I Celebrated Labor Day Because...

Yesterday was Labor Day. This year, it was truly a day for workers to celebrate. And we have a lot to be excited about.

We celebrate our union movement that is delivering results, with workers coming together and organizing to make our jobs better, across the country. We celebrate the progress working people have made through decades of advocacy to create better lives for ourselves and our families, ensure safer workplaces and build a stronger economy.

It’s no wonder that unions are more popular today than at any time in more than 50 years! A record 71% of Americans now say we approve of unions.

We are celebrating the Biden–Harris administration that puts working families front and center in everything it does. Look at the victories we’ve had just this year, from the bipartisan infrastructure law to the CHIPS Act to the Inflation Reduction Act to student loan forgiveness. These laws are investments that will change working families’ lives, by creating new jobs, making prescriptions more affordable and lifting the burden of debt.

These are victories we achieved thanks to your activism, organizing and advocacy. Working people are recognizing the power we have when we join together to form unions. We are seeing every day the strength of workers coming together—from sheet metal workers in Alaska to REI workers in the Bay Area, from workers at the Milwaukee Art Museum to nurses in Coral Gables, Florida—and it is truly inspiring.

But we can’t stop here. Our job now is to take that momentum and use it to go all in on this election, so that we can protect our pro-worker majority and keep building on these victories.

Because so much of the progress we’ve fought for—and so many of our most fundamental freedoms—is at risk. And so we’re going to keep fighting.

We’re going to fight to protect the freedom to organize—to fight back against unfair pay and unsafe workplaces. We’re going to fight to protect the freedom to access health care. And we’re going to fight to protect the freedom to vote.

The stakes are high, but we can do it. Workers know better than anyone how powerful we are when we join together to make our voices heard.

On Labor Day, we recognized all of our hard work. And we’ll keep organizing, keep fighting and keep winning, because that’s what America’s workers do.

I took a moment out of my Labor Day to record this video celebrating the working people who are getting the job done. But I also have a special message for the corporations who have been so focused on keeping their employees from trying to exercise their rights—like Amazon and Starbucks:

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/06/2022 - 12:18

Tags: Labor Day

Don't Call It a Comeback: 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.

Union Rebound? AFL-CIO’s Shuler Sees Promise, Long Road Ahead: “A newly released poll heading into Labor Day weekend shows a near-record 71% of Americans approve of labor unions, up from 64% just before the pandemic. Yet that Gallup poll stands in contrast to some raw math: Just 1 in 10 workers on U.S. payrolls are union members, half the level seen four decades ago. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation, wants to bridge that gap—starting by adding a million new people to union ranks over the next 10 years. As she spoke at a Monitor Breakfast for reporters on Thursday, it was clear that for her, it is personal. It’s about her own story, and the life stories of people she has met, some of whom leave memories that make her voice quake with emotion. ‘We would say that unions are a pillar of a healthy democracy, and we see it around the world that unions have always been sort of bedrock to the foundation of a healthy economy and a healthy society,’ Shuler told reporters.”

Fill-the-Boot Drive Returns in Labor Day Tradition: “This Labor Day weekend, some first responders will be looking for some help as they seek to ‘fill the boot’ to raise money for local families affected by a number of neuromuscular diseases. According to a release, members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) and the Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association (LCFFA) Local 3756 will be on the streets at a number of locations throughout the county between Sept. 3 and 5, collecting money in association with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Fill-the-Boot Drive grew out of a partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters and the MDA, the release said, with member organizations of the IAFF having participated in the drive for over 60 years.”

Philadelphia Museum Workers Vote for Strike as Union Talks Stall: “The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) Union voted last night, August 30, in favor of a strike authorization by a 99% margin during the most well-attended meeting in its history. The vote came just days after the union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the museum. The strike authorization raises the stakes of ongoing negotiations between the union and management, which have been underway since October 2020. In August 2020, the PMA unionized with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees District Council 47 union (AFSCME DC 47), becoming the first wall-to-wall union at a major American museum.”

Inside the Drive to Bring ‘Cultural Workers’ into the Labor Movement: “It’s mid-June, and Lee Saunders, president of the AFSCME union, is speaking so loud into the microphone that it’s slightly distorted, and someone has to go over and tweak the dials on the PA system so his booming voice comes out clearer. Sitting down for an interview the following day, Saunders noted that the union support those workers felt at that event was ‘what the labor movement was all about—coming together, all of us supporting one another who have the desire to organize.’ [Philadelphia Museum of Art] is just one example of a surge in cultural institutions that have been unionizing with increasing fervor in the last few years, part of a campaign by AFSCME to offer support for these sectors to join their ranks.”

Labor Unions See Their Highest Approval Rating In Nearly Six Decades: “Americans have taken an increasingly positive view of labor unions over the past decade, with 71% now saying they approve of them in a new Gallup poll. That’s the highest favorability rating Gallup has seen for organized labor since 1965. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation, which includes 5[8] unions, cheered the new findings. ‘After a year of victorious strikes, record union election filings, and relentless efforts from corporate billionaires to silence workers, today comes as no surprise,’ Shuler wrote.”

MLBPA Sends Out Union Authorization Cards in First Step Toward Unionizing Minor Leaguers: “The Major League Baseball Players Association took an initial step toward unionizing the minor leagues Sunday night, sending out authorization cards that will allow minor league players to vote for an election that could make them MLBPA members. ‘Minor leaguers represent our game's future and deserve wages and working conditions that befit elite athletes who entertain millions of baseball fans nationwide,’ players' association executive director Tony Clark said Monday in a statement. ‘They're an important part of our fraternity and we want to help them achieve their goals both on and off the field.’”

BUD Program Graduates 25th Class of Pre-Apprentices: “The future is bright for eight pre-apprentices who recently graduated from the Building Union Diversity (BUD) program, opening doors to good-paying union construction careers in the St. Louis area. Taking part in the June 3 ceremony held at Iron Workers Local 396 Hall in St. Louis were Missouri Works Initiative director Greta Bax, BUD Program Coordinator Aurora Bihler, BUD graduates Kyle Benson, Carl Meriwether, TeAndre Hope-Shotwell, David Conley, Victoria Chapman, Stephanie McClure, Demonte Moorehead and Christopher Martin. The six-week program was created eight years ago as a recruitment tool to encourage more minorities and women to get into the union-building trades. Today, the program is run by the Missouri AFL-CIO’s Missouri Works Initiative.”

REI Employees Vote to Unionize, Becoming Chain's Second Union Store: “REI employees in Berkeley [California] made history Thursday as a majority voted in favor of unionizing, becoming the second store in REI's nationwide chain to organize. ‘When we got the results, I was jumping for joy in my kitchen, and then I ran out the door cause I had to be at work,’ said Freddi Farias, an REI employee at the Berkeley store and one of the co-organizers who helped launched the organizing effort. The workers will join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5. Union staff say they think other stores could follow. The UFCW staff say they saw a big increase in interest unionizing during the pandemic.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/06/2022 - 10:25

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: ALPA Pilots Stand in Solidarity at Nationwide Informational Picket

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

As the United States heads into the Labor Day holiday weekend, members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) held informational pickets at 13 airports across the country on Thursday, sending a strong message to airline management that it’s time to address their operational problems and support passengers, pilots and other front-line workers who made extraordinary sacrifices during the pandemic.

