Labor Is the Hope of the World : 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
On Labor Day, it's important to remember that a union is an organization OF workers FOR workers.
When people say the union supports "candidate x" or "position y," It really means that WORKERS support "candidate x" and "position y."
Workers are the union. #LaborMonth2024 #1u pic.twitter.com/ZD5y20dqQl
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 3, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
❗❗ TODAY Arizona union voters are gathering for a Labor Day roundtable with @NezForAZ @RepRubenGallego @RepGregStanton @RepCasten @fred231957 to discuss their commitments to good union jobs in the clean energy sector. pic.twitter.com/YTsgxYdbfk
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Happy #LaborDay from our @CaliforniaLabor family! Here’s to celebrating all the fights the labor movement has waged to improve the lives of working people, and all the victories for California workers that lie ahead! ✊ #LaborDay2024 #UnionizeCalifornia pic.twitter.com/No978hQ3lK
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 2, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
This #LaborDay, it’s time to acknowledge a pivotal truth: only through increased unionization can we rebuild a robust middle class.
Read CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3's op-ed in the @HartfordCourant: https://t.co/1XeMWOtzAr
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Labor Day is a day to celebrate ALL of us, in every sector of the economy. Teachers, support staff, firefighters, police officers, grad students, flight attendants, designers, journalists, mechanics, engineers, baristas and more! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/0QdujNuPzg
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
All smiles @ the annual Labor BBQ
"Our #UnionJob is #Voting !!!"#LaborDay2024 #1u #unionstrong #solidarity #UnionsForAll #Georgia pic.twitter.com/rq8n6cF29I
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 2, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Without Labor Day, we rarely get the opportunity to reflect on our current workers' rights, and the price that many people paid to secure those rights for us today. That is, unless you're in a union.
Let's celebrate our hard fought rights and the work ahead this #Labor Day.#1u pic.twitter.com/DZwpNwXdlR
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
You're damn right they do! 💪
Order your shirt today: https://t.co/jbvyJIiTbo pic.twitter.com/odm25YisPF
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) August 29, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
You have a 0% labor voting record on our 2024 Scorecard. You voted for a union busting right-to-work for less bill, opposed strengthening collective bargaining rights, paid leave for working families, Buy American , farmworker min wage, limiting forced OT for paper workers.. https://t.co/5JiPfzAc6F
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
It’s Primary Day - Go vote!
Polls open 7a-8p.
Cambridge: Marjorie Decker for State Rep.
Mansfield: Kostas Loukos for State Rep.
Milton & Randolph: Tony King for State Rep.
Plymouth: Michelle Badger for Rep.
Berkshires: Leigh Davis for Rep. #mapolihttps://t.co/9T2S5hfZoq
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 3, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Happy Labor Day, Michigan ✊✊ pic.twitter.com/E9vi5s0p74
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
The two-year-old Inflation Reduction Act is fulfilling its promise of accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy while creating good-paying, union jobs along the way. #1u https://t.co/Ym21wOop4P
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and support those who may be struggling. It's important to remember that help is always available and that reaching out can make a difference. Let’s work together to break the stigma. #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/yTaQVs3krL
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 3, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:
This weekend we’re celebrating working families. Find Labor Day picnics across Montana this weekend. Free food, music, and solidarity! #mtnews #unionstronghttps://t.co/4meR8B5UN6
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 30, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
The election is two months away. Vote for candidates that support working family issues like Tony Vargas. @TonyVargas #itsbetterinaunion #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/KnNP5lPYxS
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) September 3, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy Labor Day! We’re glad to be celebrating with @northernnvlabor at their annual Laborfest in Reno, NV. #LifeisBetterinAUnion pic.twitter.com/dPHzI8cHcl
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Happy #LaborDay, Brothers and Sisters! #1u #NHAFLCIOLDB #NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/ZeIdHUMF9n
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
President Mario Cilento on #LaborDay in the @timesunion: Unions' advocacy for workers' rights includes impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace https://t.co/1ZAdE61p7N
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
North Carolina is the 52nd best state in the US to work in @OxfamAmerica 2024 scorecard. @NC_Governor The minimum wage is just 18.4% of what a family needs to get by. We can do better. Find out more: https://t.co/MlN5ijnZd6
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 3, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
"Together, in a union, undivided, life will be better."https://t.co/8OJJxdEvpa
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
This are the folks whose lives will be worse of because Trump's #Project2025 anti-worker, anti-retiree agenda. Thanks for always having working people be the center of your policy making, @SherrodBrown. https://t.co/YMiLgR5Lts
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 3, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
#LaborDay weekend is a great time to join a picket line! Stand with workers and don’t shop at Portland-area Fred Meyer stores during the strike. pic.twitter.com/leYhPRe0c4
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 1, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Are you talking to union voters yet?
Sign up for #Labor2024 to make sure we don’t send a scab to the White House in November! #UnionStrong https://t.co/Snku6fun0q pic.twitter.com/6yc0vcDIBv
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 2, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Labor is the hope of the world ✊🏼
Happy Labor Day from the Texas AFL-CIO! #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/REuRT5cdwJ
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Happy Labor Day! Labor Day is about celebrating the workers who make this country run. With 70% of Americans backing unions, our movement is unstoppable. Union members are 20% of voters in swing states. This election, we’re the force deciding the future. #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/IEomKNs0xm
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) September 2, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
In a downtown Seattle hotel, the future of the aerospace industry is being decided. Machinists are fighting for a contract that retains skilled workers, saves jobs & commits to safety at Boeing.
As a Sept. 12 strike date looms, they're not backing down: https://t.co/kmpAVeov1v pic.twitter.com/IHTsKVKfR4
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 30, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Union Yes! Celebrating Labor Day with union members and Coach Walz. pic.twitter.com/2FVCrySmva
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 2, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:27Shuler: Union Workers are Powerful. We Will Decide This Election.
The AFL-CIO represents nearly 13 million workers in our federation across 60 unions. This time every year, we come together to put the labor back in Labor Day.
As much as we love the barbecues, the mattress sales—this is our week. This is about recognizing and appreciating the workers who make this country run.
Last year, we started a conversation about how workers are doing in this country. Some of these numbers may surprise you: 70% of Americans support unions, among young people under the age of 30, it’s nine in 10.
Union workers are continuing to find their power in two very distinct ways.
First: We are the ones who are going to decide this presidential election. In swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada that are going to come down to 1% or 2%, union voters are 20% of the electorate. That’s one in every five voters.
And second: Our workers are powerful because they have something that is so rare today—the trust of those around them. Union members are credible political messengers. They can connect with each other and with the people in their communities in a way no one else can.
Having the hard conversationsMany of us have felt like it’s hard to just have a conversation about politics with someone we disagree with. Or we’ve talked to someone who has figured out what team we play for, and then just tuned us out. Or—let’s admit it—maybe we’ve done it to someone else.
Yet in a room full of union members, that’s not how it plays out. When you ask a union member who their most trusted source in the world is on politics, it’s not their friends, family or loved ones. It’s their fellow union members.
It’s not hard to see why union workers trust each other.
We talk to each other in the break room every morning. We carpool home. We’re on the factory floor together, or in the teacher’s lounge, or outside on a construction site, braving the elements, while everyone else is asleep. We know each other, inside and out.
And when you combine that trust with this organizing machine we’ve built, this ability to connect with our members, our families, our neighbors and mobilize on a dime, you have a movement that can actually deliver voters—and win an election.
The power of unionsWorkers are growing our power in this country in a way we haven’t been in a generation. Almost a quarter of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago were union delegates, more than we’ve had in a long, long time. We are seen as a force to be reckoned with.
And it’s about damn time.
