Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 has successfully won financial settlements from Union Kitchen and Mom's Organic Market on behalf of members who have been victims of wage theft and discrimination, respectively.
At the ironically named Union Kitchen, Local 400 filed a lawsuit in March 2023 against the boutique convenience store chain and its owner for withholding tips left by customers in its Washington, D.C., stores that were intended for staff. The settlement included $133,333.34 for 79 impacted members and a requirement for Union Kitchen to pay the union’s attorneys’ fees.
After staff at the Mom’s College Park, Maryland, location voted to join the UFCW, management sent an email announcing pay raises and other workplace improvements for all employees except those at the newly organized store. This was a violation of federal law, prompting Local 400 to file an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge, which resulted in a settlement of $17,302.67 to compensate 74 workers.
“Our union is committed to protecting workers from unscrupulous bosses who are willing to violate their employees’ rights and break the law instead of properly compensating them for their hard work,” said Mark Federici, president of Local 400. “We’d like to thank the workers who took a stand and participated in this lawsuit for holding Union Kitchen accountable for its unlawful practices.”
President Federici also said: “Given its reputation and purported values, we expected much better from MOM’s Organic Market, so we were especially disappointed that the company chose to violate the law and discriminate against its own employees. But no matter the employer, our union will always fight to protect our members’ rights and hold bosses accountable for breaking the law.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/11/2025 - 10:20Solidarity is the Secret to Our Strength: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Immigrants’ rights are workers’ rights. When the Trump administration talks about deporting millions of immigrants, that creates an environment where our most basic rights and freedoms are on the chopping block.
Read more here: https://t.co/SnQUNqmokt pic.twitter.com/xOxlxhww99
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 5, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
"16 states introduced legislation to roll back child labor protections since 2022 and 6 states enacted laws lifting restrictions." -CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 on resolution to ratify amendment to the U.S. Constitution permitting Congress to regulate child labor pic.twitter.com/SuqGFyYm3y
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Art + Labor have long been connected. As a Union actor and @sagaftra member, Black History Month gives Alma an opportunity to talk about the many contributions Afro Americans have made to our country. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/vFmUejMW8u
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 10, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
“The 2 tier wage system creates resentment between employees. A lot of people were expecting the two-tier wage system to go away. I just think they neglected the newer people too much.” — NALC 391 Pres. Mark Rose https://t.co/avTnsUGhP1
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Meet Jeff Plaistead from @Ibew223, one of the many union members building the clean energy future in Massachusetts and across America. #CleanEnergy https://t.co/e4XODdweUA
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 3, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
The @afgeunion, the largest federal employee union, grew to a record size of 319,233 active members after adding more than 14,000 in the past five weeks. That’s nearly as many as the union added in the previous 12 months. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/2OIqWm9CE3
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
📈 Did you know union workers earn 10-30% more than their non-union counterparts? Plus, they enjoy job security, pensions, and healthcare that provide peace of mind for their families. 💙 Life is better in a union! #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/JmNuy3cjVb
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 10, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy first day of session!
We are excited to work with legislators, labor leaders, and affiliates to help ensure that pro-labor bills are passed during Nevada’s 83rd legislative session. pic.twitter.com/7VRtNpnwq6
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
The Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body is crushing these calls in support of Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive. Great work! 👏 pic.twitter.com/heBhVdOt8O
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
#FMLA turned 32 this week—used 500M times—but the U.S. is still one of only 6 countries without a national paid family leave program. Workers in NC lose $914M every year due to lack of #PaidLeave. Time to demand what we deserve! #WorkersRights #PaidLeaveForAll #Unionize pic.twitter.com/K7u8zLSowg
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Today is #SuperBowlLIX but the #Ohio @AFLCIO joined others at the @Tesla dealership in #Columbus to protest the attacks on working people. Was great to see young women who happened to be shopping join the protest. pic.twitter.com/1DzP2ULV8I
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 9, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
The ruling class will continue to try to divide working people.
That’s why solidarity is the secret to our strength. pic.twitter.com/SoYScL6lFX
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 10, 2025
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Geisinger nurses are standing up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the respect they deserve. When nurses win, we all win! 💪🏥https://t.co/YncQqkSQOq
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 8, 2025
Texas AFL-CIO:
We’re getting ready to kick off our first Citizenship Clinic of the year!
Thank you to all our union volunteers for showing up bright & early on a Saturday and @IBEW Local 20 for hosting 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/QdBHoQK0YA
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 8, 2025
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Throughout this month we will honor all those who came before us and those currently fighting for racial justice in the workplace and in the Pacific Northwest.
We uplift Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, an independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement pic.twitter.com/XYxHmhGZCk
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/10/2025 - 13:44Black History Month Profiles: Denise Moore
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Denise Moore of the Industrial, Technical & Professional Employees Union (ITPEU/OPEIU).
