Vote Union Yes: 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:
#Striketober Success: UFCW Workers at Heaven Hill Distillery Approve New Contract: After a strike that lasted 6 weeks, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) members at Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky reached an agreement on a new contract. The new contract preserves affordable health care, increases pay, maintains overtime provisions and strengthens retirement security, among other provisions. The strike came after six months of negotiations led to a proposal from the Distillery that was rejected by more than 96% of members in a vote.
First Game Workers in North America Win Collective Bargaining Rights: The workers who create the popular role-playing games Starfinder and Pathfinder announced on Thursday, Oct. 21, that they had won voluntary recognition from their employer, Paizo. United Paizo Workers is affiliated with the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees-CWA (CODE-CWA) and includes more than 39 members. These workers are the first game employees in North America to win collective bargaining rights. “Now the real work begins,” the union said. “One of our goals is to increase wages to better match the cost of living, and that is likely to be the first topic we tackle. Following [the Oct. 14] announcement of our unionization, even more Paizo employees joined us.”
Code for America Staff Become Latest Tech Workers to Join OPEIU: Workers at Code for America (CfA) have voted to join Tech Workers Union Local 1010, an affiliate of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). Code for America, a nonprofit that focuses on closing the technology gap between public and private sectors, voluntarily recognized the union and contract negotiations are expected to start soon. “Nonprofit and tech workers alike are becoming increasingly aware of the power a union brings them at work,” said OPEIU Organizing Director Brandon Nessen. “Unionizing gives working people agency to advance not only their own interests, but the mutual interests shared by both staff and management.” “We are pleased Code for America management took the step to voluntarily recognize our union, CfA Workers United, today via a democratic card-check process,” said Aditi Joshi. “We look forward to working together with CfA management to continue building a culture at the organization that empowers all employees to show up to work as their full selves, each and every day."
concluded.
Bend the Arc Staff Form Union with NPEU: The Staff of Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice have joined together with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU)/IFPTE Local 70 to form the Bend the Arc Workers Union, the two organizations announced on Friday. The union has received voluntary recognition from management. The Bend the Arc Workers Union said it works to support the interests of its members, and promote solidarity and equity while advancing social, racial and economic justice in their members’ workplaces and communities. “Bend the Arc is organizing the Jewish community to fight for a country where all of us are safe, free and thriving—and we want the same for our workplace,” said the Bend the Arc Workers Union organizing committee. “We are excited to have another tool to support Bend the Arc’s mission internally and continue our goals for anti-racism within the organization. In forming a union, we draw from a long legacy of Jewish labor organizing in the United States and across the world, individually and collectively grounded in our ancestors’ fights for workers’ rights and collective power.”
Pitt Faculty Members Vote to Form Union in Organizing Victory for USW: The University of Pittsburgh’s 3,300 faculty members are looking forward to bargaining their first union contract with the school’s administration after the faculty’s successful vote to become members of the United Steelworkers (USW). The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held a mail ballot election over the past several weeks for faculty members, following more than two years of delays as a result of legal challenges from the administration. Preliminary results on Tuesday showed more than 71% of the workers who voted cast votes to join the union. his result has been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait,” said Tyler Bickford, an associate professor in the university’s English department. “It’s a good feeling to know that we as faculty members have finally achieved what all workers deserve—a voice in the decision-making process that affects our lives on the job.”
Ohio Workers at Worthington Libraries Vote Union Yes: Librarians and other workers at Worthington Libraries voted 80–10 (89%) to form their union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The organizing campaign was driven by concerns that too many library policies, including health and safety concerns and paid leave policies, were being made without any input from library employees. Worthington Libraries are now the only second library system in central Ohio where workers have organized a union, and their organizing campaign has sparked interest from librarians and workers at other libraries. “We organized our union because equity and democracy are pillars of public libraries,” said Libby Vasey, a librarian at Worthington Park Library. “All workers at the library, especially those who work directly and daily with the people we serve, should have a voice at the table where workplace decisions are made.”
#Striketober Victory in West Virginia as Machinists Approve New Contract: In yet another #Striketober win, a two-week strike is over after members of Machinists (IAM) Local 598 voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract. The 50 workers went back to the job site at Sulzer Pumps in Barboursville, West Virginia, on Sunday. The new, improved agreement increases wages, secures seniority rights, stabilizes health care benefits and creates a new pension plan with matching employer payments. “I’m so proud of IAM Local 598 members for standing strong and winning the contract that themselves and their families deserve,” said IAM District 54 President T. Dean Wright Jr. “Thanks to their determination and the support of the community, we have protected some of the best careers in the area. Our members look forward to getting back to work building a great product right here in Barboursville.”
AFT Settles Student Debt Lawsuit, Wins Big Gains for Borrowers: The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT President Randi Weingarten and eight individual AFT member plaintiffs reached a landmark settlement last week with the U.S. Department of Education in the case Weingarten v. DeVos, and, as a result, tens of thousands of student loan borrowers can expect imminent relief from their student debt. Under the historic agreement, all Public Service Loan Forgiveness applicants who were denied relief will have an opportunity for their cases to be reviewed, setting public employees across the country, including teachers, nurses and firefighters, on a path to a life-changing reduction or elimination of their crushing student debt burden. “Congress pledged relief to those who dedicated their lives to serving the public, but 98% got a debt sentence instead,” Weingarten said. “Today is a day of vindication for the millions of borrowers who took the government at its word but were cruelly denied through no fault of their own.”
IAM Local 701 Mechanics Return to Work After Eight-Week Strike: Members of Machinists (IAM) Local 701, working as auto and truck mechanics in the Chicago area, attained a new contract in September after an eight-week strike that left management again in disarray. The dealers association, known as the Chicago New Car Dealer Committee (NCDC), had been making drastic proposals at the bargaining table. But as the union’s contract campaign picked up steam, more than 20 dealerships broke away from NCDC and bargained their own interim agreements with Local 701. The NCDC eventually withdrew all of its initial proposals and settled for virtually the same terms as the interim agreements signed by over 100 other dealerships. “This strike was the result of yet another attempt by the few anti-union dealers who remain in the NCDC association from four years ago to break our union,” said Local 701 Directing Business Representative Sam Cicinelli. “I’m extremely proud of the resolve, tenacity and solidarity of the membership. Their unflinching determination led to yet another benchmark agreement across our industry.” The members’ new contract provides significant wage increases, no changes to health benefits and increased funding for Local 701’s training program.
UFCW Local 2 Members Secure a Fair Contract with Significant Pay Increases: Over 1,800 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 2 have reason to celebrate: They have won a new contract with Triumph Foods that includes the largest pay increase in the company’s history. The six-year contract includes a starting wage that is higher than the average wage of other regional meatpacking companies. All current production workers at the meatpacking plant in St. Joseph, Missouri, will also receive a minimum $2.75 per hour increase. “Our union is thrilled that Triumph Foods has agreed to implement this significant wage increase,” said UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas. “This rate is almost 15% higher than current starting wages, which is an incredible investment in Triumph team members who work so hard to supply pork for consumers.”
Alaska Union Members Win Big in Local Elections: Union member candidates scored a series of victories in local elections held Oct. 5 in Alaska. Seven union-endorsed candidates won their elections, including Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward (IUOE) and three other current and former union members. The Alaska AFL-CIO led a strong ground game, knocking on nearly 800 doors and making thousands of phone calls to voters in Fairbanks. Elections were also held in Juneau and Kenai Peninsula. Political action is growing in Alaska, which is a battleground for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. “Building union power starts by getting our members elected at the local level and driving program from the ground up,” said Alaska AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall (UFCW). “We are thrilled to have elected a strong slate of pro-worker candidates to public office, especially in a town like Fairbanks with a long, storied history of worker power. We will continue to work hard to build a political movement in Alaska that’s rooted in the Workers First Agenda.”