When I travel the country and talk to working people—our members, but also people who aren’t yet in a union—they tell me they’re tired of the way things have been going. They're tired of going to the grocery store, and seeing it take more out of their paychecks than it ever has. They’re tired for people their peers in the sandwich generation, trying to care for their kids and their parents at the exact same time.
What I hear from the young generation of workers coming up is that they can’t believe there used to be a time when you could work one full-time job, and afford to make a down payment on a home.
That’s the daily reality for people all over this country.
Workers in this country have never been more productive. We have never created the kind of wealth for companies that we are creating right now. But it’s not benefitting our workers.
We need to fundamentally re-write the rules—by winning elections, by passing laws, by having the right to stand up for ourselves—if we’re going to balance the scales.
All over the country, people are realizing there’s a movement where you actually can fight back, where you actually can get some power and some control over your future.
It’s not about your race, your gender, age, orientation or, religion, it’s just about standing up for your freedom.
Strategy, organizing pay offIf you feel tired or alone right now, think about autoworkers in Chattanooga, right after they made history at Volkswagen, voting for representation by the United Auto Workers.
Or our Machinists in Seattle, who filled a baseball stadium to tell Boeing to give them a fair contract.
Or our sisters in the National Women’s Soccer League players association, who rewrote the sports rulebook and got rid of their draft, setting a new standard that gives them a voice in where they work, like every other worker in this country.
These wins are not accidents.
We’ve invested in our grassroots network all over the country, building local power and organizing capacity.
Nearly half a million workers went on strike in 2023, a year that saw more than 2,700 union election filings, the most we’ve ever seen. Some 900,000 workers in unions won double-digit pay increases last year alone.
That is power.
What’s the point of building all this power on the ground, if we don’t use it when it really matters? When absolutely everything is on the line?
In those swing states we talked about earlier—Michigan. Pennsylvania. Michigan. Wisconsin. Nevada—union support is driving up the margin of support for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
We are the difference.
How we winOur movement is full of joy and love, a way to have some fun and make your life better at the same time. We have the trust—with our union members, and the spouses, children and parents that we bring along. There’s a reason they call it “a union household,” which doubles and triples our impact.
We have a well-oiled organizing machine in every state, especially in battleground states. We have workers who are actually trained in how to have those tough conversations, how to steer them toward kitchen-table issues, and how to challenge someone, respectfully, if we need to.
A few months ago I walked up to a guy in a MAGA hat on a picket line. In any other situation, the two of us probably wouldn’t have much to talk about. But as we started to talk about politics, he looked at me and said, “I’ll hear you out, because I know we both love our unions.”
Those conversations are the key to everything.
Talking to each other again. Empathy and grace, instead of vitriol. Coming together to solve problems that actually matter to our families.
When we fight, we win.
This post originally appeared in te Detroit Free Press.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:06Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Thousands More Nevada State Employees Win Union Election
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
A group of nearly 3,000 state employees—including those working for the welfare agency and Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)—won union representation as AFSCME Local 4041 this week in an election overseen by the state’s Government Employee-Management Relations Board.
Nevada state workers won collective bargaining rights back in 2019, and since securing their first contract, AFSCME members have seen more than 30% wage increases as well as other new benefits and improved grievance procedures. The new bargaining unit that will join negotiations in the fall includes engineering technicians from the Department of Transportation, DMV service technicians, family support specialists in the Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS), and library technicians throughout Nevada System of Higher Education institutions and more. This election victory almost doubles the size of Local 4041, increasing their power to deliver victories for these critical public sector workers.
“We see the benefits of having a union contract and voice on the job; that’s why we’ve organized as AFSCME and voted to have union representation. I’m excited tech workers now get to join our fellow AFSCME members at the bargaining table this fall,” said Austin Krehbiel, a family support specialist at the DWSS.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:50The Road to the White House Runs Through America’s Union Halls: 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.
Project 2025 Provides a GOP Blueprint for Destroying the American Labor Movement: “Consequently, the nation’s labor movement saw Trump’s past record and agenda for the future for what they were. In a statement issued on July 18, 2024, Liz Shuler, president of the national AFL-CIO, declared, ‘In his first term as president, Donald Trump was a disaster for workers and our unions.’ Moreover, ‘the Trump Project 2025 agenda lays out his plan to turbocharge his antiworker policies, eliminate or control unions, and eviscerate labor laws and workers’ contracts.’ Consequently, ‘a second Trump term would put everything we’ve fought for―good jobs, fair wages, health care, retirement security, worker security―on the chopping block.’”
Thousands of Fred Meyer Employees Go on Strike Through Labor Day Weekend: “Nearly 5,000 employees at 28 Fred Meyer stores in and around Portland, Oregon, went on strike early Wednesday morning. The employees, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555, plan to continue the strike for almost a week. Unless a deal is reached with Fred Meyer management, the grocery store workers won’t return to work until 8 a.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 3. UFCW says employees are striking over Fred Meyer’s violation of labor laws amid contract negotiations between grocery store management and the union. The union has filed several unfair labor practice charges against Fred Meyer, claiming that the company is ‘refusing to provide essential information for current negotiations’ and advertised benefits to employees the company hasn’t actually proposed at the bargaining table.”
Americans’ Approval of Labor Unions Near Highest Level Since 1960s: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation, argued in a speech in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday that union influence would be pivotal in the race for the White House. The federation, which includes 60 unions, says that 22% of voters in Pennsylvania are either union members or retirees who’d been in unions. ‘We can run up the margins where it counts, we have built an organizing machine that can mobilize on a dime and we have built a singular trust and connection with workers, families and neighbors,’ Shuler said. ‘There is no question that the road to the White House runs through America’s union halls.’”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Delivers State of the Unions Address: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler urged union members to vote and get others to the polls for the Harris-Walz ticket because the unions and workers’ rights are on the line in the 2024 elections. Shuler stressed the importance of the labor movement and the role of unions in communities across America during a speech at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C.”
Missouri AFL-CIO President Looks Ahead to Labor’s Impact on 2024 Elections: “Missouri holds a unique distinction among Republican-dominated states: having a robust and politically significant organized labor community. Individual unions often play a major role in campaigns for statewide and state legislative offices. And although organized labor is a core constituency of the Democratic Party, labor unions in Missouri have gotten involved in Republican primaries—especially when GOP contenders have pro-labor views. During an episode of the “Politically Speaking Hour” on St. Louis on the Air, Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel discussed how labor unions are approaching the upcoming election cycle. And that includes how his group endorsed Democrat State Rep. (Mo.) Crystal Quade and Republican Lt. Gov. (Mo.) Mike Kehoe during last month’s primary races for governor—something he said was somewhat unusual.”
The Real Reason NWSL Players Are Walking Out in ‘We Said Now’ Shirts: “On Aug. 25, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, congratulated the players from the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current (the first teams to play since the new collective bargaining agreement was announced) on such an historic accomplishment. ‘By ending the draft, they’ve won the right to shape their own futures—a victory for all workers,’ Shuler wrote on Twitter. ‘This is the power of unity! #wesaidnow.’”
‘Barely Surviving’: Some Flight Attendants Are Facing Homelessness and Hunger: “America’s largest flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), said in a recent news release that many members working with Alaska Airlines have reported financial insecurity, including some who have ‘experienced homelessness, lived in their car, lived in a shelter or endured some combination of these circumstances.’ An employment verification letter from American Airlines showing a projected starting pay of $27,315 per year recently went viral, with some calling it a ‘poverty verification’ letter that could be used to apply for government assistance programs such as food stamps. American Airlines confirmed that the letter reflects the current base rate for first-year flight attendants on reserve, without premiums or incentives.”
The Workers’ Mic Reflects on the DNC: “Listen in while Phil shares his interviews with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter Jr., Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Choose Chicago Richard Gamble and many others.”