“ALPA pilots delivered during the pandemic, and now it’s time for airlines to deliver for us,” declared ALPA President Capt. Joe DePete. “Unfortunately, some airlines squandered the opportunity to adequately plan for post-pandemic flying, and the result has been unprecedented flight delays and cancellations. It’s time for management to prioritize passengers and pilots—and invest in the people who keep our country moving.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/06/2022 - 10:07

Economy Gains 315,000 Jobs in August; Unemployment Inches Up to 3.7%

The U.S. economy gained 315,000 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate edged up to 3.7%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continuing strong job creation numbers are a clear sign that the worker-friendly policies implemented by President Biden are having a positive impact on working people.

In response to the August job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted the following:

#JobsDay @BLS_gov reports unemployment rate edged up from 3.5 to 3.7%, though payrolls grew by 315,000 in August (the adjusted household survey was more robust with an increase of 599,000 jobs). Year over year pay was up 5.2% but much lower over the last three months @AFLCIO

— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 2, 2022

Black workers are the canary-in-the coal mine. Falling job openings in the JOLTS is showing in lowering Black labor force participation (slower hiring rates), and that has translated into rising unemployment and falling employment-to-population for Black men over three months. https://t.co/kukIG1MUOX

— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 2, 2022

This is a warning sign to the @federalreserve that the labor market is showing slack with Black workers, who are the first to show it. The Fed does not control the current source of inflation, nor does it control the pace at which the labor market deteriorates. pic.twitter.com/7SQGI2hqIm

— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 2, 2022

Last month’s biggest job gains were in professional and business services (+68,000), health care  (+48,000), retail trade (+44,000), leisure and hospitality (+31,000), manufacturing (+22,000), financial activities (+17,000), wholesale trade (+15,000) and mining (+6,000). Employment showed little change in other major industries, including construction, transportation and warehousing, information, other services and government.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for rose for Hispanics (4.5%) and adult men (3.5%) in August. The jobless rates for teenagers (10.4%), Black Americans (6.4%), adult women (3.3%), White Americans (3.2%) and Asian Americans (2.8%) showed little change over the month.

The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed in August and accounted for 18.8% of the total unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/02/2022 - 15:00

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement Responds to Mississippi Water Crisis

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

A water crisis has left residents in Jackson, Mississippi, reeling after flooding overwhelmed the city’s water treatment infrastructure. Mississippi’s lack of funding in water infrastructure has been an ongoing problem for decades, and it’s a clear case of systemic disinvestment in the majority-Black city. When our communities are in crisis, the labor movement is always there to step up and help those in need.

Earlier this week, the AFL-CIO responded to the Mississippi labor movement’s request for help by delivering a full truck with more than 2,000 cases of water. The water will be distributed on Labor Day to union members and their families who are struggling. “We have been extremely busy coordinating efforts to take care of our citizens who have been affected by unsafe water, lack of or no water pressure and the flooding crisis,” said Chris Gray, a labor leader who is helping to coordinate disaster response in Jackson.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/02/2022 - 10:04

Member-Driven Involvement: The Working People Weekly List

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.

AFL-CIO Kicks Off Labor Day with Detailed Political Plan: “The AFL-CIO kicked off the Labor Day weekend, in advance, with a detailed political plan for the fall elections and beyond, released August 24 in a nationwide zoom call. The plan features massive from-the-ground-up member-driven involvement, including a feedback loop where workers’ recommendations will adjust the federation’s issue priorities between now and Election Day, and afterwards, President Liz Shuler said. ‘What we need to be thinking about is how we’re taking these (issues) out into the field, listening to our members, talking about what matters to them and what matters locally,’ and changing accordingly, Shuler explained. ‘We start with worksite communications, then to local unions, then connecting back to state federations and local labor councils’ and finally the national headquarters. Then the issues members decide on locally would be applied to campaigns ‘from school boards to the U.S. Senate,’ she elaborated.”

Student Debt Relief: “‘About half the 27.5 million U.S. households with student debt are people who did not finish college,’ said AFL-CIO chief economist Bill Spriggs. ‘Of those 13.9 million households, roughly 4.6 million will now be debt free. This isn't about helping the privileged.’”

Minnesota Nurses’ Strike Vote Puts Safety and Conditions in Spotlight: “Throughout the COVID pandemic, nurses around the U.S. have faced deteriorating working conditions and challenges, from safety concerns to increasing workloads that have stemmed from understaffing as nurses have quit their jobs or retired early. Those nurses who are still on the job at many hospitals say they have been expected to do more with fewer resources, an issue that nurses say is causing retention crises and jeopardizing patient safety and care. Now nurses at 15 hospitals in the Twin Cities area (Minneapolis-St Paul) and Duluth, Minnesota, that are negotiating new union contracts with their respective hospitals have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. A date for the work stoppage has not been set yet by the union, the Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents about 15,000 nurses who voted on the strike authorization, but a 10-day notice must be given ahead of any strike. If a strike is carried out, it would be one of the largest nurses’ strikes in U.S. history.”

Nation’s Top Union Leaders Back Gay Activists at Pride At Work Convention: “Union leaders Fred Redmond, Randi Weingarten and Sara Nelson hit different themes—electoral activism, right-wing hate and corporate greed, respectively–at the Pride@Work convention in Minneapolis in mid-August. And the meeting, of the AFL-CIO’s constituency group for LGBTQ+ people also featured—what else?—a protest, which delegates eagerly joined in. In this case, though, the protesters were members of UNITE HERE Local 17, who are campaigning for a contract with the Millennium Hotel, site of the convention. Bosses, as usual, are stonewalling—having reneged on a tentative agreement two months after the hotel booked the convention, So Pride@Work delegates joined the Unite Here members in occupying the hotel lobby for half an hour. Redmond and [News Guild President Jon] Schleuss, who attended the whole convention, received Solidarity awards. The convention theme was ‘Out for Democracy.’ Redmond challenged the LGBTQ community not just to get involved in politics, but to seek public office. ‘Everybody in. Nobody is left out. I dare you, members of Pride@Work, get involved, run for office and follow the examples of (Bayard) Rustin, (A. Phillip) Randolph and others,’ Redmond declared. ‘Push for the change you want to see in our unions, our communities and our country.”

A Coal Miner’s Political Transformation: “For more than 500 days, coal miners in rural Alabama have been on strike. Around 900 workers walked off the job in April 2021, and they haven’t been back since.”

Hormel Workers at Corn Nuts Plant Go on Strike: “Forty employees at a Hormel Foods plant in Fresno, California, that makes Corn Nuts have gone on strike, according to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 85 that represents the workers. The strike, which started on Aug. 16, occurred because Hormel changed the workers’ medical plan without notifying the employees or bargaining with the union, BCTGM said. The strike is the latest to hit the food industry as workers look for changes or concessions from companies at a time of labor shortages, increased product demand and supply chain disruptions.”

Trader Joe's Suddenly Closed Its Bustling Wine Store in the Heart of New York City. Employees There Say They Were Unionizing and Are Calling on the Store to Reopen: “‘Trader Joe's openly brags about being a good employer but there is nothing ‘inclusive and respectful’ about abruptly shutting its tremendously popular wine store just days before workers were set to go public with their union organizing efforts,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement to Insider. ‘It's a cruel form of union-busting. The AFL-CIO stands in solidarity with UFCW and the dozens of workers who are now out of a job because they had the courage to come together and stand up for better working conditions.’”

New White House Labor Adviser Isn’t Looking for a Fight: Q&A: “Celeste Drake is drawing on her experience at the nation’s largest federation of unions to bring the White House’s labor agenda to fruition. Drake is wearing ‘two hats,’ as she put it, working both as the National Economic Council’s labor expert and as ‘Made in America” director for the White House Office of Management and Budget. In an interview with Bloomberg Law—her first since taking the job as Biden’s top labor adviser in July—she said she plans to use her experience at the AFL-CIO, where she was a trade and globalization policy specialist, to deliver on the president’s goal to be the most pro-labor administration in modern history.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/31/2022 - 10:25

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Occupational Safety and Health Experts Call on EPA to Adopt Proven Approach to Workplace Risk Assessments

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

AFL-CIO Director of Safety and Health Rebecca Reindel took part in a webinar hosted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association on Thursday with other experts in the workplace safety field. Their discussion focused on the need for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stay in sync with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) effective system for collecting data on workplace risk assessments from employers.