Michigan to Reinstate Prevailing Wage for State Construction Projects: In a big win for workers in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state will now require contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wage on all state construction projects. The reinstatement of prevailing wage will ensure that qualified workers are utilized to construct and repair Michigan’s physical infrastructure while allowing contractors to compete for bids fairly. “Requiring a prevailing wage to be paid in state contracting means safe, quality construction projects completed by highly skilled workers. It means working women and men getting paid a decent wage that can support a family. It means no more race to the bottom to find the cheapest labor while companies pad their bottom line. It also means a fair competitive bidding process for contractors,” said Michigan State AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber (UAW). “All of this is especially important as we look to rebuild our economy after the devastation caused by the pandemic and look to improve and modernize our infrastructure. Michigan families will be better off because of Gov. Whitmer’s action today.”
Maine Public Employees Ratify New Contract: The Bangor Federation of Public Employees (AFT Local 6071) have ratified a new contract for the mechanics who maintain the city's buses, police cars and fire trucks. “Overall, we feel that this was an improvement over the initial proposals made by the City,” said Serina DeWolfe, labor representative for AFT Local 6071. “Initially the City only wanted to give the members a 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) raise for each year of the collective bargaining agreement. We ended up with a 2% COLA for each year PLUS a 2.5% wage step raise for each year of the contract. The members are happy with the increase in not only the wages but the safety eyewear increase and the increased accrued comp time. The negotiations went smoothly and we credit the City for working collaboratively with us to reach an agreement we can all live with.” The contract includes annual wage increases, increased allowances for safety equipment and other benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:07Tags: Organizing
Our Future Is Not for Sale: 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.
‘Our Future Is Not for Sale’: America Is Witnessing the Biggest Strike Wave in a Generation: “Something extraordinary is happening in factories, universities, hospitals, and movie studios across America. Workers are authorizing strikes and shutting down production in numbers that many young people have never seen before in their lifetimes.”
Kaiser Healthcare Workers Vote in Favor of Strike After Failed Contract Negotiations: “Following stalled contract negotiations, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 voted in favor of striking. The union said 93% of healthcare workers, which included nearly 2,000 employees, voted to authorize a strike. Unite Here Local 5 said the decision comes as Kaiser has offered only a 1% pay raise and a two-tier wage system that would cut up to a third of wages for future hires.”
A Hollywood Strike May Have Been Averted. But Radio Performers Are Still Waiting for Justice: “In particular, it’s time for radio broadcasters to face the music. For them, the question is whether the performers of the songs that get played on AM/FM radio should be paid when their work is sent out over the airwaves. While those who write the songs get paid each time the song is played, the artists who perform the songs—the lead singers, the backup vocalists, the bassists, guitarists, drummers, etc.—do not. For years, many major broadcasters have fought efforts to pay the artists, many of them in unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO, whose music makes their businesses possible.”
U.S. Labor Unions Are Having a Moment: “‘Essential workers are tired of being thanked one day and then treated as expendable the next day,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said in a speech Wednesday in Washington. ‘The headline isn’t that there’s a shortage of people willing to return to work. Instead, it’s a scarcity story. We have a shortage of safe, good-paying, sustainable jobs.’ That’s the feeling at Deere, where assembly employees were categorized as front-line workers to continue operations, creating a sense that the company owes them. Kellogg workers, too, feel like they put themselves at risk in order to keep America’s pantries full during lockdowns.”
Tight U.S. Job Market Triggers Strikes for More Pay: “‘Workers are on strike for a better deal and a better life,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the nation's biggest labor federation, said last week at a SABEW journalism conference. ‘The pandemic really did lay bare the inequities of our system and working people are refusing to return to crappy jobs that put their health at risk,’ she added, noting that the term #Striketober was trending on Twitter.”
Black and Latino Families Are Bearing the Weight of the Pandemic's Economic Toll: “Thirty-eight percent of households across the country report facing serious financial problems over the last few months. That's according to a poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But among Black and Latino households, more than 55% reported serious financial problems. That's compared with 29% of white households. William Spriggs is professor of economics at Howard University and chief economist to the AFL-CIO. The additional federal aid that expired last month gave people a sense of security, Spriggs says, so they could continue to consume. Spriggs: ‘That's all gone away. And so that is, I think, the No. 1 reason you saw special stress in Latino and Black households because without the boost to the unemployment check, without the stimulus checks still being there, these households simply don't have the savings to endure and be resilient during downturns.’”
Tennessee Republicans Push to Enshrine Right-to-Work Laws as Unions Gain Strength Amid Worker Shortage: “With more jobs than workers today, Tennessee labor unions say they are positioned to make needed gains for workers in wages, benefits and union representation. But the No. 2 labor leader in the country told AFL-CIO leaders in Nashville on Monday that Tennessee's right-to-work laws continue the South's history of trying to take advantage of workers and hurt their ability to make a fair wage. ‘Right to work is a direct descendant of Jim Crow and it should have no place in our society, much less in the state Constitution,’ AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond said during the opening of the Tennessee AFL-CIO annual convention on Monday. ‘Workers are fed up and America is taking notice of our collective action. Working people are waking up and understanding the value of labor unions.’”
AFL-CIO President Shuler on Good Morning America: Workers Exercising Collective Power: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined ‘Good Morning America’ to talk about how workers are standing up for a better deal and a better life through strikes across the country.”
Strikes Are Sweeping the Labor Market as Workers Wield New Leverage: “‘The strikes are sending a signal, no doubt about it, that employers ignore workers at their peril,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in an interview with The Washington Post. ‘I think this wave of strikes is actually going to inspire more workers to stand up and speak out and put that line in the sand and say, ‘We deserve better.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:38Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW’s Tree Trimming Academy Brings Career Opportunities to Detroit Area
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.
Detroit’s Tree Trimming Academy recently graduated its first class of tree trimmers, providing new talent in a high-demand field and a lucrative career opportunity for area residents. The academy is a collaboration among Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17, utility company DTE Energy, the city of Detroit and Focus: HOPE, a local nonprofit organization that provides employment training and assistance.
“We strive to build an empowered and diverse workforce and are excited to help develop more well-trained and well-paid workers who put safety first,” said Local 17 Business Manager James Shaw (not pictured). “Growing and developing local talent has to be a focus to best maintain safe, reliable energy.”
Some 70% of power outages are caused by trees, and a lot of today’s trimmers are reaching retirement age, creating a need for a new generation to fill these much-needed jobs. The Tree Trimming Academy was created to establish a new pipeline of talent. While the program is open to anyone, there’s an emphasis on actively recruiting from Detroit and the surrounding area to make sure as many jobs as possible go to local residents.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:33Alaska Airlines Pilots to Airline CEO: Do the Right Thing and Value Your Pilots
Alaska Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), delivered a letter Monday to Ben Minicucci, the chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, asking him to stop stalling contract negotiations and come to the table willing to bargain an industry-standard contract. After actively negotiating since spring 2019, no agreement has been reached on a new contract for the pilots.
“Alaska pilots stepped up during the pandemic to do the right thing and help keep the airline operating,” said Capt. Will McQuillen, chairman of ALPA’s Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council. “Now we’re asking Alaska management to live the company’s core value and ‘do the right thing’ by valuing our contributions to the airline and making basic quality-of-life and job security improvements that our peers at major airlines have enjoyed for years.” McQuillen emphasized the work ALPA members have done to pass the federal payroll support program, which helped keep the company afloat during the pandemic.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/22/2021 - 13:20Service + Solidarity Spotlight: LCLAA Speaks Out on Latina Equal Pay Day
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 pay gap is one of the most visible challenges Latinas face in the workplace, and it goes beyond low-wage workers, affecting Latinas at all levels. Today is Latina Equal Pay Day, and this year Latinas had to work nearly 10 more months on average in order for their pay to match White male workers.
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) is fighting for an economy in which Latinas’ potential and success are not limited by their gender. On Wednesday, LCLAA held an empowering online webinar: Beyond the Pay Gap: Building an Economy that Works for Trabajadoras. This event examined the various inequalities both in and out of the workplace that contribute to the pay gap.
