Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Crooked Media Union Members Unanimously Ratify Contract with Wage Increases, AI Protection
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 the Crooked Media union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), unanimously ratified their first contract, with gains including minimum starting salaries of $80,000, protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and a minimum of 49 days of paid time off. The $80,000 minimum salary rises to $84,000 in 2027 and the three-year agreement includes an immediate 15% increase to base salaries; 30 days’ notice from the company if AI is to be used; increased health insurance coverage; and a minimum of 13 weeks severance. The 61-member unit of Crooked Media produces podcasts, including "Pod Save America" and "Lovett or Leave It."
“Today, members of the Crooked Media Workers Union ratified its first contract with a unanimous yes and 100% participation. It’s one thing to talk about the power of unions; it’s another to actually do the work. We’re pleased to have secured a fair, progressive contract, and for those wins to set a new standard for the industry at large. If we inspire workers at one other company to stand up together, fight for each other, and insist on what they deserve, this has all been worth it,” representatives from the Crooked Media Workers Union said.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/16/2024 - 10:12Fed Up and Fired Up: 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:
Equity Endorses @ElissaSlotkin for United States Senate!
“Rep. Slotkin has proven to be a strong ally to our members with her service in the House,” said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association.
Read our full press release:https://t.co/jDQFd8iyls pic.twitter.com/AnufM4LPRA
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 9, 2024
AFGE:
AFGE activists are excited to discuss policies and shape our union’s future.#AFGERising pic.twitter.com/uM0nNw09Jv
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 15, 2024
AFSCME:
.@AFLCIO President @LizShuler makes it clear: Workers across America are fed up, fired up and waking up to the life-changing power of a union.
We are organizing like never before! pic.twitter.com/3zc7hxhIqK
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 14, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
It's official: Medicare drug price negotiation will save seniors and taxpayers billions. #InflationReductionAct https://t.co/5PEu7m3wNW https://t.co/mluVHRuPN9
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 15, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB calls on Winnipeg Transit to improve safety for riders and our members. #NotOneMorehttps://t.co/A5MLZfvKVo
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 15, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Are you absolutely sure that you're registered to vote?
Couldn't hurt to check.
Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
Let's Build A Better Post Office: Jacob O'Neil from NH is concerned about his local branch: "When my post office is down one or two clerks, it becomes a full blown postal crisis. We deserve more than one day off every two weeks."
Sign the petition: https://t.co/DQ2q2AvNJR pic.twitter.com/BUE5dTP0jT
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) August 10, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
"We have been standing up for good jobs & to push forward for American workers. [@KamalaHarris] is signing off on all of her rallies with "When we fight we win!" That's a labor slogan, she's showing through and through she is with labor." @FlyingWithSara pic.twitter.com/CzQNDcszmB
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 12, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
In the latest #bctgmvoices podcast, B&C Pension Fund Manager Elizabeth Briere answers this question and many others about the future expectations of the B&C Pension Fund.
Share this with your members and find the full Pension Q&A here 👉 https://t.co/KTh9BQxQqE #laborradiopod pic.twitter.com/ONaG3c4pjD
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 2, 2024
Boilermakers:
Our #Boilermakers 65th School for Workers Advanced Training Institute is happening this week with the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Here's to a great week of learning for our brothers and sisters at SFW! 🎓 pic.twitter.com/p8aI02AAdI
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 14, 2024
Bricklayers:
Each year, the IL State Fair Twilight Parade marches through Springfield, announcing the annual 11 day showcase of Illinois agriculture and entertainment.@RepNikkiB was in attendance and showed her support of the BAC while taking a moment with Brandon Pittman from Local 8 of IL. pic.twitter.com/1Cp3KCfkJh
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 15, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA members at the Penn Square Apple Store in Oklahoma City, OK voted YES to authorize a strike as bargaining over their first union contract has stalled. https://t.co/NDjOHVGq1j
— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 12, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024
Electrical Workers:
"Donald Trump called the Biden-Harris clean energy plan the 'Green scam' at the recent RNC convention. This plan is not a scam, and repealing it would pull the rug out from American workers." - Ricardo Villafan, #IBEW Local 640 https://t.co/ehoNxeMTHV
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 14, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Your mental health matters.
We are proud to partner with Perspectives & Youturn to provide a program that is FREE to our members & their family — offering 24/7 support.
➡️Learn more: https://t.co/Ev8xkylmMd #InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/RTMvCheXo4
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 15, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Executive Officers Welcome Tim Walz to the Democratic Presidential Tickethttps://t.co/fIqygxZHSO
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 6, 2024
International Labor Communications Association:
WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: our friends from @Time_of_Day Media will be presenting “From Memes To Member Power: Harnessing Paid Digital Advertising to Mobilize Workers and Win Campaigns.”
Join us at the ILCA-CALM Mini Conference in NYC, Sept 5-7: https://t.co/mfkdKjxfZU pic.twitter.com/LqPoVu9LhP
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) August 1, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
2024 Labor Day Labor Arts Calendar Preview - NoVa Labor Book Club: Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism Tuesday, August 27; 7:30 PM via Zoom. Big tech has replaced capitalism’s twin pillars. pic.twitter.com/HyXfXJ3tBY
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 15, 2024
Laborers:
#LIUNA has always stood strong defending our rights and will continue to protect our livelihoods for generations to come. #FeelThePower #MarchToAMillion pic.twitter.com/Z84Bp27d6S
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 15, 2024
Machinists:
Happening this am 28 @IAMDistrict141 Remote Reservations agents are participating in a Reservations Summit at the @IAMW3Center . The week long class will be sharing information topics such as Grievance handling at the third step level and arbitration, EAP de-escalation… pic.twitter.com/8CRbT8ZtwJ
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 14, 2024
Musical Artists:
BREAKING UNION NEWS: AGMA Issues Do Not Work Order for Dallas Black Dance Theatre - https://t.co/wJzwJ5AYrc @TexasAFLCIO @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/qEdpqEhqqY
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 12, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Get ready to be at @NATCACFS 2024! CFS is the premier aviation safety conference uniting industry leaders, innovators & professionals. After August 18, hotel rooms in NATCA’s room block are no longer guaranteed and are subject to availability.https://t.co/fOeuta2WOI pic.twitter.com/B5N55UEqPK
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 14, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
NALC is grateful for your support of the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 7629)! This bipartisan and urgently needed legislation is a crucial step toward keeping letter carriers safe on the job. Learn more at https://t.co/ylwbV47RZY. #EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/s9dbEpATe4
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 14, 2024
National Nurses United:
The nurses united will never be defeated! 💪 @nynurses https://t.co/o5wtG0evoH
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 14, 2024
NFL Players Association:
175 kids, 20 teams and a countless memories. Mike Evans gave back to his hometown community of Galveston, TX. and organized a free youth basketball league and camp. This campaign supported his “Mike Evans Family Foundation” which he and his wife, Ashli started in 2017. pic.twitter.com/BUc070UKBD
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 9, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
When private equity takes over — at hospitals, newspapers, tech companies, or factories — workers and their communities bear the impact.
PE's domination of the video relay service industry — relied upon by Deaf and hearing-impaired people across the U.S. — is no different. 👇 https://t.co/6EB26ID6AE
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 7, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
We want to send a big shout-out to our members in DC 57 in Pittsburgh, PA, who volunteered to give a fresh coat of paint to the Adult and Teen Challenge PA recovery center, a rehab facility offering assistance to those in our community struggling with substance issues.
This is… pic.twitter.com/BLBFaOGwcX
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 15, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
"It's really an emergency." Sophia works the night shift at an NYC department store, and would feel safer if there were panic buttons.
Sophia is calling on @GovKathyHochul to sign the #RetailWorkerSafety Act into law. Will you join her? Write your email: https://t.co/y4aig8N4PI pic.twitter.com/kypLMtqiaY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 14, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
If you’re working 6 or more feet above a lower level, your employer is required to provide you with fall protection – learn more at: https://t.co/SS3wZ2YgbS #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/TVHPKx8hRW
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 14, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
The video game companies offered insufficient and incomplete A.I. protections. SAG-AFTRA's A.I. proposals include vital protections, and THAT is why we're on strike until the employers #LevelUpTheContract. #VideoGameStrike #SagAftraStrong pic.twitter.com/qlPgBJlnsz
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 15, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Workers were denied the right to establish or join a union in 75% of countries. Freedom of association is a fundamental @ilo worker right. Every worker should be able to join a union. Period.https://t.co/5NtQVVRdBv@ituc#RightsIndex2024 pic.twitter.com/zcxmg4hPOJ
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 12, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
BIG NEWS 🚨Workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — the longest continuous strike in the US — are one step closer to winning their strike!
The NLRB has filed an injunction against the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette over numerous labor law violations
Read more:https://t.co/zoapxvRkgF
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 15, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
IATSE Sisters are shining bright at the 2024 @ualelabor Women’s Summer School ready to learn, share, and lead.
Strong women, strong unions! #UnionStrong #IAWomenUp pic.twitter.com/7xES5yp4RU
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 15, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
Under @MTA Chair Lieber, NYC’s Subway became more dangerous for Transit Workers. A @twulocal100 Trackworker was killed in Nov. @FTA_DOT uncovered 38 near-miss events involving workers in 2023 – up 58% from 2022. https://t.co/n5iTaJUIfJ
— TWU (@transportworker) August 15, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Solidarity with @MEBAUnion as they call out chronic understaffing that has thrown the Washington Ferry System into crisis.
