A More Inclusive Workplace: 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:
You can build a more inclusive theatre workplace with your colleagues!
Introducing a new untimed training course to learn more about gender, race, disability and intimacy – and how we can each create safe and respectful communities where we work. https://t.co/dW4FMqkmLc pic.twitter.com/yIlOOCihOC
AFGE:
AFGE is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).#ThanksToTheADA our union can help ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Learn more here: https://t.co/MEBBStQfYX #ADA32
AFSCME:
In Burlington, Vermont, members of Local 1343 (@AFSCME93) won a paid leave provision in their new contract that makes them the first municipal workers in the state with that benefit. https://t.co/7JbzP2XDjr
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 26, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
Supporting surviving family members is a key part of Social Security.
81% of Democrats, 78% of Republicans, and 72% of independents want Congress to improve benefits for widows and widowers. pic.twitter.com/JJy2IQzh0N
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Help ATU members impacted by the historic flooding in the St. Louis area. Many ATU members live in the areas where the storms flooded homes and destroyed property. Contribute to the ATU Disaster Relief Fund at https://t.co/oKUWQAWgXJ pic.twitter.com/GQKBLPBX2m
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 27, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
Happy birthday, Bea! Thank you for standing with Chicago educators.🎂 https://t.co/eKrmuWkgrI
— AFT (@AFTunion) July 27, 2022American Postal Workers Union:
Happy Postal Heritage Day! We as postal workers have provided an essential service to the public since 1775. pic.twitter.com/g32OJwtODo
— APWU National (@APWUnational) July 26, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Calling all Young AAPI Leaders! Get to know fellow members of @APALAnational Young Leaders Council (YLC) in a game of Hot Seat and learn about all the labor victories we are part of! Drinks optional, virtual-only - register to join and bring a friend. https://t.co/2tcTlkSD0H pic.twitter.com/TuFhG9ZSRD
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) July 21, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Congratulations to our sisters and brothers in the flight deck! Proud to work with you as #OneCrew to keep our skies safe! #1u https://t.co/J676U8jN6S
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 27, 2022Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
President Shelton never forgets the true friends of the BCTGM! Thank you @AFSCME for the unwavering support! #1u https://t.co/vTb0wKWG9m
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 13, 2022Boilermakers:
Hey #Boilermakers: Don't forget to show how you power America 👨🏭 Enter the #UnionsPowerAmerica Contest today! https://t.co/48Pa19bLhT
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Rules at https://t.co/48Pa19bLhT. Contest ends 8/8/22.@UnionPlus#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud #1u
Bricklayers:
It is 95 degrees today. Working in the sun with full PPE in such weather is never easy. BAC @bac1mvd PCC member Yaneth Valencia shared her experience working in the heat and how employers can be responsible to #ProtectWorkers and #BeatTheHeat pic.twitter.com/xQN0CDmead
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) July 20, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
The Women’s Convention is happening Aug 12-14 in Houston, Texas. We’re partnering with @womensmarch, @ppact and more. Get your tickets to #WomensConvention22! https://t.co/04DUPn6ZYI
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 25, 2022Communications Workers of America:
Read this week's CWA bargaining update!https://t.co/pNUsedEHxs
— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 24, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
We are so excited for the stagehands of the Shakespeare Theatre in DC who voted to join together in union with @IATSE! https://t.co/nnTvBCfMaV
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 27, 2022Electrical Workers:
"The men and women of the U.S. armed services are highly skilled and uniquely qualified for registered apprenticeships, which allow apprentices to earn while they learn and build toward a fulfilling career in a skilled trade." https://t.co/C5RoBvryxO
— IBEW (@IBEW) July 26, 2022Fire Fighters:
Enter the 2022 #IAFF Media Awards Contest https://t.co/8EknP7mzdR
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFNewsDesk) July 27, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
For the past 115 years, the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers has been at the forefront of the green energy movement. Learn what we have been doing to save the environment: https://t.co/ZvCcUDq3eR pic.twitter.com/1Xj63xb7Mo
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) July 27, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
National Association of Immigration Judges @Imm_Judges_NAIJ File Union Election Petition Seeking to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights #1u https://t.co/60SL0lnLj8
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 21, 2022International Labor Communications Association:
2022 LABOR MEDIA AWARDS: CALL FOR ENTRIES
ILCA’s annual Labor Media Awards recognizes excellence among member publications, websites, film, video and other media. It is the largest competition exclusively for labor journalists!
Learn more & enter here: https://t.co/kgaMDbU7se pic.twitter.com/b6mfZI0vWG
Ironworkers:
Iron Workers NTF is wrapping up another successful Instructor's Training program in Michigan. More than 600 IW's will bring invaluable knowledge back to their locals to further the success of our skilled apprenticeships in the US and Canada. #Ironworkers #Apprenticeship #Union pic.twitter.com/zWCDQiYju4
— Iron Workers Union (@TheIronworkers) July 22, 2022Jobs With Justice:
Organizing and collective bargaining can go far beyond the workplace. It's at the heart of @SmileyJWJ and @saritasgupta's book #TheFutureWeNeed. Sarita had the chance to talk @SarahLizChar from @qz about just that and more. https://t.co/pSpbPZc93N
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 26, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Our latest podcast episode of #ElCafecito is out now! Alejandra Morales Reynoso shares what it's like being a woman in the automotive industry, and updates on the SINTTIA union in Mexico. Listen now: https://t.co/2Irr23Wb6f! ☕️🎧 pic.twitter.com/vblDvmJvI8
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 22, 2022Laborers:
“It is the bravest decision a union member makes to go on strike, putting their family & loved ones at risk,” said IAMAW Dist. 837 concerning expected Labor strikes at three St. Louis Boeing facilities. “Our members have spoken loudly & with one voice.” https://t.co/0fX9GNni4i
— LiUNA Midwest Region (@LIUNAmidwest) July 25, 2022Machinists:
We cannot accept a contract that is not fair and equitable, as this company continues to make billions of dollars each year off the backs of our hardworking members. https://t.co/aaPR5SRYLg
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) July 24, 2022Maritime Trades Department:
SPRING BRINGS A TROVE OF PMC ACTIVITIEShttps://t.co/xUgzCtqOW7 pic.twitter.com/vd8SgiLpMt
— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) July 6, 2022Metal Trades Department:
Looks like organizing is the new #trend this #HotLaborSummer and we love to see it.https://t.co/yuw3POLHc9
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 27, 2022Mine Workers:
Today is Richard Trumka’s 73rd birthday. His family, friends and #UMWA brothers and a sisters are thinking of him today. RIP, Brother. We miss you terribly. #1u pic.twitter.com/QlHOWTnaIN
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 24, 2022Musical Artists:
Yesterday @DanceNYC launched the #DanceIndustryCensus—and AGMA is helping to spread the word! Take the survey at https://t.co/cGGff2Q67F to make sure that you are counted as a member of the NYC dance industry. More info: https://t.co/BQUXDUcoWL pic.twitter.com/Ccl3V8Nzrl
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 21, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Last month, current and former NATCA leaders and government affairs staff attended the @AeroClubDC luncheon in Washington, D.C., where @USDOT @SecretaryPete was the keynote speaker. https://t.co/D9OJBG4VDU pic.twitter.com/HZGMIGwwQp
— NATCA (@NATCA) July 26, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
The results from week three of our July Branch Challenge supporting @MDAorg are in! Last week, NALC branches raised $11,373 to #DeliverTheCure. That brings our total since July 1 to $55,600! 👏👏 Congrats to our top 5 branches from week three! https://t.co/lv2Wh8esGq pic.twitter.com/EJSqJZbLGK
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 26, 2022National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers deserve nothing less than respect, living wages, and good benefits.