Interview with AFL-CIO President Shuler: “My [Sari Beth Rosenberg’s] exclusive interview with Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/30/2024 - 12:05Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hampton Roads Transit Workers Score Major Raises with New Union Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Hampton Roads Transit drivers and mechanics in Virginia secured huge pay raises in their new union contract. Starting pay for maintenance workers and operators will increase by 27%. The three-year contract also reduces the amount of time for bus and light-rail operators to reach the top of the pay scale and provides more sick leave and additional days off. The workers are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1177.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:15Fighting for a Fair and Just Contract: 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:
Sign up to march and/or have a meal with your fellow union members from Equity, SAG-AFTRA and AGMA! Visit the member portal to register. https://t.co/CFWhbcjJDj pic.twitter.com/0JKxuoUgja
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 24, 2024
AFGE:
ICYMI: @AFGEPrezKelley delivering the opening invocation for tonight’s @DemConvention events. pic.twitter.com/ClEzaekKv5
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 22, 2024
AFSCME:
In a video that was shown at the Democratic National Convention, AFSCME member Kelli Gray described how the Biden-Harris administration helped lift the weight of her crushing student loan debt. https://t.co/8EXdAnXLDX
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 27, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Let's be clear: For those worried about their retirement security, a second term for Donald Trump would be devastating. We need to elect candidates who will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare -- not cut them. https://t.co/qpBMawCBGR pic.twitter.com/VI6E93H887
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 27, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
We support our Local 1724 HandyDART members in their fight for the fair and just contract they deserve. #ATUStrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/Cn87HuUNR6
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 28, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Honor Emmett Till's legacy and learn more with these resources from @ShareMyLesson: https://t.co/6QKUDni1wz https://t.co/tHVJIKc2iF
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 28, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks summarizes the Clerk Conference at the APWU Biennial Convention, including delegate-approved changes to the national constitution and bylaws that will directly affect Clerk Division’s representation going forward. https://t.co/Qf1XIDoDei
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) August 28, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Our hearts are with Delta Tech Op workers and their families affected by the tragic incident in Atlanta where two workers lost their lives and others were injured earlier today.
AFA EAP is always available at 800-424-2406. https://t.co/mgC2OZlKDP
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 27, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024
Boilermakers:
Breaking news: The International Executive Council has elected Clint Penny as International Secretary-Treasurer: https://t.co/VqWpTjwvZ6 pic.twitter.com/qz1Y1hGaHo
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 27, 2024
Bricklayers:
Our President Tim Driscoll had the honor of joining @MassGovernor Maura Healey and others in addressing the @IAFFofficial at their 57th convention.
The conversation surrounded union solidarity and the importance of political advocacy!
Thanks for the invite! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/VdzArmYRwq
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 28, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA members at AT&T in the Southeast are still on strike. When we fight, we win!
Video: @PBNewsGuild & @CWA3108 pic.twitter.com/AqHvT6UZC8
— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 26, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Historically, private-sector architectural professionals have not been union members. However, interest in unions is growing among architectural professionals and other professionals in design-related occupations. https://t.co/8ohEFS9wZ8
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 27, 2024
Electrical Workers:
#IBEW members were out in full force at the 2024 #DNC to make our voice heard and to support@KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz pic.twitter.com/5FYGLyNaIx
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 28, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
In The City of Brotherly Love🔔
Next time you’re in Downtown Philly, check out “Pat Eiding Way,” honoring the Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Emeritus & former Local 14 Business Manager.
➡️Read more: https://t.co/xvVYLZqU4T#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW pic.twitter.com/QlBEEG3d9D
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 28, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Members Attend DNC as Delegates and Advance Priorities for Workers, Communities, and All Americanshttps://t.co/juV8uSXHE0
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 23, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Today, we are proud ✊🏽 to join organizations across the country to shed light on the harmful effects of Project 2025 and how it will impact our comunidades. For more information or to get involved, visit https://t.co/tMivLyFh7B#DefendiendoNuestroFuturo #LatinosAgainstProject2025 pic.twitter.com/jjlscjih7O
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 27, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Check out our updated 2024 Labor Day Labor Arts Calendar! Festivities include labor arts events across the country. Got a labor music, film, history, or art event in your community? Let us know at info@laborheritage.org, and we'll add it to our calendar! https://t.co/dwuBAThirZ pic.twitter.com/mwoCsASz05
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 27, 2024
Laborers:
Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024
Machinists:
IAM branding is going up at the Hilton Midtown, NYC courtesy of Carpenters Local 157 members!
Union members building a union Convention! ⚙️💪#IAM2024 pic.twitter.com/mwpFa6Titr
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 28, 2024
Mine Workers:
“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength..." - Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024
Musical Artists:
Sept 9: Join the AGMA Staging Staff Caucus for a discussion on labor-management conflict resolution w/ experts from Cornell's Scheinman Institute. Open to AGMA Staging Staff members. Details: https://t.co/J2GKA8xWHY pic.twitter.com/hJ0b6Qeyq6
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 27, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Reno, NV Branch 709 was proud to rally in solidarity with @NRLCA yesterday as letter carriers continue to call for protection from violence & crime while delivering mail in communities across the U.S. Learn more about the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act ➡️ https://t.co/ylwbV47kaq pic.twitter.com/89bWIoZiSj
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 27, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
SYRACUSE, NY 🚌❤️: We're here! Join us TODAY on our next #CareCantWait Bus Tour stop to fight for an affordable and accessible care system we all deserve.
RSVP here: https://t.co/7dHlZ5aEf5
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 28, 2024
National Nurses United:
Union nurses in @nynurses, @minurses, @mnnurses, and all across the country are fired up to see nurse values on the ballot this election season!
Join the #NursesforKamala coalition in getting Harris and Walz into the White House! 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/6ZmKotNJ3a
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 25, 2024
NFL Players Association:
Help us give a warm welcome to our two newest NFLPA Player Directors: Michael Thomas + Scott Wells! Their first experience will be hitting the road for the next six weeks to meet and support all current players. pic.twitter.com/F4Lv2dJEl5
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 26, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Donald Trump is not a friend to unions.
pic.twitter.com/uG90kiiTqe
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 27, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
OPEIU Local 251 represents over 550 workers at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their union contract expires on September 24, 2024.
Sign a letter in support of their fight for a fair contract! ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/AstWPFWZUH
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 22, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
As we chart our course for the next five years, we honor a century of progress that has secured democracy, fair wages, and dignity for workers.
Together, we can become an unmatched force in our industry—stronger, inclusive, and empowering at every level. #OneIUPAT pic.twitter.com/DxJnKhgHfC
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 27, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Active & retired union members may be eligible for home financing benefits through the @UnionPlus® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Equal Housing Lender. https://t.co/nXrO69XJC7 pic.twitter.com/xZ9j76bthh
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 26, 2024
Pride At Work:
Being LGBTQIA+ can be an obstacle as a voter who lives in a state that has voter identification laws. Join @prideatwork, @LCLAA, @CLUWNational and @VoteRiders on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:00 PM EDT to learn about the potential impacts.
Register here: https://t.co/phYgZPZ0G6 pic.twitter.com/KWrw6rnTcK
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 21, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
61 years ago today, @RWDSU joined working people for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom! RWDSU leaders like Cleve Robinson helped plan the march, and Local 1-S members, pictured here, were among the union workers who traveled to the historic civil rights action! pic.twitter.com/gHQESertCT
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 28, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
“We are thrilled that one of our top legislative priorities, AB 2602 has passed in the State of California. The bill, which protects not only SAG-AFTRA performers but all performers, is a huge step forward. ... 1/2https://t.co/jNF0bRYOef
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 28, 2024
Solidarity Center:
The support from @Culinary226 for striking Evolution Gaming workers in the Republic of Georgia is what true global #solidarity looks like. ✊https://t.co/i1rBZLe1jC@casinosc0m
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 27, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
🚨 More than 3,000 supporters have already given to @ThePUPNews strikers to cover rent, unexpected expenses, groceries and much more.