Decades of underinvestment & poor management have created a dire situation that relies on overtime to keep the system afloat. https://t.co/Hqfm3mXjiV
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
UAW:
There is only one answer to the threat we face as a nation.
The answer is solidarity.#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GPRS3O5Z7l
— UAW (@UAW) August 9, 2024
Union Veterans Council:
We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans' legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024
UNITE HERE:
During the pandemic, companies thrived while workers suffered financial loss.
Janal knows what a true family feels like – it’s when UNITE HERE members step up to fight for a better life. This year, 40K+ hotel workers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to do just that. pic.twitter.com/sbLb73XPCR
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 15, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
ICYMI: Dina Velasquez Escalante, a poultry worker and Local 663 steward in Minnesota, sat down with @workdaymagazine to share her thoughts on the fight to protect immigrant workers and experience in the industry.
Full Story: https://t.co/yhTauHXd6U pic.twitter.com/hrKCcGfctm
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 15, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Are you ready to vote on November 5?
Whether you plan to drop your ballot in the mail or head to your local polling place – democracy needs you. Make your plan: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/dm0dK5WcS5
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 15, 2024
Utility Workers:
Members of @uwua_local_1_2 out early in the morning keeping the power flowing in New York City! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/dnp2L3HCin
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 15, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum - and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/15/2024 - 09:54Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Do Good Multnomah Workers Seeking Voluntary Union Recognition
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.
Late last week, shelter, housing, case management and behavioral health workers at nonprofit Do Good Multnomah demanded voluntary recognition after a majority of staff signed authorization cards to join AFSCME.
Founded in 2015, Do Good Multnomah was initially created as a shelter for homeless veterans and has since expanded its services to other populations in the Portland-metro area of Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Staff at the shelter—which operates through contracts with the county government—work tirelessly to assist community members in crisis access transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, mental health services and other forms of support. Workers are organizing with Oregon AFSCME Council 75 to get the safety protocols, guaranteed leave time, fair wages and good labor practices they need to continue their critical work.
“Burnout and turnover are synonymous with our field,” said case manager Davis Nafshun in an Oregon AFSCME press release. “While the work of getting individuals housing can be so rewarding, it’s also extremely demanding, and it is not made easier by extensive short staffing problems and a lack of resources. At our location, we have no air conditioning. The day-to-day life of both the people we help and Do Good staff would largely improve from having a voice at the table in the decisions made at our job.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/15/2024 - 09:38Nothing Is Over Until It's Over: 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:
A median worker from @Abercrombie & Fitch would have to work starting in 4,053 B.C. in order to earn what the CEO made in 2023.
For comparison, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built circa 2,560 B.C.
View the 2024 @AFLCIO Executive Paywatch Report: https://t.co/JMkm20hjJT
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S.
A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Labor Day is just around the corner. The California Labor Movement - organized by our Central Labor Councils - have events up and down the state. Make your plans to join your brothers & sisters on our state’s greatest holiday! https://t.co/hM8dz5ZSnB
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 14, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Tonight we talk to Sophie Mariam, a labor policy analyst for the Colorado Fiscal Institute, about a study called The Rise of the Union Curious. https://t.co/M8v456DrPs
Labor Exchange tonight KGNU 6:00 PM 88.5 FM / 1390 AM Denver and online on the podcast. https://t.co/xu9gEqEhK3
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) August 5, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
The Connecticut AFL-CIO strongly condemns the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rep. Figueroa. @ehawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/Fwvi0lj7hy
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
We need more of this from our leaders...and less weird culture war nonsense. https://t.co/I1QIkPU7He
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🎉 Get ready for a day filled with unity and fun! Join us this 🗓️ Saturday, August 17th, from 1 PM to 4 PM for Solidarity Saturday hosted by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Metro Atlanta Chapter! #SolidaritySaturday #CBTU #UnionStrong #1u #AtlantaEvents #LaborRights pic.twitter.com/ixBiKlJ0Yu
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 13, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to our Equity Director, Chynna Hampton, on her graduation from the Edgar Fellows! pic.twitter.com/YlVTnFTIoT
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Gov Walz knows a thing or two about our values, because he lived them for years a member himself. https://t.co/GSg1EFDrMu
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
“This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work,” Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member Grant Provost said. https://t.co/TOGodfRLXi
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Join the Labor Movement in Milton on Saturday, August 17 to knock doors for proud @IUPAT_DC35 member and candidate for State Rep. @tonyking4rep.
We will be meeting at 9:30am at Heritage Hall, 114 Granite Ave. pic.twitter.com/as47NosQOV
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 14, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Among MN’s publicly traded companies, Target, C.H. Robinson, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group & General Mills had the largest pay disparities between CEOs & typical workers in 2023, according to the @AFLCIO's annual report on executive pay. https://t.co/5RffhBLCge #1u #Paywatch
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
206%: The increase in public and private spending on building manufacturing plants in the U.S. since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. Don't take our word for it: https://t.co/JPg7ntt8E5 pic.twitter.com/dc572sGVZ1
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
"Nothing is over until its over." Kenny Merritt, President BCTGM Local 50G. We stand with you! #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong #1union pic.twitter.com/EcdS3GdHIO
— Nebraska State AFL-CIO (@NE_AFLCIO) August 7, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
82 days until Election Day! We need your help canvassing and phone banking THIS WEEKEND. Two locations, lots of food, all the solidarity✊🏻✊🏼✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/0yYBkKQYqD
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!
Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our UAW family at Cornell University fighting for a fair contract! #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong https://t.co/BQwQQa6d7u
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
We're with @votebraxton! "Despite running to represent millions of our state's workers, Luke Farley is anti-worker, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, and is even opposed to federal heat safety regulations for workers." https://t.co/NdESnoIFYl #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
To be clear, the biggest organization pushing to pass right to work laws, end public @AFLCIO unions and attack increasing the minimum wage is all in for Mr. #WageTheft @berniemoreno. Meanwhile, @SherrodBrown restored pensions to millions of Americans and pushes for the #ProAct. https://t.co/nYWP5dX9dM
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 11, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Stand with @OFNHP technical employees at St Charles Medical Center. They’re picketing on 8/15 to demand that management agree to common sense proposals that will help secure safe staffing and living wages for healthcare workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/PSWlGL1nST
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 10, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
“I believe there are blue-collar voters who are willing to listen. They want to hear facts. They want to hear about achieving real results. I do believe that Walz can reach those voters.” — President Angela Ferritto#Labor2024 #UnionVotershttps://t.co/sYyHALfhLT
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 13, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
We stand in complete solidarity with these incredibly talented performers who spoke up together through @AGMusicalArtist for better livelihoods. Nothing short of reinstatement and a fair contract is acceptable. https://t.co/19dRSD5HGT
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the workers at Woodland Park Zoo on reaching a TA on a new contract!@teamsters117 @Laborers242 @IATSELocal15 @IbewLocal46 @IUPAT_DC5 https://t.co/CGpapBB5xF
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Voters reject constitutional amendments seeking to give Legislature power over federal funds https://t.co/uVCV8nTBv9 via @madisondotcom
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 14, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2024 - 09:52Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland Cannabis Workers Join UFCW
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the Apothecarium Dispensary in Cumberland, Maryland, voted 25-0 to organize with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. The workers are seeking to address longstanding issues, including poor wages, unaffordable benefits, safety concerns and a lack of support from the parent company, TerrAscend Corp.
“The workers had been increasingly agitated about their pay and working conditions since TerrAscend Corp. bought Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary,” the workers said in a statement. “Working conditions at the dispensary have been abysmal since the corporate acquisition. Workers have had to endure leaking ceilings, bathrooms in disrepair, exposed electrical wires in the workplace and air conditioning that doesn’t properly circulate throughout the building.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2024 - 09:09Fighting Every Day to Improve the Lives of Workers: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Project 2025 Exposed: Child Labor and Decimated Unions Promised with Trump’s Election: “Donald Trump took a private flight with the head of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, The Washington Post reports. Jody Calemine, director of advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joins Joy Reid to discuss the potential, destructive impact of Project 2025 on labor unions and the American worker.” (Learn more about how Project 2025 affects you.)
What Is Tim Walz's Record on the Economy? Look at Minnesota: “The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor organization, praised the selection of Walz as vice presidential nominee. ‘We know that Gov. Walz will be a strong partner in the Harris White House, fighting every day to improve the lives of workers in communities across America,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement on Tuesday.”
AFL-CIO Warns of CEO Payflation Crisis Fueled by Stock Buybacks, Trump Tax Cuts: “The largest federation of labor unions in the U.S. published a report Thursday warning that the country is facing a crisis of ‘CEO payflation’ as executive compensation at leading companies surges, a trend fueled by former President Donald Trump's regressive tax cuts and record stock buybacks. The AFL-CIO's annual report on executive pay shows that the CEO-to-median-worker-pay ratio at S&P 500 companies was 268 to 1 last year, meaning that ‘it would take more than five career lifetimes for workers to earn what CEOs receive in just one year.’ ‘This level of inequality is not sustainable,’ Fred Redmond, the AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer, said during a press call on Thursday. ‘Working people are sick and tired of politicians like Donald Trump pushing massive tax breaks for CEOs.’”