During the discussion, Reindel cautioned against “reinventing the wheel.” She said, “We already have a framework for how we do workplace risk assessments in the OSHA framework that employers are very used to.” To overcome immense industry pressure on the government to move in the wrong direction, opportunities like this online workshop promote the labor movement’s advocacy for worker safety.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/31/2022 - 09:54

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: City Proclaims Savannah’s Labor Week Sept. 4–10

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Union members gathered at City Hall in Savannah, Georgia, last week to receive a proclamation from Mayor Van Johnson and the City Council as they declared Sept. 4–10, 2022, as “Labor Week” in the Hostess City of the South. The city made the proclamation to recognize the economic and social achievements of the Savannah region’s labor movement.

“Many of the rights workers have today have been won because workers themselves joined together and fought for them….In short, workers deserve to share in the wealth that we help create,” stated Savannah Regional Central Labor Council President Christi Hulme (OPEIU, pictured above, center). Georgia State AFL-CIO President Charlie Flemming (IAM, pictured above, second from right) was at the proclamation ceremony along with members of the local labor movement.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/30/2022 - 13:21

Union Approval Rate Reaches 71%: 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:

Stage managers are the eyes and ears of all productions. Bookmark and refer to information saved on this page in the member portal to ensure access to the most up-to-date information for many types of contracts.https://t.co/c6lrxKjBYq pic.twitter.com/j5V5H4z1qo

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 30, 2022

AFGE:

A new survey reveals that more than 90% of veterans and VA workers say their facilities need more frontline staff. #SaveMyVA

Read more about the @VeteransPolicy survey→ https://t.co/tg1OCtAyOg

— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 30, 2022

AFSCME:

The overwhelming majority of Americans– 71%! – understands what unions bring to the table: higher wages, safer working conditions, lifesaving benefits, job security, and dignity and respect. #1u https://t.co/M0mXpCzeSV

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 30, 2022

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Did you know? The Inflation Reduction Act will extend much-needed ACA subsidies through 2025. https://t.co/DBdcq7r6Rr

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 29, 2022

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Our Local 134-Vancouver, BC, Blue Bus members are threatening a strike if no deal is reached. Stay strong and united. https://t.co/MzE2UimvCl #1u #Labour

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 29, 2022

American Federation of Musicians:

Today on #RadioCommercialDay, we’re reminded of the hypocrisy of #GreedyBroadcasters bringing in millions in ad revenue while claiming they can’t afford to pay artists their fair share. The American #MusicFairness Act will correct this injustice. https://t.co/x9mduFKtTJ

— AFM (@The_AFM) August 28, 2022

American Federation of Teachers:

Still time to register! This Thursday, 9/1 @ 6:30 p.m. ET, we're joining the @WhiteHouse @WHCOVIDResponse & @NEAToday for a back-to-school town hall for educators & school staff about safety, COVID, academic & social wellness, and more.

Register & RT: https://t.co/nE0x7G08Wr pic.twitter.com/QcW7Ll9LcU

— AFT (@AFTunion) August 29, 2022

American Postal Workers Union:

#Solidarity with our union family in the UK. 115,000 @CWUnews postal workers are on strike today after years of soaring company profits and declining pay. The public are with the workers and @RoyalMail management should hang their heads in shame! https://t.co/mN3f1xBFnz

— APWU National (@APWUnational) August 26, 2022

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:

Today we are excited to be in Tijuana meeting with local activists like Centro Scalabtini de Formación para Migrantes who provide valuable education and training classes for migrants. @UCLALabor pic.twitter.com/gfNw6tUoqD

— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) August 28, 2022

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

Proud to walk alongside @UFWupdates in the final stretch of their historic 335 mile march!

Farm workers feed us. It's time for @governornewsom to sign #AB2183 so farm workers can vote in union elections without fear or deportation. #1u pic.twitter.com/iQ5GBDUE7X

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 26, 2022

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

NOW PLAYING: Local 85 Fin. Secy. Jerry Gil and Shop Steward Larry Cuevas provide the background and details of the @HormelFoods #CornNutsStrike https://t.co/vIeupJXM1b

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 26, 2022

Boilermakers:

L-13 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) BM-ST John Bland met with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Delaware Governor John Carney, Congresswoman Rochester Lisa Blunt and Senator Chris Coons during a Delaware Building Trades discussion on RFS. pic.twitter.com/NeEnD4ERtl

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 29, 2022

California School Employees Association:

When student safety takes a back seat to rideshare company profits: @NancySkinnerCA's #SB878 falls victim to special interests via opaque #CALeg Approps Suspense process, leaving children with drivers who do not meet basic safety standards. Read more: https://t.co/5jD5BPmCPS pic.twitter.com/hmTqkfQ8c7

— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) August 25, 2022

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:

We’re gearing up for #VoterRegistrationDay! Join us on Tues. September 20th for a labor exhibition and voter education event that you don’t want to miss! Proud to be working with local union partners, students and community organizations! @cluwmo @APRI_STL @STLCCForestPark pic.twitter.com/MDRIxzDqq2

— CBTU STL (@cbtu_stl) August 26, 2022

Coalition of Labor Union Women:

ICYMI: Last month, the House of Representatives' Education & Labor committee held a hearing for the National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, federal legislation that includes domestic workers in core workplace laws for the first time. https://t.co/4th4j8u8nu pic.twitter.com/RHVhaRVtZM

— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 24, 2022

Communications Workers of America:

Nearly 200 General Electric Aviation workers in Auburn, AL, have launched a historic new union organizing campaign with IUE-CWA, becoming the first GE workers to organize a union in nearly a decade.https://t.co/7y9gxDXIfu

— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 29, 2022

Department for Professional Employees:

Congratulations to the staff of @DisabilityRtsOH who are joining together in union with @OPEIU Local 792 to form @DroUnited! #1u pic.twitter.com/RF14Jd4dAj

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 29, 2022

Electrical Workers:

Mentorship offers electricians a safe space for growth and retention. https://t.co/rrfKUBIHzB

— IBEW (@IBEW) August 30, 2022

Heat and Frost Insulators:

We're looking for the next generation of Mechanical Insulators in the Columbus and Dayton, Ohio area. Consider joining the Local 50 Registered Apprenticeship Program now: https://t.co/sbzmU3rBEy pic.twitter.com/QBMebPYk2H

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 30, 2022

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

IFPTE Statement Supporting Ukraine Workers’ Rights https://t.co/qUTomzaoLx

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 22, 2022

International Labor Communications Association:

What exactly *is* a podcast and how can labor unions use them to spread our message? Join us at the Sept 8-10 Labor Communicators Conference to hear all about podcasting from @comicwillcarey of @stitcher! Register to join us: https://t.co/9V2tmaYzRU pic.twitter.com/pZSGXumBuY

— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) August 30, 2022

Ironworkers:

✊✊✊ https://t.co/xtBj5qvy0l

— Iron Workers Union (@TheIronworkers) August 22, 2022

Jobs With Justice:

Workers across the country and across industries see the power of joining together in unions.

That power helps workers bargain for life-sustaining wages, healthier and safer workplaces, better benefits, and more.