Denise Moore began working in the dining facility at Joint Base Andrews in 1983, becoming an ITPEU/OPEIU Local 4873 member. Eventually, she was elected shop steward and, in 2008, became a union representative.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:03Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses at Portland Legacy Hospitals Organize with the Oregon Nurses Association
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Nearly 2,300 nurses at three Portland Legacy hospitals (Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children's Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital) voted to organize with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Voting results showed nearly unanimous support from nurses at all three facilities, with about 599 nurses at Randall Children's Hospital, 1,095 nurses at Legacy Emanuel and 596 nurses at Good Samaritan. The nurses will now negotiate their first union contracts.
"This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients, and our hospitals," said Emanuel nurse leader Sarah Zavala. "We're ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:02Black History Month Profiles: Allen D. Jones
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Allen D. Jones of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Allen D. Jones is a dedicated and accomplished member of IUPAT Local 1010, representing Leon County Public Schools Support Staff. With 34 years of service, Jones has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advocating for his fellow members and strengthening the union's impact. For 24 years, Jones served as a steward. He then served as vice president for eight years. In recent years, Jones stepped into the role of local unit chair during a challenging time, when Florida passed anti-union legislation requiring public sector bargaining units to maintain 60% membership and creating barriers for members to pay union dues.
Black History Month Profiles: Lois Carson
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Lois Carson of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4).
Lois Carson has been a secretary at Columbus City Schools for 37 years and works in the Department of Higher Education Partnerships. She is proud to serve as president of OAPSE, where she advocates for education professionals and students across the state. For years, Carson has fought to repeal Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, outdated rules that unfairly denied public service workers their hard-earned Social Security benefits. In 2024, after years of nonstop advocacy, the Social Security Fairness Act finally became law, thanks to the hard work of union members like Carson who courageously shared their stories.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/08/2025 - 10:22Black History Month Profiles
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Check out the union members we've featured so far:
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/07/2025 - 10:46Black History Month Profiles: Wade Dennis
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Wade Dennis of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Wade Dennis grew up in the Bronx in New York City. After he graduated high school, he joined the Army and did one tour in Afghanistan as an infantryman. After his military service ended, he started a new career with Con Edison. He became a proud UWUA Local 1-2 member, eventually becoming a shop steward in his department. He was inspired to do more and ultimately received life insurance and securities licenses to help the middle class learn about investing and protecting their income. He was also elected as a financial observer.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/07/2025 - 09:56Defend Our Democracy: 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 Unions Sue DOGE, Launch the ‘Department of People Who Work for a Living’: “‘The government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, in the press release published Wednesday. ‘Elon is just getting started. And he has already tried to force workers doing essential services—including at the FAA and air traffic controllers even after the tragedy at Washington National Airport—to retire, gained access to the Treasury Department’s payment system with everyone’s private data, and is declaring entire government agencies like USAID shut down and blocking workers from accessing the building and their email.’ The organization pledged to doggedly report on how DOGE’s policies are impacting American workers.”
Federal Worker ‘Deferred Resignation' Program Temporarily Blocked: “‘We are pleased the court temporarily paused this deadline while arguments are heard about the legality of the deferred resignation program. We continue to believe this program violates the law, and we will continue to aggressively defend our members’ rights,’ American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.”
AFL-CIO Pushes Back on Elon Musk’s Campaign Against Federal Workers: “The nation’s largest federation of unions is starting a campaign to push back on Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who has been empowered by President Trump to carry out a largely unchecked attempt to purge the federal work force. The campaign by the AFL-CIO. is called the Department of People Who Work for a Living, a play on Mr. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. ‘Government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,’ Liz Shuler, the AFL-CIO president, said in a statement.”
Protests Against Trump and Project 2025 Are Planned in Cities Across the U.S.: “A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday. The movement has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Many of the protests are planned at state capitols, with some in other cities. The movement has websites and accounts across social media. Flyers circulating online decry Project 2025, a hard-right playbook for American government and society, and include messages such as ‘reject fascism’ and ‘defend our democracy.’”
U.S. Court Upholds Biden Minimum Wage Order for Federal Contractors: “A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday upheld Democratic former President Joe Biden's mandate setting a minimum wage that federal contractors must pay to their employees, which recently rose to $17.75 an hour. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans rejected claims, opens new tab by Texas and two other Republican-led states that Biden in the 2021 executive order overstepped his powers to regulate federal procurement.”
Diversity Strengthens Our Workforce, Trump Attacks Weaken It: “It is disheartening to see that the Trump Administration has begun its effort to end DEI programs in federal agencies. Building diversity strengthens our institutions and we have made progress over the last several decades in advancing toward fairness and justice. Sadly, the attacks on diversity we are witnessing stand to not only halt that progress, but take us backward to a time when discrimination prevented so many of us from accessing opportunities afforded to others. In the Labor Movement, we have fought hard to make our membership look like the communities we serve, and we have come a long way in making our leadership look like our membership. Women and people of color have joined unions in increasing numbers and many of us have made our way to the very top to lead our unions at the local, state and national level.”
Cambridge Health Alliance Clinician Union Wins Certification: “Cambridge Health Alliance clinicians won union certification Thursday, giving a bargaining unit of 230 physicians, physician associates, and psychologists the right to negotiate with the health system over working conditions. The union, called SHARE CHA/AFSCME, was certified by Massachusetts’ Department of Labor Relations about two months after 160 clinicians informed the state of their intention to organize.”