Harris and Walz Are Showing Their Support for Organized Labor with Appearance at Detroit Union Hall: “Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to play up their support for organized labor during an appearance at a Detroit-area union hall as the new Democratic ticket lavishes attention on a crucial base of support. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Walz, who joined the ticket on Tuesday, plan to speak on Thursday to several dozen United Auto Workers members. After President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign last month and endorsed his vice president, organized labor quickly rallied around Harris. The AFL-CIO endorsed her after having first backed Biden. The UAW formally backed her last week.”
Apple Store Workers Get First U.S. Contract: “Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a labor contract with the tech giant on Tuesday, after a year and a half in which bargaining appeared to stall for long stretches and union campaigns at other stores fell short. After the union announced the outcome, Apple said it did not dispute the result and was pleased to have an agreement. The contract, covering about 85 workers at a Towson, Md., store who voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022, will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years.”
Storm King Workers Approve First Union Contracts: “Unionized workers at Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, have approved their first labor union contract, ending months of negotiations over benefits and better wages. Approximately 75 workers at the beloved sculpture park, home to large-scale works by artists such as Richard Serra and Alexander Calder, voted in June 2023 to join two units of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).”
Iron Workers, Operating Engineers Locals Celebrate Topping Out of Eastbound Span of I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge: “Talented union members from Iron Workers Locals 396 and 392 and Operating Engineers Locals 513 and 520 recently ‘topped out’ on the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge project. The July 21 ceremony, marking the setting of the eastbound brdge, took place on a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Madison County, Ill. The new structure is being built directly south of the existing Chain of Rocks Bridge, and is the first of the project’s twin bridges to be built. Work on the westbound span is expected to begin in 2025.”
UAW Local 282 Members End Strike at Lear with Tentative Agreement: “After a three day strike, UAW Local 282 members at Lear are back to work with a tentative four-year agreement that includes a 30% wage increase for production workers and a 35% increase for maintenance employees. The 460 employees, who make seats for GM vehicles, went on strike early July 22 for better health and safety protections on the job, higher wages and improved health and retirement benefits. The action halted production at the nearby GM Wentzville Assembly plant, which ran out of Lear-made seats.”
UAW Leader Says Trump Would Send the Labor Movement into Reverse If He's Elected Again: “Putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats’ chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November, the head of the United Auto Workers union says. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry and would send the labor movement into reverse if he's elected again.”
Workers at 4 Café Ceres Locations Vote to Unionize: “Baristas at Café Ceres have voted to unionize with Unite Here 17. The union, which represents service industry workers in Minnesota, announced the results of the election on Saturday, Aug. 3. Workers at four Café Ceres locations, as well as Colita, informed Chef Daniel Del Prado's DDP Restaurant Group of their intention to unionize in June. The company did not voluntarily recognize either union, forcing a vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:55Service & Solidarity Spotlight: U.S. Rep. from Rhode Island Introduces Federal Bill to Crack Down on Wage Theft
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.
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island held a press conference last week to announce that he will introduce a bill to make wage theft a felony nationwide when Congress reconvenes in September.
The Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act updates the legal framework for wage theft violations to be comparable with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Currently, employers who steal worker tips, pay them less than promised or deny them overtime, at most, face a misdemeanor or a fine under $10,000. Wage theft is already a felony in Rhode Island—thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly last year—and the local labor movement is applauding Magaziner for building on this success by taking the fight to the federal level. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple unions and pro-worker organizations, both around the state and nationally.
“This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting workers rights and our entire economy,” said George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Wage theft is insidious, pervasive and comes in many forms—from failing to pay for overtime to distributing pooled tips to an employer or supervisor. This is a rampant problem that needs to be fixed at the federal level, and I applaud Representative Magaziner’s proposed legislation. It will provide a deterrence to unscrupulous employers exploiting workers so that law-abiding businesses can fairly compete and that workers can get the wages that they have duly earned.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:18Worker Wins: A Great Win for Us and Our Members
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
University System of Maryland Workers Ratify First Systemwide Contract: AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and the University System of Maryland (USM) officially signed the first systemwide union contract Friday after a nearly two-year-long negotiating process. Members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the historic contract in late July and, soon after, the USM Board of Regents also ratified the deal on their end. Highlights of the agreement include an increase to the minimum wage, upward of 5% or more in pay bumps, improved annual leave accrual, workplace privacy protections, new health and safety protocols, and more. This victory also marks a major shift from negotiating individual union contracts for each campus in the USM to having one unified deal that more effectively addresses disparities in pay and working conditions between schools. “This historic accomplishment is many years in the making,” said Patrick Moran, president of Council 3. “And now for the first time, the hardworking staff at these University System of Maryland schools will have a strong union contract that raises the bar across the board when it comes to pay, benefits, and working conditions. Gone are the days of each university trying to divide us because they know we’re stronger when we advocate together.”
UFCW Members Reach Agreement with Hanover Foods, Avoid Strike: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 avoided a strike last week after ratifying a new contract by a 2-to-1 margin on a new three-year contract with food processing corporation Hanover Foods. The union reached an agreement on Wednesday, after an extended period of negotiations. Since the prior contract expired at the beginning of the year, workers have remained steadfast in their fight for a fair deal, voting twice to unanimously reject proposals from the company that included cuts to benefits and salaries. Because of their unity, members are now celebrating wins like 3%-5% wage increases in the first year of the contract—with up to 5% in the second and third years—additional vacation time for long-term workers and retention of the union’s health care plan. “UFCW 1776 stood together with our members to bring Hanover Foods to the table to negotiate a settlement,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “This significant achievement wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of our member bargaining committee.”
Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union: Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week. The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions. “We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”
Under New Law, Illinois Employers Can’t Force Workers to Sit Through Anti-Union Meetings: This week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, a bill aimed at curtailing the practice of captive-audience meetings, during the Illinois AFL-CIO’s biennial convention. When the law goes into effect on Jan. 1, it will make the state the eighth to ban mandatory workplace meetings where managers discuss political and religious topics, including union membership. The bill also creates a right of action for individual workers to sue employers if they are punished for refusing to attend these meetings. Staff also can report their employer to the state Department of Labor, which can levy fines of $1,000 per violation. Importantly, the legislation additionally prohibits both state and local governments from ever enacting “right to work” laws, a critical protection for working people. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, local lawmakers and workers joined Pritzker at the signing to celebrate this milestone. “People go to work to work, not to be indoctrinated,” Drea said in a statement. “Now, workers will not have to choose between their livelihood and personal values when employers use mandatory meetings to advance their political and religious interests.”
Prism Reports Staff Organize with Pacific Media Workers Guild: Workers in the nonprofit newsroom Prism Reports announced on Wednesday they are forming a union with Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). After 100% of bargaining unit members signed cards in support of joining Prism Workers United, management voluntarily recognized the union. Prism Reports writers, editors, copy editors and social media editors are organizing in order to have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation at the independent news outlet so they can play a role in shaping what a fair, equitable workplace can look like. “I am unionizing to make sure that Prism continues to be a leader in our industry,” said senior climate features reporter Ray Levy Uyeda. “In a professional field where our jobs are treated like our identities, Prism has always shown that journalism is what we do; people—in all expressions of humanity—are who we are. I’m also excited to unionize to demonstrate solidarity with workers everywhere who know that organizing is how we build toward a liberated future.”
TWU Wins Largest Wage Increase for On-Board Workers in Amtrak History: Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 1460 secured the largest wage increase Tuesday for Amtrak workers in the rail service’s 53-year history after on-board service workers overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract. The seven-year agreement covers critical Amtrak staff like train attendants and café car workers, the vast majority working on Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor, and was approved with more than 85% of TWU members voting favorably. Wins in the contract include a 34% compounded wage increase over the life of the deal, retroactive back pay, an industry-leading paid parental leave provision, no increases to health care costs, improved bereavement leave and more. When all the wage increases, bonuses and other forms of compensation are calculated together, workers will have received an additional $80,000 at the end of the contract compared to what they were making before the new agreement was ratified. “I think this was a great win for us and our members at Amtrak on-board service,” said Local 1460 President Amy Griffin, who has worked for Amtrak since 1988. “It’s been a long, hard-fought battle, but I know we came out on top. The paid parental leave is phenomenal, and we got a few work rules changed that haven’t been touched in 30-plus years.”
Bronx Defenders Union Ratifies Historic Contract: Members of The Bronx Defenders Union–UAW Local 2325 (BxD Union) last week voted to ratify a historic two-year contract with their public defender nonprofit employer, one month and a day after workers voted for strike authorization. There were 92% of BxD Union members who participated in the ratification vote, with a resounding 91% of those members voting to approve the new contract. The old agreement expired at the beginning of July after months of management stonewalling negotiations with staff. This new contract victory agreement was secured just days before a strike deadline, in which BxD Union’s Collective Bargaining Committee had authorized an unlimited strike based on a number of unfair labor practices, including retaliation, unilaterally changing employment terms and more. Wins include 8%–10% salary increases for Bronx Defenders workers—formerly the lowest-paid public defenders in New York City—and other hard-fought provisions like free speech protections. Additionally, the deal includes a one-year salary reopener with a right to strike and an expiration date that aligns with Association of Legal Aid Attorneys–UAW Local 2325 contracts at Brooklyn Defender Services and Neighborhood Defender Services, queuing up some 800 workers to strike in 2026. “It took each and every worker to make this contract possible, and we salute the BxD Union membership for their tireless advocacy in defense of the Bronx,” said Babatunde Aremu, chapter chair of BxD Union. “We look forward to joining sectoral bargaining negotiations with our fellow New York City legal services workers in both 2025 and 2026 as we aim to make the City more equitable and just for all New Yorkers.”