Unions make it possible. https://t.co/HmnVVP20Qu

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 30, 2022

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

In this episode of #ElCafecito, Cristina Barillas of @UAPipeTrades and Liliana Calderon of @IUBAC discuss their experiences as Latinas in the trades. #TradesWomen #WomenEmpowerment
🎧🔽 Listen: https://t.co/2Irr23EzHF pic.twitter.com/eo7ksE1Yqa

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 25, 2022

Laborers:

#Unions give workers a voice on the job & improve communication between workers & management. Live better, work safer, work union!

Start today & earn-as-you-learn through LIUNA's union apprenticeship: https://t.co/pXOFJEJgJO#LIUNA #UnionProud #UnionsForAll #FeelThePower pic.twitter.com/ePUNrD1lnb

— LiUNA Midwest Region (@LIUNAmidwest) August 29, 2022

Machinists:

We've reached Tentative Agreements with railroads bargaining under the NCCC - IAM Rail Division fully supports the tentative agreements and recommends members vote “yes.” Click for details⬇️ https://t.co/Cyjwfy1Sk9

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 29, 2022

Metal Trades Department:

Keel-laying ceremony Saturday for U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier https://t.co/ocTavr9fmh

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 29, 2022

Mine Workers:

September 4th come out to Hough Park to celebrate Labor Day with special guest speakers President Cecil Roberts and Secretary-Treasurer Brian Sanson! Other dignitaries will be present, along with free food, ice cream, soft drinks and prizes! pic.twitter.com/NCsiqYrZxe

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 30, 2022

Musical Artists:

AGMA President Sends Letter to Senator Schumer: The National Labor Relations Board Needs Funding! https://t.co/Flt3M6XN1L pic.twitter.com/Cw7J2g1vMP

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 29, 2022

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

NATCA’s National Executive Board (NEB) is proud to announce NATCA's newest event, the NATCA Activism and Training Expo (ATX). Can’t make the full week? That’s OK. Save the dates that work for you! https://t.co/fCnTWlvW08 pic.twitter.com/efca92BkIg

— NATCA (@NATCA) August 30, 2022

National Association of Letter Carriers:

On this #MemberMonday, we’re giving a special shoutout to Angel Gomez, a 36-year letter carrier from Central California Branch 231. Each year at the #StampOutHunger Food Drive, Angel barbecues a delicious spread for everyone at the Clovis Post Office. 👏👏 #PostalProud pic.twitter.com/ilaR8r32rU

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 29, 2022

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

Let’s get it done, California.

We need these state Senators to hear your voice! Call asap today or join others during a power hour (going until 1 pm PT): RSVP https://t.co/OxmNXzYFGZ.

Graphic by @formyloveones ✨#VisionAct pic.twitter.com/NWnQiOozij

— NDLON (@NDLON) August 29, 2022

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Domestic workers make all other work possible, and we should be paid like it. Spread the word. 🗣

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 29, 2022

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Yesterday, NFFE received confirmation that 250 workers at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility in Lovejoy, Georgia will not be laid off, a result of the union’s advocacy to keep the center open in the face of a potential closure: https://t.co/ujn8ArWaNa pic.twitter.com/wjBfy989i4

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) August 26, 2022

National Nurses United:

Nurses are proud to endorse Lt. Governor @JohnFetterman for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania!

He shares nurses’ values of caring, compassion and community and will be a strong leader for Pennsylvania in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/Vzn0GZ2u2C

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 29, 2022

National Taxi Workers Alliance:

Starting September 19th, thousands of yellow cab owner-drivers will see debt relief that we won after NYTWA members and supporters held a 45-day camp out and a 15 day hunger strike last November! https://t.co/8BqPV9OCJx

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 30, 2022

NWSL Players Association:

pic.twitter.com/qTgXFBMdf1

— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) August 25, 2022

NFL Players Association:

Active Players: Don't forget the NFLPA has resources to help you with moving your belongings, vehicles, etc.📦 Send us a DM for info. pic.twitter.com/bFUECb0Rhn

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 29, 2022

North America's Building Trades Unions:

“Now I’m here, and 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.”

Read about the Registered Apprenticeship in NYC that’s training members of the local community to become union painters 💪https://t.co/XkkY5bEwxy

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 27, 2022

Office and Professional Employees:

Welcome #NYU2026! Come say hi and meet your campus labor community! @opeiu153, @CfuUaw, @GSOCUAW, @UCATS3882 pic.twitter.com/QH62yv8hiS

— OPEIU Local 153 (@opeiu153) August 27, 2022

Painters and Allied Trades:

Our union's world-class training prepares people from all walks of life to thrive with family-sustaining wages & high-quality benefits.

Please join us in congratulating our newest union brothers and sisters of @dc21iupat who recently graduated from their apprenticeship programs! pic.twitter.com/indFT2XiQr

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 30, 2022

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

https://t.co/7TaV4wNuPz

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 28, 2022

Pride At Work:

@PrideatWork is working with @afa_cwa to ensure our airlines provide equal opportunity to dress and present ourselves in ways that reflect who we are. If you are a @transportworker FA or @ALPAPilots member, please take this survey:https://t.co/7yEHNo1N9S pic.twitter.com/zPH6II0ZlY

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 30, 2022

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

PASS-represented employees at FAA are dedicated civil servants who are proud to work for the American public 24/7/365 as part of world's largest, safest & most complex air traffic control system. Happy birthday to the FAA & to us! #aviationsafety #publicservice #unionsolidarity https://t.co/7VYwAJ0gae

— PASS (@PASSNational) August 23, 2022

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

Congrats to the workers of SLS Car Wash in Bushwick, Brooklyn! These @RWDSU members recently ratified a strong new contract including big wage increases, benefits, and working condition improvements!

Read more: https://t.co/aWd7CLzSd7 #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/ekYdptf6nR

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 30, 2022

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Using the war as an excuse to deprive workers of their right to union protection and collective bargaining is unconscionable. https://t.co/8NxUwpTvMc

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 30, 2022

SAG-AFTRA:

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Content Creators Petition To Unionize @pghpublicradio https://t.co/D4eSN1nP68 pic.twitter.com/TnPjw40GmA

— SAG-AFTRA NEWS (@sagaftranews) August 30, 2022

Seafarers:

New Study Confirms How Puerto Rico Benefits from Jones Act - Seafarers International Union https://t.co/4tWw9MM7Cr

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) August 23, 2022

Solidarity Center:

Since March, Trade Union Lifeline in #Ukraine—an informal group of young union activists—coordinated logistics & moved 100+ tons of supplies thru the network of workers, union reps & local NGOs. In May, the Lifeline was awarded a special prize from @AnnaLindh@gotrudovi @CFTUU pic.twitter.com/MWZiSAiSIk

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 29, 2022

TCU/IAM:

TCU/IAM Reaches Tentative Agreement with NCCC
"It’s been 3 years since our National Freight members’ last raise. If there was any chance of reaching a better agreement we would still be bargaining.” – TCU National President Marateahttps://t.co/IKbRTYpSBP

— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) August 29, 2022

The NewsGuild-CWA:

https://t.co/GOg0d4wMSC pic.twitter.com/D51QdUEpVT

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 30, 2022

Theatrical Stage Employees:

7️⃣/2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ locals 745 and @iatse414 are certified by the @NLRB as the bargaining representative for @BigTenNetwork in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since 2014, Iowa, Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers and traveling crews are now all under @IATSE contract. @bigten @AFLCIO @MNAFLCIO https://t.co/KqpW8zQyIB

— IATSE Local 745 (@iatse745) August 30, 2022

Transport Workers Union:

TWU Railroad Division Director John Feltz sent the following letter to @CSX President Johnson. pic.twitter.com/EBbylTiKJp

— TWU (@transportworker) August 30, 2022

Transportation Trades Department:

This is a must-read about the #JonesAct and those seeking to undermine it with disingenuous economic arguments ⤵️ https://t.co/OhOGmegIik

— Transportation Trades Department (@TTDAFLCIO) August 29, 2022

UAW:

UAW President Ray Curry Statement on Biden’s Announcement to Cancel Student Debt - https://t.co/sjT18LbbBN

— UAW (@UAW) August 24, 2022

Union Label and Service Trades Department:

We mourn with our brothers and sisters at UFCW Local 555 after the tragic shooting at the Safeway in Bend over the weekend. We join with them in calling for safer workspaces, free from violence. https://t.co/6GZCYtQhy7

— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) August 30, 2022

UNITE HERE:

UNITE HERE hospitality workers are putting Workers to the Front in the 2022 midterm elections.