For America to Maintain Competitive Edge, We Must Keep Clean Energy Tax Credits: “American clean energy is creating jobs and bringing cost savings for families across Southeast and Coastal Georgia. As a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), I know firsthand how important clean energy is to make our economy work for all of us. If we want to build back American manufacturing and keep our competitive edge over China, we need to invest in the energy of the future.”
Inside the Fight for the First Whole Foods Union: “On Monday, workers at Philadelphia’s Center City Whole Foods Market voted 130–100 to be represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. It marks the first time an Amazon-owned Whole Foods store has voted to unionize—and it is one of the first major union elections of the second Trump presidency.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/07/2025 - 09:55Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WITF, Newspaper Journalists in Philadelphia Vote to Join The NewsGuild-CWA
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Journalists at public radio station WITF in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the LNP newspaper voted to unionize on Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). The vote was 39-10 in favor of joining TNG-CWA of Greater Philadelphia Local 38010. The unit comprises 57 members, and covers reporters, photographers, copy editors, deputy editors and other news production workers.
Diane Mastrull, president of The NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia, said the vote came “amid hostile attempts by the company to discourage and intimidate. In central Pennsylvania, courage played out this week, with LancasterOnline employees standing up for themselves and overwhelmingly saying ‘yes’ to unionizing and recognizing their strength in numbers.”
TNG-CWA and management will now negotiate an initial contract.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/07/2025 - 09:55Worker Wins: Corporate Greed is No Match for Working People
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
UAW Members at Detroit Axle Ratify Contract: UAW members at Detroit Axle overwhelmingly voted on Saturday to ratify their new contract with Daimler Truck North America. The agreement covers more than 400 staff who build axles and transmissions for the automotive parts manufacturer. Wins include profit-sharing and cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) benefits, as well as wage increases up to 50% through the life of the agreement for some workers. “I would like to congratulate the hardworking membership and bargaining committee at Detroit Axle on this major win. This agreement brings long overdue financial gains for our membership at Detroit Axle,” said UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson in a press release. “UAW members in Region 1A are showing that corporate greed is no match for working people. When we stand together, we win!”
PrimeFlight Fuelers in Orlando Vote to Form Union: Fuelers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) who are employed by PrimeFlight Aviation Services voted unanimously on Monday to form a union with the Transport Workers Union (TWU). PrimeFlight serves many of the major airlines that operate out of MCO, including Southwest, Delta, American and United. Workers handle a number of critical jobs that keep flights running on time like operating fuel trucks, connecting hoses and more. The newly minted TWU members have cited concerns like low pay, unfair working conditions and high workplace turnover as core motivations for organizing. “We are ready to negotiate a first contract that will address significant issues with wages, benefits, and working conditions for PrimeFlight Fuelers,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “PrimeFlight is a company worth billions of dollars yet basic needs for workers go unmet. These workers deserve better, and today’s vote shows they want the TWU to fight for them at the bargaining table.”
Hockey Players’ Unions Join the AFL-CIO: Today, two of professional hockey’s North American players’ associations—the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA)—announced they are formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO and joining its Sports Council. “Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players. On the heels of SEIU’s affiliation last month, America’s labor movement is more unified than ever. We will continue to channel that strength and momentum into the fight for workers’ rights.” Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.
GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract: After months of negotiations, members of IUE-CWA Local 83761 in Louisville, Kentucky, have secured a new contract with GE Appliances. IUE-CWA represents approximately 5,000 production workers at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer and dryer manufacturer. Their new contract includes wins such as a 60% decrease in insurance deductibles, an additional holiday off, provisions establishing a career progression system that helps workers get regular raises with additional built-in wage increases at major milestones and more. “Trying to equally distribute what we can negotiate is hard...but everybody is getting contractual wage increases every year and that’s something we can continue to build on,” said Local 83761 President Dino Driskell. “We went through the four years so workers could see what their personal gains would be....We knew we’re going to take it, or we were going to be on strike.”
WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News: Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) who work at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that contains powerful language protecting workers from the encroaching presence of artificial intelligence (AI). The unit secured meaningful provisions that prevent the news outlet from laying off any current staff as a result of generative AI usage and require management to alert members if the company plans to make the use of this technology a requirement in their jobs. Additionally, ABC News is obligated to bargain with the union over the impacts of any new AI practices. Other wins in the agreement include 5% annual wage increases, more paid time off and more. “Now more than ever, we need journalists who can report and present the news while they are protected in their workplace,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “A union contract is the only thing that ensures that protection. Our members and staff fought hard for this contract, and they deserve everything they won.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/06/2025 - 12:02Tags: Organizing
Black History Month Profiles: Charron Carter
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Charron Carter of AFGE .