South Florida Sun Sentinel Workers Win Union Election by Unanimous Landslide: A supermajority of workers at the South Florida Sun Sentinel voted to form a union Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). Journalists announced their intention to organize earlier this month so that they can better protect their own rights and ensure their community’s access to quality local journalism. The news outlet is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which purchased parent company Tribune Publishing in 2021. Alden has an established reputation for decimating small newsrooms, slashing jobs and cutting costs to increase returns for its stockholders. Over the past several years, staff at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have continued to deliver powerful, award-winning journalism despite attacks on their wages and benefits. Now that members of the Sun Sentinel Guild have proved their solidarity with one another, they’re ready to join together to secure workplace transparency, better pay and benefits, job security, better work-life balance and more. “This is a historic day at the Sun Sentinel,” said veteran education reporter Scott Travis. “For years, we have suffered layoffs, the loss of a 401K match and even pay cuts during the pandemic. Before, we just had to accept it without a fight. Now our hard-working journalists will finally have a seat at the table to negotiate a better future.”
ATU Members in Lewiston–Auburn Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 714 members who work as drivers for the Citylink transit service in Maine reached a tentative agreement (TA) late Friday after they held a powerful rally that morning outside a Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) facility. Citylink, which is operated by WMTS, is a bus line that connects the towns of Auburn and Lewiston. Drivers for this service formed a union with ATU in November 2023, but reported that since then, management had refused to budge on worker wages, which are below those of drivers in similarly sized communities. So, the union organized a rally Friday morning to put pressure on WMTS to settle a fair contract with better wages, improved benefits and a more reliable transit system for our riders. That same day, Local 714 announced it had reached a strong deal with management that included an increase of more than $3 per hour over the next three years.
Maryland Apple Retail Store Workers Reach Historic Tentative Agreement: The International Association of Machinists’ (IAM’s) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) made history on Friday as it reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Apple. In 2022, retail workers at the Towson, Maryland, Apple location were the first in the country to form a union, and IAM CORE has been negotiating with the tech giant since January 2023. The new three-year contract includes wins like an average raise of 10% over the life of the contract, increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications, a fair and clear disciplinary process, better work-life balance and more. “From the beginning, IAM CORE’s mission has been to improve Apple for our employees, customers and communities,” said the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee. “By reaching a tentative agreement with Apple, we are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains. Together, we can build on this success in store after store and grow the power IAM CORE has started here in Maryland.”
Saint Louis University Hospital Nurses Ratify New Contract: After more than a year of negotiations and two strikes, Saint Louis University Hospital (SLUH) nurses overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract on Saturday. SLUH nurses have been represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) since 2012. Members have proved their commitment to securing a fair contract for more than a year, staging informational pickets as well as work stoppages. And that unity has paid off in this new agreement. Contract victories include critical safe staffing provisions that protect both nurses and patients, retention of their current health care plan, wage increases that average 17%, provisions that address workplace violence and more. “This new contract is a huge win for patients and nurses,” said Earline Shepard, an RN in the cardiac catheterization lab. “It was a long time coming but we finally won an agreement that will let us recruit and retain experienced nurses. With improved staffing, we can give our patients the care they deserve.”
Gate Gourmet’s Airline Catering Workers Reach TA, Averting Strike: More than 8,000 airline catering workers employed by catering subcontractor Gate Gourmet at 30 airports have a new tentative agreement (TA) that was reached late Friday night, averting a potential strike that could have kicked off as soon as July 30. These workers are represented by a coalition of labor unions—including UNITE HERE; the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW); and the Teamsters—called the Employee Representatives’ Council. They prepare, pack, and deliver food and beverages to aircraft departing airports across mainland U.S. and Hawaii, an essential role in commercial air travel that requires skill in provisions to keep flights running smoothly. Despite the fact that Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of airline catering services, members reported struggling with low wages and lack of access to quality, affordable health care. After more than six years in bargaining sessions, and intervention by the National Mediation Board, workers now have a tentative contract. However, the unions report there are several details that still need to be hammered out before the deal can be finalized.
LIUNA, Minneapolis Park Board Reach Tentative Agreement: Laborers (LIUNA) Local 363 announced Friday that after more than three weeks on strike, members have secured a tentative agreement (TA) with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). Earlier last week, park workers shut down a scheduled park board meeting after an effort to discuss a resolution that would have pushed MPRB negotiators to drop proposed anti-worker contract language was rejected by commissioners. The contract language put forth by the MPRB—which has remained a sticking point for LIUNA members—would erode workers’ rights through making automatic step increases discretionary and limiting the number of stewards who can be paid to do union work. Workers later delivered a no-confidence petition to the board before returning to the bargaining table. “I think it was our collective action and voice. I think it was the workers that pushed through,” said Local 363 Business Manager A.J. Lang. “...I think we put in more work on this contract than probably any other contract, in terms of negotiating, but the members on the picket line, at the board meetings, with petitions in the community gathering signatures...that’s what pushed this over the top.”
Workers at Bernheimer Architecture Ratify Contract: Workers at Bernheimer Architecture made history last week when they unanimously ratified the first-ever collective bargaining agreement at a private-sector architecture firm. Staff first announced their decision to form a union with the Machinists (IAM)—aided by IAM’s architectural industry campaign, Architectural Workers United (AWU)—in 2022 and were soon voluntarily recognized by Andrew Bernheimer, the firm’s founder. Members said they wanted to organize in part to draw attention to labor issues across their industry and beyond so all workers can see the power of collective bargaining. Their landmark contract establishes important standards for issues like respect in the workplace, health and safety, performance reviews, wages, layoff protections, and more. “We’re excited to share what the collective bargaining process can do for workers, and not just in our industry,” said members of the Bernheimer Architecture staff union’s bargaining unit. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a new sense of democracy at our workplace, with everyone having a real avenue for having their voices heard on the issues that are most important to them.” “This is a historic moment for this industry,” said Andrew Daley, an organizer with AWU. “One that will set the benchmark for what’s possible, and it’s all because of these brave and dedicated workers who put in all the effort to make this contract a reality.”
Microsoft’s World of Warcraft Workers Vote to Form Union: Workers on the team behind World of Warcraft—one of the most popular video games in the world—have voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), creating the first wall-to-wall union at Activision Blizzard and the largest wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft-owned studio. On Wednesday, a neutral arbitrator confirmed that a majority of staff had either signed a union authorization card or indicated via an online portal that they wanted union representation. The bargaining unit, World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild-CWA (WoWGG-CWA), organized under the labor neutrality agreement forged in 2022 between CWA and Microsoft, which took effect upon the completion of the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Members work as designers, engineers, producers, artists, quality assurance testers and other game developers for the multiplayer role-playing game that was originally released in 2004. “What we’ve accomplished at World of Warcraft is just the beginning,” said Eric Lanham, a test analyst and member of WoWGG-CWA. “My colleagues and I are embarking on a quest to secure better pay, benefits and job security through a strong union contract. We know that when workers have a protected voice, it’s a win-win for employee standards, the studio and World of Warcraft fans looking for the best gaming experience.…Like the legendary heroes of Azeroth, our union is forged in the fires of perseverance and resilience, and together, we will stand strong as the Alliance and the Horde to ensure a bright future for all.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 12:23Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hearst Connecticut Staff Seek Better Pay and Conditions with Union Drive
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The staff of Hearst Connecticut Media Group went public with their union drive on Thursday, with more than 80% of the bargaining unit having signed union authorization cards.
Reporters, photographers, editors and digital producers in the state’s largest newsroom have been organizing with The NewsGuild-CWA to secure better pay, fair scheduling and a meaningful voice on the job. Members of the Connecticut News Guild have stated that in addition to wanting to improve their own conditions, they want to use their efforts as a means to push back on larger trends in local journalism across the country—namely, media consolidation, depressed wages, the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and hasty return-to-office mandates. Hearst owns 10 daily and 13 weekly newspapers, as well as a statewide magazine and website, and despite the fact these publications cover some of the wealthiest municipalities in the country, many reporters and photographers are earning well below the mean state income.
“We’re passionate about our livelihoods and the service we provide to our readers,” digital producer Adrian Szkolar said. “That’s why we’re coming together as one. We want to have a seat at the table and work with Hearst to be sure that our quality work will continue in the future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:59CEO Payflation Strikes Again
Do you know how long the median employee in America would have to work in order to earn what a CEO makes in a single year?
You may be surprised.
On average, the median employee of an S&P 500 company would have had to start working in 1755 (prior to the start of the American Revolution) to earn what the average CEO received in 2023. At the worst offending company this year, the median employee would have had to start working in 8,354 B.C. to earn what the CEO made in a single year. The tower of Jericho was built circa 8,000 B.C.
In 2023, CEO pay at S&P 500 companies increased 6% over the previous year—to an average of $17.7 million in total compensation.
Our economy works best when corporations act responsibly toward their employees, their customers, the environment and local communities. Yet too many corporate CEOs choose management strategies for short-term gains that undermine their companies, their workers and our communities in the long term.
Find out what CEOs at different companies earn compared to their employees in our annual publication, the Executive Paywatch.
Visit Executive Paywatch 2024.