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 27, 2022National Federation of Federal Employees:
Do you have federal student loans? If so, you may be able to benefit from temporary changes made to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Just a few minutes of your time may save you thousands of dollars on your student loans. Read more here: https://t.co/Vra2GJ3RYw pic.twitter.com/vsRnR3ZTw8
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) July 20, 2022National Nurses United:
Our fight to protect nurses and other health care workers from #WorkplaceViolence just took another step forward! ✊
Thank you @SenGillibrand for signing onto the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act as a co-sponsor! pic.twitter.com/GmyIThOq3b
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
“When (claims that drivers were going to benefit) turned out not to be the case – we had actually sold people a lie – how can you have a clear conscience if you don’t stand up and own your contribution to how people are being treated today?”https://t.co/ihnCQ9OLc3
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 11, 2022NWSL Players Association:
We stand with the @USLPlayers. https://t.co/tKIdkCc57e
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) July 22, 2022NFL Players Association:
The NFLPA is excited to support @TheADDF in the 2nd phase of their #DiagnosticsAccelerator for early Alzheimer's detection: https://t.co/MMru71lNMo.
This partnership reflects the ongoing commitment of our union to improve the health + wellness of our players & society at large. pic.twitter.com/hLHKHB2oUx
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Looking to develop your #BuildingTrades leadership skills? Apply for @RowanUniversity's Online BA in Construction Management!
This degree completion program is available to apprentices and journeyworkers - learn more today!
🔗: https://t.co/dfCk9avKtR pic.twitter.com/uOYuGLh84S
Office and Professional Employees:
Congratulations to and solidarity with @_ACEunion for filing for their union election! #UnionStrong https://t.co/PmMwANyR0N
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) July 22, 2022Painters and Allied Trades:
Every day, our union organizes to build and expand on the legacy of the generations of IUPAT women who've proudly made our union the union it is today, which has the largest number of women in the building trades. pic.twitter.com/OtgDTQjrYg
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 27, 2022Plasterers and Cement Masons:
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 24, 2022Pride At Work:
Your daily reminder that the better wages, benefits, and job security in a union contract are more valuable than a pizza party. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/B9imGrEwSL
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 23, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS is proud to work alongside our union brothers & sisters @ALPAPilots. Employees we represent at FAA maintain radar, communications equipment, chart courses & obstacles & inspect the very planes you have been commanding so ably since 1931! #publicservice #aviationsafety #1u https://t.co/qsLArzebKl
— PASS (@PASSNational) July 27, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Rise and shine, it’s Day Two of the @RWDSU 24th Quadrennial Convention! Delegates, alternates, and guests are making their way back to the convention floor for another full day of discussions about the future of our union. #RWDSUstrong pic.twitter.com/cRqIHc88Gg
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 27, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Our beloved rat, #Scabby, was stabbed to death Monday. Scabby was a dear friend of labor and could always be found on the picket line fighting for better working conditions, or scavenging dumpsters. Services for Scabby are next weekend. #UnionStrong https://t.co/20NjbqFBh7 pic.twitter.com/J7rsKnOjcx
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 27, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
The #LAWAct will end forced unemployment. Ask @SenatorUmberg @SenatorBorgeas @CASenCaballero @SenMariaEDurazo @SenGonzalez33 @SenBobHertzberg @SenBrianJones @SenJohnLaird @HenrySternCA @BobWieckowskiCA @Scott_Wiener to support the LAW Act: https://t.co/yGCLYKJu7y pic.twitter.com/DrzBgyqaO7
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 27, 2022Seafarers:
Pax Firefighters Build Skills for Firefighting at Sea https://t.co/1Y6xti495o
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) July 27, 2022Solidarity Center:
"I have to work 14 hours a day, 27 days a month” to survive—Bolt platform driverk in Kyiv #Ukraine where drivers are demanding living wages. @gotrudovi @UNIDAPPCOL @TowardsFairWork @GigWorkersRise https://t.co/RTB7TQZNLE
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 27, 2022TCU/IAM:
This week at TCU’s 36th Regular Convention, the delegates elected Artie Maratea as National President, and Stan Boyd as National Secretary Treasurer. 🎊🎊 #TCUMembersStrong pic.twitter.com/Pof9MFJf11
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) July 23, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
That IS great news! Congrats to all. https://t.co/DuxGp3geci
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 26, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
A big IATSE-welcome to our newest kin! https://t.co/2nwuwhCRqO
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) July 26, 2022Transport Workers Union:
TWU honorary member Trevor Reed appeared on @HallieJacksonMSNBC to put public pressure on the US govt to bring other detainees home. The TWU will always fight to ensure all workers are treated with dignity & respect. The interview begins 34 minutes in. https://t.co/Sw2QwRBjcw
— TWU (@transportworker) July 27, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
Transportation labor welcomes @USDOTFRA's proposed two-person crew rule.
Our statement: https://t.co/WdxwOAifHp https://t.co/EEzXFNeEVZ
UAW:
“This legislation invests $52 billion to bolster U.S. semiconductor production and provides resources to advance scientific research needed to help create the jobs of the future in the United States.” -UAW President Ray Curry https://t.co/Smf4fCf96c
— UAW (@UAW) July 27, 2022Union Label and Service Trades Department:
After inflation, workers on minimum wage haven't made this little since the 1950s - CBS News https://t.co/oZwaehSmud
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) July 20, 2022Union Veterans Council:
ICYMI: Last week we welcomed home an American patriot Ivan Ocon, who was unjustly deported for the last 6 years.🇺🇸#1u #RepatriateOurPatriotshttps://t.co/vSUIBL3QYW pic.twitter.com/J5uxfV3oJC
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) July 11, 2022UNITE HERE:
Tonight at 5:30pm Pacific Cleve Jones will host a Facebook LIVE alongside canvassers on the ground in @Culinary226, @UNITEHERE11AZ, & @UNITEHEREPhilly.
Tune in to hear how you can join us to build political & workplace power: https://t.co/wqdu3ufIhLhttps://t.co/LiBMRMf0Nt
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#UFCWVictory ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏽✊🏾
ICYMI: Poultry processing and butchering workers at the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance plant in Stacyville, IA, joined UFCW Local 431 for better wages, benefits, and job security that come with a union contract.
Read more: https://t.co/LVvDCMDlgT pic.twitter.com/G0QBvHxbGP
United Steelworkers:
To preserve jobs, UAW head says battery plants must be union https://t.co/lp4PAlAdQh
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) July 26, 2022Utility Workers:
Working people got a pay cut with every price increase. Learn more at https://t.co/mEKv2VLUGB #WorkersRights pic.twitter.com/8vQA18vDVK
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 27, 2022Working America:
Union workers' pay checks are 10.2% more than non union counterparts. Are you in a union?