Charron Carter is the president of AFGE Local 727 and vice president of the Metropolitan D.C. Area Chapter of Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). She works for the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and was pivotal in starting a petition for her and her co-workers to join the bargaining unit and become AFGE members. She was appointed chief shop steward in 2017 and was elected to a second term in 2019. She has been the local president since December 2022.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/06/2025 - 10:20Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO Launches the Department of People Who Work for a Living
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Today, the AFL-CIO has launched the Department of People Who Work for a Living (DPWL), a new campaign to hold Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, accountable and make sure the federal government is responsive to working people and not just to the whims of an unelected CEO like Musk.
In today’s New York Times, reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan note that “The AFL-CIO campaign is one of the first organized efforts by unions to focus on the people affected by the work force cuts that the Trump administration is proposing. The labor group aims to highlight what Mr. Musk’s department is doing, arguing that its actions—which are opaque and accountable only to Mr. Trump—are potentially dangerous to the public depending on the jobs in question. The group is also seeking to highlight the chasm between Mr. Musk’s wealth and that of the people he has urged to move on from federal jobs.”
“The government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Elon is just getting started. And he has already tried to force workers doing essential services—including at the FAA and air traffic controllers even after the tragedy at Washington National Airport—to retire, gained access to the Treasury Department’s payment system with everyone’s private data, and is declaring entire government agencies like USAID shut down and blocking workers from accessing the building and their email. We will hold DOGE and Elon Musk accountable because we are certain that the people who keep our food and medicine safe know more about how to make government efficient than an outsider whose companies benefit from the very agencies he is infiltrating.”
Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/06/2025 - 10:02Committed to Protecting Your Rights: 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:
Stand with the Chippendales Dancers and demand management stop their union-busting tactics!
Show your support today: https://t.co/F2eC2GKE6w pic.twitter.com/1xibgyxnFL
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 4, 2025
AFGE:
We're committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that your negotiated contracts are upheld.
Stay strong, stay informed, and know that we will mobilize together to defend your workplace rights.https://t.co/VpxDRBrn0b
— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 5, 2025
AFSCME:
Investing in our nation’s transportation is essential for maintaining strong communities and a vibrant economy.
It is absurd to re-direct taxpayer dollars away from our communities because of arbitrary standards such as marriage and birth rates. https://t.co/ORQOfocl5Y
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 5, 2025
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Having someone who doesn't even know how Medicare and Medicaid operate "go wild" with seniors' health care is not a good idea. https://t.co/vej1r26y41 https://t.co/K5jZcBFAnW
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 4, 2025
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Our Local 588-Regina, SK, members and all transit workers deserve to be safe on the job. #NotOneMore https://t.co/6QWNIFtK4Q
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 4, 2025
American Federation of Teachers:
You don't have to be one of the thousands of AFT members on our town hall call to send a letter to your members of Congress. They must urge the president to reinstate the protection of schools, hospitals and churches against ICE.
https://t.co/LNPzULsEj3#protectourchildren
— AFT (@AFTunion) January 31, 2025
American Postal Workers Union:
The PRC opinion released on Friday warns that the USPS plan to change service standards would result in significant downgrades in service, particularly affecting rural America, and that any cost savings associated with the changes may not be worth the serious impacts to the…
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 4, 2025
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Officials have declared the Flight 5342 and helicopter rescue operation in the Potomac has been moved to a recovery operation and that there are no survivors. This is gut wrenching for our entire flying family. pic.twitter.com/tgATVbFdzE
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 30, 2025
Boilermakers:
Our hearts go out to our union family and all families who lost loved ones yesterday evening. Read our full statement. https://t.co/YRySXpzFmx pic.twitter.com/9k6CNHgBfN
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 30, 2025
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday everyone!
Members from @iubacnj_l4_l5 have been hard at work on a furnace rebuild at Durand Glass Manufacturing in Millville, New Jersey!
Great work guys! These are some awesome pictures!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #SkilledTrades pic.twitter.com/mzZzIFDtqX
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) February 5, 2025
Communications Workers of America:
This Black History Month, we honor the countless Black leaders, activists, and workers who shaped the labor movement and fought for justice. Together, we build on their legacy, standing united for equality and solidarity in every workplace. pic.twitter.com/waQNLdO92o
— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 1, 2025
Department for Professional Employees:
Solidarity with @WeAreUAKU members demanding a fair contract! https://t.co/TzQ49BEQJq
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 5, 2025
Electrical Workers:
🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶 https://t.co/FOkRc30ccg
— IBEW (@IBEW) February 4, 2025
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Supporting Our Own. 💙
The week after he graduated, Kaleb Buchanan made the trip up to the Union Hall with his mother & father.
His mother, having worked in a Union before, was very excited at the prospect of her son being trained in our trade that would provide him with a… pic.twitter.com/mti7Ou8xar
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 27, 2025
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
Matt Biggs, President of the IFPTE, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing issues facing federal workers following the start of President Trump’s second term in office. https://t.co/UUv14tDn9e
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 3, 2025
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
📢 El Avance Newsletter is here!! 📢
Stay informed with the latest edition of El Avance Newsletter that includes crucial Know Your Rights information.
📩 Read it now!