Click here to get involved >> https://t.co/8W52Q3NYNc pic.twitter.com/Z42MKkl5fH

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 18, 2022

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Today we commemorate #WomensEqualityDay as the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women's right to vote!

Today also serves as a reminder of the continued fight to ensure that voting rights are secured for all.#1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/AobInp9hXT

— UFCW (@UFCW) August 26, 2022

United Steelworkers:

Minor league baseball players are workers who deserve respect and dignity on the job. Together with the support of the @MLBPA, these workers are on their way to a better life.

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 30, 2022

United Students Against Sweatshops:

Announcing our first round of USAS Student Labor Organizing Bootcamps this fall - a day of interactive workshops about student and worker organizing, launching and winning strategic campaigns on campus, and the organizing skills you need to build lasting student and worker power! pic.twitter.com/KmhBggKnj5

— USAS (@USAS) August 25, 2022

Utility Workers:

#Solidarity with Amazon workers speaking out about unsafe working conditions and organizing for a better future! https://t.co/WzaVWi26Q3

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 29, 2022

Working America:

Do you or someone you live with receive Medicaid benefits? Under the Biden Administration’s new program, you may qualify for a monthly discount for high-speed internet service and a one-time $100 discount on a computer or tablet. https://t.co/BEjegPIRG6

— Working America | Pass the #PROAct (@WorkingAmerica) August 25, 2022

Writers Guild of America, East:

With all the recent news about waves of workers unionizing and bargaining for contracts, you might think that unions are on the rise again... and you'd be right!

From election wins to collective actions, 2022 has so far been a great year for unions. #1uhttps://t.co/pccbnvCnes

— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) August 30, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/30/2022 - 13:04

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Girls’ Construction Camp Held in Austin with Support from Texas Labor Movement

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Thirty-five school aged girls from the Austin, Texas, area took part in a free weeklong construction camp in early August where they had an enriching experience learning new skills that could open the door to a fulfilling career in the construction trades. Camp NAWIC is a joint program set up by electrical contracting company Rosendin and the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 2019.

“I learned so much. I can't wait to go home and try my new skills,” said Ariana Medina, a second-year camper. “I think this camp showed me that girls can do anything with the right guidance and support.” The camp is supported by many different organizations, including Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520, United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 286, Central Texas Building and Construction Trades Council, Laborers (LIUNA) Local 1095 and the Texas AFL-CIO.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/30/2022 - 10:17

Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Deven Mantz of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees

At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:

Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.

In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.

Today’s story comes from Deven Mantz of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE), an affiliate of the Teamsters. He works as a surfacing crew foreman for BNSF Railway in Minot, North Dakota. 

Mantz said: “I started on the railroad in 2011 when I was 20 years old. Now I run a district surfacing crew that uses machines to pick the track up and tamp underneath the ties. The crew also lines the track so trains can run smoothly and safely (and also so they run faster).

“I work anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week. It just depends on what needs to be done and if there are any emergency situations. I was hired when things were really busy and then a lot of people retired, so I do have pretty good seniority in the area I work.

“My biggest issue is the lack of workers. It's getting to the point where it's unsafe. We cannot keep up with the amount of work we have. My area specifically has had issues with finding workers for a long time now. I live and work in an area with a lot of good job opportunities in the oil field. They pay more and have better benefits. On the railroad, you are away from home a lot and get paid less. So it’s a less attractive job for sure.

“I would hope that the railroad would recognize this reality and do something to hire and retain employees. I just want to have a good contract so we can retain employees. So many people are quitting, and the ones that stick around are demoralized."

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/29/2022 - 13:02

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NATCA Members in Nevada Help Lay Foundation for Labor 2022 Campaign Victory

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Rosa Serai (pictured above, right) and Kyle Johnson (center)—both members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)—are making waves in Nevada’s Labor 2022 campaign. As two of the release staff members working directly with the Nevada State AFL-CIO, they have spent the last few weeks revving up the labor movement’s election efforts in the key battleground state. They’re busy recruiting campaign volunteers, writing scripts for phone banks, rallying their fellow union members during worksite visits and so much more.

They also attended the state federation’s recent constitutional convention where they met Nevada’s outstanding pro-labor candidates, including Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (left). “Kyle and I are proud to say that we were an integral part of the team that set up, organized and assisted throughout the convention,” Serai said. “We were introduced to the convention body as the campaign team and earliest release staff to help Nevada win!”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/29/2022 - 09:48

This Women's Equality Day, Pledge to Protect Voting Rights

Today is Women’s Equality Day and we’re celebrating the 19th Amendment. But we still have work to do. Add your name to say you support our freedom to vote and will protect voting rights. Women lead in our unions (including the federation of labor unions, the AFL-CIO), in space and as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

Women win elections.

Women’s Equality Day celebrates the achievements of women’s rights activists and reminds us of the daily struggles that women go through.

White women gained the right to vote in 1920 when the 19th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution.

But Black women and Latinas still faced voter suppression tactics like literacy tests and poll taxes. Asian, Native American and Alaska Native women weren’t allowed to be citizens and had no right to vote.

Even now, our freedom to vote is under attack in several states. Voter suppression laws are being passed across the country—like limiting early voting and establishing restrictive voter ID regulations.

Add your name and pledge to protect voting rights on Women’s Equality Day.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/26/2022 - 16:24

Defeating Union-Busters: Worker Wins

Despite the challenges of organizing during a deadly pandemic, working people across the country (and beyond) continue organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. This edition begins with:

CommutAir Pilots Secure Industry-Leading Pay Increases: Nearly 500 pilots at CommutAir who are members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) secured significant improvements in pay and work rules as part of an effort by the regional carrier to attract and retain pilots. Over the course of the next four years, the pilots will earn an additional $52.7 million in hourly rates, plus an additional $57.1 million in retention bonus payments and other improvements. “For years, regional airlines have tried to skimp and save on the most important safety feature on any flight—two highly trained, fully qualified pilots,” Capt. Jeffrey Suttler, ALPA’s master executive council chair at CommutAir, said on Tuesday. “Today’s agreement at CommutAir is an acknowledgement that airlines must offer competitive packages and work rules to attract and retain pilots.”

Maine Med Nurses Overwhelmingly Defeat Union-Busting Attempt: Once again, Maine Medical Center nurses in Portland have voted for a strong union voice on the job. In the decertification election, nurses voted by an even larger majority for their union than they did the first time, in April 2021. Nurses won by a nearly 3-to-1 margin (74% to 26%) to keep their union. Maine Med nurses say they are excited to affirm their union support and get back to the bargaining table. “The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a right-wing, out-of-state organization that goes around trying to get workers to decertify their unions,” said Mary Kate O’Sullivan, RN and a bargaining team member, explaining some of the forces at play in the election. “They thought because we were a new union, they could manipulate Maine Med nurses and overturn our 2021 election. But we just showed them the door.”