Find out how to organize a union here! https://t.co/99o00GmlGC
Writers Guild of America, East:
Find out how solid worldbuilding can help you create a great sci-fi, fantasy, horror, supernatural, historical, or superhero script at the next installment of our Fundamentals of Screenwriting series on Monday 8/1.
Learn more & RSVP ⬇️https://t.co/zLO5Tmiuoy
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Organizing Drive at Medieval Times Gains Momentum
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.
Fed up with dangerous working conditions and low wages, the actors, stunt performers and stable hands at Medieval Times castle in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, overwhelmingly voted this month to form a union with the Variety Artists (AGVA). Their organizing win inspired their counterparts at the castle in Buena Park, California, who announced on Friday that a supermajority of workers there have signed union cards and are prepared for a union election.
“Broadway does eight shows a week, and we do 16,” Erin Zapcic, one of the actors at the Buena Park Medieval Times, told HuffPost. “You’ve got people who are working every single show. They’re tired. The horses are tired….Even professional athletes have an off-season. We don’t have an off-season.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/27/2022 - 09:48One Day Longer: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
#onedaylonger https://t.co/fp1Vb2b61x
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) July 20, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
“The university has illegitimately declared impasse. They have illegitimately decided that their (best and last offer) is the contract in effect. Neither of those things are legally valid; it violates Alaska labor statute.” #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/6QHHyT8OpV
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 25, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
Curaleaf is another business attempting to union bust in AZ. Help protect unions! https://t.co/MrTnFHvJrO
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) July 22, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
SOLIDARITY ALERT!
We’re calling on @ATVI_AB @Activision to END GENDER INEQUITY & create a free and fair process for workers to choose union representation.
Safe workplaces for marginalized workers NOW!#UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/5fJQ89Y8pB
Colorado AFL-CIO:
It posted early! Listen NOW: https://t.co/w1x0Tq0wSe #copolitics https://t.co/AwNlmTyecl
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) July 25, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Our slate of labor-endorsed candidates know this to be true- when we take care of working people and their families, we take care of Georgia. #1u #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/227JAqVuA8
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) July 23, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
The decision when and whether to have a child is fundamental to a woman’s economic freedom and advancement.
Reproductive rights are workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/RTfzhTGRHu
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Celebrating 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act https://t.co/iA7QKbcYx0
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) July 26, 2022Kansas AFL-CIO:
Are you Union & a Kansas Voter? Take a look, this is cool beans. https://t.co/FGmnhrXshm Voter Registration, Important Dates, Your Ballot and more!
— Kansas AFL-CIO (@KansasAFLCIO) July 22, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Across this state working people are forced to live in their vehicles, campgrounds, rest stops and shelters because they can't afford to purchase a home or pay skyrocketing rents. No one should ever go without proper shelter. We can & we must do better. https://t.co/Qdb4kxXGwu
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 24, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Union members are on their grind, #GOTV for @TomPerez, @ShannonSneed4MD, @BrookeELierman, @BrownforMD, and every last labor endorsed candidate up and down the ballot! #VoteUnion https://t.co/nZJ52r11EK
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) July 19, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Huge morning knocking doors for @TerriTauro4Mass with @LizShuler in #Lynn #mapoli #1u 💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/gUZ8ztTWhK
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) July 16, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Yesterday's announcement is a huge victory for every working person in Michigan! pic.twitter.com/1qbZwqvdCa
— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) July 20, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Ahead of Frontline Worker Pay Application Period Closing, Coalition Calls for $500 Million Blocked by Senate Republicans to Be Added to Fund https://t.co/czLFoYx7Qd #mnleg #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 22, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
Leaders stand up and speak out! Thank you @CoriBush for fighting for union members. Be like the Congresswoman: 👏Support👏Your👏Local👏Union👏 #1u #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/g6VcZwmLDi
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 25, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
The Nevada State AFL-CIO condemns this disgusting & racist display of a black man being lynched at Galleria Mall.
This despicable act of racism was shown as part of the July 4th decorations & was on display for several days.
To Galleria Mall: The community demands answers! pic.twitter.com/huQuUHmnzs
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Everyone in New Hampshire's labor community joins her loved ones & mourns the passing of Kelly Torosian. Rest in power, sister https://t.co/g2LrkQWPZz @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) July 23, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Keep your lawn and garden green this summer with these #unionmade companies. #hotlaborsummer #1u pic.twitter.com/hiCqPlf7Nh
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) July 26, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Today is #DisabilityIndependenceDay, which commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 32 years ago. See how you can stand up for the rights of people with disabilities: https://t.co/rN6zyHqnWc pic.twitter.com/Wd2GpVgsTO
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 26, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
After a 2-year hiatus, we're back at UNCW for #LaborSchool this week to build the knowledge, skills, and power of NC union members! #1u pic.twitter.com/iOBA3mweLZ
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 19, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Imagine #Ohio, @TimRyan can join @SenSherrodBrown and become the most pro-#Union, pro-worker delegation in the country. We can do this in November! https://t.co/LdcTS3csqb
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 26, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
If you are struggling or in crisis, you can get help immediately at a new 988 dialing code. Call or text 988 or chat @988lifeline.org. #988lifeline #mentalhealth #suicideprevention pic.twitter.com/D23Hno6FLp
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 25, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Proud to represent 700,000 union member across the commonwealth! We mobilize our members and community partners to advocate for social and economic justice and we strive daily to vanquish oppression and make our communities better for all people. #PennsylvaniaDay #UnionProud #1U pic.twitter.com/aKtcNJxN9V
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 21, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Don't forget! Early voting ends July 30th! Follow the link below to access a list of early voting locations in your county. #1uhttps://t.co/uOf7Oi6gx7 pic.twitter.com/iqyVzeMYW7
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) July 26, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Welcome to the Texas labor movement family, Yana and Christopher! #1u https://t.co/jHw78avKFG
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 25, 2022Virginia AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Richmond City workers for their victory in gaining collective bargaining rights. A voice on the job & a seat at the table = quality services for all of Richmond. 🔗 https://t.co/qE7T9qT3k3 pic.twitter.com/IHgL5RByHT
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 26, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
It's time for ✨2022 Congressional Endorsements✨
WSLC endorsements are made by a vote of our affiliated unions. No matter how you vote, we encourage all working people to mail in or drop off your primary ballot by Aug. 2!
Full list of endorsements: https://t.co/AESqt88kKM
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
In 2021, S&P 500 companies’ CEOs’ pay rose 18.2% on average. Workers’ wages rose only 4.7%. Check out the @AFLCIO's Executive Paywatch Report https://t.co/SXpFyi3WZN
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 18, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/26/2022 - 15:28Enacting Tangible Change: 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:
TV Commercial Production Workers Organize Union with IATSE: TV commercial production workers made waves on Thursday, announcing they are organizing a union with the backing of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Stand With Production movement. These workers often face brutal and unsafe working conditions: unsustainable hours, lack of reasonable rest, no employer-funded health care or retirement benefits, ineligibility for overtime pay, and limited access to safety and training. “Experiencing the type of burnout and fatigue that you do working these long hours, your ability to make decisions in regards to people’s safety and well-being is compromised,” Cheyenne Cage, a production supervisor, told More Perfect Union. “We can enact tangible change if we stay together and work together.”