English here: https://t.co/yPqMcAiqEz
Spanish here: https://t.co/pSiyKHfVEQ pic.twitter.com/w1Xdam41Ue
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 31, 2025
Labor Heritage Foundation:
LHF Labor Video & Labor Song playlists updated
Each week we feature a labor video and a labor song in the LHF newsletter; they’re all collected now on handy playlists here:https://t.co/kEk5gPb4Cn
Got a labor video and/or song we should share? Email us at info@laborheritage.org pic.twitter.com/k15ZBBl3bt
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) February 5, 2025
Laborers:
Building Bridges. Connecting Communities.
#LIUNA is keeping North America moving, one project at a time! Check out our latest work on the Mount Hope Bridge, linking Bristol & Portsmouth, RI.
From roads to bridges, our #union Laborers are the backbone of #infrastructure.… pic.twitter.com/9VdRhV18r5
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 5, 2025
Machinists:
"As a union with deep ties in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries, as well as a significant presence in Wichita, we are heartbroken by the crash at Reagan Washington National Airport"
-- IAM International President Brian Bryanthttps://t.co/J9F1KcqaKq
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 30, 2025
Maritime Trades Department:
Potter Appointed MTD Secretary-Treasurerhttps://t.co/2d7I4OTLNK
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 30, 2025
Metal Trades Department:
Groton-based submarine maker Electric Boat announces plan to hire 3K in 2025. About 400 new employees would work at the company’s shipyard in Groton. https://t.co/Mcyxz02BIF
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 4, 2025
Mine Workers:
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:https://t.co/vtQAQ8kQk4
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 31, 2025
Musical Artists:
AGMA's 2025 Board of Governors Election Kicks Off Today: https://t.co/zlETn3Ag07 pic.twitter.com/WD5R0sTHWm
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 3, 2025
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to sign up to attend NATCA in Washington,which will be taking place March 24-26. We are contacting all 535 congressional offices to secure meetings where our NATCAvists will champion our Union’s cause. https://t.co/76IE4eukgY pic.twitter.com/Gxzxm2FsuK
— NATCA (@NATCA) February 5, 2025
National Association of Letter Carriers:
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Domestic workers impacted by the L.A. fires have a challenging road to recovery due to a lack of labor protections and access to relief funds.
We won't let them feel left behind.
Join us: https://t.co/iYCkJyVYef
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 5, 2025
National Federation of Federal Employees:
President Erwin on Deferred Resignation, New National Chief of Staff, and more - https://t.co/6Uk8WOxWg5 pic.twitter.com/jV7LiqpeuY
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) January 31, 2025
National Nurses United:
🚨New Orleans #NurseStrike alert! Nurses at @UMCNO deserve and demand progress on a first union contract!
We're looking forward to seeing our co-workers and our community out on the strike line." – Shonda Franklin, RNhttps://t.co/8mz1e5MOon
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 4, 2025
NWSL Players Association:
Welcoming two new members!! ✊ #1u https://t.co/h5oXb8o8DM
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) February 3, 2025
NFL Players Association:
Big congrats to Darius Slayton for winning the Alan Page Community Award!
Darius donated $50K this holiday season to support 24 families in need, partnering with NYPD officers for a celebration. In recognition, the NFLPA is donating $100K to the Left Hand Right Hand Foundation! pic.twitter.com/gk38hLG7ml
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 5, 2025
North America's Building Trades Unions:
.@GoIUPAT District Council 58 is making significant progress in narrowing the gender gap in the trades through grassroots efforts and strong union support. Read more about how they’re creating opportunities for more women in construction:https://t.co/fur9HmyqRB
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 4, 2025
Office and Professional Employees:
Local 30 member Tamua Newton has worked at City of Hope—a cancer treatment and research center—for more than 20 years. She serves as a steward and is a member of Local 30’s executive board. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/xcVBjkvGej
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) February 1, 2025
Painters and Allied Trades:
We’d like to welcome our new apprentice commercial painter member out of DC 53, Lucas Haye, recently sworn in by his union brother Chris Hardman. We are proud to have you be a part of the IUPAT, brother! pic.twitter.com/ZLypxTUYSt
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 5, 2025
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Today @PASSprezdc sent message to PASS members regarding White House memo on CBAs: "factually speaking this memo has no impact on CBAs that have been approved through agency-head review process and are currently in effect for FAA employees in AVS and ATO."https://t.co/YwwcX0kXVY
— PASS (@PASSNational) February 3, 2025
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
The retail union movement is not backing down. Ashley Hamilton, a member of @reiunion Greensboro, just voted to unionize in January. Ashley had this to say about recent NLRB upheaval: "In my mind, it doesn’t slow me down, it doesn’t stop me. It makes me want it more." 🔥 pic.twitter.com/57zh0xNbVY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 5, 2025
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Did you know? Roofers have 10 times the rate of fatal falls of all other construction occupations combined! https://t.co/BMNjhH7VCZ #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/5mof9ZP2jF
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) February 5, 2025
SAG-AFTRA:
Happy #NationalWeatherpersonsDay! 🌦️ Join us in celebrating #SagAftraMember broadcasters who keep us informed every day, rain or shine. Let your favorite weatherperson know how much you appreciate them today! 💛 pic.twitter.com/jIuMDQDTf9
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 5, 2025
Service Employees International Union (SEIU):
Short-staffing essential services means putting lives at risk. Kern County workers keep roads safe, protect kids, and support those in crisis—yet the Board of Supervisors refuses to invest in them. It's time to #FixKern and fund the frontline workers our communities rely on! 🚨✊ https://t.co/MRjODdLhHQ
— SEIU (@SEIU) February 5, 2025
The NewsGuild-CWA:
NEW: LANDSLIDE UNION VICTORY🚨
Workers at one of Denver’s oldest nonprofits just crushed their union election 15-2, joining the @DenverGuild.