“Today, we observe this day by highlighting the challenges that Latinas face, both in and outside the workplace which contribute to the pay gap,” said LCLAA National President Yanira Merino (LIUNA). “As Latina and Latino trade unionists, we cannot allow a demographic that makes up nearly 8% of our national labor force to be systematically underpaid. We will therefore continue to fight for equal pay to raise awareness of the Latina pay gap among our union siblings and leadership.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/22/2021 - 09:25Uplifting Workers' Voices: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
'Nuff said. #PassThePROAct pic.twitter.com/hGSEsvWrOR
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 21, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
The union difference is life changing. That's why steelworker Mike Wasner and 65% of likely voters in Arizona support passing the #PROAct. #1u @steelworkers @SenSinema @SenMarkKelly @aflcio pic.twitter.com/VoulBIbt1R
— Arizona AFL-CIO // #PassThePROAct (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 14, 2021Arkansas AFL-CIO:
Want to work under a negotiated contract? Join a union. ✊ We want you to keep your job. #1u #ARLabor #ARUnions #ARWorkers #ARContracts #ARWorksite https://t.co/l0WauraVr8
— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) October 19, 2021California Labor Federation:
Thank you, @WValderrama for uplifting workers' voices. We've always been and will continue to be "essential" long after this pandemic ends.
Search for "Essential Voices" wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit: https://t.co/rdYADDJcSj@UFCW @UFCW5 @UFCWWSC8 #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/PD6OTXzBRS
Colorado AFL-CIO:
John Deere UAW members Curt and Darius with retiree Jeff are striking for a better contact joined by IBEW 111. Join the line M-F 8am-6pm 6101 E. Stapleton Dr. N in Denver! pic.twitter.com/G9sMIE9hGk
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 19, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
97% of @CWA1298 members have voted to authorize a #strike if Frontier Communications doesn’t bargain a fair contract! #Striketober #1u @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/ZIneq3y1Hn
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 15, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
Today, the Reason Foundation, a Koch Brothers-funded group known for destroying pension funds, discussed “reforming” Florida’s retirement system with members of the Florida Senate.
You can find out more about the Reason Foundation here: https://t.co/BP1650llwy
Georgia AFL-CIO:
Every day of the year, Georgia’s Labor Family will have your back. Queer workers and their families have been leaders in this movement throughout our history. Y’all means ALL. #1u https://t.co/cwL1mqmySA
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 12, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
The pandemic is taking an uneven economic toll on Americans. Black and Latino families have taken the biggest hits.https://t.co/kqdPhDw09M
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 21, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/oSipmiMoP5 Thanks to @AFGENational @AFLCIO @UFCW #freedomtovoteact #aftvotes
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 21, 2021Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
The Kentucky State AFL-CIO and the @AFGENational proudly observe today, Oct. 14th as Augusta Y. Thomas Day.
Thomas, a veteran labor & civil rights leader from Louisville, capped her union career as AFGE’s National Vice President for Women & Fair Practices. pic.twitter.com/7mq8oqyjHJ
Maine AFL-CIO:
Tell @ClaytonAtBates to stop illegally threatening staff exercising their right to form a union! Union busting is disgusting. @FriendsofBESO @MaryPols @BatesCollege https://t.co/HtszdVD5pj
— Maine AFL-CIO #Striketober ✊? (@MEAFLCIO) October 20, 2021Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
@AFSCMEMaryland is out here and ready to march. It is time to #FundTheFrontLines pic.twitter.com/6d3lRIQfNk
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) October 20, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
If you support tax fairness, asking the wealthiest members of our commonwealth to pay their fair share in taxes like the rest of us - please sign the Fair Share Voter Pledge. #FairShareVoter #FairShareMAhttps://t.co/qGV9W5SzJy pic.twitter.com/3Bm1r0SN8H
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) October 20, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
Our own Trevor Bidelman spoke to @YahooFinance about @BCTGM Local 3-G's #KelloggStrike https://t.co/3Gc5MIPKLg
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) October 21, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
What To Know About #Striketober https://t.co/gPUsw7UYxo #1u pic.twitter.com/5gABbt2zwv
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 20, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
SEMO Building and Construction Trades Council are hosting their 2nd annual Christmas Toy and Food Drive! If you are in the area and able to make a donation please donate to this great cause! pic.twitter.com/tgZ5IjBJzW
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 21, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
If NE considers passing legislation to prohibit employers from firing workers for not getting vaccinated, NE should be passing legislation to prohibit employers from firing workers for any reason. #1u #solidarity https://t.co/HIIasVNeAn via @owhnews
— Nebraska State AFL-CIO (@NE_AFLCIO) October 20, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Can you take 30 seconds to thank @SenCortezMasto, @SenJackyRosen, @repdinatitus, @RepHorsford and @RepSusieLee for supporting these GROUNDBREAKING investments for Nevada's working people? ⤵️https://t.co/tzVBYeIEUp https://t.co/7keEzSYfds
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 21, 2021New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
CANDIDATES! CANDIDATES! CANDIDATES! Another busy day of endorsement interviews as we build a slate across the state that any supporter of working people can be proud to vote for. Three down, two to go today. Watch this space for our full slate! pic.twitter.com/C07y0IKGiO
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 21, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 13, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
What #BuildBackBetter means for #NewMexico.@NABTU @AFTNM @afscme18 @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/3sLQwYTCHE
— NMFL \\ Pass the PROAct // (@NMFLaflcio) October 8, 2021New York State AFL-CIO:
Day 19 of strike at Mercy hospital https://t.co/dVtNTV7qxw via @WGRZ
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 21, 2021North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
NC AFL-CIO Convention Brings 3 Days of Solidarity to Wilmington #ncpol #ncsen #countmein #ilm #1u https://t.co/7w4wtEeCVg
— NC State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct! (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 15, 2021North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Letter: "We'd like to foster children, but day care is unavailable in our rural community." https://t.co/WXVLmaRRCJ
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
We didn't realize the @ohiogop on the Redistricting Commission can literally only do one thing at a time? Sure seems they can attack working people and voting rights at the same time. But when it comes to following the Constitution, that seems to have them flustered? https://t.co/RvWhAwcsVu
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 21, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
We are proud to release the names of the Oregon AFL-CIO’s 2020-2021 Platinum Legislators!
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) October 18, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Essential workers in the public sector do not receive the same protections as the workers in the private sector. That is hypocrisy. ✊
- @AlleghenyLabor President @Darrinkellypgh pic.twitter.com/AFaUkXgakf
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Read this week's E-News-->https://t.co/LfAm4Xk77k #1u #Unions #UnionStrong #UnionYes #SolidarityForever
Send your E-Mail to Info@riaflcio.com to receive it in your inbox. pic.twitter.com/zJdJRig6JU
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Thank you to Brother Van Tenpenny for documenting our 32nd Biennial Convention earlier this week. We enjoyed seeing many of you and look forward to our next convention in two years! Full album can be found here: https://t.co/IM1PJ1EJjG #1u pic.twitter.com/O5g36IlI6O
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 21, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our @steelworkers brothers and sisters in Beaumont! No fair contracts, no deal. #TXUnionStronghttps://t.co/10y5hUY8BQ
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 20, 2021Virginia AFL-CIO:
To deny the events on January 6 is to deny the existence of violent extremism in our country & to insult the lives of those who were tragically lost that day. We *cannot* afford for Virginia to fall backwards. Make a plan to vote TODAY before or on Nov. 2!https://t.co/Oo160oGkue
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) October 21, 2021Washington State Labor Council:
Essential reading from @AccountableNW on the anti-union Freedom Foundation’s extremist ties. We know the worker solidarity we build in organized labor is a direct threat to white nationalists and extremists - and we’re proud of it. #1u https://t.co/eqnP5EF7MB
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 14, 2021West Virginia AFL-CIO:
????? https://t.co/jQxn3zZHDY
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 15, 2021Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
. @AFTWisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas calls on Senator Ron Johnson to #passthePROAct at the ?Minocqua Brewing Company as #striketober wave of worker action highlights need for union rights for all workers. #progressivebeer pic.twitter.com/uqe86Aq3Dq
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 20, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/21/2021 - 15:30Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Arizona’s Union Members Keep Up the Pressure for the PRO 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.