AFM Local 21 Secures New Contract with Delaware Symphony Orchestra: The members of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 21 who perform with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra unanimously ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement renewal, covering 2022–2025. Local 21 Secretary/Treasurer Glenn Finnan celebrated his union’s wins at the bargaining table. “This ratification is a great reflection of the collaborative relationship that has developed between the musicians and management,” Finnan explained. “The negotiations were positive and productive, and the musicians secured significant improvements in working conditions and compensation that are the best I’ve seen in my time in this position. We are looking forward to three years of great music-making and the understanding that professional musicians are deserving of professional treatment and respect.”

Successful Internal Organizing for TWU Local 263 in Difficult Terrain: In just more than six months, membership of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 263 in Ysleta, Texas, has quadrupled in size. The union, which represents bus operators and mechanics in the Ysleta Independent School District, is experiencing growth and optimism under new leadership after the previous local president unexpectedly passed away last year. Under President Ruth Villalobos and a newly sworn-in executive board, the local is aiming to reach 100% union membership—no easy feat in a “right to work” state like Texas, where labor laws are stacked against working people. But the members of Local 263 are revitalizing their union one workplace conversation and one new union member at a time. “Right now, it’s very exciting to see people motivated and wanting to work at this,” Villalobos said. “It’s a blessing to see that people want more.”

Shipyard Painters Seal Victory in Portland, Oregon, Union Election: Painters at the Vigor Swan Island Shipyard in Portland, Oregon, won their union election this month by an overwhelming vote. The crew of 16 workers, who paint commercial vessels for Specialty Finishes, are the newest bargaining unit formed with Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 10. Painter David Warnieke said this union victory would be a leap forward for the painters. When asked about the benefits of forming a union with Local 10, Warnieke said he and his colleagues were pushing for “a little bit of a wage increase, family medical coverage, which is huge, and having the protection of the union—having an advocate.”

Two Years Later, WAMU Staffers Sign First Contract: Almost two years after unanimously voting to join SAG-AFTRA, content creators at WAMU radio in Washington, D.C., signed their first contract. The three-year agreement with American University includes guaranteed pay raises, merit raises, union representation in management decisions, protection and pay equity for part-timers, and other benefits. The covered members include hosts, reporters, producers, editors and engineers who create content for the station's shows. “We couldn't have done it without our 55 union members, past members, the help and support of SAG-AFTRA, and listeners/allies,” the union said on Twitter. “We are stronger together! The concerted effort to make WAMU a great workplace doesn't end here. But for now, thank you and solidarity.”

Ironworkers at Regal Industrial Midwest Vote Union Yes: “Victory for the workers at Regal Industrial Midwest who won their union election today!,” the Ironworkers declared. The workers at the industrial sandblasting, metalizing and coatings facility in Pekin, Illinois, filed for union representation with the Ironworkers this summer. They overcame interference in the organizing campaign, and the union submitted a complaint to the National Labor Relations Board in July charging management with making coercive statements. “When Ironworkers stand together, they win,” the union said on Twitter.

Members of IAM Beat Back Two-Tiered Wages in New Agreement With Harley-Davidson: Members of Machinists (IAM) Local 175 who make the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles overwhelmingly ratified a strong collective bargaining agreement with their employer. The workers at the assembly and operations facility in York, Pennsylvania, were able to remove the two-tier wage system during negotiations. “Our members had concerns over the two-tier wage scale,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes. “Their solidarity paid off, and together the membership won the day, eliminating the two-tier wage system at the end of the agreement.”

Strippers in North Hollywood Organize with Equity: Strippers at a club in North Hollywood, California, are dancing their way into the labor movement by staging an organizing campaign with Actors’ Equity Association (Equity). A majority of dancers employed at the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, citing workplace safety, significant wage theft and a lack of benefits on the job. If they’re successful, they would be the only strippers in the United States to be represented by a union. “We like what we do,” said Velveeta, a Star Garden dancer. “We would like our jobs even more if we had basic worker protections. We’re like so many other workers who have learned that it’s not a choice between suffering abuse or quitting. With a union, together, we can make needed improvements to our workplace.”

Workers Win Union Election at Equitas Health: Some 175 social workers, counselors, therapists, advocates, case managers and other employees who work in Equitas Health offices across Ohio voted to form a union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers-AFT (OFT-AFT). Equitas Health Workers United (EHWU) is the fourth group of workers to successfully form a union with OFT-AFT in the past year, following union wins for workers at Worthington Libraries, Summit Academy in Lorain and Menlo Park Academy in Cleveland. “We’ve seen positive changes at Equitas since we began organizing more than a year ago, including the hiring of a new interim CEO who is moving Equitas Health in the right direction,” said Erin Koosed, a medical health advocate at Equitas Health’s Toledo office. “We plan to use our union voice and our upcoming contract negotiations to ensure that we keep moving in that direction and continue to address the needs of clients and staff.”

Digital Content Producers and Assignment Editors at WCCO Win Union with SAG-AFTRA: Digital and streaming team producers and assignment desk editors at Minnesota’s WCCO-TV have been officially recognized as a bargaining unit of SAG-AFTRA via a unanimous vote in a union election that was certified this month. The employees, who produce content for the CBS affiliate’s expanding digital footprint and source information for the newsroom, began discussions about organizing with the union more than three years ago. “On behalf of the Twin Cities Local Board, I congratulate the WCCO digital and streaming team, and assignment desk editors, on their victory,” said Twin Cities SAG-AFTRA Local President Peter Moore, who is the son of WCCO-TV legend Dave Moore. “Their victory is proof of the value and necessity of union membership and the power of solidarity. We are thrilled to welcome our newest brothers and sisters.”

Vineyard Workers on Long Island Form Union with RWDSU-UFCW Local 338: The farmworkers at Paumanok and Palmer Vineyards on Long Island, New York, have officially joined Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 338, the union announced. An organizing win that was many years in the making, it would not have been possible without the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, which New York state’s labor movement fought long and hard to win. Before passage of the act in 2019, agricultural and farm workers were deprived of many basic workplace protections, including the right to organize and join a union. “We’re incredibly proud to have them join our union & look forward to negotiating a strong contract on their behalf,” Local 338 declared on Twitter. “Welcome to the union movement!”

ATU Local 689 Secures Tentative Agreement After Nine-Day Walkout: After a unified and strong nine-day strike, members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 who work for MetroAccess announced that they have reached a tentative agreement with private contractor Transdev. Earlier this month, the more than 200 paratransit drivers, utility workers, dispatchers, maintenance workers and road supervisors in the Washington, D.C., area walked off the job to demand a fair contract. The new deal would include notable gains in wages, retirement, holidays and paid time off. “Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. They braved the heat and the company’s tactics to try and divide us,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice.”

Casino Workers at Resorts and Golden Nugget Ratify Contract with Historic Wage Increases: Some 1,000 members of UNITE HERE Local 54 at Resorts and Golden Nugget casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, voted 99% “yes” to ratify new agreements with their employers. The workers at these two casinos have been standing strong for significant wage increases, better housekeeping workload standards and job protections. Their ratifications mean that now workers at all nine casinos have secured new contracts. “It’s gratifying after long and difficult negotiations for each side to feel that it has been successful,” Local 54 President Bob McDevitt told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The future of the city is secure, the leadership of the industry is sound, and Local 54 will always fight for the rights of workers.”