Workers at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Win Voluntary Recognition: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has voluntarily recognized Academy Museum Workers United (AMWU), which is affiliated with AFSCME District Council 36. AMWU will represent 160 employees at the Los Angeles museum dedicated to promoting and studying motion pictures. They are the latest museum workers to join AFSCME through its Cultural Workers United campaign. “We are thrilled to have come to an agreement with the Academy Museum over recognition of our union and to have 69% union support from our co-workers,” said Viviana Santillan, a visitor experience associate. “Now we can move forward in building a working relationship with museum leadership and focus on having a voice over our working conditions and the creative professions to make this institution the best in our community and the world.”
USW Secures Domestic Violence Language in New Contracts: Domestic and family violence and abuse, if not addressed with support and compassion, can have serious negative impacts on survivors’ health, safety and economic security. United Steelworkers (USW) paper sector activists and leaders recently won new policies to alleviate these risks in their latest contracts with two paper companies. They recruited the help of USW District 1 Assistant to the Director Teresa Cassady. Their goal was to provide proactive support and training within their workplace contracts that strictly maintains confidentiality for those involved. “This language is life-changing for members going through domestic violence in that they will know their job will be there if and when they need to go to a safe place or while they are going to court,” said Cassady, a domestic violence advocate and survivor. Click here to view her story on surviving domestic abuse.
IFPTE Local 20 Ratifies First Union Contract: Workers at the East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) ratified a first contract July 8 as members of the Engineers and Scientists of California/IFPTE Local 20 after nearly two years of negotiations. Members achieved all their key bargaining priorities. After the 65–0 ratification vote on the contract, which included an average 15% pay increase among many other gains, Local 20’s EBCLC bargaining team released a statement saying, “[W]e are pleased to have reached this settlement, which respects and rewards the important work you all do and will help retain and attract staff.”
SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify 2022 Network Television Code Agreement: On July 8, members of SAG-AFTRA voted to ratify the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, also known as the Network Television Code. The vote was 94.67% in favor of the new contract. “This agreement is a step toward elevating our consciousness and sensitivity regarding safe spaces for performers on set,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “That is a big, transformative win. I also am pleased that our negotiators made meaningful gains with new compensation and improved protections for our members.” The Network Television Code generates more than $200 million a year in covered member earnings and includes programming in nearly all non-prime-time and all non-dramatic prime-time television, as well as digital media. Covered programs include shows like morning news, talk, variety, reality, game and sports, and serials (soap operas) and promotional announcements. SAG-AFTRA held a webinar explaining what’s new in the contract, which can be viewed here.
Minnesota United In-House Camera Crew Requests Voluntary Recognition: The in-house broadcast crew at Allianz Field, where the Minnesota United FC plays, is requesting voluntary recognition of their organizing efforts with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 745. Despite having an overwhelming majority of cards signed, Minnesota United claims that some workers are “just learning about this possibility” and are “committed to being open, honest and transparent about the pros and cons of unionization.” The Wonderwall, the parent organization for the team’s supporters, issued a statement urging Minnesota United to voluntarily recognize the union. The Professional Soccer Referees Association and the Major League Soccer Players Association also tweeted in support.
IAFF Local 3920 Makes History with First Collective Bargaining Agreement: Members of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3920 in South Fulton, Georgia, made history Friday when they signed their first collective bargaining agreement, only the second of its kind in the state. The new contract includes significant wage increases and improvements in employment conditions for members. “We have accomplished a great deal,” said Capt. Andrea Hall, former president of Local 3920, who negotiated the agreement, alongside IAFF 12th District Vice President Walt Dix and IAFF District Field Service Rep. Randy Wyse. Attending the signing, IAFF General President Ed Kelly emphasized the day’s significance: “You’ll find that when we go to the table and we use our voice, the people that benefit the most are the very people that we took an oath to protect. More often than not, the citizens we serve in municipalities and counties where they have collective bargaining agreements, where they can recruit and maintain their workforce, have a safer city.” Both Hall and Eric Patterson, the current president of Local 3920, credited the collaboration among city officials. “They fought for us,” said Patterson. “If it were not for the City Council of South Fulton, we would not be here today. Hopefully, together, we’ll keep it moving [forward] and make a better 3920 than we’ve ever had. We’ll support the city, the citizens and everything about South Fulton.”
Wired Union Reaches Tentative Agreement Ahead of Prime Day: More than two years ago, workers at Wired voted to form a union with The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003. They bargained for more than a year with Condé Nast management on their first contract. Workers were prepared to walk out on this year’s Prime Day to win the fair contract they deserve. And their collective action worked. On Monday, July 11, at 11:56 p.m., the night before Prime Day, they announced that they reached a tentative agreement. Congratulations to the Wired Union!
University of California Nurses Ratify New Contract Covering All UC Medical Centers, Clinics and Student Health Centers: Registered nurses at University of California (UC) facilities across the state voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) on Saturday. The new agreement addresses key patient care and workplace safety issues while also focusing resources to recognize, recruit and retain nurses across facilities in the UC system. “UC nurses are proud to ratify our new contract with the University,” said Dahlia Tayag, RN, a bargaining team member who works at UC San Diego. “This agreement recognizes and rewards registered nurses for our service and commitment to our patients and communities across the UC system, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” She went on to say “UC nurses have been preparing for these negotiations, and we were committed to winning the contract our members deserved. The administration’s decision to prioritize investing in UC nurses resulted in this successor agreement, which will improve the patient care we provide.”
Franklin County Highway Department Workers Sign Union Contract: After a long fight, Franklin County Highway Department workers in Missouri have finally signed a new contract. They have been without a contract for three years because the county was trying to break the union. The county denied them their constitutional right to bargain, and Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 148 fought alongside the workers legally to win this battle. The workers stuck together, and they voted Friday to ratify a new agreement.
ATU Members at New Orleans’ Regional Transit Authority Agree to Four-Year Contract: Members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1560 who work at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in New Orleans ratified a new four-year contract. The agreement includes pay and benefits that keeps RTA operators among the highest paid in the South. More than 500 employees are covered, including operators, dispatchers, reservations, clerks, tellers and instructors. “As the new ATU Local 1560 Local President, my first priority was reaching an agreement with RTA for our members on the front lines,” said Kory Dupree. “We have faced many challenges in maintaining mobility but have persevered for our riders and our community. ATU Local 1560 looks forward to continuing the work of the agency, overcoming obstacles to building stronger connections and moving forward in a new direction with RTA.”
Production Workers at ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘American Dad!’ and ‘Family Guy’ Join Animation Guild: Production workers on “The Simpsons,” “American Dad!” and “Family Guy” secured voluntary recognition from 20th Television Animation after more than 90% of eligible workers voted to join The Animation Guild (Theatrical Stage Employees [IATSE] Local 839). While other workers in animation, such as animators, actors and writers, are all unionized, production workers have long been excluded, meaning they often receive unequal treatment from management at various companies. “It doesn’t feel like everything is equal,” said Laura Smalec, a production coordinator at “Family Guy.” “You cannot have a show without production workers. So I think that’s the moral of the story at the end of the day.” These workers join a growing trend in animation, where production workers at smaller companies have organized in recent months.