We're so close to blowing past $800k raised in support of the LONGEST strike in the country! Pitch in here: https://t.co/rSonkCeva7 pic.twitter.com/iGtE8Lyt4B
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 27, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
On #WomensEqualityDay, we honor the fearless women who fought for the right to vote, paving the way for equality.
This November, let's exercise our right to vote, ensuring that the hard-won victories are preserved, and our voices continue to drive the fight for gender equality. pic.twitter.com/htFpPTu4sq
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 26, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
WATCH: @TTDAFLCIO President Greg Regan spoke at the @DemConvention last week to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's investments in America’s working families, transportation and infrastructure. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5WrDbl31Sg
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
UAW:
Workers at the Detroit-area Webasto plant are standing up to form their union and UAW Local 900 has their backs! #StandUpWebasto pic.twitter.com/7Doiq1j2xQ
— UAW (@UAW) August 28, 2024
UNITE HERE:
Hotel workers are putting the industry on notice.
Our wages aren’t enough.
Staffing cuts have made our jobs more painful than ever.
And we’re ready to strike for what our families need. pic.twitter.com/UITZ58wlyJ
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 27, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Over 45 workers at 17 CBD Kratom & Mr. Nice Guy cannabis dispensaries have joined UFCW Local 655.
Workers organized to join UFCW due to shared concerns about insufficient wages, benefits, health insurance, & job stability. Let’s get to work!
➡️ https://t.co/tXit8QFQYF pic.twitter.com/KVWoVJvTaG
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 27, 2024
United Steelworkers:
For Paige Cisco of Local 689 in Ohio, fighting for workers’ health and safety is what motivates her every day. Read her full story: https://t.co/fNURJ8TXGw pic.twitter.com/9nV2ATGGCF
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 27, 2024
Utility Workers:
The Executive Board of @UWUA_Local_1_2 is ready for Labor Day!
Every UWUA local received a limited quantity of these #ItsBetterInAUnion shirts so that across the country our union will be visible as we celebrate the labor movement. pic.twitter.com/w1JY5TjHvq
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 28, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
When writers decide to work together to organize a union at their workplace, they create the leverage and power they need to improve their working lives. You are the union. Reach out to us at organize@wgaeast.org to learn more and ask questions. #UnionStrong 💪
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 27, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:04Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SMART-TD Announces Tentative Deal for Conductors with Amtrak
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced a tentative agreement for a seven-year contract with Amtrak that covers conductors and assistant conductors.
Details of the agreement will go out to membership for a ratification vote over the next few weeks. Key economic highlights of the contract include substantial wage increases that are retroactive to July 2022, greater new hire training per diem, more conductor certification pay and improved training pay. SMART-TD also secured major wins relating to worker health and work-life balance, such as more paid parental leave, designating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday, improvements to bereavement pay and expansion of overtime.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/28/2024 - 09:56Break the Bias: 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Arizona AFL-CIO:
💪Michael "BIG MIKE" Dawson, a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has made the 10,000th call in our #2024LaborVotes campaign! pic.twitter.com/ZtBxIG3XSe
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 21, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
We are training up more union members throughout the state to hit worksites and the doors about the importance of the upcoming elections. pic.twitter.com/zXQ9WklIs9
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 24, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
The Connecticut AFL-CIO strongly condemns the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rep. Figueroa. @ehawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/Fwvi0lj7hy
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
We love to see it! ✊ 💪 https://t.co/Srce55p0aP
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 23, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
As of 2020, roughly 10.6 million of the 15.9 million workers covered by a union contract are women and/or people of color. Almost half of workers represented by a union are women (47.1%).#WomenEqualityDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll #love #Equality pic.twitter.com/6ger5qGLvM
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 26, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Our friends at the @CFM10208 are organizing Hip Hop musicians, DJs, and EDM artists. These genres have rich ties to Illinois. Let's celebrate these artists as they fight for fair wages and an end to a "pay to play" culture of exploitation. More here: https://t.co/QOyVYfkV2M pic.twitter.com/vfERUxuiEl
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 27, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
🚨Primary GOTV Alert🚨
Election Day is Tuesday, 9/3!!
We will be working to elect our endorsed labor champions before, during, and after primary day! To kick off GOTV week, join Women Build Boston in Cambridge Monday to support State Rep. Marjorie Decker! 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Km15WcTJJ2
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 23, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
The two-year-old Inflation Reduction Act is fulfilling its promise of accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy while creating good-paying, union jobs along the way. #1u https://t.co/Ym21wOop4P
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
🌡️ ☀️ It is very hot. Make sure you are hydrating and know the symptoms of a heat stroke. #heatwave pic.twitter.com/eQCoY2MS3X
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 27, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you to our amazing affiliates, sponsors, elected officials, and community partners for joining us for our 68th Constitutional Convention Welcome Reception! pic.twitter.com/iyMTdSliHN
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to our President Mario Cilento, Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin, and the Vice Presidents on their elections! A special thanks to @NYSDOLCommish for swearing in our leaders this morning. pic.twitter.com/0suk9PNu6N
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 27, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
It's easy to see where @johnlegend got his values when we find out he grew up in a @UAW @AFLCIO #union household. https://t.co/HPtJLOqJjN
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 26, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
The clock is ticking Boeing ⏰ @IAM751 and District W24’s contract expires on September 12. Boeing Machinists deserve a #FairContractNow. #Solidarity
Read more 👇https://t.co/tFCm6fxtvM pic.twitter.com/JsrHVCMP9Y
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 27, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Unions are the best tool to stand up to the historic inequity & corporate greed we are up against. In 2022 unions won 76% of National Labor Relations Board elections, the highest rate ever. And unions are more popular with the public now than at any time since the 1960s.#LaborDay pic.twitter.com/lltdUBH44S
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 26, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
NEWS: Through our 2024 Scholarship Program, the Texas AFL-CIO awarded 25 grants of $1,500 each to an outstanding class of applicants.
Thank you to the locals and members who made this possible through their generous donations.
Read more: https://t.co/3M5bK7ZO1A
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 26, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Under Gov. Walz, Minnesota runs one of the most effective OSHA state plan programs. The state ranks fifth-lowest in the rate of workplace fatalities, significantly lower than the federal workplace fatality rate. https://t.co/FX4BpGhOm0
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 24, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/27/2024 - 10:37Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York ratified a new three-year contract.
The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers. Additionally, members are maintaining their union health care plan with the addition of a new short-term disability benefit. Other highlights are an updated attendance policy that increases the grace period for being late, provisions protecting the right to call additional labor-management meetings during the year, work schedule transparency, upward mobility opportunities, protections for the current commissions policy and more.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:56Saving Workers' Lives and Limbs: 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.
Labor Leaders Stand Up, Show Out for Kamala at DNC: “The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the next vice president commenced with a wave of endorsements from the nation’s largest labor unions. On the very first night of the convention, an impressive gathering of union presidents took the stage. AFSCME’s Lee Saunders, SEIU (Service Employees International Union) President April Verrett, LIUNA (Laborer’s International Union of North America) President Brent Booker, Ken Cooper of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Claude Cummings Jr. of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), and Liz Shuler of the AFL-CIO stood on stage together, they displayed the power of unions.”
NWSL, Players Reach New CBA That Includes Elimination of Draft: “The National Women’s Soccer League and its players agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that will grow salaries and further expand player rights regarding free agency and trades, the sides announced Thursday. The deal includes the elimination of the college draft, a first for a major North American professional sports league. The new CBA will extend the current contract, which was negotiated in 2022 and was set to expire in 2026, through 2030. Some of the new terms, such as the elimination of the draft and free agency for all players when their contracts expire, will go into effect immediately; others will begin in 2025.”