Post-Production Workers Join Together in Union at Animation Studio ShadowMachine: Some two dozen post-production staffers who work at animation company ShadowMachine—the makers of popular adult animated shows such as “Robot Chicken” and “BoJack Horseman”—have officially formed a union with the Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG)-Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 700. The union was recognized after a formal card-check process took place. “Animation plays a huge and growing role in the entertainment industry, and too often the talented craftspeople who create it don’t enjoy the same union protections bestowed on their live-action counterparts,” said Alan Heim, president of the MPEG-IATSE Local 700. “Our guild is working hard to change that, and we’re excited that ShadowMachine is part of the story.” ShadowMachine’s production workers also voted to form a union with The Animation Guild-IATSE Local 839 in May.

University of Michigan’s Library and Museum Workers Organize Union With AFT: Hundreds of library and museum workers at the University of Michigan (UM) announced that they are forming University Staff United/American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan Local 284. The workers who are organizing said that they are motivated to collectively bargain for adequate pay, better advancement opportunities, more inclusive and flexible working conditions, and access to affordable child care. The majority of workers are supporting the union drive. “On so many issues right now, university staff are at the mercy of the departments’ and the schools’ leadership,” said Samuel Simpson, a resource-sharing specialist at UM’s Ann Arbor campus. “If we’re unionized, management has to come to the table and brainstorm solutions alongside us. We’re not organizing to go against ‘them.’ We’re organizing to work better together.”

IAM Members at Boeing St. Louis Ratify New Contract After Standing Strong for Secure Retirement Plan, Other Improvements: Nearly 2,500 members of Machinists (IAM) District 837 at three Boeing defense locations around St. Louis voted to accept a modified three-year contract offer from their employer. After overwhelmingly voting to reject the company’s contract offer on July 24, the IAM District 837 negotiating committee and the membership stood strong to obtain a modified offer from Boeing. The newly ratified agreement features critical improvements to the company’s previous proposal for retirement plans and other areas. “Throughout negotiations, the committee worked diligently to educate the membership and bring back an improved offer from the company,” said District 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “We have delivered an equitable contract that will secure the future for the members, their families and future generations.”

Stagehands in Dubuque, Iowa, Unanimously Vote ‘Union Yes’: Backstage technicians at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque, Iowa, have voted unanimously for union representation with Theatrical Stage Employees Local 191, which represents workers in northeast Iowa. The new bargaining unit consists of all full-time, regular part-time and on-call stagehands employed by ASM Global at its Dubuque facility. The Five Flags Center is a multipurpose facility in downtown Dubuque that includes a 4,000-seat arena for ticketed events and a more than 700-seat historic theater that is also the home of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

Beto for Texas Campaign Staff Members Ratify First Contract, a Milestone in Texas Politics: Staffers for Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke’s campaign ratified their union contract last month, becoming the first statewide campaign in the Lone Star State to do so. The agreement covers 129 staffers in organizing, canvassing, press, scheduling, data, coordination, events, finance and other roles. Campaigners will join Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 277 for the duration of the campaign. “We are proud to join the labor movement and to be the first Texas statewide campaign to unionize,” said Rocio Dumey, an organizer on the Beto for Texas campaign. “Like Beto, we practice what we preach. We want to send a message that every worker in this state should have the right to demand better wages, benefits, and working conditions. We want to join them in that fight.”

Arlington County Workers Vote to Form Union with AFSCME: Service, labor and trades workers in Arlington County, Virginia, have voted overwhelmingly to join AFSCME Council 20. They are among the first public service workers in the state to form a union since 2020, when a worker-led campaign successfully overturned a decades-old state law that banned collective bargaining in the public sector. The repeal originated in a bill sponsored by Virginia Del. Elizabeth Guzman, an AFSCME member. “Together, we’ll bargain a strong contract that can address the disparity in wages between Arlington County and similar communities and expand our healthcare benefits and retirement plans,” said James Rodriguez, president of AFSCME Local 3001.

Registered Nurses at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Gain Wage Increases, Safety Improvements in New Contract: Registered nurses at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, California, have secured several benefits with the ratification of a new four-year contract. The nurses are represented by National Nurses United (NNU). “Winning a strong contract means improvements for nursing staff that helps ensure nurses who work here and live here can stay in Hollister,” said Sonia Duran, RN, a member of the bargaining team. “As the only acute care facility in San Benito County, investing in retention and recruitment of nursing staff is crucial to continue to provide quality healthcare for our community.” The contract includes the creation of an Infectious Disease Task Force, workplace violence prevention, recognition of Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Day as holidays, expansion of nondiscrimination language and wage increases, among other benefits.

Alaska Airlines Workers Negotiate Industry-Leading Agreement: Workers at Alaska Airlines, represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM), successfully negotiated an agreement with Alaska Airlines that covers customer service agents, cargo workers and other employees. Once approved, the agreement will make the workers among the highest paid in their classifications across the industry. The agreement will raise wages as much as 17.4%, with more raises scheduled down the line. 

‘PBS NewsHour’ Staff Secure Union with SAG-AFTRA: After more than one year of organizing, dozens of reporters, producers, editors, production assistants and other workers who produce the venerated nightly news program “PBS NewsHour” have been officially recognized as a bargaining unit of SAG-AFTRA via a card-check agreement. The union announced that over 70% of the program’s workers signed on to a petition to form their union. “As the workers behind one of the most trusted news institutions in the country, our goal is to strengthen this pillar of American television news by creating a better, healthier and more transparent workplace,” the “NewsHour” content staff said in a statement. “We love our jobs and are truly driven by the NewsHour’s mission. We are glad that management chose to recognize our union and focus on the collective bargaining process that will ensure our voices are heard.”

Goodyear Workers Secure Tentative Agreement after Strike Threat: Workers at Goodyear, members of the Steelworkers (USW), will not go on strike after reaching a tentative agreement with management. “The tentative agreement is a four-year contract with general wage increases (GWI) plus the renewal of our COLA provisions in which all employees will receive the COLA increases,” the United Steel Workers/Goodyear Negotiating Committee said in a news release. The agreement also improves health care and pension benefits.

Steelworkers at Bridgestone Agree to New Contract As Old Contract Expires: After months and the possibility of a strike, members of USW Post 310 who work at Bridgestone secured a new contract. The new contract was tentatively agreed to 36 minutes after the old contract ran out. “When they reach a tentative agreement, they get all the details, they bring it back to the membership, then we have informational meetings. Several of them so everybody has the opportunity to, to look at everything there. Ask any questions to the bargaining team on the details of that. And then after that, we do a vote of the membership,” said Bill Campbell, vice president of Local 310.

IUOE Local 150 Members Unanimously Approve Contract After Seven-Week Strike: The members of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 went back to work after unanimously ratifying a new contract. The construction workers in the Chicago area secured a three-year agreement that provides wage increases of more than 16%. Local 150 members have been on strike since June 7 to demand a fair contract. The union announced the ratification on Facebook: “We thank the members as well as the other building trades and the public for the incredible support you’ve shown us over the past seven weeks. It is our hope that this strike will help all workers achieve more at the bargaining table.”

Workers at Trader Joe’s Store in Boulder Organize with UFCW: The labor movement continues to grow across the country, and grocery workers at Trader Joe’s are among the latest to flex their organizing muscles. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 announced that it had filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of workers at a Trader Joe’s store in Boulder, Colorado. This is the third group of Trader Joe’s workers who are seeking to form a union. “Employees want a seat at the table,” Local 7 President Kim Cordova said. “They want a share of their employers’ incredible success. It’s about respect at work.” UFCW represents 835,000 grocery workers throughout the United States and Canada.