Union members in Arizona are on the front lines in the fight for the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. Thousands of workers across the state are campaigning to pass this crucial legislation, as both Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have not signed on as co-sponsors. The Arizona AFL-CIO has been the hub of this campaign, bringing together affiliates and organizing actions throughout the state. The state federation is sharing the voices of its members like Marilyn Wilbur (UNITE HERE): “Being a veteran, I didn’t fight all those years in the military to have people treated wrongly when they worked so hard to take care of their family. I would like the PRO Act to pass because one job should be enough, and it’s not right now.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/21/2021 - 09:29Striketober Rules: 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.
A. Philip Randolph Institute:
Good morning APRI family! Today is World Day for Decent Work and the purpose is to highlight the impact of Covid on garment workers and the global campaign to achieve social protection for this workforce.https://t.co/LAN7bfkRFA
— APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) October 7, 2021Actors' Equity:
As more members return to work, more Equity staff has been assigned to administering your contracts. Use the newly updated Find Your Business Rep page on the portal to contact the appropriate staff member for any contract questions - https://t.co/xZ1VzSIshC pic.twitter.com/njCbZWe0XY
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 19, 2021AFGE:
We were proud to be in the house for the @NCStateAFLCIO convention! Congratulations to our members Kurt Rhodes, Ken Krebs and Mike Gravinese who joined the executive board. Let's get to work! #1u #UnionsForAll #CountMeIn pic.twitter.com/xmHLmQQKwy
— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 15, 2021AFSCME:
For Black households with a union member, the median wealth is more than three times that of nonunion Black households. For Hispanic households with a union member, the difference is fivefold. That’s according to a new analysis from the @amprog. https://t.co/uIssmAzGme
— AFSCME ✊ Pass the #PROAct (@AFSCME) October 18, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
Americans want to #LetMedicareNegotiate! https://t.co/vKLe25YXLm
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 18, 2021Amalgamated Transit Union:
#DeltaVariant #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/vrrVOzcHRa
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 19, 2021American Federation of Musicians:
3 years ago, we took a huge step toward #musicfairness when the Music Modernization Act became law. But we can’t stop there. It’s time to pass the American Music Fairness Act #AMFA and close the radio loophole. More from @JoeCrowleyNY, @the_AFM, @SoulManSamMoore & @musicFIRST https://t.co/z4deRXeAK0
— AFM (@The_AFM) October 11, 2021American Federation of Teachers:
“The job you do every day needs to be valued and needs to be respected." - @rweingarten to @UCAFT members in early 2021. Their fight still continues today. @AFTHigherEd @CFTunion
Read more: https://t.co/IEYYSfdQCQ
American Postal Workers Union:
Know the Facts
For more information, visit: https://t.co/zYTkbVWNKI pic.twitter.com/npF6w1qQBp
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
The pay gap is one of the most visible challenges Latinas face in the workplace!
Join @LCLAA on October 20th at 6pm EST for Beyond the Gap: Building an economy that works for trabajadoras.
RSVP: https://t.co/Zcjzglwyv9 pic.twitter.com/x0HT9lhEZB
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Piedmont Flight Attendants cannot afford to work at Piedmont and are in the middle of taking a strike vote to force American Airlines Group Mgmt to negotiate a fair contract. Stand with them: https://t.co/NzXEwLVNwT #1u #Striketober pic.twitter.com/xOyXlJ82lv
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 18, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Union coater operator explains why cheaper, disposable workers isn’t a very good idea at Kellogg’s. #KelloggStrike
Hear more from Victor on the latest #bctgmvoices podcast ?? https://t.co/HWBcpl1Ar4#laborradiopod #1u #Striketober pic.twitter.com/SwHg7LVXUt
Boilermakers:
Shout out to the 2020 & 2021 Northeast and Great Lakes #Boilermaker apprentices whose skills landed them a win ?? https://t.co/m4lx5cGkDS#BoilermakersUnion #BNAP pic.twitter.com/aUryEajkyq
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 15, 2021Bricklayers:
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) celebrates 156 years of continuous service to skilled trowel trades craftworkers. pic.twitter.com/jbYtgqCYFd
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) October 17, 2021Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Save the date: October 21 is Latina Equal Pay Day. #LEPD pic.twitter.com/ECtckqLwf1
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 14, 2021Communications Workers of America:
"Are you ready to rise up and kick some ass for the working class? When we fight we win. And it's goddamn time to fight." - CWA President Chris Shelton
— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 18, 2021Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to the staff at @SeniorActionMA who have joined together in union with @OPEIU to form @msacunion and are asking for voluntary recognition! #1u ?✊?✊?
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 18, 2021Electrical Workers:
Great to hear! https://t.co/R1a1mkGtUt
— IBEW (@IBEW) October 18, 2021Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
Today we begin our new campaign #UniteForFarmworkers. As we continue to organize across the U.S. we are calling on allies, supporters, farmers, and workers to stand with us in our fight for justice. We cannot stand divided when taking on powerful, large multinational companies! pic.twitter.com/Ud5KCGrmzr
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) October 7, 2021Fire Fighters:
Tulsa Local Secures $12 Million Grant for New Hires https://t.co/nC81lB1Bwv
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) October 18, 2021Heat and Frost Insulators:
This year, Local 119 of Regina will celebrate 66 years.
Congratulations Local 119 Brothers and Sisters on all you have accomplished! pic.twitter.com/8EdPWRZjCW
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Sec.-Treasurer Gay Henson Addresses CLUW Convention, IFPTE Rep. Karen Bellamy Lewis Relected to CLUW National Council https://t.co/GDcKuizf0D
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 15, 2021Ironworkers:
Iron Workers Local 29 Training Center in Portland held a hands-on event to celebrate SteelDay in partnership with the AISC. Engineers and other professionals tried their hands at being an ironworker for a day! https://t.co/1dzdVrUEdn
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) October 5, 2021Jobs With Justice:
? John Deere workers on strike w/@UAW
? Fast food workers on strike w/@fightfor15
? Kellogg's workers on strike w/@BCTGM
? Hollywood crew workers w/@IATSE using the threat of strike to bring production companies to the bargaining table
This is us rn ?? #Striketober pic.twitter.com/sqvjuHvIXk
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Did you know that Latinas earn an average of just 57 cents for every dollar earned by the average white, non-Hispanic man? Join us for a conversation on the structural inequities that contribute to the to the pay gap on Oct 20 at 6 p.m. ET
Register ➡️ https://t.co/xTHcGIeyvH pic.twitter.com/9MtgP7wazv
Laborers:
Our nations infrastructure cannot wait! #LIUNA members have been waiting for an #infrastructurebill like the #BIFDeal for over a DECADE. Get it done! #LIUNABuilds #BIFDeal #USProgressives pic.twitter.com/7ClEXIiRVy
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 15, 2021Machinists:
The IAM is a proud partner with @CLUWNational. Our members showed up for #CLUWCon2021.https://t.co/gV1u0mvim7
— Machinists Union | Pass the #PROAct (@MachinistsUnion) October 19, 2021Metal Trades Department:
Did you know that in 2020, nonunion workers had an average weekly earning of roughly $958 versus their union counter parts who made roughly $1144. That's on 84% of what their union counterparts made.#LaborFacts
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 19, 2021Mine Workers:
United Mine Workers of America #UMWA International President @CecilRoberts issued the following statement today strongly supporting the Freedom to Vote Act.https://t.co/ohS8d0BVtj
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 19, 2021Musical Artists:
Ballet Idaho Dancers Take Steps to Unionize. Continue reading: https://t.co/xNh8Dm9ECm pic.twitter.com/pnscbf3Kn1
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 19, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
On Wednesday, Oct. 20, NATCA is proud to join others in the United States and throughout the world in celebrating the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller. https://t.co/AflYiKBdsz #DOTC2021 pic.twitter.com/hWV9qtxtIl
— NATCA (@NATCA) October 19, 2021National Association of Letter Carriers:
Keep up with the latest from your union and browse the October edition of The Postal Record. #PostalRecord
? Read: https://t.co/fhfb3LnI4A
? Listen: https://t.co/WNmDiO5eEm pic.twitter.com/SDqxIm6aGx
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Video from tonight's protest, concert, and rally with local leaders calling for more leadership from @NormaJTorres in defense of immigrant rights: https://t.co/F7coh80F5l #ff @TPS_Alliance
— NDLON (@NDLON) October 19, 2021National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Care workers are tired of being left behind.