How Tim Walz Saved Workers’ Lives and Limbs: “In 2023, with a narrow Democratic majority and working closely with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state legislature passed several innovative laws that greatly strengthen the safety and health protections provided to Minnesota workers employed in high-hazard jobs. These include: Protecting Workers from Ergonomic Hazards: About 30% of all serious injuries reported by employers to the Bureau of Labor Statistics are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These are injuries to the back, wrist, neck, or arm caused by exposure to lifting, twisting, repetitive motions, and other ergonomic hazards.”
Union Leaders at DNC Push Back Against Trump Overtures to Organized Labor: “Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is highlighting its pro-union stance at the Democratic National Convention this week, pushing back against Republican Party overtures to organized labor at their own convention last month. It’s an attempt to refute former President Donald Trump’s claims that he will work with organized labor amid recent meetings with the president of the Teamsters union, and an effort by Harris to hitch onto President Joe Biden’s labor record, which includes being the first president to walk a picket line. Addressing the Wisconsin delegation to the DNC Wednesday morning, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su argued Harris had fought wage theft as attorney general of California, and would enact worker-friendly policies as president.”
Venetian Las Vegas Reaches Tentative Deal with Workers for First Union Contract: “The Venetian Resort has agreed to its first union contract with more than 4,000 hospitality workers. The Culinary Union announced that a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday morning for workers at The Venetian and Palazzo. A contract ratification vote will be scheduled soon, according to a union spokesperson. Culinary and Venetian leadership reached an agreement in June last year for ‘card check neutrality.’ That meant the resort would not take a position as employees explored possible unionization.”
University of Alaska and Graduate Student Union Reach Three-Year Contract: “A new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the University of Alaska and the Alaska Graduate Workers Association-UAW Union (AGWA-UAW) took effect on July 1. This is the first time the University of Alaska and AGWA have negotiated a CBA. The agreement comes less than a year after University of Alaska graduate student employees voted to form a union.”
Union Leaders Frame Harris as Champion of the Working Class in Night 1 of DNC: “Union leaders championed Vice President Kamala Harris as the choice for working class folks in a series of speeches on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. ‘This election is about two economic visions,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO. Her union represents nearly 13 million American workers, she said.”
Kamala Harris Names a Unionist as Her VP: “Just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris named Tim Walz as her running mate Aug. 6, AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler celebrated the pick in a press statement, calling Walz a ‘principled fighter and labor champion’ who’s not just an ally but a union brother. Walz is a former public high school teacher and football coach who has been Minnesota’s governor since 2019. As governor, he signed lots of pro-worker legislation, including: Paid family and medical leave and mandated paid sick days; A ban on noncompete clauses; A ban on employers from holding mandatory anti-union meetings; Letting teachers unions bargain over class size; and $2.6 billion in infrastructure investments.”
The Rev. Barber: Kamala Harris Isn’t Just Listening to Workers. She’s Sounding Like Them: “With its rallies that pack arenas, Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has harnessed an energy that many have compared to Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Polls in battleground states indicate that the dynamics of the presidential race have fundamentally shifted, but skeptics question if the good vibes can last once the vice president starts to detail policy. Is this burst of excitement, they ask, just the momentary enthusiasm of voters surprised by an unexpected transition? When we pay attention to what Harris and Walz have already said, though, it’s clear they have tapped the energy of worker-driven movements that want to create an economy that works for all of us. The good vibes and the economic vision of this campaign are, in fact, deeply connected.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/26/2024 - 12:04Service & Solidarity Alert: 17,000 AT&T Southeast Workers on Strike
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
We are CWA members on strike at AT&T Southeast because AT&T is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations for a new contract.
We are a big part of AT&T’s success, but we have been at the bargaining table since June, unable to make any progress because of the Company's bad faith bargaining.
The National Labor Relations Act requires companies to bargain in good faith. We have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company and are on strike to protest the Company's unfair bargaining tactics.
We want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve and getting to work making sure every household and business in the Southeast has reliable high-speed internet service.
Tell AT&T to show us the respect we deserve and get serious about bargaining.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:22Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Memphis City Employees Celebrate Across-the-Board Pay Raises and Bonuses
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Employees of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, are celebrating much-needed wage hikes and bonuses they secured through the union they formed—a testament to the power of a union.
They are celebrating $5,000 bonuses along with pay raises of at least 5%. Workers who keep Memphis’ hospitals, schools and roads running saw this increase last month.
Employees of the city’s Solid Waste Department, who keep Memphis clean, saw pay raises ranging from 6% to 34%.
Corrections officers and deputies saw raises of 6%.
These well-deserved pay raises and bonuses are thanks to AFSCME Local 1733 members, who had been negotiating with the Memphis City Council since April and came to an agreement.
Tomorrow Bonds, a member of Local 1733’s negotiations team and a crewperson in the Memphis Public Works Department, said that she and her co-workers were not going to back down from their proposals.
“We came to the table with our proposals for the wage increases that we wanted, but the city kept turning it down,” Bonds said. “But we decided we weren’t going to take their counterproposals for less, and we wanted a fair wage.”
On June 18, Local 1733 members ratified a memorandum of understanding that they reached with the city for these pay increases and bonuses to take effect on July 1.
For Bonds, these wage increases are only the beginning. The fight for a livable wage continues.
“It’s very important to me that everybody has a livable wage, and right now, we’re still not at a livable wage,” Bonds said. “But I can see that fighting for this pay increase has opened up a path for us to get there.”
This post originally appeared on the AFSCME blog.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:02Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced their historic new collective bargaining agreement, which ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections, and other provisions that will help create a more equitable League. For the first time ever in American professional sports, this contract also eliminates the draft, empowering athlete workers to have a real say over their futures.
“The new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a reflection of the collective power of the Players,” said NWSLPA President Tori Huster. “Together, we secured freedoms that empower the Players to have autonomy over their careers and in doing so, reshaped American sports.”
“Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together. The revolutionary victories they secured—from eliminating the draft to requiring player consent for trades to safeguarding player health—advance the critical work of professional sports associations to let players decide what’s best for their families. Collective bargaining is a powerful tool in achieving women’s equality in any workplace, and these results are a testament to the visionary leadership of President Tori Huster, Executive Director Meghann Burke, Vice President Simone Charley, the bargaining committee and all members of the Players Association who are dedicated to creating a better, fairer League. The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2024 - 09:58More Freedom for 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:
Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for July 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/myvtrd4Ufv pic.twitter.com/Ck1c3B8GWp
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 21, 2024
AFGE:
Thank you @RepMarkTakano for working tirelessly to improve our VA medical centers and the workplace rights of those who serve our nation’s heroes. pic.twitter.com/G2zo9Rqu5I
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2024
AFSCME:
ICYMI: AFSCME backs @KamalaHarris for president because she believe in “more freedom for working people,” President Saunders said at #DNC2024. https://t.co/86PYM4udOz
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 20, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Affordable health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are on the ballot this year. https://t.co/JVPEeqg7tB
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Day 2 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was just as exciting as the first. Representing the ATU were #DNC New Jersey Delegate International President John Costa, International Vice President Yvette Trujillo, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice… pic.twitter.com/wnkQQCx9pf
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 21, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Are you absolutely sure that you're registered to vote?
Couldn't hurt to check.
Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Flight Attendants save lives.
We are aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense in aviation security. We are the first impression and the smile of aviation connecting the people of our nations.
Happy National Aviation Day to Aviation’s First Responders! pic.twitter.com/EmNC7roE7l
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 19, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024
Boilermakers:
‼️ Breaking News: IBB announces leadership changes: https://t.co/QMz9Hcpvqq pic.twitter.com/kAnuH7Fuxz
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2024
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, Justin Guillermo, Jeris Orian, and Joe Ermitano from BAC local 1 Hawaii are working on the Wahiawa Civic Center!
