawmakers, we achieved an overwhelming bipartisan vote to equalize minimum rest with commercial airline pilots,’ AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson said in a statement.”
Striketober Is Back As Workers Fight To Close The Wage Gap: “Workers across the country are joining picket lines to secure higher wages, affordable healthcare and better working conditions at a rate that might outpace last year’s explosion of strike activity. In 2021, the wave of workers who walked off the job during October inspired the term ‘Striketober,’ and since then strike activity has grown. Since the start of 2022, there have been more than 280 strikes or protests—up from 158 during the same period last year, according to Cornell University’s Labor Action Tracker. Strike activity is cutting through industries and geography. In the past weeks, 15,000 nurses throughout Minnesota, 6,000 educators in Seattle, 4,500 teachers in Columbus, Ohio, 1,000 food workers in San Francisco and over 1,000 mill workers in Lebanon, Oregon were among the workers who went on strike.”
SFO Workers Earn Raises After Strike, Union Says: “Some fast food workers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) earned raises of up to $5 per hour after a three-day strike at the airport, UNITE Here Local 2 said in a press release. UNITE Here is a union that represents many SFO workers.”
The Best Solution to Fixing Your Crappy Job Is a Union: “It’s no mystery why millions of workers are quitting their jobs: pay is low, conditions are terrible, and on-the-job disrespect is rampant. But the best way to transform a terrible job isn’t to leave it—it’s to organize a union.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/12/2022 - 11:00Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Robert E. Mateo
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Robert E. Mateo.
Robert E. Mateo migrated to the U.S. in 2006 from the Dominican Republic and joined IUPAT District Council 9 in 2010. He soon got more involved, becoming a steward and later the financial secretary for IUPAT Local 18. The opportunity the union gave him as an immigrant changed his life and the lives of his family. His oldest son is excited to follow in his footsteps and become a union painter through the apprentice program.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/12/2022 - 10:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Members Step Up to Help Communities Affected by Hurricanes Fiona, Ian
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.
Following two back-to-back hurricanes that devastated large parts of Puerto Rico and Florida last month, union members are doing what we do best: lending a helping hand to help each other regain our strength. In Florida, where Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage, union members (pictured above) are sorting through donated supplies and distributing them to families in need. And in Puerto Rico, members of the Puerto Rico Federation of Labor (pictured below) continue to receive shipments to the island, where badly needed food and other items are being organized and given out to fellow union members.
Together, we can help our union brothers, sisters and siblings in Florida and Puerto Rico recover during these difficult times. Please consider donating to the AFL-CIO’s Union Community Fund to help out!
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/12/2022 - 09:45Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Pink T-Shirt Contest Raises Awareness and Money for Breast Cancer Research
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.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of their efforts, the Fire Fighters (IAFF) are holding the annual IAFF Best Pink T-Shirt Design Contest. Members can submit their best design for a T-shirt that will help raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. The contest is open to all U.S. and Canadian IAFF affiliates, and the deadline for entries is Oct. 31. Once submissions close, firefighters from across the United States and Canada will vote on the best design. The winners will receive free registration to the 2023 Affiliate Leadership Training Summit in Las Vegas.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/11/2022 - 10:27Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Maggie Campos
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Maggie Campos.
Maggie Campos is the first Latina to serve as a member of the executive board of USW Local 310L after being elected as a trustee in 2020. She has worked for Firestone for 27 years. Campos is active in the USW's Women of Steel, Next Generation and civil rights efforts. She has been instrumental in bringing new members into the local and has played an important role in translating the recent Firestone contract into Spanish for local union members.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/11/2022 - 10:27Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Leticia "Letty" Marcum
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Leticia "Letty" Marcum.
Leticia "Letty" Marcum is in her third term as business manager/financial secretary for IBEW Local 583 in El Paso, Texas, the first Latina to hold the position. After 15 years as a homemaker, Marcum began a labor career from scratch; proved adept at the intricacies of running a union; and, within a few years, won election not just to the local IBEW office, but to the presidency of the El Paso Building & Construction Trades Council.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/10/2022 - 10:27Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Luis Jurado
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Luis Jurado.
Luis Jurado has been a member of IUPAT's Local 20 and District Council 9 for 17 years. In 2021, Jurado decided to become more proactive in his union, and he was elected as a steward for the housing division. Jurado is thankful to the IUPAT for a career that has allowed him to provide a better life for himself, his wife and three kids.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 10/09/2022 - 10:27Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Albert Hernandez
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Albert Hernandez.