Congress has a historic opportunity to provide home care workers with good-paying jobs, benefits, and protection. The time to act is now because #CareCantWait pic.twitter.com/OIcoTqsu4t
National Nurses United:
Nurses at Community First Medical Center in Chicago prepare for a 3️⃣-day #RNStrike.
"...we still are incredibly short-staffed, our equipment is very often broken, and we struggle to find adequate on-site resources to care for our patients."https://t.co/AwrxNC0BY4
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
They don't understand our movement is a family affair. The city that drivers have served with honor wants to sink our children's futures and torment our elders. We refuse to give in. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/ugRukNO8rT
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 19, 2021NWSL Players Association:
AN UPDATE ON NWSL PLAYERS' DEMANDS pic.twitter.com/cUkGSAK1TZ
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) October 19, 2021NFL Players Association:
Mental health > everything. Thanks for sharing your story @LaneJohnson65 ?
Resources: https://t.co/FHjlT71KoO https://t.co/wre6f6vcs4
North America's Building Trades Unions:
“The fact is that union #BuildingTrades jobs are for ANYONE.”
Take a few minutes and watch our newest tradeswomen recruitment video!
?: https://t.co/3NOORvDtbs pic.twitter.com/LOf9PRvSBq
Office and Professional Employees:
When we stick together, we win. ✊ @defenders_staff https://t.co/OEHp3nvntk
— OPEIU ║ #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) October 18, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
Are you one of the millions of Americans who've quit your job in the last month and are searching for a better future?
Consider the path of our union's apprenticeship program where you earn while you learn with family-sustaining wages and high-quality benefits. pic.twitter.com/kRAId4DpBF
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
The #OPCMIA has endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor of Virginia. Under Terry's leadership many proud OPCMIA members and other union brothers and sisters will flourish. We applaud Terry and know he will continue to uphold our union values & look out for the workers of Virginia. pic.twitter.com/CHIgyvBt6r
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 19, 2021Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Normalize talking to your co-workers about what’s going on at work. Conversations between workers are the first step toward organizing for better working conditions. #1u
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 19, 2021Roofers and Waterproofers:
If there are cellular antennas on your job, you may be exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. One symptom of exposure to RF is dizziness, which can lead to a fall. Learn how to protect yourself: https://t.co/2Rv9mvICkO #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/Z8wbMQ8vt7
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 18, 2021SAG-AFTRA:
We lost a legend last week with the passing of Bob Herron at 97. One of the founding members of the Stuntmen’s Association in 1961 and a former SAG National Board member. Our condolences go out to the Herron family. #sagaftramember since 1949. https://t.co/J11qN2vBdy
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 19, 2021Solidarity Center:
A growing number of smallholder farmers in #Africa are tapping into digital tech to access info, services & products to boost crop yields & incomes—from SMS weather alerts & mobile apps offering credit, seeds & machinery to precision farming using drones. https://t.co/gpyclUzFut
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 18, 2021The NewsGuild-CWA:
The NewsGuild 2021 Sector Conference adopted sweeping constitutional changes and looked to the future. https://t.co/jU9VgqMmD1 pic.twitter.com/MrfxE0tupc
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 18, 2021Theatrical Stage Employees:
Box office workers at @strathmore would have to work 57.89 hours to equal ONE HOUR of the rate paid to their contracted "union avoidance" attorney. Union busting not only hurts dedicated employees, it's also expensive. pic.twitter.com/Fnl5icnkfh
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 18, 2021Transport Workers Union:
"We're tired of just being in the background and watching these CEOs make all this money." - @tevitauhatafe #Striketober #1u https://t.co/JBNoj1LHiK
— TWU (@transportworker) October 15, 2021Transportation Trades Department:
A new business model taking hold in the freight rail industry is leading to deferred maintenance, threats to worker safety and other serious perils. Lean more in this #mustread piece by @freightwaves. #PrecisionScheduledRailroading https://t.co/VzN4Ut2Or6
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) October 15, 2021UAW:
The EV Tax Credit for union-made EVs made in the U.S. recognizes that union workers are the front line for creating well-paying/safe jobs for the auto industry. Tell Congress that you want EVs to be union-made in the U.S. https://t.co/YDOTiuMwT0 #UnionMadeEVs #BBBA pic.twitter.com/amLpqsPdgH
— UAW (@UAW) October 18, 2021Union Veterans Council:
Almost 1/3 of working veterans and their families would benefit from raising the minimum wage…let’s do this for our #veterans! https://t.co/Zs1tTxUyxB
— Union Veterans Council?✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) October 13, 2021UNITE HERE:
We are 170 strong and GROWING in Virginia! These working class, majority people-of-color, and largely immigrant hospitality workers have a significant stake in what happens in this increasingly close election. pic.twitter.com/ltRjSErha2
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 19, 2021United Food and Commercial Workers:
On #NationalPharmacyTechnicianDay, we'd like to thank all the pharmacy techs who are part of our UFCW family, for all that they do & keeping our communities healthy!
Do you know a Pharmacy Tech? Tag them & tell them how grateful you are for all that they do!#1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/adrM1bWZLc
United Steelworkers:
These are the faces of FRONTLINE ESSENTIAL WORKERS-@AHCunions @Steelworkers members, healthcare providers, backbone of our communities fighting @AboutKP @KHNews @KFF @KPMemberService, a MULTI-BIL $ COMPANY for #FairContractNow #SafeStaffingSavesLives #BestJobsBest pic.twitter.com/uKIJhHToep
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) October 19, 2021United Students Against Sweatshops:
USASers in solidarity with @Sintraintabaco1 workers outside of the Philip Morris HQ in NYC, calling out a company that profits off of the exploitation of Colombian tobacco workers. Hear more about the struggle behind today’s action on our call this Sunday: https://t.co/yzRQqlVtCI pic.twitter.com/EFpCC5V5Ef
— USAS (@USAS) October 9, 2021Utility Workers:
VICTORY IN CALIFORNIA! “The Wade Kilpatrick Gas Safety Act will help battle irresponsible contractors that endanger lives, while simultaneously promoting good paying union jobs, and a safe environment.” - Eric Hoffman, UWUA Local 132 President https://t.co/ICqZazzZb2
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 18, 2021Working America:
2 million fewer jobs means 2 million more families struggling to pay bills and enduring the many crises that come with joblessness.
We can't afford not to do this! https://t.co/EMKH2CsC68
Writers Guild of America, East:
"Just because we are 'below the line' doesn’t mean we are beneath respectful working conditions."
Below-the-line or above it, the bottom line is the same: everybody deserves safe working conditions.
Solidarity with @IATSE members! #1u https://t.co/bkUrXsIeco
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: All Hands on Deck in Tight Virginia Election: UNITE HERE’s Massive Canvass Operation Bets on Bread-and-Butter Issues
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.
Since August, dozens of UNITE HERE hospitality workers have been knocking on tens of thousands of doors across northern Virginia, encouraging voters to elect Terry McAuliffe as governor, Hala Ayala as lieutenant governor and Mark Herring as attorney general. With polls showing an increasingly close race between McAuliffe and his Trump-backed opponent, the union is set to more than triple its efforts by bolstering its number of canvassers to 200—and knocking on more than 200,000 doors in total.