WGAE Members at ABC News Ratify New Contract: The 110-member bargaining unit at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). The unit includes news editors, newswriters, continuity writers, researchers, assignment editors, desk assistants and graphic artists who work for various ABC properties. The contract increases wages by 9% over three years, raises minimum wages for certain jobs, increases paid time off and provides numerous other benefits. “We are proud our members have won solid increases in pay and pension contributions, gains for full-time ‘temps,’ DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] protections and more,” said Lowell Peterson, executive director of the WGAE. “This demonstrates that, even in a mature industry, collective bargaining works.”
AT&T Wireless Workers Secure Wage Increases and Other Benefits in Tentative New Contract: Six months into negotiations, AT&T Wireless workers reached a tentative contract agreement. The new agreement will raise base wages by nearly 15% over the life of the contract, and protects against inflation through additional guaranteed increases based on the Consumer Price Index. It also addresses AT&T’s shifting of work from company-owned stores to third-party authorized retailers by requiring that at least 20% of AT&T retail outlets are company-owned. “These workers provided essential services during the pandemic, putting themselves at risk to enable us to stay connected to one another,” said Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Chris Shelton. “They stayed united during contract negotiations and won an agreement that recognizes the importance of the work they do and shows what working people can achieve when they join together and demand respect.” Other benefits in the new deal include limits on mandatory overtime, improved privacy protections for call center representatives working from home, recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, additional paid parental leave and new health care options. The proposed contract covers technicians, call center workers and retail store representatives in 36 states and the District of Columbia, and must be reviewed and approved by members.
CSEA Reaches Fair Contract with Santa Clarita’s School District: Members of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 349 have reason to celebrate after winning a new agreement last week with the William S. Hart Union High School District in Santa Clarita, California. The contract provides 4% wage increases and full-cost coverage for dental and vision benefits for classified school district employees. “[Union members] are grateful to the school board for listening to their comments and taking action to address the extreme inequities that exist between classified staff and teachers/administrators,” CSEA Labor Relations Representative Jessica Morrow told The Signal. Chapter 349 members rallied this month to demand more equitable pay and benefits.
Firefighters’ Local Union in Utah Reaffiliates with IAFF: The Fire Fighters (IAFF) is welcoming back one of its Utah affiliates, Local 2742 in Orem, after a 23-year absence. The newly reorganized IAFF Local 2742 adds 59 new members to the international union. The members decided now was the time to reaffiliate with the IAFF and the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah because they saw how hard the union and the state association were working on behalf of all professional firefighters. “It is great to have Local 2742 back in the IAFF. Orem’s members are a very motivated group of firefighters who are ready to put boots on the ground and get to work,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
After Monthlong Strike, Nurses and Techs Ratify Agreement with Newark Hospital: More than 360 nurses and medical technicians at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, won a contract last week after going out on strike in May. The Jersey Nurses Economic Security Organization-IUOE (JNESO-IUOE) District Council 1 members were demanding fairness for themselves and better treatment for their patients. The members of JNESO-IUOE won new pay increases and forced management to back off its proposal to eliminate step increases. And the agreement provides improvements to health benefits, as well as new provisions on safe staffing levels and workplace safety.
Postdoc Medical Researchers Win Union with UAW at Mount Sinai: Hundreds of postdoctoral researchers at Mount Sinai’s medical school in New York City have voted 317–37 (89.5%) to choose Sinai Postdoctoral Organizing Committee-UAW (SPOC-UAW) as their union and bargaining representative, according to ballots tallied by the National Labor Relations Board. The new unit, which is only the second postdoc union ever established at a private institution, will represent more than 500 workers. “We are so energized by this vote,” said Yajing Xu, a postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience. “As hard as we worked to win, we know that this is just the beginning. We are confident that our union will be good for us and good for Mount Sinai, and we look forward to meeting them at the table soon to bargain a contract that makes us all stronger.”
Janitors at D.C. Veterans Hospital Form Union with LIUNA: About 60 janitors at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C., are now proud members of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 572 after holding a union election in May. They overcame stiff resistance from their employer, who hired a union-busting consulting firm after these workers filed their organizing petition. “These employees are not being treated like the essential employees that they are,” said Dennis L. Martire, LIUNA vice president and mid-Atlantic regional manager. “Realizing that they have the power to make a difference, they used their right to unionize and showed tremendous strength.”
Seven Stars Bakery Workers Establish Union with UFCW Local 328: On Tuesday, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328 revealed that the baristas, counter staff, keyholders and restockers employed at every Seven Stars Bakery location in Rhode Island won voluntary union recognition. The announcement follows an organizing campaign that won support from the overwhelming majority of workers at Seven Stars. “I am so excited about our recognition from the company,” said Natasha Brennan, a barista in Providence. “All of us love our jobs and love each other. As Seven Stars continues to grow with more locations, we want ourselves and our future co-workers to have better protections, wages and benefits. Unionization ensures this for everyone.”
USFL Players Vote to Create Union with USW: The United Steelworkers (USW) announced last week that players in the United States Football League (USFL) voted in favor of union representation. The USW, in coordination with the United Football Players Association (UFPA), filed a petition for a representation election on behalf of about 360 USFL players after a majority of them signed cards in early May. UFPA President Kenneth Farrow, who played six seasons of professional football, said that the power of a union will make a huge difference for players, who often face uncertainty due to injuries, poor facilities and bankrupt employers. “Every worker deserves the opportunity to bargain for better pay, benefits and working conditions as part of a union,” Farrow said. “Players can guarantee a stronger voice in determining their own futures by bargaining as part of a collective.”
Workers at Vox Media Ratify Industry-Leading Contracts: The Vox Media Union’s 360-member bargaining unit overwhelmingly ratified its second collective bargaining agreement as members of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). The 11th-hour agreement came after six months of bargaining that saw 95% of the unit sign a strike pledge. The three-year agreement boasts large across-the-board pay increases and binding commitments to equal pay for equal work. “This contract would not have been possible without the incredible solidarity we saw from our more than 360 members, who held management’s feet to the fire and were prepared to strike on June 13 if we didn’t get a deal,” said the union’s bargaining committee. “We often hear from members that the union was what made them want to work at Vox Media, and we’re so proud of this contract that has secured the wage increases and benefits that all of our members deserve.” WGAE members at NowThis, the short-form video news site owned by Vox Media, unanimously ratified their first collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday, which will provide an average raise of 9% in the first year of the agreement.
Workers Organize to Take Their Bite of the Apple: At the crossroads of technology and retail, workers at Apple stores are among the latest to join the growing wave of organizing efforts at massive corporations. Workers at the Apple store in Towson Town Center mall near Baltimore won their union election with the Machinists (IAM) last week, becoming the first workers in America to form a union at the high-tech giant. Apple store workers in Atlanta are organizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Their organizing campaign is inspired by more than their desire for better wages and benefits; these workers are demanding a collective voice on the job. “Compensation is important, considering the cost of living in general and inflation, but the bigger thing is having a say,” Apple worker Christie Pridgen, who works at the Towson store, told CNN Business after the vote. “That was the most important thing to me.” Assessed at $3 trillion, Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world—and the workers who create that value deserve a say in their workplaces.