Thank you for your hard work!#Unionstrong #thebesthandsinthebusiness pic.twitter.com/wevdu6PwPL
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 21, 2024
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Sylvia Lieberman Recalls First CLUW Convention. #CLUW50 https://t.co/Xt7NNGc6ki
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 19, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
🚨Strike Alert! 🚨
CWA members at AT&T Southeast are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract. pic.twitter.com/qb4iCXdyzX
— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 16, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024
Electrical Workers:
. @UnionSportsmen brings you Major League Fishing Angler Jesse Spellicy who shares five baits you need in your tacklebox. https://t.co/KrWt0oJ5uY
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Asbestos Memorial🕊️
During the 2024 Officers Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, General President, Terry Larkin & former IVP, Anthony Ceraldi, visited the Memorial.
➡️Read more: https://t.co/NInou94huB
#InsulatorsUnion #HFIAW #asbestos #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/VCyZzCTBAx
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 19, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
We just heard from union leaders at the #DNC. They are right—it’s time for workers to be able to freely organize w/o interference from billionaire CEOs, take home family-sustaining wages, and retire w/ dignity. #UnionYes @AFLCIO @AFSCME @IBEW @CWAUnion @SEIU @LIUNA
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 20, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
🚨 Eliminating the Department of Education under #Project2025 would have devastating effects on our society and communities. Historically, authoritarian regimes target education to control citizens and impose conservative ideals, undermining democratic values. pic.twitter.com/tUtC8EWNZA
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 21, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
No Contract, No Cartoons."
After weekend rallies, The Animation Guild (TAG) started contract talks w/the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. "We're defending the soul of this industry," said TAG President Jeanette Moreno King
Read more: https://t.co/8ual57wPpt pic.twitter.com/SWpigI22g4
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 21, 2024
Laborers:
Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024
Machinists:
Celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, IAM Western Territory Locals united with community organizations in her honor. Their service magnifies the dedication Maria had for our communities. https://t.co/9aWtkhzpYc.
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 21, 2024
Mine Workers:
“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength..." - Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024
Musical Artists:
Save the San Francisco Symphony Chorus: Send a Letter to Management - https://t.co/OfUYN7k9AO pic.twitter.com/EJYjSxAAyT
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 19, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Are you keeping your contact information current on MyNATCA? It's crucial for all NATCA members to regularly update their preferred contact details on MyNATCA to ensure they receive important communications.
Visit https://t.co/snJux6foFR and log in with your credentials. pic.twitter.com/6Iys6A3Tey
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 20, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
This #MemberMonday, we're giving a shout-out to New Castle, PA Branch 22 carrier Bill Rubin. For Scott Collar, a customer with disabilities who lives on Bill's route, the kindness that Bill delivers each day makes him more than a mailman – he's become a true friend. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/nc2YQCgM1U
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 19, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Coming up next month!#BringHumanRightsHome https://t.co/x6jgzPxeM6
— NDLON (@NDLON) August 20, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
More workers than ever need paid time off for mental health conditions and are getting denied. Employers must support the well-being of their employees.
That means investing in care. https://t.co/HeWXEO2RNu
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 15, 2024
National Nurses United:
Nurses met with @RevDrBarber today at #DNCConvention2024!
We’re excited and honored to be fighting alongside such a powerful champion for working families. #NursesForKamala pic.twitter.com/pVInzv04cc
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 20, 2024
NFL Players Association:
Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning tackled back-to-school prep at a block party last week, where 100 kids and their families scored school supplies and a day of fun at the team’s training facility. 📚✏️ pic.twitter.com/mWm4Q4knai
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 16, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Brent Booker, @LIUNA General President, says Trump made empty promises, while the Biden-Harris Administration delivered. As President, Kamala Harris will fight for the workers who are building America.https://t.co/zngunCZixh
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 21, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Standardized patients at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia are fighting for a fair contract!
Tell university administrators to stop union-busting and pay them a fair wage! ↓↓↓ #UnionStrong https://t.co/KbvUUTanQ5
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 20, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
As we approach our General Convention, we reflect on each and every one of our members who have shaped the IUPAT into the strong and fighting union that we are today.
For over 137 years, our members' commitments and our union's collective efforts have ignited a force of change… pic.twitter.com/EYtfCXqRkK
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 12, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024
Pride At Work:
Join us to organize this election season and ensure LGBTQIA+ worker power is a priority!
Sign up here: https://t.co/jkPXJ0Ym8c #organize #solidarityforever pic.twitter.com/x1FtxpmvK7
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 19, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@RWDSU President @sappelbaum opens the 2nd @DemConvention Labor Council meeting. Asst. to the President Jessica Garcia who has spearheaded the planning led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. #DemConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/WQfY6rNCYY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Certain weather conditions can be hazardous for roofers. Follow these tips to stay safe! https://t.co/4J2VP83XzI #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/XPjZABkM3D
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 21, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
🎙️ “Voice Actor and Movement Performers, we love this work.”
Check out the full Game Actors on Game Actors: SAG-AFTRA Panel At Comic-Con 2024: https://t.co/D7AguPJaC0 pic.twitter.com/sxkMuaMnSc
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 21, 2024
Solidarity Center:
“We will leave no one behind.”
Amid victory against union busting after a month-long campaign, #Sofitel workers' unions continue to lead the push for job security for all workers.
🔗https://t.co/Oy6exvFsLu#StandWithSofitelWorkers #Philippines #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/qAN9sA8Suo
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 21, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
🚨
On Sunday evening, Adrian Szkolar – a member of the @CTnewsguild organizing committee – was fired. This comes a mere ten days after the guild went public with their union drive.
Tell Hearst CT Media Group: Reinstate Adrian & recognize @CTnewsguild 👇https://t.co/8DjIkU4bh6
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 19, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
“As a union member, it’s important that we have candidates who support our values,” IATSE Local 720 (Nevada) Member Matt Kimball said.
“Donald Trump crossed my union’s picket line in ‘04, and that’s something I can never forgive him for and never will.” https://t.co/SoqFek4XxA
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 21, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
The @seattletimes Editorial Board nails it with a message for the Washington State Ferry System: pay your workers!
Low staffing levels, noncompetitive wages, and overworked @MEBAUNION marine engineers = compromised service.
Read more: https://t.co/W4DjOzEPU8
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 20, 2024
UAW:
Cornell University has a $10 billion endowment. Management could easily afford to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. Instead, Cornell is attempting to union bust by encouraging retirees and faculty to scab.
This is textbook corporate greed. @UAWregion9 pic.twitter.com/pyTIMaTxcx
— UAW (@UAW) August 21, 2024
Union Veterans Council:
We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans' legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024
UNITE HERE:
Hotel workers are at a breaking point – and thousands have now authorized strikes.
Wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. Staffing cuts have made hotel jobs more painful than ever.
But we know that when we fight, we win. pic.twitter.com/faAi8vrvTu
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock a wide variety of online degrees & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.
➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/BxpXkoA1kv
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 20, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Congrats to USW Local 819, Pactiv Evergreen, in Turlock, Calif., for ratifying a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement after more than 18 months of difficult bargaining. pic.twitter.com/FaxuwJG75W
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 21, 2024
Utility Workers:
Louder for the folks in the back! 📣
Every worker deserves the opportunity to join a union, and those with the lowest wages, fewest benefits, and the most unpredictable schedules have the most to gain by organizing! #UnionYeshttps://t.co/89SAkeba70
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum - and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:10Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more.
“It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:03Life Is Better In 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
August 12, 2024 downtown Montgomery Alabama with a room full of labor leaders from across the state to endorse candidates for this years election and not one candidate #inattendence pic.twitter.com/IURccTxlrd
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
When someone shows you who they are, believe them. https://t.co/2uNEll3ylH
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S.