“2020 showed us once again that when we fight, we win,” said Marlene Patrick-Cooper, president of UNITE HERE Local 23. “We need to double our efforts to win this political fight in November, make Virginia a great state to be a worker, and bring thousands more workers in airports, universities and cafeterias into the union. Virginia 2021 can either be Michigan in 2016 or Georgia in 2020—it all depends on how hard we are willing to fight for the working class in the Commonwealth.”
The canvassers—housekeepers, cooks, bartenders and food service workers—are fighting to keep the commonwealth from sliding backward. After electing a pro-worker governor and state legislature, Virginia passed a minimum wage increase, expanded public sector bargaining and introduced paid sick leave for home health care workers.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/20/2021 - 09:28A Dramatic Labor Resurgence: 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 Is in the Midst of a Dramatic Labor Resurgence: “Our nation is in the midst of a labor revolution. It’s a wonderful thing, and you may not be aware of it. After an emotionally, physically, and mentally taxing year dealing with ramifications of Covid-19, workers across the country are standing up for basic dignity and respect on the job in a historic way. And through the pandemic, the nation was reminded of the essentialness of labor—not the labor of Wall Street; rather, the labor that drives our hospitals, our groceries, our mail, our livelihoods. They are striking; they are picketing; they are demanding fair contracts. They are forming new unions on campuses and coffeehouses, and they are walking out on low-wage jobs at Burger King, Dollar General, and elsewhere. In short, laborers are demanding their due. And it is infectiously spreading from workplace to workplace.”
Workers at One of the Country’s Biggest Bourbon Producers Have Been on Strike for a Month: “The workers are members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 23D. In a statement on the strike, the UFCW said the company’s proposed contract ‘removes a cap on health insurance premium increases that reduce take-home pay, cuts overtime, and drastically changes work schedules which makes it harder for employees to support and care for their families.’ The UFCW also represents other bourbon-industry workers in Kentucky, including those at Jim Beam.”
More Than 10,000 John Deere Workers Go on Strike After Failing to Reach a Contract: “More than 10,000 workers at 14 different John Deere locations went on strike at the stroke of midnight after the United Auto Workers union said it was unable to reach a new contract with the tractor company. ‘Our members at John Deere strike for the ability to earn a decent living, retire with dignity and establish fair work rules,’ Chuck Browning, vice president and director of the UAW's Agricultural Implement Department, said in a statement.”
More Than 100K Workers Threaten Strikes as Unions Flex Muscles: “Workers in various industries nationwide are threatening to go on strike in a sweeping effort to secure higher pay and better working conditions. More than 100,000 unionized employees—between Hollywood production crew members, John Deere factory workers and Kaiser Permanente nurses—have overwhelmingly voted to authorize strikes and are preparing to join the picket line unless they get stronger collective bargaining agreements.”
The National Women’s Soccer League, Institutional Failures and Allegations of Harassment: “This week marks four years since the #Metoo movement took off across industries, exposing toxic behavior and rampant sexual harassment and ousting those in power who caused or condoned it. Now, it’s soccer’s turn. A major investigation by The Athletic has brought accusations of sexual and verbal harassment by coaches in the National Women’s Soccer League to light. It prompted a weekend of game cancellations and calls for change. And when players returned to the field again last week, it was not to play as usual. How was this allowed to happen? And where does the league go from here?”
New Jersey Transit Settles Labor Contracts with More Than Half Its Rail Unions: “New Jersey Transit has settled contracts with roughly 60% of the rail unions representing employees who keep the trains rolling, after approving new labor agreements with six railroad unions Tuesday. Unions included in the settlement are the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation SMART-TD Local 60, representing conductors and assistant conductors, the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers, representing laborers, power plant employees, motor equipment operators and rail equipment helpers, the Transportation Communication Union, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, representing rail car maintainers, and the International Association of Machinists.”
A Record Number of Workers Are Quitting Their Jobs, Empowered by New Leverage: “The number of people quitting their jobs has surged to record highs, pushed by a combination of factors that include Americans sensing ample opportunity and better pay elsewhere.”
U.S. Workers Are Realizing It's the Perfect Time to Go on Strike: “Thousands of workers have gone on strike across the country, showing their growing power in a tightening economy. The leverage U.S. employees have over the people signing their paychecks was amplified in Friday’s jobs report, which showed that employers added workers at a much slower-than-expected pace in September. The unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points during the month, to 4.8%, the government said Friday, and wages are continuing to tick up across industries as employers become more desperate to hire and retain workers. In the first five days of October alone, there were 10 strikes in the U.S., including workers at Kellogg plants in Nebraska, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Tennessee; school bus drivers in Annapolis, Maryland; and janitors at the Denver airport. That doesn’t include the nearly 60,000 union members in film and television production who nearly unanimously voted to grant their union’s president the authority to call a strike.”
Memphis Kellogg’s Workers Continue Strike: “Kellogg’s workers in several U.S. cities, including Memphis, are on strike. The strike began on Tuesday, October 5, when the master contract between the Kellogg Company and the local Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International unions expired, after a one-year extension that was put in place in 2020.”
Kaiser Permanente Health Care Workers Vote to Approve Strike: “Nearly 3,400 Kaiser Permanente nurses and other health care professionals have voted to authorize a strike, according to the union that represents those workers. Over the past week, members of Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals voted digitally on the strike. Voting finished on Sunday night, and OFNHP says there was a 90% participation rate, with 96% voting yes. ‘Our members turned out in record numbers to say that they are willing to do what it takes to save patient care in Oregon,’ says Jodi Barschow, a Kaiser Sunnyside RN and President of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, AFT, AFL-CIO. ‘Kaiser’s proposals would be a disaster for Oregon’s entire care system and show a profound disrespect for the frontline healthcare workers who are risking their lives during COVID.’ The two sides were at odds over what each side considers ‘safe staffing.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/19/2021 - 10:35Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Settles Student Debt Lawsuit, Wins Big Gains for Borrowers
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 American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT President Randi Weingarten and eight individual AFT member plaintiffs reached a landmark settlement last week with the U.S. Department of Education in the case Weingarten v. DeVos, and, as a result, tens of thousands of student loan borrowers can expect imminent relief from their student debt. Under the historic agreement, all Public Service Loan Forgiveness applicants who were denied relief will have an opportunity for their cases to be reviewed, setting public employees across the country, including teachers, nurses and firefighters, on a path to a life-changing reduction or elimination of their crushing student debt burden.
“Congress pledged relief to those who dedicated their lives to serving the public, but 98% got a debt sentence instead,” said Weingarten. “Today is a day of vindication for the millions of borrowers who took the government at its word but were cruelly denied through no fault of their own.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/19/2021 - 09:32Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tennessee AFL-CIO Joins BCTGM Members on Strike Against Kellogg
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.
Some 1,400 members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) at the Kellogg Co. are taking a stand on the future of their workforce by going on strike at four different cereal plants. One of these plants is in Memphis, Tennessee, where members of BCTGM Local 252G have been on strike since Oct. 5. Members of the Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council joined striking Kellogg workers Wednesday on the picket line.
“I’ve been in the labor movement for a long time, and what I saw earlier this week was truly something special. The energy and solidarity on the picket line in Memphis is powerful,” said AJ Starling (ATU), secretary-treasurer of the Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council. “It truly feels like one big family that’s gathered to support one another. Community leaders, elected officials, and countless union members have all stopped by to show their support for BCTGM Local 252G and all Kellogg’s workers who are on strike across the country. At a time when the company is making record profits, management’s ongoing attempt to enact a two-tier wage system and divide the workforce is inexcusable. These hard-working employees deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness on the job. As I said on Wednesday, all 60,000-plus members of the Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council are standing in solidarity with BCTGM Local 252G and will continue to do so for the duration of the strike.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/18/2021 - 09:30National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Camila Turrieta
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Camila Turrieta.