Now, Metro Caring staff are ready to fight for the contract they deserve. ✊ #UnionStrong https://t.co/iKaAg6nLQ0
— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) February 3, 2025
Theatrical Stage Employees:
The IATSE Sports Broadcast Community teamed up with @sagaftra to celebrate the incredible women shaping sports broadcasting for #NationalGirlsAndWomenInSportsDay.
To check out our IA Sisters who are leading the way, click here: https://t.co/7Co1vxkcpk
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) February 5, 2025
Transport Workers Union:
COMPLETE VICTORY!
PrimeFlight Fuelers at Orlando Intl. Airport @MCO voted UNANIMOUSLY to join The TWU. They are treated miserably by PrimeFlight Aviation Services. No more. We immediately commence the fight for the 1st contract w better wages & working conditions. @TwuSamuelsen
— TWU (@transportworker) February 3, 2025
Transportation Trades Department:
From our capital city to Kansas and beyond, we are a nation in mourning.
We are devastated by the loss of all 64 souls on board Flight 5342 and the three service members aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
Our statement: https://t.co/2nbuqhJZ8M pic.twitter.com/ceEtuMhWI6
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 30, 2025
UAW:
Workers at Volkswagen won their union last year. Now they're bargaining a first contract, and winning higher wages is at the top of their list. "We should be making more than we make. We all know it's corporate greed." #StandUpVW pic.twitter.com/1m8zJmOqa5
— UAW (@UAW) February 5, 2025
UNITE HERE:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHTS✨
Devon Fitzhugh, A Cook at the Palms Las Vegas & Culinary Union member since 1989—
"Culinary Union works to make our shops fair regardless of your race, gender, or country of origin. My union fights to create the same standards for all workers..." pic.twitter.com/FpXfJY3COx
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) February 4, 2025
United Food and Commercial Workers:
19 workers at the Story cannabis dispensary in Hyattsville, MD, have voted to unionize with @UFCW400, joining fellow dispensary workers across Maryland in the fight for fair wages, better benefits, and the respect they deserve!
➡️ https://t.co/DRoT5GQCHD pic.twitter.com/NkNmEgJX3n
— UFCW (@UFCW) February 5, 2025
United Steelworkers:
Congrats to 260 UP Health System Marquette workers for ratifying their 1st contract! They achieved historic wage increases, boosted on-call pay, and secured critical safety protections.
👉 Read their story here: https://t.co/bLps7M5by3 pic.twitter.com/DDKRn70kDi
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) February 4, 2025
Utility Workers:
🥳 Congratulations to all of the new officers and stewards of UWUA Local 104 who were recently sworn in by Michigan State Utility Council President Craig Wright.
Active Local leaders are the foundation of our union! #solidarity pic.twitter.com/EFbRfzlxRo
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 5, 2025
Writers Guild of America East:
The WGAE is connecting members in NY, Chicago, or LA with the Hebrew Free Loan Society’s 0%-interest no fee loans programs to meet a wide array of financial needs due to layoffs, the impact of the LA wildfires & other financial emergencies. Visit https://t.co/X2PK3SbZep for more.
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) February 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/05/2025 - 12:31Black History Month Profiles: Andrea Winzer
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Andrea Winzer of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Andrea Winzer of USW Local 8599 is proud to educate students as a library specialist within the Fontana Unified School District in Southern California. Her goal is to make the library a fun place where students can immerse themselves around storytelling. One way she does this is by organizing bookmark design contests during each heritage month. She also loves to serve her community, including volunteering with her church to help the homeless and veterans in her neighborhood.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:35Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Members in Alaska to Install High-Speed Internet for State’s Remote Population
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 in Anchorage, Alaska, are working to bridge infrastructure gaps in underserved communities by providing reliable internet to the state’s villages and rural Indigenous populations.
Local 1547 members are employed through several contractors that will begin work on the Alaska Communications' FiberOptic project later this year. This grant-funded effort aims to connect up to 21 communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers to reliable, high-speed internet. Because of the unique environmental factors in Alaska, this project is a massive, complex undertaking. But the skilled IBEW members who will be performing this high-tech work are ready to help expand connectivity throughout the region.