Workers are coming together to advocate for better working conditions, including family-sustaining wages and benefits, and it’s paying off. But sadly, ultra-rich CEOs will continue to pay themselves exorbitant wages without transparency.
That’s why we need your help to spread the word about the problem of runaway CEO compensation.
Read this year’s report and spread the word.
P.S. Are you ready to take action? Large corporations should pay their fair share by increasing corporate taxes if their CEO-to-worker pay ratios exceed 50-to-1. Tell Congress to tax runaway CEO pay. Send a letter to Congress here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 11:58Tags: Paywatch
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Apple Store Workers Secure First Contract; 10% Raises
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a new contract after a year and a half of bargaining. The contract covers about 85 workers at a Towson, Maryland, store and will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years. The workers also will effectively receive the same benefits as those in nonunion stores and guaranteed severance pay. The workers are members of the Machinists (IAM). They voted to authorize a strike in May, but the two sides came to an agreement that prevented the need for an actual strike.
“We are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains,” the store’s bargaining committee said. “Together, we can build on this success in store after store.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:01Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union
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.
Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week.
The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions.
“We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/07/2024 - 10:25A More Inclusive Tomorrow: 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:
Great turnout for our first labor walk of the cycle! Didn't make it? Have no fear, we’ll be walking every Saturday until Election Day! #akleg pic.twitter.com/HjssyRUpcn
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 3, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
🎉 Join us for the 2024 AZ AFL-CIO Labor Day Luncheon on Aug 30! Discover why it’s truly #BetterInAUnion. Register by Aug 23! ✊ https://t.co/N3FI2NsYCN pic.twitter.com/uC9KdDfquL
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 1, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Want to help #UnionizeCalifornia? Apply to work at @CaliforniaLabor and support our 1,300 affiliate unions and labor councils strengthen and grow the labor movement! We're looking for organizing trainers, communications, and elections staff in Sac, Fresno & Kern, and LA! pic.twitter.com/f7YxbRXO8u
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 5, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
The whole speech is excellent 👏 https://t.co/SKRnktW6KL
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🌈📚 The #InclusiveEducationAct2025 is a step toward a more inclusive tomorrow. Embrace diversity and prepare students for a complex world. Stand with us! 🙌❤️ #InclusiveFuture #EducationReform #Georgia
Show your support below!!!https://t.co/S4160wYIRm
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 3, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
“Instead of having five people carrying my equipment, I now force four people to carry the equipment for five people. … We’re gonna be even more tired, more overworked.”https://t.co/Wt5bf3vnNz pic.twitter.com/p7KbBPNpBv
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Debbie is a former OSHA CoS and worker safety expert. She has dedicated her life to protecting working people on the job. Lowering Child Labor standards is unacceptable. Heed her warnings. https://t.co/YYddNT9JJz
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 31, 2024
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
The KY AFL-CIO is proud to announce our 2024 General Election candidate endorsements! This diverse, bipartisan list reflects KY and our unwavering commitment to supporting KY's Working Families. 💪 #WorkingFamilies #Labor2024 #Election2024 #1Union #ProtectOurSchoolsKY pic.twitter.com/CREGNJqlpb
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) June 27, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Congrats to members of IBEW 1253 who stood strong together & fought for better wages & a new defined benefit pension in their new contract! https://t.co/hdIK005eJw
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
"[CBAs] raise wages for workers by 10.2 percent on average... close racial wage gaps, boosting pay for Black workers by 13.1 percent and for Hispanic workers by 18.8 percent... narrow the gender wage gap" @chrissylynch29 @ewarren @Mass_BTU #mapoli https://t.co/42TqQyOEZV
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 6, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Our statement on adopt and amend getting struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court. The legislature robbed workers of wages and sick leave in 2018 and today's ruling is the first step in making workers whole.https://t.co/9tefVxKpWL
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 31, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
As Minnesotans, we’re proud to have one of our own on a Presidential ticket. As working people and union members, we’re even more thrilled to have one of our own as the Democratic nominee for Vice President. #1u #ItsBetterInaUnion #unionsforharriswalz https://t.co/YMQdUvv4AG pic.twitter.com/yHk9iI1hMX
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
TODAY is Election Day! Polls are open until 7 pm. In Missouri, voters can participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary on August 6th. You can select the ballot you would prefer at your polling location. Vote pro-union! Check out our endorsements on our website! pic.twitter.com/ocSIotlD5m
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
#HarrisWalz2024 Nebraska is proud of Tim Walz. He will be a great Vice President! pic.twitter.com/1slJpOoRNZ
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Today, the Nevada State AFL-CIO finalized the general election endorsements for the 2024 election.
From now until election night, we will spend countless hours walking, phone banking, texting, doing everything we can to get our members out to vote. pic.twitter.com/kRVp8KH8an
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 1, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
FIVE DAYS 'TIL THE DEADLINE! https://t.co/tXlDnMUI3m
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we are proud to stand strong in solidarity with the AFL-CIO's support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. pic.twitter.com/7S3GHkPtO1
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Introducing: the Denis M. Hughes Conference Center! Yesterday the NYS AFL-CIO held a ceremony to dedicate our main conference room in honor of former president Denis Hughes and his significant contributions to the union movement in New York State. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/0uursqIk75
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Member Spotlight: Ricky McDowell (@UAW) https://t.co/7naxP5sdRY #1u @AFLCIO
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
While this issue is a joke to many, it’s another example of an extreme, activist state Supreme Court that puts corporate donors to the @GOP over people. Let’s restore integrity and fairness and end the pay-to-play style politics that’s corrupted #Ohio for too long. #UnseatDeters https://t.co/yNxn8ZpQCN
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 4, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Congrats @AFT_Oregon Oregon Coast Community College faculty and staff on negotiating the contract you deserve! #UnionPower ✊https://t.co/QJgXskOAaJ
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 2, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
#Labor2024 is in full swing around the state! Join us to talk to union members on August 10th about what's at stake this November.
Sign up here: https://t.co/Snku6ftPaS pic.twitter.com/WEBn3m69Gp
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 5, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
In June, Houston ISD lost more teachers than they typically lose in a YEAR.
Meanwhile, Gov. Abbott is trying to funnel public dollars away from public schools - right into the pockets of wealthy families & unaccountable private schools.
Our teachers & students deserve better.
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
One week until primary Election Day on August 13. The WI AFL-CIO recommends union members Vote NO on both statewide constitutional amendments - Question 1 and Question 2 - so we can continue to efficiently get federal funds to local communities in times of emergency and beyond. pic.twitter.com/ZBaTG2BO8R
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 6, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/06/2024 - 13:10A Win for Unions and Gaming Industry Workers: 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.
Shuler Slams GOP Anti-Worker Trump/Vance Ticket and Their Platform: “Expanding on her prior attack on the Republican ticket of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, and its extremist platform, formally Project 2025, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler directly contrasted the duo and the document with Democratic achievements for workers and labor’s strong support for the new Democratic front-runner, Vice President Kamala Harris. Shuler spoke against the background of increasing enthusiasm among union leaders and rank-and-file voters—union and non-union–for the substitution of Harris for incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden atop the party’s ticket this election year. The nation’s largest union, the independent 3-million-member National Education Association, endorsed Harris on July 31, the same day Shuler spoke. So did the United Auto Workers. Both endorsements free up union people power and voluntary campaign contributions for Harris.”
Unions Stage Massive, Enthusiastic Zoom Pep Rally for Harris: “In what was advertised as a working session on labor’s plans for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, union leaders turned a massive zoom call on election plans into an enthusiastic pep rally for the presumed Democratic presidential nominee instead. All reported not just their own endorsement of Harris but high enthusiasm and unity from the rank-and-file. ‘Our unity gives me a lot of optimism,’ said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. Harris ‘shares our values,’ added AFSCME President Lee Saunders. Virtually every speaker advocated good old-fashioned precinct work. Shoe leather, door-knocking, phone-banking and one-on-one contacts—the tried and true campaign tactics labor does best—will win the election for Harris. Even if, as one speaker admitted, it means ‘difficult conversations’ with often-skeptical colleagues and other voters.”
Under New Law, Illinois Employers Can’t Force Workers to Sit Through Anti-Union Meetings: “AFL-CIO national President Liz Shuler, the keynote speaker for Wednesday’s state convention, praised the legislation before Pritzker signed it. She admonished ‘rich and powerful’ executives like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, the founder of companies including Tesla, for ‘stacking the deck against us.’ ‘They want to sit there and hold their captive audience meetings and make us listen to a bunch of their propaganda,’ she said.”
Entertainment Industry Backs Bill to Outlaw AI Deepfakes: “The entertainment industry has united in support of a bill to outlaw digital deepfakes and create the first-ever federal right to one’s voice and likeness. A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, introduced a revised version Wednesday of the No Fakes Act, which would make it illegal to create an AI replica of someone without their consent. The bill has the support of SAG-AFTRA, Disney, the Motion Picture Association—which represents six major studios—as well as the Recording Industry Association of America, the Recording Academy, and the major music labels and talent agencies. ‘Game over A.I. fraudsters!’ said Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, in a statement. ‘Enshrining protections against unauthorized digital replicas as a federal intellectual property right will keep us all protected in this brave new world. Especially for performers whose livelihoods depend on their likeness and brand, this step forward is a huge win!’”