First Officer Camila Turrieta is committed to helping others overcome barriers and obstacles to achieve their dreams of flying through her work as chair of ALPA’s President’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion. When she’s not out flying the line for JetBlue, Turrieta advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion on the flight deck, with a particular focus on reaching out to communities and those with backgrounds historically underrepresented within the piloting profession and the larger aviation industry.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/15/2021 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Redmond Promotes BIT Construction Project Putting Union Members to Work
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 Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond went to Chicago on Wednesday to meet with union members and leaders. He toured Wolf Point South, a groundbreaking new construction project in the heart of the city that’s putting hundreds of union members in the building trades to work. Like all other AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust (BIT) projects, Wolf Point South is 100% union-made. The BIT invested in all three phases of the development, which, when complete, will have generated more than 6 million hours of work for union construction trades on the site.
“The work of the AFL-CIO BIT, supporting projects like Wolf Point and others across the nation, is personal to me. I want every worker to have the same chance as my family, the chance to join a union, to work on projects like Wolf Point, and to succeed in achieving all their dreams. I want every working family to feel the power of the labor movement as a change agent for prosperity,” Redmond said. “Wolf Point South, along with the other BIT construction projects, is a testament to what we can achieve together as a movement.” Click here to read more about the event.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/15/2021 - 09:31#Striketober: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Statement from President Joelle Hall thanking the Anchorage Assembly for passing an emergency ordinance to deal with COVID-19. #ANCgov pic.twitter.com/vVFscxc4Ju
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 14, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
Join Marilyn in the fight to #PassThePROAct! "I didn't fight all those years in the military to have people treated wrongly when they worked so hard to take care of their family. I would like the PRO Act to pass because one job should be enough and it's not right now." pic.twitter.com/e2tWCPVGi3
— Arizona AFL-CIO // #PassThePROAct (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 12, 2021California Labor Federation:
Workers will never be defeated#Striketober #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/mwNNeajKxg
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) October 13, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@SEIU1199_NE members who work as frontline caregivers at group homes run by Sunrise in Connecticut are on #strike demanding livable wages, affordable health insurance and a secure retirement! Join the lines in Hartford, Danielson, Columbia & New London pic.twitter.com/tUAP5XZ8Iu
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
"And through the pandemic, the nation was reminded of the essentialness of labor—not the labor of Wall Street; rather, the labor that drives our hospitals, our groceries, our mail, our livelihoods."https://t.co/dLymzEOkJ0
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 12, 2021Georgia AFL-CIO:
If you can’t afford to pay your workers and sustain a healthy work environment, perhaps being an employer isn’t for you ? https://t.co/skpQOk8tNX pic.twitter.com/D85n3HYqJC
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 13, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
STRIKETOBER https://t.co/X3dNaQ7e2F
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/irM17nEzQ0 Thanks to @IAFFNewsDesk @MachinistsUnion @AFTunion #taxtherich #1u
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
The Kentucky State AFL-CIO and the @AFGENational proudly observe today, Oct. 14th as Augusta Y. Thomas Day.
Thomas, a veteran labor & civil rights leader from Louisville, capped her union career as AFGE’s National Vice President for Women & Fair Practices. pic.twitter.com/7mq8oqyjHJ
Maine AFL-CIO:
IN THIS EDITION OF MAINE LABOR NEWS:
Bates College Educators & Staff Launch Union Organizing Drive@IATSE481 Members Vote to Authorize Strike
And.. vaccines, the 1862 Saco Firemen's strike & more!https://t.co/6Iq2rZrTdi #1U #mepolitics #Solidarity
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
#1u #solidarity https://t.co/1YJA8tedew
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) October 14, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
“Fair wages are absolutely foundational to building a strong middle class, and state contracts are no exception.” @GovWhitmer https://t.co/hNxKr5hmG4
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) October 8, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Local postal workers voice concerns about new policy slowing mail delivery https://t.co/QTRvaHXAaV #1u @APWUnational pic.twitter.com/JSTHD3HnJg
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
Union workers, labor leaders, and pro-union politicians are pushing for the passage of the bipartisan #infrastructure bill. https://t.co/uXFfM4b9Pu
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Montana AFL-CIO:
Protect Montana's Apprentices and Journey Workers! Proposed changes to apprenticeship ratios will lead to more workplace hazards, depressed wages throughout the trades and a lower standard of training and development for new workers. #mtpol #unionstrong https://t.co/NuJWtK0K26
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) October 5, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
In our 65th year of dedication to improving the lives of all working people and their families, bringing fairness and dignity to Nebraska's workplaces. #1u #SOLIDARITY pic.twitter.com/i5pqKcy8OW
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) October 8, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Apprenticeships are CRUCIAL to expanding and educating our workforce, and helping to provide good-paying union jobs across our state! https://t.co/fPbx9rSEiR
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 13, 2021New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 6, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 13, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
What #BuildBackBetter means for #NewMexico.@NABTU @AFTNM @afscme18 @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/3sLQwYTCHE
— NMFL \\ Pass the PROAct // (@NMFLaflcio) October 8, 2021New York State AFL-CIO:
The New York State AFL-CIO Celebrates First Farmworkers Union in NYS. “Today we welcome our first farmworker siblings into the labor family,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento.” #UnionStrong @Local338 @RWDSU https://t.co/NJTFlAZIf0
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 6, 2021North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
“We talk about the Civil Rights Act as if it’s a done deal, but if we sleep on it, we will lose it.” @aflcio Civil, Human & Women’s Rights Director Clayola Brown kicking off day two of convention! #CountMeIn pic.twitter.com/wCABZj0XzU
— NC State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct! (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 14, 2021North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Letter: "We'd like to foster children, but day care is unavailable in our rural community." https://t.co/WXVLmaRRCJ
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) October 13, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
In a story you will never see in corporate media: Worker #solidarity is on the rise because we should all have #DignityOfWork. As great at this is, workers across the country would have a fair shake to #Organize if we #PassThePROAct https://t.co/5RzBMTiKfy
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 12, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day our intention is to take a positive step forward in recognizing the legacy of discrimination that Native Americans face and honoring their culture, history, contributions, and resilience in this country. pic.twitter.com/IOmE1uxBjA
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) October 11, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
On the @lancbctgm374g picket line. One day longer. One day stronger. ✊@BCTGM #NoGainsNoGrains #NoContractNoCrispix #STRIKETOBER #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/ex3EwTPt9S
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 14, 2021Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
The Rhode Island AFL-CIO is saddened to hear about the passing of Ray Sullivan. Ray was a champion for working people and for everyone who sought a more just world. #RestInPower@RaySullivan pic.twitter.com/0d4gCxnyrd
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 13, 2021Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"In short, laborers are demanding their due. And it is infectiously spreading from workplace to workplace." #Striketober #1u https://t.co/qYVko1cZGm
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 14, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
#HB25 is heading to the House floor today in the #TXLege.
We urge legislators to vote NO against this dangerous and discriminatory bill. #LetKidsPlay #ProtectTransKids https://t.co/lSAL5oydmY
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Standing in solidarity with our brothers & sisters in @IATSE #IASolidarity https://t.co/6W1GQW0NbE
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) October 4, 2021Washington State Labor Council:
Standing in solidarity with our brothers & sisters in @IATSE #IASolidarity https://t.co/6W1GQW0NbE
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) October 4, 2021Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Federal infrastructure program could help Wisconsin address 'forever chemical' contamination, aging roads and bridges https://t.co/4t9DKcUzmV
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 12, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/14/2021 - 13:35Workers Strike Back: 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.
Workers Strike Back: “The pace of strikes slowed when the pandemic hit. Now there are signs picket lines are bouncing back amid fresh worker angst. What's new: Production has been halted at Kellogg cereal plants across America after 1,400 workers walked off the job in a bid for better benefits (and worries about job outsourcing). The last time a cereal workers strike hit the company was nearly 50 years ago.”