“It’s exciting to be on the cutting edge of telecommunications here in Alaska,” said Local 1547 Business Manager Doug Tansy, who is a member of the Native population and grew up in interior Alaska. “These are very much underserved communities, and they’re geographically very difficult to get to, as well as being extremely expensive on a per capita basis. What our telecommunications members are doing will bring change to our state’s landscape. I really think it’s going to change the ambition of those communities when they have a chance to get an education and grow their knowledge.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:27Celebrating Black History Month: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
It appears Trump has illegally fired a member of the National Labor Relations Board, halting their essential work.
Make no mistake, this will impact working people everywhere. Project 2025 is becoming a reality before our very eyes. #1u https://t.co/XhfW0HOzaX
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 28, 2025
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Our prayers are with all the families affected by this tragic crash, including our @afa_cwa siblings. https://t.co/uxrXruMC7f
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 30, 2025
Colorado AFL-CIO:
The labor movement owes a great debt to the contributions of Black union members and leaders. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor both those who paved the way and those today continuing the fight for racial justice in the workplace and beyond. pic.twitter.com/ROGz6BcCeY
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 3, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@AFLCIO President @LizShuler: "Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership." #1u https://t.co/d2au1ckZnb
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 3, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Paul was the first in his family to join the Laborers. When other family members saw the difference the union made in his life, they followed in his footsteps to pursue a career in construction. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/OZltlLTLUv
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 3, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
From working at a Maytag plant in Iowa & an oil rig in Texas to Bath Iron Works, @MachinistsUnion member has been through plant closures & lockouts. He shares what he's learned in this week's "Steward Spotlight!" https://t.co/tJ3VIoSmZM
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Meet Jeff Plaistead from @Ibew223, one of the many union members building the clean energy future in Massachusetts and across America. #CleanEnergy https://t.co/e4XODdweUA
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 3, 2025
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
.@SenGaryPeters has been a steadfast advocate for Michigan’s working families and a true champion for unions. He's stood shoulder to shoulder with workers, fighting for better wages, safer workplaces, and stronger protections for the right to organize. https://t.co/gXzZp4fUQ5
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 28, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
"Each additional year that a respondent spent as a union member associated with about 1.5% lower odds of mortality after the age of 40." https://t.co/CCTKKbT6IE #BetterInAUnion
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 30, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
The White House’s attack on diversity in the federal workforce is bad for all workers. Diversifying our federal workforce helps government agencies better serve their communities and working people across the country.
More from Merri Berry ⬇️https://t.co/YoanSRH6Zj
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 3, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy first day of session!
We are excited to work with legislators, labor leaders, and affiliates to help ensure that pro-labor bills are passed during Nevada’s 83rd legislative session. pic.twitter.com/7VRtNpnwq6
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Our Brothers and Sisters are here today to tell their elected Representatives that “Right-to-Work” is STILL WRONG for NH!
Please help us by following the link to send a letter to your legislator today: https://t.co/QP4RyjZZTs
Thank you for your #Solidarity! ✊#NHPolitics #1u pic.twitter.com/GahXnrrHj3
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 28, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
This morning President Mario Cilento spoke at the NYS Senate Labor Committee meeting about the legislative priorities of NY's union movement. Thank you Chairwoman @NYSenatorRamos for the invitation! pic.twitter.com/TNyYFp6nES
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
NC voters elected Justice Riggs to keep her seat on the NC Supreme Court, which was reaffirmed in two independent recounts. Instead of trying to steal her win, Griffin needs to concede! https://t.co/lQcUxFAlHu #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
Ohio AFL-CIO:
They truly beleive we were put here to serve billionaires. Our true role in society is to put an honest days work in to be good family and community members with life fulfillments outside of making money off the backs of our neighbors. https://t.co/sw6R4rC2Gq
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 29, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Healthcare workers at Providence represented by the Oregon Nurses Association and Teamsters at Bigfoot Beverages are STILL walking the line for fair contracts.
Join them today by finding a picket line near you at https://t.co/bb7P96KEa4 pic.twitter.com/XUHwEDhRRQ
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 4, 2025
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Union apprenticeships build a stronger Pennsylvania. #PABudget https://t.co/y3P8XbcRzv
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 4, 2025
Texas AFL-CIO:
🚨 The Texas Senate will vote on the voucher scam THIS WEEK, putting our public schools’ funding & our retirees’ hard-earned pensions in jeopardy.
Add your name TODAY to tell the #txlege: keep public dollars in public schools & protect our retirees! #SB2 https://t.co/5CDXEAFlOD
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 3, 2025
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Throughout this month we will honor all those who came before us and those currently fighting for racial justice in the workplace and in the Pacific Northwest.
We uplift Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, an independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement pic.twitter.com/XYxHmhGZCk
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Veteran flight attendant reacts to potential Air Wisconsin mass layoffs, unions await next steps https://t.co/DlwfstR8Z5
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:51Black History Month Profiles: Latauna Bigelow
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Latauna Bigelow of SMART.