Albert Hernandez, a steward for AFSCME Local 2960 in Phoenix, wants his neighbors to be politically engaged. How does he start the conversation? Through music. An avid saxophone player, Hernandez uses his music to connect with his neighbors and start vital conversations.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 10/08/2022 - 10:27Economy Gains 263,000 Jobs in September; Unemployment Declines to 3.5%
The U.S. economy gained 263,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate edged down to 3.5%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continuing strong job creation numbers are a clear sign that the worker-friendly policies implemented by President Biden continue to have a positive impact on working people.
In response to the September job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted the following:
#JobsDay the @BLS_gov reported payroll gains of 263,000 in September from its establishment survey, the comparable number from the household survey was a weaker 12,000 (https://t.co/ukl1qcPBMD) and July and August payroll were adjusted up a total of 11,000 @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022Hispanic unemployment fell from 4.5 to 3.8% for the wrong reasons, a job in labor force participation and a drop in those employed. The weaker household employment compared to payroll, show the labor market is not overheating. 2/2 @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay h/t @aaronsojourner for the underlying chart, just a reminder how much better the job market has performed under Obama and Biden. There is a real cognitive dissonance among American voters who think the economy performs better under Republican Presidents. pic.twitter.com/jNaLNXymw5
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay Good news, the Black labor force participation rate rebounded in September, and is back to slightly above that for whites, but not fully recovered from its Spring peak. Black workers are highly sensitive to firms actually hiring workers, a better barometer than openings. pic.twitter.com/us02lRbUSj
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022Job growth was broad, but financial services is showing job loss as mortgage activity slows, retail and transportation & warehousing also lost (left of 0). The big gainers were education & health and leisure & hospitality. Construction and manufacturing continued to grow. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/ojoJ6wGKu5
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay mixed news in labor force flows, the success of those who were not in the labor force in August landing a job, rather than lining up as unemployed edged back up, but women who were unemployed in August were more likely to drop out of the labor force than land a job. pic.twitter.com/FYADKpa3cq
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay In the Good News category, among the unemployed, the share who have been unemployed over 27+ weeks is returning to normal levels. These are among the hardest workers to place (for very different sets of reasons). The drop has slowed, but is continuing. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/PvT7JKYVQH
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay The unemployment rate fell more for those with high school or who had less than high school than for those with schooling beyond high school. That is good news, the recovery continues to have broad impact. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/DM97k8N1yu
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022But it remains important to note that the unemployment rate for white high school dropouts in September fell to 3.8%, which is way below THE Black unemployment rate (all education levels) of 5.8% https://t.co/EsmYliGfY1
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022#JobsDay @BLS_gov reports 155,000 of the 263,000 added to payroll were women. This is a continuation of the recovery from the She-cession, with women regaining their share of jobs lost--except with gains in some sectors. @AFLCIO @CLUWNational pic.twitter.com/XfHEIxcEz8
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022After a boost for leisure & hospitality industry workers, who got a boost in July from states implementing their minimum wage law COLA's, moth-to-month wage movements have been stable, and the odd case of utilities where wages sank briefly in August and edged back in September. pic.twitter.com/eFWb7HJOiW
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 7, 2022September’s biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+83,000), health care (+60,000), professional and business services (+46,000), manufacturing (+22,000), construction (+19,000) and wholesale trade (+11,000). Employment was down slightly for financial activities (-8,000) and transportation and warehousing (-8,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, retail trade, information, other services and government.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Latinos decreased (3.8%) in September. The jobless rates for teenagers (11.4%), Black Americans (5.8%), adult men (3.3%), adult women (3.1%), White Americans (3.1%) and Asian Americans (2.5%) changed only slightly throughout the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) in September remained about the same as in August and accounted for 18.5% of the total of people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/07/2022 - 14:40Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Frank Rodriguez
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Frank Rodriguez.
Frank Rodriguez has been with the local for more than 30 years and rose through the ranks from sergeant-at-arms to his current role as president. Rodriguez is also organizer, JAC trustee, health fund trustee and fund trustee for HFIU Local 19. Rodriguez is passionate about the outreach and leadership development of young Latino workers. He also is a dedicated volunteer who helps facilitate thousands of sock donations to the labor council's annual Sock Drive.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/07/2022 - 10:00