Kamala Harris’s Entry Has ‘Electrified’ Presidential Race: American Federation Of Teachers President: “During The American Federation of Teachers’ convention last week, President Randi Weingarten spoke in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.”
How Unionized Voters Could Decide the Election: “Between the lines: A big question heading into November is whether the Biden administration's pro-union moves—like the president walking the UAW picket line, and putting union protections into key legislation—will make a difference on Election Day. So far, many big unions have thrown their support behind Harris' campaign.”
New Report Shows Greater Interest in Labor Unions, Especially Among Young Workers: “A new report from the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy reveals significant changes in support for labor unions among U.S. workers. The report, published by the Economics Policy Institute, delves into the evolving attitudes toward unions and identifies three major shifts are occurring in U.S. workers: a recent, marked decline in opposition to labor unions, a rise of workers who are interested in—but unsure about—unions and an emerging generation gap in attitudes toward unionization between younger and older workers.”
Austin Workers Unionize at Game Studio Blizzard: “A win for unions and gaming industry workers in Texas: Quality assurance workers at Blizzard Entertainment—the studio behind the Diablo and Hearthstone franchises—have successfully unionized. In a press release issued late Wednesday, it was announced that 60 QA workers at the Austin office of the Microsoft-owned studio have joined the Communications Workers of America, and the studio has officially recognized their membership. ‘We're celebrating our victory,’ said Jonathan Boakes, a test analyst on Diablo Immortal and one of the organizers behind this initiative.”
Airline Catering Company Reaches Tentative Agreement with Workers Who Had Threatened to Strike: “Airline catering company Gategourmet and unions representing its workers said they reached a tentative agreement that could prevent a threatened strike, although a union spokesperson said Monday that some details remained to be completed. A spokesperson for Unite Here, one of the unions representing the workers, said there is a tentative agreement but negotiators ‘are working out some critical issues before it can be finalized.’ The unions had threatened to go on strike as soon as Tuesday morning, but the spokesperson said there would not be a walkout overnight.”
House Dems Unveil Sweeping Bill to Protect Worker Rights and Safety: “A group of Democratic U.S. House members on Friday unveiled legislation ‘aimed at bolstering protections for America's workers and ensuring accountability for employers who flout labor and employment laws.’ The Labor Enforcement to Securely (LET'S) Protect Workers Act was introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.)—the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce—and House Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.). Earlier this month, nearly 50 labor organizations led by the AFL-CIO and representing a wide range of U.S. workers urged congressional Democrats to resist Republican efforts to roll back rules enacted by the Biden administration to protect worker rights amid relentless attacks by abusive employers.”
U.S. Union and Apple Reach Tentative Labor Agreement: “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) reached a tentative agreement with tech giant Apple on Friday over improvement in work-life balance, pay raises and job security. Workers at the Towson, Maryland, Apple retail store will vote on the tentative agreement on Aug. 6. The tentative three-year agreement includes an average pay raise of 10%, limits on contracted employees and a severance clause, improvement in work-life balance and rules on transparency. The deal will maintain all current benefits and an agreement to bargain over any future additions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:17Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Members at Hanover Foods Secure Contract; Avoid Strike
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 members at Hanover Foods ratified a new contract, narrowly avoiding a strike. The three-year contract was approved by a 2-to-1 margin. In the new contract, workers will remain on the union-sponsored health care plan, transition to a new pension plan, receive 3%-5% wage increases in the first year of the contract, up to 5% in the second and third years, and workers with more than 20 years of service will see additional vacation time.
“UFCW 1776 stood together with our members to bring Hanover Foods to the table to negotiate a settlement," said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. "This significant achievement wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of our member bargaining committee."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/05/2024 - 10:06Service & Solidarity Spotlight: South Florida Sun Sentinel Workers Win Union Election by Unanimous Landslide
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
A supermajority of workers at the South Florida Sun Sentinel voted to form a union Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA).
Journalists announced their intention to organize earlier this month so that they can better protect their own rights and ensure their community’s access to quality local journalism. The news outlet is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which purchased parent company Tribune Publishing in 2021. Alden has an established reputation for decimating small newsrooms, slashing jobs and cutting costs to increase returns for its stockholders. Over the past several years, staff at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have continued to deliver powerful, award-winning journalism despite attacks on their wages and benefits. Now that members of the Sun Sentinel Guild have proved their solidarity with one another, they’re ready to join together to secure workplace transparency, better pay and benefits, job security, better work-life balance and more.
“This is a historic day at the Sun Sentinel,” said veteran education reporter Scott Travis. “For years, we have suffered layoffs, the loss of a 401K match and even pay cuts during the pandemic. Before, we just had to accept it without a fight. Now our hard-working journalists will finally have a seat at the table to negotiate a better future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/01/2024 - 09:02Uniting the Power of Working People: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Equity offers its full support to the SAG-AFTRA members in the video game industry who are currently on strike. We join the labor movement in calling for the struck companies to return to the bargaining table and offer a fair contract. #levelupthecontract pic.twitter.com/VQZgM0q7rF
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 30, 2024
AFGE:
In April, AFGE reached an agreement with the Defense Health Agency on an interim master labor agreement covering 38,000 bargaining unit employees.
Here's what locals need to do now ⬇️https://t.co/aWXgx5fmRp
— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 31, 2024
AFSCME:
National @AFLCIO President Liz Shuler joins AFSCME Council 31 Associate Director Tracey Abman in support of workers at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium forming their union! pic.twitter.com/CzNpn30S9M
— AFSCME Council 31 (@afscme31) July 31, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
🚨Don’t be fooled!🚨
Heritage Foundation can pretend it’s winding down Project 2025, but Trump and the GOP still have plans to privatize and cut Medicare. https://t.co/kVWksJbiJ6
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) July 30, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Local 1220-Richmond, VA, launched a coach operator mentorship program with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC). These mentors will play an important role in preparing GRTC coach operators for success on the job. Our Union continues to set the standard for workforce… pic.twitter.com/gMI04LJETN
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 31, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
The AFM proudly endorses Kamala Harris for president of the United States. "For musicians concerned about protecting their rights against exploitation both intellectually and at work, ensuring the security of our pay, benefits, and retirement, Harris is the clear choice,” says…
— AFM (@The_AFM) July 23, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
A major win for child safety online! New legislation passed by the Senate and now headed to the House, targets stricter data privacy, content moderation, and age verification to protect minors in the digital world. https://t.co/zni8PM0TIy
— AFT (@AFTunion) July 31, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
“We must continue our efforts and use this momentum [of the Building Union Power campaign] to increase our worker power during contract negotiations and on the workroom floor.” – Organization Director Anna Smithhttps://t.co/WkBTNi8qHr
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) July 31, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
SAME WORK.
POVERTY PAY.
END THE DELTA DISPARITY DIFFERENCE.
Endeavor AFA Flight Attendants and allies are picketing at @mspairport! #1u pic.twitter.com/iVwgRHTZjK
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 31, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
BCTGM stands with these workers - one day longer, one day stronger ✊ https://t.co/rR819Tvh0A
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 24, 2024
Boilermakers:
We organize to unite the power of working people. 💪 Read International President Warren Fairley's latest commentary: https://t.co/Dj2Ynrqm5U pic.twitter.com/eUv9yY4hUq
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 29, 2024
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, @BricklayersNJ apprentice, Edward Guerreiro spent some time working to restore the Moss Elementary School in Metuchen, NJ!#besthandsinthebusiness #1U #UnionProud #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/NRpL52g3Vx
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) July 31, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
Check out our new report exposing how @ATT is driving away its experienced and skilled technicians with low pay and abusive job practices, making it harder for customers to get the high-quality service they deserve.https://t.co/ESZgXAxdY0
— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 26, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to @acoreunion members on their first contract that includes raises of 10% on average, job security improvements, work-life balance provisions and more. https://t.co/UVznMnw2xS
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 29, 2024
Electrical Workers:
“The working men and women of the United States owe President Joe Biden a great debt of gratitude, and on behalf of the entire membership of the IBEW, I want to thank him for his leadership.” IBEW Pres. Kenny Cooper. https://t.co/vXwLZBTwiM pic.twitter.com/5xAsouTBlw
— IBEW (@IBEW) July 21, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
📲 Get the Insulators App
▶️Watch the video for registration instructions, then download today: https://t.co/OMMiqtBQNM#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW pic.twitter.com/BAmnaRiiJT
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) July 29, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Endorses VP Kamala Harris for President of the United Stateshttps://t.co/w6wm8m24ik
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 23, 2024
International Labor Communications Association:
Calling all labor communicators in the U.S. and Canada: see ya in New York?! Join us for an ILCA/@CanLabourMedia mini-conference in NYC, Sept 5-7!
Americans, learn more and register: https://t.co/mfkdKjwIam
Canadians, register with CALM: https://t.co/aZ7XbonX8V! pic.twitter.com/3mbnJXPmdB
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) July 18, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
SAVE THE DATE!
We’re gathering workers + community leaders from TN, SC, and AL for a virtual workers’ rights board hearing about the impacts of EV manufacturing in their communities. RSVP and learn more: https://t.co/uVhb3XgROs. pic.twitter.com/q2uOft9hgL
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 25, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
📢 The #Project2025 proposal threatens to eliminate unions, strip away workers' rights, dismantle vital protections, and reverse the hard-won achievements in workplace inclusion.