Latauna Bigelow joined SMART Local 100 16 years ago after graduating from apprenticeship school and became a journeyman. In addition to working as a conductor warden, she has served as shop steward, an organizer and a RISE committee member. In order to create a more inclusive workspace, she is educating herself, getting more involved in the RISE committee and sharing her personal experiences. Over the years, Bigelow has won many awards, but finds it most rewarding when a member thanks her for her words of encouragement and for being a great listener.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:35Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hockey Players’ Unions Join the AFL-CIO
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Today, two of professional hockey’s North American players’ associations—the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA)—announced they are formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO and joining its Sports Council.
“Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players. On the heels of SEIU’s affiliation last month, America’s labor movement is more unified than ever. We will continue to channel that strength and momentum into the fight for workers’ rights.”
Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:27Gaining A Seat at the Table: 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.
Portland City Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Strike: “More than a thousand unionized city of Portland workers voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to strike following months of negotiations. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Oregon AFSCME Local 189) said 87% of people voted in favor of a strike, with 89% of members who participated in the vote.”
GE Appliances Union Workers Ratify New Contract. Here’s What We Know: “After months of contract negotiations and union workers striking down a tentative agreement, workers at GE Appliances have ratified a new labor contract. The roughly 5,000 union workers in Louisville at GE Appliances—a major manufacturer of dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers—voted in the new contract on Wednesday with 72.5% of voting workers in favor of the new deal. IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell said the contract is a roughly $142 million investment over its four years. ‘The IUE-CWA Local 83761 has informed us that the proposed four-year agreement has passed,’ GE Appliances spokesperson Julie Wood told the Courier Journal via email Wednesday evening. ‘We appreciate our employees’ ongoing commitment to our business and the work they do every day to support our customers.’”
“No Cuts, No Compromise!”: Kansas Citians Mobilize to Defend Public Transit as Funding Crisis Looms: “Last week, over 100 low-wage workers, bus riders and drivers came together to protest major cuts to bus routes and union jobs that are being considered by the city government. Bus riders and community members with Stand Up KC joined Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1287 members and Sunrise Movement KC outside of the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) headquarters to protest a lack of funding from KCMO City Council.”
GM Profit Sharing: Here’s the Record Amount UAW Members Will Get for 2024: “For every $1 billion GM makes in North America, the automaker’s hourly U.S. employees receive $1,000, according to the Detroit automaker’s agreement with the United Auto Workers. GM made about $14.258 billion in North America in 2024, up 18% year-over-year. ‘Our membership performed beyond all expectations,’ [UAW International Vice President Mike] Booth wrote. ‘It is our members’ skillfulness that made this profit possible, as they produce the finest products in the world, right here in the U.S.A.’”
For Inspiration in 2025, Look to Labor’s 2024 Wins (Liz Shuler): “As we kick off 2025, there is no better source of inspiration than looking back at the extraordinary things workers accomplished this past year. I am struck by how stories of workers standing together and holding corporations accountable dominated headlines. Organizing stayed on the rise as the National Labor Relations Board reported that union election petitions were up 27% from fiscal year 2023. In a critical election year, 26,000 union volunteers across the country reached more than 10 million voters, and made the difference for pro-worker candidates. And all over the country, brave workers took to the streets and went on strikes that secured life-changing new contracts.”
Whole Foods Workers Form First Union in Amazon’s Grocery Chain: “Workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia voted on Monday to become the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain, opening a new front in the e-commerce giant’s efforts to fend off labor organizing in multiple segments of its business. Employees at the sprawling Whole Foods store, in the city’s Spring Garden neighborhood, voted 130 to 100 in favor of organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, the National Labor Relations Board said.”
Beth Israel Medical Center Residents and Fellows Vote to Unionize: “Residents and fellows at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center voted to unionize with 83 percent in favor on Wednesday, joining the Service Employees International Union’s Committee of Interns and Residents. Sixty-one percent of the 811-member bargaining unit—which includes interns, residents, chief residents, and physician fellows at BIDMC—participated in the mail-in election, which was run by the National Labor Relations board from Dec. 19 to Jan. 17. The vote passed by a margin of 407–85. CIR-SEIU organizers wrote in a press release that the BIDMC house staff unionized ‘to gain a seat at the table to advocate for themselves and their patients, especially immigrant and refugee patients, and other folks coming from working-class communities of color who often face the highest barriers to care.’”
Union Leaders Critique Hotels’ Skipped Room Cleanings: “Is skipping hotel room cleanings saving the environment or a scam for hotels to save on labor costs? Union leaders are calling out hotels for their supposed concern for the environment, arguing that this is nothing more than a ruse to allow customers to expect less while paying the same price. Lizzy Tapia, president of Unite Here Local 2, a San Francisco-based hotel workers union, explained on a recent broadcast of America’s Workforce Union Podcast that ‘previous to the pandemic, [Marriott Hotels] used to have what they called ‘The Green Choice Program’ [that allowed guests to choose not to have their rooms cleaned every day but]...after 3 days or 5 days of not having your room cleaned, your room is sticky and dusty and dirty—[and] it requires double the amount of work, not to mention the chemicals and water, and all of that stuff. So, The Green Choice Program was a hoax.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/03/2025 - 14:37