A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
#UnionizeCalifornia https://t.co/SC9fUNvGLG
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 15, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Management at Hearst have FIRED a union organizer in a clear case of retaliation. Tell Hearst to reinstate Adrian and recognize the @CTnewsguild! #UnionBustingIsDisgusting https://t.co/z0bDpceGI4
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Today is Florida's Primary Election, and polls are open from 7am to 7pm. If you haven't already, go vote! pic.twitter.com/5yop33AyV9
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 20, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
#Thankful for all the #aviation workers #❤️ #AviationDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll https://t.co/UG5be23hhO
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 19, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
#unionsforharriswalz because life is better in a union. #1u pic.twitter.com/Ml3Em0jkQR
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Stage Hands Local 114 are celebrating their 120th Anniversary! Check out our story about the founders of Local 114 during the vaudeville era in 1905 & the rebirth of live stage events in Portland from the late 1970s to the present.https://t.co/kkNdFKjiXN @IATSE114 @IATSE
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
“Unions built the middle class” - @JoeBiden
The Biden-Harris admin. has our backs every day: 15 million new jobs, billions in infrastructure, bringing manufacturing back home to America, and saving our pensions #DNC #ThankYouJoe #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarrisWalz @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/LtedLJq6Cw
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 20, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
This November, Michiganders will be faced with a choice between the candidates who stand with working people, and the ones who stand with corporate billionaires.
We're proud to announce our endorsements of pro-labor champions up and down the ballot.https://t.co/y5aSi4UGtS
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Under the legislation, which went into effect on July 1, companies in Minnesota are barred from entering into new contracts that contain restrictive covenants, which function like noncompete agreements but have previously slipped past the prohibitions. #1u https://t.co/70nFyktrVj
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
We’re voting YES on Proposition A to bring #PaidSickDays to MO and #RaiseTheWage to $15/hr by 2026. It’s time to prioritize the people who keep our communities thriving. pic.twitter.com/vrFLf483e2
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 17, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
7️⃣9️⃣ days until the election! Thank you to everyone who came to our Superwalk kickoff in both Northern and Southern Nevada, our speakers who energized the room, and our volunteers who are spending their sunny Saturday knocking on doors & phone banking.
LETS WIN THIS THING🗳️ pic.twitter.com/c81lHJo1Tu
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 17, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!
Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Standing with our UAW family fighting for a fair contract at Cornell University today ✊ #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/VADRCuxUdU
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Get the @UAW shirt today! #UnionsForHarris #ItsBetterInAUnion#TrumpIsAScab https://t.co/vPfwhk88Pz
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 20, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon workers are #StrongerTogether. Find out how to organize by going to https://t.co/WphIRB4ySr pic.twitter.com/dw4QrE9cER
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 18, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Glad you asked!
In Pennsylvania, both the number of union members and the number of workers with union representation is the highest it’s been in over a decade. https://t.co/823aBSengh pic.twitter.com/sSj4PldTGa
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 20, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
See how we rep Texas workers at the DNC?
Very demure. Very mindful. pic.twitter.com/z3GdrUcrLW
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
The WI AFL-CIO was proud to host a press conference this morning in support of Kamala Harris for President. Standing against the chaos and division of another Trump Presidency, we heard from Former Racine Police Chief Art Howell and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. pic.twitter.com/Uqu3ezOltH
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 16, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:32Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, ratified a new contract after striking for 14 months. The new three-year contract gives all workers a 30.5% wage increase, a return-to-work bonuses, an increase in banquet workers’ gratuities, transparency and other tip protections, and new health benefits. More than 85% of the union members voted in favor of the new contract.
“This new agreement sets the union on a new path with Larco Hospitality, and we look forward to forging ahead in a productive and positive working relationship with them,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:08Worker Wins: What We Deserve
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
NWSL Players Association Scores Historic New Contract: This morning, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced that they have secured an historic new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections and other provisions that will help create a more equitable league. “Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together….The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!” Read the AFL-CIO’s full statement here.
Las Vegas Venetian Workers Win Historic TA with Major Pay Boosts: On Tuesday, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE—announced with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas that they have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new four-year contract. Before workers organized in June 2023 through a card-check neutrality agreement, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas—which includes both The Venetian and The Palazzo properties—had been a decades-long holdout under the previous ownership as the Las Vegas Strip’s only nonunion property. If ratified by members, this would be the first union contract covering the more than 4,000 food, beverage, housekeeping, bar, lounge and bell department workers at the casino resorts. A committee of more than 100 staff participated in every main table negotiating session and subcommittee meeting over the past year, resulting in a milestone TA with standard protections, such as health care benefits, language on increased worker security regarding sexual harassment and immigration, a pension and more. The deal also secured wins including the largest wage increases ever, workload reductions, daily room cleaning for guest room attendants, safety protections for workers on the job and recall rights. “I’m happy to have the union protections and voice we deserve,” said Sergio Javier Andrade, floor attendant at The Venetian Resort for 17 years, in a union press release. “This new contract is a game-changer for all of us—getting such a significant wage increase and a pension, is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and to see it happen this morning is exciting, and I appreciate the Culinary Union and The Venetian Resort working together to make it happen. We’ve worked hard for this for over a year, and I feel very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. By voting yes to ratify, we’re setting ourselves up for a better, more secure future.”
WMATA Metro Workers Ratify New Contract: With 90% in approval, Washington Metro workers overwhelmingly ratified a new contract between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board and their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. The ratification vote took place Monday, and Local 689 announced Wednesday that the WMATA Board has concurred, making the new agreement official. ATU represents over 8,500 workers across the regional transit system who are indispensable in keeping the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area moving. The new contract includes major victories to improve members’ livelihoods, WMATA’s fiscal responsibility and system accountability. “The contract overwhelmingly approved by Metro workers is a huge win for the dedicated transit professionals who move our region day in and day out,” said ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “We negotiated a fair and equitable deal with the Authority ensuring our members continue to receive fair compensation they’ve earned while also enforcing accountability throughout the system. Notably, we were able to get retiree healthcare back for many of our members while also guaranteeing that everyone would see raises through the life of this contract.”
Workers at Hyatt Regency Crystal City Vote Decisively to Organize Despite Anti-Union Campaign: Despite weeks of aggressive anti-union campaigning from hotel management, a majority of housekeepers at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, voted Friday to join UNITE HERE Local 25. After a supermajority of staff signed union authorization cards, housekeepers at the hotel filed for a union election on July 12. Hyatt then began an intensive anti-union crusade inside, which included regular anti-union meetings and distribution of anti-union literature. In the face of these attempts at undermining their organizing, workers picketed outside the hotel every Saturday with the support of labor allies and local lawmakers until their scheduled National Labor Relations Board election this past Friday. While the fight isn’t over, housekeepers are hoping that forming a union will help them address their workload and benefits concerns. “We are so excited and proud,” said Olga Ortiz, a housekeeper at the hotel and a leader on the organizing campaign. “It didn’t matter what the company threw at us—we stood strong and stood together. Now we are preparing to win our first contract with fairer workloads, higher pay and affordable benefits.”
TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United: After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more. “It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”
New Mexico School for the Deaf Educators Form Union: Staff at the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) joined AFT New Mexico earlier this month, forming a wall-to-wall union at the Santa Fe campus. The New Mexico School for the Deaf Faculty & Staff Association bargaining unit includes all workers, from educators to bus drivers to administrative secretaries and more. The state Public Employee Labor Relations Board voted Aug. 6 to ratify the results of a union card-check, and the union has described the organizing process as a “relatively amicable” one. The workers who staff the school—which serves students from prekindergarten to 12th grade—really united over the need to secure wages that keep up with the high costs of living in Santa Fe. Funding for the institution comes from the state, but unlike other public schools, the NMSD doesn’t get money on a per-student basis. So, if the New Mexico Legislature passes a raise for teachers, it doesn’t necessarily mean these staff will receive a pay increase. Members are hoping that with the union, they can better negotiate for transparency and consistency in their salaries and benefits.
Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority: Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract. The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term. “We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”
Maine Can Now Order Employers to Pay Workers Back Pay and Damages for Missed Wages: A new law went into effect Friday in Maine that will give the state Department of Labor more tools to hold businesses accountable for failure to pay workers the wages they are rightfully owed. Aimed at fighting wage theft, this legislation empowers the Labor Department to order an employer to pay both the unpaid wages as well as damages equal to twice the amount of those wages with interest. The bill is a major win in the effort to combat a widespread issue. The Maine Center for Economic Policy reports that minimum wage violations in Maine amounted to an estimated $30 million in 2017. Additionally, they found that between 2021 to 2023, employers who were caught violating wage and hour laws paid an average penalty of just $9.61 per violation. To make it worse, only 10.7% of the assessed fines were actually paid. “In my 25 years working in the construction industry I have seen countless examples of disreputable contractors taking advantage of non-union workers and cheating them out of their hard-earned wages and benefits,” said Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member, Grant Provost. “When the punishment for violating wage and hour protections is just a slap on the wrist, companies have a perverse incentive to break the law and treat fines as a cost of doing business. This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work.”
NLRB Rules in Favor of NPEU Over Member’s Illegal Termination: The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) is celebrating a huge win after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled on Wednesday that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acted illegally when it terminated a worker who was punished for raising concerns about poor working conditions at the nonprofit. NPEU, a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), represents professionals employed at more than 50 nonprofit organizations. An administrative law judge for the agency found that the ACLU did in fact violate the National Labor Relations Act by denying NPEU member Kate Oh a transfer and discharging her in retaliation for exercising her right to engage in protected concerted activities. As a remedy, the judge ordered the ACLU to offer her reinstatement and to make her whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits. “This decision sends a clear message: no one is above the law, including and especially powerful management officials claiming to champion civil liberties with their words while illegally doing the opposite with their actions,” said Oh. “I am deeply grateful for my union having my back and for an NLRB that seeks to vindicate workers' rights.” Amy Chin-Lai, president of NPEU, added: “We are thrilled with the NLRB’s decision, which protects the fundamental rights of workers to advocate for better working conditions and speak out without fear of retaliation. Kate Oh’s dedication to her colleagues and her resilience in the face of unlawful treatment exemplify the spirit of our union. I am proud to call her a union sister. We look forward to finishing a first contract for all of our ACLU workers who fight for civil liberties, including Kate.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:24Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract.
The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term.
“We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:04Hitting the Picket Lines: 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.
Stark Comparison: Union Leaders Praise Tim Walz as J.D. Vance Tries To Rebrand GOP As Pro-Labor: “As a former high school teacher, Walz was once a union member himself. Long before Walz joined the national ticket, he helped make Minnesota one of the most worker-friendly states in the country. ‘He's done great work here with labor, and we appreciate his willingness to always be at the table with us,’ said Bernie Burnham, the president of Minnesota AFL-CIO, the president of Minnesota American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). ‘When you see Tim Walz, you can see he's as comfortable getting down the floor and talking to a toddler as he is listening to senior citizens and hearing about what their needs are,’ Burnham said.”
Striking SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors To Hit Picket Lines for Second Day: “Striking SAG-AFTRA video game performers plan to picket outside Disney Character Voices Thursday—the union's second picketing event since it walked off the job on July 23 to highlight a dispute it says focuses on an unwillingness by top gaming companies to protect voice actors from the emergence of artificial intelligence.”
UAW Suit Against Trump and Musk Breaks New Ground: “Trump’s praise of Musk’s illegal firings didn’t surprise the AFL-CIO. ‘Scab recognizes scab,’ it tweeted. ‘Greedy bosses aren’t just laughing at workers in smoke-filled backrooms anymore,’ federation President Liz Shuler elaborated in a statement. ‘They’re broadcasting it for the world to hear. It’s no surprise coming from Trump and Elon Musk—two notorious union-busters who boast a combined record of crossing picket lines, underpaying workers, flouting health and safety laws, and retaliating against workers for demanding the rights and fair pay we deserve.’”
Trump Gutted Federal Employee Unions. They Believe He'd Do It Again: “Labor unions are among Kamala Harris’ most fervent backers in her run for president, and federal employee unions especially so. Not only do they love her unabashed support for labor, they also fear what her opponent Donald Trump might do if he’s elected president again. It’s not hyperbole to say that since becoming vice president, Harris has played a key role in bringing federal employee unions back from the brink.”
Walz Gives Remarks at Labor Union Convention in Los Angeles: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union at their convention in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon. The visit by the Democratic vice presidential candidate comes as the Harris-Walz ticket looks to solidify its base, including with organized labor. AFSCME is one of several major labor organizations, including other constituent unions within the AFL-CIO, that have given strong support to the Democratic Party ticket.”
The Animation Guild Starts Negotiating with Studios: “Following a weekend of solidarity events, The Animation Guild (IATSE 839) officially began its contract negotiations yesterday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. TAG members and supporters turned out in droves at a rally in Burbank on Saturday (August 10), with support also pouring in online through the #StandWithAnimation hashtag. Industry veterans like Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack), James Baxter (The Lion King), Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe) were among an estimated 2000-plus attendees—more than double the crowd that showed up for a previous rally in March 2022. ‘To look out at this sea of people the weekend before we actually go in for negotiations was really inspiring,’ says storyboard artist Kaitrin Snodgrass (My Little Pony: A New Generation).”
Recent Contracts Give Amtrak Workers Big Raises: “Two recently ratified contracts, one with the Transport Workers and the other with the Electrical Workers, have given on-board Amtrak workers and the passenger train system’s electricians historically large raises, the unions stated. Both contracts feature 34.1% compounded raises over seven years, retroactive to July 2022 and run through the end of 2028. The contract with Transport Workers Local 1460 covers 360 Amtrak on-board service workers, including train attendants and cafe car workers. Amtrak’s pact with IBEW’s of Railroad System Council 7 covers 1,200 electrical workers. ‘Amtrak on-board workers are a critical part of our nation’s transportation system and this contract includes essential quality-of-life wins,’ TWU President John Samuelsen said in a statement.”
Woodland Park Zoo Workers Reach Tentative Agreement On New Contract: “The Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions, representing approximately 200 Woodland Park Zoo employees, has reached a tentative agreement with zoo management on a new contract, according to a statement released by the union on Monday. The agreement, which is fully recommended by the union’s negotiations committee, is now subject to ratification by the union members. The proposed contract follows months of negotiations centered on key issues, including affordable healthcare, equitable wages, and the long-term well-being of the animals. The JCC Coalition of Unions represents 34 different classifications of zoo workers, including animal keepers, veterinary technicians, carpenters, and laborers.”
S&P 500 CEOs Made 268 Times What the Typical Worker Made Last Year, Report Says: CEO Payflation Strikes Again: “‘Today, the very CEOs who benefited most from Trump’s tax gift to the wealthy are making 268 times what their workers are making. And while corporate profits and stock prices surge, working people’s wages aren’t keeping up,’ Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement.”
I Helped Organize An Architect's Union: “Unionization in design industries is approaching a tipping point. In July, three different sectors achieved major victories for the labor movement. At Blizzard, a video game developer where other members have already unionized, more than 500 employees formed a ‘wall-to-wall’ union. Workers at the Apple Store in Towson, Maryland—the first such store to unionize at the world’s most famous design company—ratified their first contract. And finally, my colleagues and I at Bernheimer Architecture (BA) ratified the first collectively bargained contract at a private-sector architecture office.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/16/2024 - 10:25