AAUP Affiliates with AFT in Historic Partnership for Higher Education: Delegates to the biennial meeting of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) voted on Saturday to affiliate with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joining forces to build a more powerful and inclusive academic labor movement that will be better able to take on the challenges facing higher education, as well as the threats to our democracy. The vote brings together two organizations representing more than 300,000 higher education faculty members overall, the largest such alliance in the country. “The AAUP has been the voice and conscience of higher education for well over 100 years,” said AAUP President Irene Mulvey. “This truly historic decision builds on our 10-plus-year partnership with the AFT and strengthens both organizations, while ensuring that the AAUP will maintain its independence and autonomy.”
UW Researchers Come Together to Form Union with UAW: By an 85% margin, research scientists/engineers at the University of Washington (UW) have chosen to form a union with the UAW. The total bargaining unit includes 1,458 university workers. The Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission is expected to issue an interim certification for the union in the coming weeks. “After incredible participation in our union election, our Researcher Union is official!,” celebrated Cara Margherio, assistant director of UW’s Center for Evaluation & Research for STEM Equity. “In the thousands of conversations we’ve had with fellow Researchers, one thing is clear—we make valuable contributions at UW and love our work, and we are ready to have a voice equal to the administration in determining how to make UW an even better place for research.”
Des Moines Metro Opera’s Stage Managers Win Voluntary Recognition: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced last week that the stage managers of Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) have unionized with AGMA, joining other top national opera companies in the country. DMMO management agreed to voluntarily recognize the union upon a successful card-check. “We believe this collaborative partnership will continue to flourish as we bargain our first AGMA contract,” read a statement from the newly organized stage managers. “We are incredibly supportive of the growth of Des Moines Metro Opera in recent years and join with everyone at DMMO in celebrating our 50th anniversary season.”
iAero Airways Pilots Form Union with ALPA: The National Mediation Board has certified Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) as the bargaining representative for the 230 pilots of iAero Airways (formerly Swift Air). With 74% of eligible pilots participating in the election, 71% voted last month in favor of joining the world’s largest pilot union. “A year and a half ago, iAero pilots first approached ALPA about joining our association,” said ALPA President Capt. Joe DePete. “Today, we all celebrate the addition of their voices to ours as we maintain the status of airline travel as the safest form of transportation in the world.”
More Than 4,000 Federal, D.C. Government Employees Joined AFGE in May: AFGE welcomed 4,085 federal and Washington, D.C., government employees to the union family in May, with a net gain of 436 members—the largest monthly net gain in more than three years. Each month, AFGE organizes thousands of new members, but thousands also retire, leave federal service, exit bargaining unit positions or otherwise resign their membership. The union credited its locals as the key to success, with the biggest gains coming from new employee orientations. “People are joining to empower themselves,” explained AFGE Director of Membership and Organization Dave Cann. “This means our numbers aren’t just growing, which they are, but we are building our union with members who want to be active, who want a say, who want to have ownership of their workplace.”
IATSE Local B29 Wins Organizing Drive at Miller Theater in Philadelphia: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local B29 proudly announced that workers at the Miller Theater (formerly Merriam Theater) won their organizing campaign on March 22. Organizing started in 2005 and resumed in 2009, and after years of campaigning, even a global pandemic could not stop these workers from coming together to form a union. The Miller Theater is part of the Kimmel Cultural Campus in Philadelphia. “We are proud of the growth of our local with the 30 new front-of-house workers that have the same rights and benefits as the other members of Local B29,” said Richard Montgomery, president of Local B29. “We would like to thank IATSE President Matthew Loeb and his staff for their leadership and guidance in this long, hard-fought union drive.”
New Jersey State AFL-CIO Welcomes New Members to Teamsters Local 469: The 39 drivers and helpers at Shred-it in Trenton, New Jersey, were warmly welcomed into the New Jersey State AFL-CIO as new members of Teamsters Local 469. They successfully organized their union last year and went on strike in December 2021 to protest unfair working conditions and demand the company meet with Local 469 to bargain for a contract in good faith. After months of hard work, the workers at Shred-it recently ratified their first contract. “Teamsters Local 469’s success in organizing the drivers and helpers at Shred-it is an example of the strong momentum of labor organizing in New Jersey and nationally,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE) and New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan (Workers United). “Workers everywhere are rising up in solidarity to demand better working conditions and an increased standard of living.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/26/2022 - 11:50Tags: Organizing
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses in San Jose Ratify Contract to Improve Patient Care
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.
Registered nurses (RNs) who are members of the California Nurses Association/NNU (CNA/NNU) at two hospitals in San Jose ratified a new contract earlier this month with provisions designed to improve patient safety. Management agreed to hire 34 more full-time RNs to provide meal and rest breaks for nurses. CNA/NNU members say this will improve patient care, as studies show that nurses who are exhausted are more likely to make errors.
“Providing quality care demands not only a great deal of physical energy, but enormous amounts of emotional and mental energy as we deal with our patients’ ever-changing needs,” said Mary Jean Dimapasoc, a registered nurse and member of the bargaining team from the San Jose Regional Medical Center. “It is very important to have a bit of downtime to unplug from the work and to relax and regroup so we can be fully there for all our patients.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/26/2022 - 10:15Service + Solidarity Spotlight: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Goes Live; AFSCME Members Ready to Answer the Call
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.
Connecting to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline just got easier with Saturday’s launch of the 988 dialing code. Designated by Congress in 2020, the new code works like 911 and is a critical step forward in transforming the crisis care system in America. AFSCME members in the behavioral health field are hopeful that the new helpline number will help put more people in touch with the care they need and further reduce the stigma in seeking help. And in some cases, AFSCME members will be answering those calls.
“We understand that this isn’t a magic wand that will make everything better, but it is an important step to getting more people the help they need in time,” said AFSCME member Becca Ryan Roberts (not pictured), crisis intervention specialist at the recently organized Lines for Life in Portland, Oregon. “We are able to provide help in that moment, give them hope for at least another day and get them pointed in a direction that hopefully keeps them alive.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/22/2022 - 09:30CEO Pay Gains Far Outpace Rising Wages: 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.
America’s Safety Net for Workers Hurt by Globalization Is Falling Apart: “‘Our plant, our people, most of them have been there 25-plus years,’ said Mr. Ogg, who is the president of the local United Steelworkers union. ‘You work in the same place that long, that’s all you know.’”
Museum Movements: 2,000 Protest in Philly; Baltimore Votes to Unionize: “Museum unionization actions accelerated in mid-July in two big East Coast cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore. And both campaigns are part of AFSCME’s increasing drive to organize workers at museums and similar arts institutions from coast to coast. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who addressed the convention before the rally, made that point in speaking to the crowd on the stairs. ‘When I looked across those famous Rocky Steps, I saw the whole story of where we are as a movement,’ Shuler said. ‘We are not only organizing in new places like museums and cultural institutions, we’re leveraging the power of our entire federation—our internationals, our locals, our state federations and our local labor bodies—to do it.’”
CEO Pay Gains Far Outpace Rising Wages, Says New Union Report: “Corporate leaders' raises far outpaced wage gains that failed to keep up with inflation, said the AFL-CIO, in an annual report that has become widely cited as a measure of inequality trends in the U.S. ‘It's another version of more for them and less for us,’ said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on a conference call to introduce the report.”