Learn more here: https://t.co/sLZp9NTCKx#WorkersRights #ProtectUnions #StandAgainstProject2025 pic.twitter.com/TYSN9PqzkD
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 31, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Latest LHF newsletter just posted! Includes weekend labor arts calendar https://t.co/Vd3gPJaq9b
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) July 27, 2024
Laborers:
On behalf of its more than one-half million members #LIUNA strongly endorses Vice President @KamalaHarris to be the next President of the United States. @VP @WhiteHouse
Read More: https://t.co/0xb4YDQ7Ka pic.twitter.com/k9vEmxDFBV
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 25, 2024
Machinists:
HISTORY. MADE.
Our @acoreunion members are the FIRST workers in the United States to reach a tentative labor agreement with @Apple.
The agreement delivers:
✊ Work-life balance
✊ Pay raises
✊ Job security
✊ Fairnesshttps://t.co/v1cxY0MO4A
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) July 27, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
Congratulations to @MachinistsUnion and their big win at the Towson Apple Store!https://t.co/ffDviFjIiy
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) July 29, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
https://t.co/Xst6yi0qLP Much attention has been paid to the antidemocratic aspects of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a radical playbook for the first 180 days of a new Trump term. But few have focused on its plan to kneecap unions and attack workers’ rights.
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 29, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMA Artists: Submit your writing or artwork for the next AGMAzine! The theme is UNION STRONG: WHAT AGMA MEANS TO ME. Deadline: September 6. Review full submission details on AGMA's website: https://t.co/NA83n9XZLc pic.twitter.com/4Coy87bcVO
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 31, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA recently participated in the U.S. Contract Tower Association Annual Conference, held from June 27-28, in Washington, D.C., underscoring the critical role of the Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower Program. https://t.co/CmUDTcBxgn pic.twitter.com/nSeBIalGT2
— NATCA (@NATCA) July 31, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We’ve traveled across the country to pass local and state #DomesticWorkerBillofRights. Now, we think it's time we pass a federal one.https://t.co/KoPjAr2uGr
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 26, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
Trump’s second-term agenda plans a purge of the federal workforce https://t.co/Zfd2EDrT31
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) July 26, 2024
National Nurses United:
Vice President @KamalaHarris fought alongside union nurses to defend the nursing profession and make it easier for us to advocate on behalf of our patients. And we know she is the only candidate ready to defend and restore our reproductive rights! pic.twitter.com/QoT1KCyvjk
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 31, 2024
NFL Players Association:
As leaders & advocates for player health & safety, we appreciate this bi-partisan push to address an important issue for our members. We hope all in the Ohio legislature support this bill, which is in the best interests of all athletes. Thanks to @tupchurch216 @creech3_rodney. pic.twitter.com/WlAorjeDdB
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
We’re almost at our Tradeswomen Build Nations 2024 capacity! Register now before it’s too late.https://t.co/sIs7Ayw1eb pic.twitter.com/lU6CecSMcA
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 31, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Stand in solidarity with workers @RESCUEorg! ✊
Sign this letter to IRC management and urge them to do the right thing by voluntarily recognizing their union! Every letter counts.https://t.co/pLvibUxP5U pic.twitter.com/9tzJG7mUsR
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) July 27, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
Our union's work shapes how our community lives. It can be seen everywhere, in the smallest details, like High Schools' sports tracks.
We'd like to take a moment to spotlight District Council 36 Local 1247 apprentices Jose Mendoza, Zeal Carter, and Andres Ramirez on their… pic.twitter.com/1LE2elbtkg
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 31, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“Extreme heat can also be hard on roads & cars. When temperatures reach triple digits, roadways can buckle, resulting in costly damage that disrupts travel and leads to unsafe road conditions.” Infrastructure investments are more important than ever. https://t.co/doRqSO5St4
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 30, 2024
Pride At Work:
Register here: https://t.co/qg8nnzh42E pic.twitter.com/LurjHdZMQD
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 29, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
This is your friendly reminder that the @RWDSU Funds Office is always here with answers to all your pension and health benefit questions! Reach out at https://t.co/sXmXjBd6Nr pic.twitter.com/CHR10IAMPs
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 1, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Did you know? Roofers have 10 times the rate of fatal falls of all other construction occupations combined! https://t.co/BMNjhH8tsx #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/JASZxNUqQC
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 31, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
Thank you to the LA #SagAftraMembers who helped us get ready for the first #VideoGameStrike picket! Our signs are made and it's game on, Los Angeles! 🎮🪧
Join us TOMORROW, 8/1, 9 AM - Noon PT in Burbank at Warner Brothers Studios. #SagAftraStrong #LevelUpTheContract pic.twitter.com/0uFpYvyHvV
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 1, 2024
Solidarity Center:
"Where the union is present, child labor is absent." By organizing unions, longtime partner & @USDOL Iqbal Masih Award winner Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe of @GawuTuc works towards eliminating child labor in Ghana. More on his work & how it earned him the award https://t.co/cImYLhy352
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 29, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
🚨 Journalists at the Alden Capital-owned Sun Sentinel *unanimously* voted in favor of a union! 👏
“The union is our way of defending the future of our newsroom – and South Florida’s access to quality local journalism,” the guild's mission statement readshttps://t.co/OXnIF49FSN
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 29, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
TWU Local 252 is honoring veterans with a new patch acknowledging their service in the armed forces. Suffolk County Transit Operator Luis Mercado, a @USMC and @navy_reserve veteran, came up with the idea! pic.twitter.com/xZ49N644tl
— TWU (@transportworker) July 31, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
The @BLET held their Eastern Regional Meeting this week. TTD President Greg Regan talked about historic investments, legislative and regulatory wins, and the work that lies ahead to protect rail workers all over the country. pic.twitter.com/Xt8COSUXMB
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) July 31, 2024
UAW:
— UAW (@UAW) August 1, 2024
Union Veterans Council:
Will Attig, Executive Director of the @unionveterans, @AFLCIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent White House meeting to discuss the @POTUS Biden Administration’s impact on union jobs for military veterans. https://t.co/66YFHDEbGD
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) July 18, 2024
UNITE HERE:
Hey, you! Yes, you! 👀
Did you know that the hotel industry’s profits were up 27% from 2019 to '22? But staffing per occupied room was down 13% during this same period!
10K+ hotel workers are taking strike votes because this understaffing hurts workers and guests! pic.twitter.com/mnQfG4WYXx
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 31, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Feeling left out of hot labor summer? Check out Union 101!
We review everything from how to start a union to the nitty gritty of how union contracts work. A lot goes into what we do, but our mission is simple: help people make their work better.
➡️ https://t.co/Uy3YRT7Sl4 pic.twitter.com/tSTWegSpwh
— UFCW (@UFCW) July 31, 2024
United Steelworkers:
The countdown is on: you have 96 days to make sure you’re ready to exercise your right to vote on Nov. 5.
Now more than ever, workers’ rights are on the line. Check your voter registration status here: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/7FrSE28ejo
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 1, 2024
Utility Workers:
Congratulations to UWUA Local 393 scholarship winners Jessica Alfano and Chloe Brooks!
Local scholarships are a great example of how our union gives back and supports the next generation. #solidarity pic.twitter.com/fpA8dxGeqi
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 1, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
PBS Thirteen management is demanding the authority to assign our union members' work to non-union employees at their other affiliated stations. That sure sounds like union busting to us. @ThirteenWNET needs to come to the table with REAL proposals that won't decimate the union. pic.twitter.com/x22Yuvk15I
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) July 25, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/31/2024 - 17:12Calling All Labor Activists: 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:
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 Apprentice Lyndon Tulimasealii shares his journey through the apprenticeship program. #1u #UnionStrong
"Everyone that I have asked wishes they joined the union a lot sooner." - Lyndon Tulimasealii pic.twitter.com/c1p4LKiEit
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 16, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
We are deeply disappointed the State Supreme Court has allowed tech corporations to buy their way out of basic labor laws despite #Prop22's inconsistencies with our state constitution. Our statement on today's chilling decision⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SNKPOL0XPr
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) July 25, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Folks! We’re getting very close to one of the best times of the year: Labor Day Picnic Season! 🌽🌭🍔 🍻 https://t.co/ZzJv7AuwUu
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) July 29, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Video game companies must offer A.I. protections to ALL video game performers. Join me and show your support for those who bring our favorite games to life. #LevelUpTheContract #VideoGameStrike #SagAftraStrong#1u #UnionStrong #unionproud pic.twitter.com/rVuI8L1GK7
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) July 26, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Lat week, Bloomington Illinois City Council approved a new project labor agreement, ensuring taxpayer money will be spent wisely on high-quality infrastructure in the community while supporting local jobs and a commitment to diversity. Union power is community power.#1u pic.twitter.com/WT1MiXKJ9b
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 29, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
We have been hearing a lot about Project 2025, and what could potentially happen to organized labor under a Trump administration. National @AFLCIO outlines all the way our unions and membership will be impacted if this plan becomes a reality: https://t.co/oeJaAf53Ff
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) July 23, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
“This is a recipe for disaster for these young workers. … This is how kids die on the job.”