IT Workers at USDA Vote to Form Union: More than 800 workers at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have joined AFGE after their election to form a union. The campaign was exciting and posed unique challenges as these IT workers all worked remotely and had limited engagement with each other before the organizing drive began. But through phone banking, sending texts, holding virtual meetings and, most importantly, tasking activists to contact their co-workers, they overwhelmingly voted “Union Yes.” “They became organized under the basic principle of wanting a say in their working conditions because they saw firsthand what a difference having a seat at the table could mean,” said John Dean, AFGE’s lead organizer for the campaign. “This election was the workers’ chance to stand up to the agency, and they did.”

Drivers at 10 Roads Express Win Union with APWU: Truck drivers for 10 Roads Express in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have voted to form a union with the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). The 100 professional drivers join nearly 1,000 others at the U.S. Postal Service’s largest trucking contractor who are already part of the APWU. The union said the workers stood strong in solidarity against a concerted anti-union campaign from their employer. “Together, we will fight to secure things such as fair work rules, seniority rights, bidding rights, job security and more,” said Bill Hamilton, an 18-year veteran mail-haul driver. “Most importantly, we will not accept being treated with anything less than the dignity and respect that we, as professional drivers, deserve.”

West Virginia Chemical Workers Join ICWUC/UFCW for a Better Life: Workers at Elementis Specialties Inc., in New Martinsville, West Virginia, joined International Chemical Workers Union Council/United Food and Commercial Workers (ICWUC/UFCW) Local 566C for the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract. Elementis is a global chemical company, and the 25 workers are employed as chemical operators, lab technicians, material handlers and maintenance technicians. “The ICWUC is proud of the solidarity the workers of Elementis displayed with their unanimous election win,” said ICWUC/UFCW President Lance Heasley. “We are looking forward to getting to the bargaining table and working to secure a contract for these workers.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/26/2022 - 15:18

Tags: Organizing

Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Eugene Martinez of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers/SEIU

At a recent Virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:

Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.

In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.

Today’s story comes from Eugene Martinez of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers (NCFO), an affiliate of SEIU. He works as a mechanical service operator at Union Pacific in Houston. As a mechanical operator, Martinez is a locomotive engine mover, forklift operator and locomotive service truck driver. He also supplies and services locomotives.

Martinez said: “I have been with the railroad for more than 14 years now. I work anywhere from 70 to 80 hours a week. Our main issues are manpower, pay and time off. When I was hired in 2008, we had close to 100 mechanical service operators. We are now down to 42. We’re taking on more work for the same pay.

“My job is among the lowest-paid railroad crafts, but we do the most dangerous job. It’s almost impossible to take time off without violating the attendance policy. Only two NCFO members are allowed off a day. If the day is full you can forget about it, and the day is always full because we are short-staffed.

“The job puts a lot of strain on our families because we miss a lot of events. You know, we don't really get those special meaningful times with our kids or our families. We miss birthdays, graduations, sporting events and more. My daughters play high school sports, and I miss a lot of their games because I have to work. And I speak for a lot of other workers who have missed time with their family. We’ve missed countless moments. It shouldn’t be like this.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/26/2022 - 10:02

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Department of Labor to Promote Unions and Collective Bargaining with New Resource Center

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The percentage of America’s workers who want to form a union (52%) is more than four times higher than the percentage of workers who are actually in a union (12%). Working people face many obstacles in their organizing attempts—including some ruthless employers who blatantly violate labor laws to snuff out their employees’ campaigns. And for others, there’s a lack of understanding about what unions are and what we can achieve through collective bargaining.

The Biden administration’s Department of Labor gets it. That’s why the department, under the leadership of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (LIUNA), is launching a new resource center for unions and collective bargaining. The resource center will serve as a hub of information for what working people can achieve as union members to lift up themselves and their co-workers, strengthen their industries and communities, and protect America’s democracy.

Walsh announced this new initiative on Wednesday night during the AFL-CIO’s Labor Day Kickoff webinar, where he said he sees it as his role to help grow union power. The department said it is “in a unique position to house this resource center because of its mission to foster, promote and develop the welfare of workers.” This move shows again why elections matter—and what we can achieve with pro-labor elected officials in office.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/26/2022 - 09:30

Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Esmerelda Montelongo of TCU/IAM

At a recent Virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:

Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.

In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.

Today’s story comes from Esmerelda Montelongo, who works as a trailer container facility clerk for Union Pacific in Los Angeles. Esmerelda has worked in every rail yard that she oversees in the Los Angeles area, and she is a proud member of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU), an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists (IAM). 

Montelongo said: “To be honest with you, I have no personal life. It feels that home is at work for me. And I just go on vacation for six hours when I am home. I literally work about 70 hours a week. And I work 16 hours almost every single day. I have three kids. I work so many hours that I have lost many special moments with them. They see me and they're like, ‘You know what, Mom, just quit. Because it's not fair for us.’

“I know that 15 years ago, I signed up to work for the railroad. And it was something awesome. I am a first-generation union worker. I thought I had made it. But now it seems that the railroad sees us as just a number. We are not human to them. They just use us until we can’t work anymore or until someone gets hurt.

“It just seems that the more you try to do, the more they take away from you. So it is not fair. It has a major impact on our kids. Because if the parents are not home, who's taking care of the kids? So it just doesn't affect us; it affects our children, also.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/25/2022 - 13:02

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Maine Med Nurses Overwhelmingly Defeat Union-Busting Attempt

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Once again, Maine Medical Center nurses in Portland have voted for a strong union voice on the job. In the decertification election held last week, nurses voted by an even larger majority for their union than they did the first time, in April 2021. Nurses won by a nearly 3-to-1 margin (74% to 26%) to keep their union. Maine Med nurses say they are excited to affirm their union support and get back to the bargaining table. “The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a right-wing, out-of-state organization that goes around trying to get workers to decertify their unions,” said Mary Kate O’Sullivan, RN and a bargaining team member, explaining some of the forces at play in the election. “They thought because we were a new union, they could manipulate Maine Med nurses and overturn our 2021 election. But we just showed them the door.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/25/2022 - 10:11

Freight Railroad Worker Stories

At a recent Virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:

Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.

Here are the profiles we've published so far:

• Rodney Neatrour of IAM
• Mike Gage of IBEW
• Justin Ratcliffe of BRS
• Reece Murtagh of IAM
• Kari Cecil of SMART-TD
• Luke Edington of SMART-TD
• Nick Greficz of SMART-TD
• Willette Thomas of TCU/IAM
• Brandon Redman of TWU

In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share more stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/24/2022 - 15:08

Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Brandon Redman of TWU

At a recent Virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they’ve faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:

Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.

In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.

Today’s story comes from Brandon Redman of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). He works as a freight car repairman/inspector for Norfolk Southern in Elkhart, Indiana.

Redman said: “When I was hired in 2009, we had 80 Carmen out there. Now, we have just around 50. So you have less people doing the same amount of work or even more work, given the increased freight demand.

“There have been several instances in the last few years where the same Carman has been forced to work 16-hour shifts on four or five days in the same week. There is no way a person can be rested for an additional shift without having some sort of a heads-up of more than an hour.

“When you take into account all the additional responsibilities in life, such as driving to and from work, securing food for you and your family, paying bills, child care, hygiene, and so on, it is impossible to be rested for duty and be safe at work with forced 16-hour work days, let alone with no notice.

“That’s just unsafe and it creates a real problem. The continued grind by the Carmen that haven't quit yet has taken a real toll.

“When I was hired in 2009, there were 10 to 12 inspectors working in the rail yard every shift. Now there's only six per shift. But the freight hasn't declined. In fact, it's increased. So you have more freight, less inspectors and quicker inspection times, and obviously it's not sustainable.

“At the end of the day, if we were properly staffed there would be safe and rested employees; proper inspections; safer trains and freight cars traveling the country; and greater employee retention.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/24/2022 - 13:02