Lyndhurst’s Medieval Times Workers Vote to Form Chain’s First Union: “Workers at the Middle Ages reenactment venue Medieval Times voted Friday to form a union, marking one of the latest leisure and hospitality businesses to organize amid a labor push coming out of the two-year coronavirus pandemic. The royal performers at the Lyndhurst venue voted 24–11 to form a venue—a first for the dinner theater chain to secure higher wages and safer working conditions, according to a Friday announcement. Friday’s move affects actors, jesters, trumpeters, stunt performers and stable hands, but not the wait staff, according to the announcement by the Medieval Times Performers United, which will join the nationwide union the Variety Artists. ‘We will use our collective voice to bargain a strong first contract,’ reads a Friday statement from this latest chapter of the union.”
White House Fixes Union Pension Rescue Program: “Help really is coming for over 2 million union members, retirees and family members who are participants in distressed union-sponsored multiemployer pension plans. Last year, Congress included a pension rescue program when it passed the $1.9 trillion stimulus package known as the American Rescue Plan. But in July 2021, when the government announced the initial rules to implement the pension rescue program, national AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler and others complained that the way the rules were written, they’d still leave pension plans in trouble. Approximately 10.9 million union workers, retirees and spouses are owed pension benefits by about 1,400 union-sponsored multiemployer pension plans.”
Union Organizing Efforts Rise in First Half of Year: “The number of U.S. workplaces where employees have started trying to organize unions jumped this year to the highest level in half a dozen years, a rise that reflects warming public attitudes toward unions amid a strong labor market. In the first half of the year, workers at 1,411 U.S. workplaces filed petitions with the National Labor Relations Board, the first step in joining a union, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of federal data. That represents a 69% increase from the same period in 2021 and the most of any year since 2015. The union push comes as public opinion about organized labor is the most positive in decades. A Gallup poll last year found that 68% of Americans approve of unions, the highest share since 1965.”
The Perri Peltz Show: Labor and the Workforce: “‘But coming together in unions collectively, that’s where you get the power. That’s where you can make the change and actually have a contract that you negotiate, that you sit across the table from an employer and bargain your fair share of the wealth that you are helping create and to make these companies profitable.’—Liz Shuler.”
Sister Campbell, Trumka, 15 Others Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom: “Trumka was president of the AFL-CIO from 2009 until his death in August 2021. The faith of Trumka, a Catholic born to a Polish father and an Italian mother, helped shape a lifelong career in the labor movement. He led the 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO through more than a decade of difficulties, as the percentage of U.S. workers represented by unions continued a slow but steady erosion. Those who were in unions frequently faced unresponsive employers—and workers who organized for union representation faced hostility and threats of firing and job loss. ‘No one did more work for American workers than he did,’ Biden said of Trumka. ‘His work was synonymous with the word that defined his life: dignity, dignity that comes with a good-paying job that builds a good and decent middle-class life.’ Calling Trumka’s advocacy for workers ‘fierce,’ Biden said that his friend of 30 years constantly tried ‘to do what was right for working people’ by fighting for fair wages and protecting their pensions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/21/2022 - 11:55Service + Solidarity Spotlight: USW Secures Domestic Violence Language in New Contracts
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.
Domestic and family violence and abuse, if not addressed with support and compassion, can have serious negative impacts on survivors’ health, safety and economic security. United Steelworkers (USW) paper sector activists and leaders recently won new policies to alleviate these risks in their latest contracts with two paper companies.
They recruited the help of USW District 1 Assistant to the Director Teresa Cassady. Their goal was to provide proactive support and training within their workplace contracts that strictly maintains confidentiality for those involved.
“This language is life-changing for members going through domestic violence in that they will know their job will be there if and when they need to go to a safe place or while they are going to court,” said Cassady, a domestic violence advocate and survivor. Click here to view her story on surviving domestic abuse.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/21/2022 - 11:09Justice Delayed, but Finally Delivered
We welcome home an American patriot this week who was unjustly deported six years ago. Ivan Ocon, a brave Army veteran, won the right to return to the United States with the support of a powerful network of organizations, including the AFL-CIO; the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO (UVC); the Deported Veterans Support House; and Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. He was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in a ceremony held in El Paso, Texas, today.
“Justice has finally been served for Ivan and his family, and we look forward to helping more of our deported veterans return home where they belong,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “A few years ago, I was part of a labor delegation that visited the border where we met with veterans in Juarez still proudly wearing their U.S. military uniforms, despite being unable to cross into Texas. We immediately knew we had to take action. Deporting people who have risked their lives to defend our democracy is disgraceful, and unions are determined to right these wrongs.”
In 2021, the AFL-CIO Executive Council launched a campaign, under the leadership of the Union Veterans Council, to end the unjust deportation of U.S. military veterans, including hundreds who have served our nation in combat. The campaign seeks to bring our deported veterans home, reunite families, and prevent further efforts to criminalize and tear apart immigrant communities. Today, with the invaluable support of the Veterans Legal Services Clinic, we will begin to see the concrete results of our advocacy.
“This is an emotional day, and I’m so grateful to be reunited with my family. I want to thank everyone who worked on my behalf over the last six years to make this moment possible. This country is my home, and I will continue to fight to make sure that other veterans like me get the justice they deserve,” said Ocon.
“This win is just the beginning in our long fight to bring deported veterans home and ensure that they are no longer casualties of unjust immigration policies that target, rather than protect, working families. The stories of patriots like Ivan help to expose the failures of our veteran support systems and to challenge the toxic anti-immigrant narratives that are corroding our political discourse today,” said Will Attig (UA), executive director of the UVC.
As we celebrate this victory, the labor movement reaffirms its commitment to repatriate our deported patriots and prevent further miscarriage of justice. Service members must no longer be failed by the country they valiantly served, and we will do everything in our power to help them.
“All the facts surrounding Ivan Ocon’s case—including his service to our nation—make clear that he has earned a chance to rejoin his family and continue his life as a citizen of the United States. We are proud to have done our small part to help bring him home to Texas,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA).
"Ivan's story is a phenomenal victory, not only for himself and his family, but for the entire deported veterans movement who fought alongside him. The Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI), which was very helpful to Ivan’s case, represents a real commitment by the Biden Administration to assist deported veterans,” said Nate Urban, an attorney with the Veterans Legal Services Clinic. “We must do more to identify veterans in need and the federal government must provide them with the legal aid they require.”
Monika Greenhow Thu, 07/07/2022 - 18:57Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Biden to Award Richard Trumka Presidential Medal of Freedom
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last year, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passed after a long and distinguished career of fighting on behalf of workers across the country and throughout the world. Those of us who worked with him knew his commitment to the labor movement and will forever be thankful for his dedication to working people.
Add President Joe Biden to the list of those honoring Trumka’s life work. This week, Biden will award Trumka with the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trumka is one of 17 honorees who will be recognized in a ceremony later this week.
In describing the recipients of the medal, the White House wrote, “These seventeen Americans demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation —hard work, perseverance, and faith. They have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us and acted with bravery to drive change in their communities—and across the world—while blazing trails for generations to come.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/06/2022 - 09:47Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SAG-AFTRA Calls for Passage of California’s ‘Let Artists Work’ (LAW) Act
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.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher applauded the California Senate Judiciary Committee for advancing the Let Artists Work (LAW) Act, vital legislation that will allow actors to work as much as they need without unreasonable restrictions.