Moms Are Back to Work, but Child Care Resources Are ‘Laughable’: “While many of these mothers have returned to the work force, somewhere between 900,000 and one million have stopped working to support their families, and according to Heggeness, these mothers tend to be in dual-income households where their families could survive on one salary. In single-parent families and families that need two incomes to keep the lights on, mothers have returned to their jobs—but they have done so while day care and aftercare options are scarcer than they were pre-pandemic.”
Kennedy Center Stagehands Authorize Strike, Putting ‘Hadestown’ and Other Scheduled Shows in Jeopardy: “The stagehands who work behind the scenes at the Kennedy Center authorized a strike Thursday morning, more than a year after their contract expired, saying that ongoing talks seem unlikely to result in a new deal. The two sides remain at odds over several key issues, including staffing levels, wages and overtime pay, according to the union. The unanimous vote by members of Local 22 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) comes days before the Broadway hit ‘Hadestown’—the first major touring show to play at the Kennedy Center since the pandemic—arrives in Washington for a three-week engagement.”
Kellogg’s Workers Strike Isn’t About ‘Me’, It’s About ‘We’: BCTGM Local Union President: “Trevor Bidelman, BCTGM Local Union President, joins Yahoo Finance to discuss Kellogg’s workers strike. Bidelman: ‘Well, this fight is really about the future. They want to make a two-tier benefited system that does not include the premium health care that we have, nor the pensions that we have. They want to take that away from a portion of our current workforce that already has that coming, and they want to make sure that any future workforce does not have that.’”
Fed Up by Pandemic, U.S. Food Workers Launch Rare Strikes: “A summer of labor unrest at U.S. food manufacturers has stretched into fall, as pandemic-weary workers continue to strike for better pay. Around 1,400 workers at Kellogg Co.’s U.S. cereal plants walked off the job this week, saying negotiations with the company over pay and benefits are at an impasse. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a strike by 420 workers against Heaven Hill Distillery is in its fourth week.”
Taking the Lead at the AFL-CIO: “Liz Shuler’s ascension to AFL-CIO chief comes at a critical time for the nation’s largest labor group, which is grappling with declining union membership, union-busting corporate giants and a Democratic Congress that is struggling to pass pro-worker priorities. Part of Shuler’s mission is to redefine the labor movement as being for workers of all backgrounds and in every industry. She often notes that of the federation’s roughly 12.5 million workers, nearly half are women. ‘I think it’s important to have a woman in this role so that women in the workforce see the labor movement as the movement for them,’ Shuler said. ‘We’re the largest organization in the country of working women, and I don’t think a lot of people see us that way.’ Shuler aims to expand the labor movement to growing parts of the economy that remain largely nonunionized such as the tech sector, including gig economy firms that are circumventing the traditional employment structure.”
Baltimore Museum Employees Are Planning to Unionize as a Nationwide Labor Movement Takes Hold in U.S. Art Institutions: “Workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art have announced plans to form a union, making the employees the latest in a nationwide push for better working conditions and higher pay at art museums, a field that suffers from drastic inequities. In a statement, the Baltimore Museum organizers noted that the museum’s mission is to provide ‘artistic excellence and social equity,’ and that the members were now ‘channeling this passion and energy to form a union.’ Among the changes the union is seeking is better job security, fairer wages, and a say in decisions that affect them, according to the union’s website. The organizers of the union announced their intention to join the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) local council 67 in a blog post. AFSCME represents around 10,000 museum employees across the U.S.”
New NPR SAG-AFTRA Contract Expands Parental Leave, Includes DEI Provisions: “Members of NPR’s Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve a new three-year contract. The contract increases paid parental leave from eight to 20 weeks and provides an annual 2.5% pay raise. It awaits final approval from the SAG-AFTRA executive committee and would retroactively go into effect Oct. 1 upon approval. The contract covers 521 employees at NPR, including hosts, reporters, newscasters and other audio and digital staffers. The unit’s members voted 324-4 in favor of the contract.”
IATSE Members Vote to Authorize a Strike with Over 98% Support: “Signaling overwhelming support for its union’s battle with studios over two expiring contracts, as widely expected, IATSE members have voted to authorize an industry-wide strike. This marks the first authorization of a nationwide strike in the union’s history. Over 98% of eligible members from 36 Locals voted to authorize a strike in the momentous contest for the union—which bargains on behalf of over 150,000 crew members internationally, including cinematographers, operators, grips, editors, costumers and writers assistants, among others. This strike authorization vote concerns around 60,000, or about 40%, of those workers. Meanwhile, about 90% of eligible voters cast a ballot.”
Is a New Labor Movement Brewing?: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, argues that we are in the beginning stages of a modern labor movement. In an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times, she wrote that ‘a modern labor movement begins by putting good jobs and working people at the center of our national conversation—back where it used to be, when work was respected culturally and rewarded economically.’ ‘Marketplace’ host Kai Ryssdal spoke to Shuler about labor policy and the makings of a modern labor movement. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.”
‘Too Little, Too Late’: Union Workers at Mercy Hospital Go on Strike as Talks Fail to Yield Deal: “About 2,000 nurses, technical and clerical employees at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo went on strike this morning after Catholic Health System and the workers’ union failed to reach an agreement overnight. Hundreds of workers, members of the Communications Workers of America Local 1133, gathered outside the hospital this morning, carrying picket signs, as the strike began at 6 a.m.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/14/2021 - 11:01National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Gilbert Sedeño
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Gilbert Sedeño.
AFM member Gilbert Sedeño is a Houston-based pianist, composer, arranger and producer fluent in a variety of musical styles, such as jazz, Latin, R&B, pop rock, salsa, country and Broadway. He toured with Grammy-award winning producer and vocalist Steve Tyrell for more than three years and with country music legend Ray Price for more than seven years, performing in 48 states. He received AFM's Diversity Advocate Award in 2019.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/14/2021 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Rally to Support New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy
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.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is one of the most pro-union governors in the country, having signed expansive workplace protections for workers during the pandemic and standing up for workers’ rights throughout his time in office. With the governor’s race on the ballot this November, working people across the Garden State are mobilizing for a win come election time. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO hosted a rally for Murphy on Tuesday evening, ahead of the candidates’ debate at Rowan University.
“Hundreds of our brothers and sisters from every sector of labor and every part of the state sent a powerful message before Tuesday’s debate: Phil Murphy is the most pro-union governor New Jersey has had in many years, and we enthusiastically support his re-election,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE). “We need his decisive leadership and a pro-labor state Senate and Assembly, with elected labor candidates representing us in the state House. That’s how we continue to improve the lives of working families and build stronger communities throughout our state.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/14/2021 - 09:30National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Luke Carlos O'Reilly
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Luke Carlos O'Reilly.
As a pianist, organist and composer, Luke Carlos O'Reilly had a prolific pandemic year, moving beyond the bandstand with the formation of his multidisciplinary collective, Revivals of Blackness, and the release of an eponymous film, which blends multidisciplinary journeys through diverse African diasporic music and dance traditions into informed cultural dialogue with Capoeira Angola, Afro-Cuban rumba, Afro-Brazilian samba and maracatu, among others. His album, "I Too Sing America: A Black Man's Diary," is an artistic and activist response to our cultural moment.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Alaska Union Members Win Big in Local Elections
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 member candidates scored a series of victories in local elections held Oct. 5 in Alaska. Seven union-endorsed candidates won their elections, including Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward (IUOE) and three other current and former union members. The Alaska AFL-CIO led a strong ground game, knocking on nearly 800 doors and making thousands of phone calls to voters in Fairbanks. Elections were also held in Juneau and Kenai Peninsula. Political action is growing in Alaska, which is a battleground for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.
“Building union power starts by getting our members elected at the local level and driving program from the ground up,” said Alaska AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall (UFCW). “We are thrilled to have elected a strong slate of pro-worker candidates to public office, especially in a town like Fairbanks with a long, storied history of worker power. We will continue to work hard to build a political movement in Alaska that’s rooted in the Workers First Agenda.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/13/2021 - 09:33