“A huge thank you to Assemblymember Ash Kalra for introducing this progressive legislation, to the California Senate Judiciary Committee members for recognizing that actors should be able to enjoy the same freedoms as all other Californians, and to all of the union members and allies who showed their support for California’s entertainment workers,” Drescher said. “Let’s keep the momentum going."
The LAW Act would abolish unfair contract provisions that keep actors tied to employers and force them to forfeit outside employment opportunities even when they do not interfere with their original contract. The LAW Act gives artists the freedom to work as much as they need to work without being held to unreasonable restrictions.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/05/2022 - 09:38Pride Month Profiles: Sarah Crews
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Sarah Crews of the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association, a member organization of the Midstate Central Labor Council (CLC) and an affiliate of the New York State AFL-CIO.
Sarah Crews is a police officer employed by the City of Ithaca, New York, Police Department and a long-standing member of the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association, the labor organization that represents Ithaca police officers, sergeants and lieutenants. Crews is a staunch advocate for progressive policy change within the Ithaca Police Department and the broader law enforcement community. For several years Crews has been fighting fiercely to change discriminatory policies and procedures that do not provide LGBTQ+ police officers the same rights and protections that have traditionally only been afforded to heterosexual officers. Specifically, these policies pertain to the search, transport and jailing of prisoners. Crews has spent countless hours and a large amount of her own income as she continues to seek progressive change and fights for policies that recognize and afford equal protections to LGBTQ+ workers within her workplace and profession.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/30/2022 - 10:42Pride Month Profiles: Mika Romano
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Mika Romano of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Mika Romano was a strong voice at the bargaining table for UFCW Local 1776’s newly-organized Mariposa food co-op. Since then, they became a shop steward at the co-op and will continue to ensure all workers' voices are heard.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/30/2022 - 10:00Tags: Pride
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IUPAT Fights to Organize Immigrant Workers Exploited in the Underground Economy
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.
“No one is exploited worse than the immigrant worker in this country.” That’s how Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President Jimmy Williams Jr. leads off a new video addressing the exploitation of immigrant workers in the United States.
The video lets immigrant workers from the underground economy in the construction industry tell their own stories—stories of abuse and exploitation. Williams says that IUPAT is a union that fights for all workers, and that IUPAT won’t stop until all workers in their trades are organized.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/30/2022 - 09:42Pride Month Profiles: Rich Ognibene
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Rich Ognibene of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Rich Ognibene is a 2015 National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee, the 2008 New York State Teacher of the Year and a longtime LGBTQ+ activist. Besides teaching chemistry and physics, Ognibene was also active with student organizations.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/29/2022 - 10:00Tags: Pride
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Newly Launched FairHotel Helps You Choose Union Hotels
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.
UNITE HERE today launched a redesigned FairHotel, a site that helps travelers pick hotels that support working people. FairHotel will make it easier for the many people who are fired up about all the new organizing happening to book a union hotel.
If used before booking, the new site helps guests understand the status of labor disputes at properties, avoid disruptions to their trips or meetings, and use their consumer power to support good hospitality jobs that pay enough to raise a family.
Show your union pride and check out FairHotel today.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/29/2022 - 09:30Pride Month Profiles: Dawn Lepard
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Dawn Lepard of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Dawn Lepard is union-strong and proud. She has been a member of Electrical Workers Local 86 since 2008 and a Pride at Work member for more than 10 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/28/2022 - 13:58Tags: Pride
UAW President Ray Curry: ‘Fight Inflation by Stopping Price Gouging, Not Blaming Wages’
Every time we go to the gas station or supermarket, we are reminded that prices are on the rise as inflation takes a bigger chunk out of our paychecks. The inflation rates are the highest they have been since the early 1980s.
Inflation is not only a problem in our country as prices are rising all around the globe. The U.S. inflation rate has almost quadrupled over the past two years, but in many countries, it has risen even faster. Per Pew Research Center reports, “annual U.S. inflation in the first quarter of this year averaged just below 8.0%—the 13th-highest rate among the 44 countries examined.” As comparison, Canada has recorded their highest inflation rates ever.
Yet pointing this out doesn’t ease the real pain felt by members. We need relief. To get meaningful relief, policymakers should focus immediately on what can be done to ease inflation without harming working people. They need to study how we got here to fix the problem.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to inflationary pressures as shipping and production have been interrupted by lockdowns and people being unable to work. Over reliance on supply chains based overseas made the problem worse as evidenced by the ongoing chip shortage that has hurt production of cars, trucks, agricultural equipment and part suppliers. The war in Ukraine adds pressure as we push for polices that shut down Russia’s ability to sell gas so that it is unable to fund its illegal war on the people of Ukraine.
Yet anti-worker politicians and pundits ignore these factors and often try to pin the problem on workers by arguing that higher wages are to blame. As workers fight to organize or strike for better wages, many argue that they are the cause of inflation. It’s flatly not true and offensive to workers who are fighting for dignity and their fair share of the profits they deliver to their employers. The truth is that wages only account for 8% of the price increases, which means that wage increases account for less than half a percent of inflation. If rising wages had been the only contributing factor, inflation would have been between 2.5% and 4.5% in March (depending on supply chain constraints).
Nonetheless anti-worker messengers continue to argue the opposite: that inflation is caused by increasing worker wages and that we must raise interest rates to slow the economic growth. What they ignore is that higher interest rates make it harder for regular people to buy cars and homes. Higher interest rates lead to fewer jobs. Higher interest rates are designed to slow the economy for those who can least absorb the additional costs: the working and middle classes.
You can see this in the numbers. The U.S. Commerce Department data shows that corporate profits rose 35% last year. As gas prices soared, Chevron’s 240% profit spike was part of “the best two quarters the company has ever seen,” prompting a dividend increase and assurances it would keep production low to maintain high prices. The rich got richer as those who experience sticker shock at the pumps pay the bill.
The surge in pandemic profits has made a bad problem worse. That is why the UAW is in support of greater oversight and fighting price gouging. Windfall profits should be taxed and industry consolidation that enables price gouging should be reined in. We also need the Senate to pass legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs, health care and childcare. We need balanced solutions that do not make it even harder to make ends meet. The problems of inflation are real, but they should not be used as a pretext to make the lives of working families harder.
Policymakers must listen to the voices of those affected the most by inflation: working women and men who keep this country going. Our union will continue to advocate and lobby for meaningful solutions that ensure economic fairness and justice for working families.
This post originally appeared at UAW.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/28/2022 - 10:56Pride Month Profiles: Ash Tomaszewski
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Ash Tomaszewski of the United Autoworkers (UAW).
Ash Tomaszewski is a queer, nonbinary law student and union organizer, dedicated to labor policy reform and contributing to individual workers' rights.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/28/2022 - 10:00Tags: Pride
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Chicago Federation of Labor Denounces Community Violence
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Friday, the Chicago Federation of Labor’s (CFL’s) Civil Rights and Human Relations Committee stood with union members and community partners to denounce the violence that has been terrorizing the community. According to reports, the city has experienced hundreds of shootings and homicides since the start of the year.
“Peace starts with all of us working for justice. The CFL has been doing just that,” the labor council said in a public statement. The CFL pointed to its work connecting people in underserved communities with good union jobs and to its partnership with United Way to lift up families and neighborhoods that have been impacted by violence.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/28/2022 - 09:49