It's unconscionable for the state of Iowa to put kids in danger by ignoring the safety professionals. These are some of the most dangerous jobs out there. Disgusting. https://t.co/smp8BZHyiv
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 28, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
The contract raises pay to $35.16 per hour for drivers, $39.91 per hour for dispatchers and $45 an hour for maintenance technicians by Jan 1, 2027 https://t.co/hK7ecYcNRe
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 29, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Finally, we were thrilled to see the low-income MBTA fare program included – a massive victory for the @PTPGcoalition to help make our transit systems more accessible to working families! pic.twitter.com/R4Sw63FAgc
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) July 29, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
We are devastated to learn of the loss of former Rep. Tim Sneller. In a career spanning decades, Tim was a fearless fighter for the labor movement and a true public servant. Our full statement:https://t.co/5miPv3Ub4l
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 12, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“...we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead — a future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union." #1u https://t.co/n4QVPO7z1A
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
In Missouri no-excuse in-person absentee voting has begun and will go until Election Day.
Select your County and find where you can go vote before Election Day. https://t.co/JLtw3WA8KO
Do you have questions? Message us! pic.twitter.com/jKbbHaZfNO
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 28, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
The Nebraska State AFL-CIO proudly endorsed John Cavanaugh for LD 9. Thank you for standing with Nebraska's workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/2r0wbkFA2u
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) July 25, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happening tonight, 5pm PST join labor leaders across the country who are mobilizing to ensure VP Harris is elected as our next President! https://t.co/FVgs7wI9pU
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
ICYMI: The 2024 Linda Horan Scholarship applications & details at our website - https://t.co/Teq7GTIHax! @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAU @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) July 19, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Gillibrand, Schumer, Garbarino, Goldman, D’Esposito Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation To Fix World Trade Center Health Program Funding Shortfall: https://t.co/NUtBgGyclF
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 26, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Member Spotlight: Ricky McDowell (@UAW) https://t.co/7naxP5sdRY #1u @AFLCIO
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Hundreds of #Ohio @AFLCIO hit the streets in #Cleveland, #Cincinnati, #Columbus, #Toledo, #Dayton, #Youngstown, #Akron, #Canton, #Athens and #Lorain to talk about re-electing @SherrodBrown and voting YES on the @CitizenMapsOH Constitutional Amendment to end #gerrymandering. pic.twitter.com/WwFV5fYIec
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 29, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
"There’s no reason that, if someone wants to send a letter from Talent to Medford, that it needs to go to Portland and then back. That doesn’t logically make sense. So I believe there is an easy path to keeping our local mail local."https://t.co/VNLelv0h5S
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 29, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
By ushering in a new generation of leaders, President Biden ensures the fight for fairer, more just representation will continue, and he solidifies the strides unions have made with the guidance of the Biden-Harris Administration. #YearOfTheWorker #Labor2024 pic.twitter.com/yyctIAN7sS
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 28, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the Blizzard Entertainment quality assurance workers right here in Austin, Texas for unionizing with @CWAUnion this week 🎉
This is a huge win for video game workers in Texas and across the industry. Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! #1u
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Calling all labor supporters! Join the @AFLCIO Labor for Harris call and get plugged in with organized labor's work to send VP Kamala Harris back to the White House as President.
🗓️ July 31
⏰ 5pm PT
📍 Zoom
Register: https://t.co/oAWTL2DV6Z pic.twitter.com/1xDT9xOi38
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Early voting starts today for Wisconsin's August 13 primary election. Check with your municipal clerk's office for available times and locations near you. Vote NO on Question 1 and Question 2. pic.twitter.com/oa8jTA9iHk
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 30, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/30/2024 - 11:46Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gate Gourmet’s Airline Catering Workers Reach TA, Averting Strike
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
More than 8,000 airline catering workers employed by catering subcontractor Gate Gourmet at 30 airports have a new tentative agreement (TA) that was reached late Friday night, averting a potential strike that could have kicked off as soon as July 30.
These workers are represented by a coalition of labor unions—including UNITE HERE; the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW); and the Teamsters—called the Employee Representatives’ Council. They prepare, pack, and deliver food and beverages to aircraft departing airports across mainland U.S. and Hawaii, an essential role in commercial air travel that requires skill in provisions to keep flights running smoothly. Despite the fact that Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of airline catering services, members reported struggling with low wages and lack of access to quality, affordable health care. After more than six years in bargaining sessions, and intervention by the National Mediation Board, workers now have a tentative contract. However, the unions report there are several details that still need to be hammered out before the deal can be finalized.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:04Worker Wins: Working People Are Front and Center in Policymaking
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Shoppers Grocery Workers Ratify New Contract: Workers at grocery store chain Shoppers, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract last week. The vote was a powerful endorsement of the bargaining advisory committee’s efforts, with 98% of members in favor of this new agreement, which contained a number of huge wins. The new two-year deal includes better pay scales, a fully funded pension, no out-of-pocket health care cost increases or other changes to health coverage, and more. In addition, the collective bargaining agreement also has new language to develop procedures, training and protocols that would protect workers in case of a shooting or other similar in-store violence emergencies. The new contract took effect retroactively on July 14, 2024, and expires July 11, 2026.
Arborists in Virginia Make History with Vote to Join IAM: Arborists working at Truetimber in Richmond, Virginia, have become the first residential tree care workers in the country to be represented by a union after voting to join the Machinists (IAM). Tree care industry workers serve a vital role in managing tree growth in our communities, so homes and public infrastructure are safe, and often work alongside power linemen to restore stability after storms or other severe weather. However, there are few regulations governing safety standards for arborists or what sort of credentials are required to start a tree care business. Truetimber staff began organizing after the company’s founder broke a promise to sell the business to workers and instead sold it to a private equity firm. Once new ownership took over, the profit-sharing program was scrapped with no notice, prompting workers to reach out to IAM Local 10 (District 2020) and start organizing their co-workers. Despite management’s attempt to union-bust, 80% of the prospective bargaining unit members signed cards within two weeks, and ultimately an overwhelming majority of arborists voted to join the union. “I would advise any workers who are seeking respect and a voice on the job to contact your local union rep and get a conversation started,” said IAM member Nathan Salle. “In all honesty, it was a stressful time at work, but in the end, it was gratifying and uplifting to see the unity of everyone shown through the percentage of employees who voted for the union. If you are feeling unheard and disrespected at work, I would encourage other workers to reach out to one another on a safe platform and start discussing joining a union and reaching out to a union rep to learn more about what the process would look like.”
Pineapple Street Studios Union Ratifies First Contract: Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members who work for Pineapple Street Studios overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first contract Monday, gaining critical protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and other wins. The bargaining unit includes producers, editors, engineers and other staff who make possible award-winning podcasts such as “Classy,” Wondery’s 'Ghost Story,'” Paper Kite’s “Million Dollar Advice” and HBO’s “Succession Podcast.” When broadcasting company Audacy acquired Pineapple Street Studios in 2019, workers cited this as a major turning point in their organizing efforts and announced their intent to join WGAE in 2022. This January, Audacy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and laid off 25% of its staff at Pineapple Street. But workers remained committed to securing a first agreement and that dedication has paid off. The new contract includes victories like increased minimum starting salary, better severance payments, successorship language that requires any new employer to bargain with the union in the event of a sale, language that ensures that generative AI will not be allowed to be used to perform bargaining unit work without the express consent of the union, and more. “After nearly a year and a half of negotiations, we are thrilled to have a contract that sets industry standards in both pay and policy,” said Pineapple Street Union member Emerald O’Brien. “While this contract is exceptional in many ways, we feel strongly that, in an industry dominated by massive corporations, no podcast worker should be receiving less than what we’ve been able to agree to here.”
Bethesda Officially Becomes the First Microsoft Game Studio to Fully Unionize: Workers at Bethesda Game Studios—a developer that has produced popular titles such as Elder Scrolls, Fallout and Starfield—have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), forming the first wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft video game studio. Microsoft has voluntarily recognized the unit, which includes 241 developers, artists, engineers, programmers and designers. Staff in Maryland will be members of CWA Local 2108, and those based in Texas will join CWA Local 6215. They join the ranks of other video game workers at Sega of America, Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Media Inc. and Tender Claws who also have joined CWA as part of the union’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) initiative. “We are so excited to announce our union at Bethesda Game Studios and join the movement sweeping across the video game industry,” said Mandi Parker, a senior system designer and CWA member. “It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job. We’re thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives and the company as a whole.”
Alaska State Employees Association Wins Big Pay Bumps for Wildland Firefighters: Thanks to the hard work of Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA/AFSCME Local 52) members and staff, Alaska’s wildland firefighters this month received a critical pay increase that will help recruit and retain workers who serve an important role in protecting the state against wildfires. ASEA represents about 106 wildland fire and resource technicians and wildland forestry technicians who are employed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of July 1, per the new agreement between the state and the union, members have secured an incentive pay increase of 30% above their base hourly rate, a hazard pay increase from 15% to 25% in four-hour increments and a 5% cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, the contract now reflects that members are eligible for hazard pay any time they take part in or help firefighting operations or are exposed to firefighting hazards. This is a massive win for wildland firefighters, who have cited low pay as a key cause of the forestry division’s longstanding recruitment and retention problems, which in turn puts Alaska residents at risk. “I hope this news aids in the recruitment and retention of more firefighters in the Division of Forestry so you have the support you need to continue doing the critical and important work you do to protect lives and property,” ASEA Executive Director Heidi Drygas wrote in an email to members.
IATSE Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Hollywood Basic and Area Standards Agreements: On Thursday, members of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) overwhelmingly voted to ratify both the 2024–2027 Hollywood Basic Agreement (HBA) and the 2024–2027 Area Standards Agreement (ASA). With historically high turnout, 85.9% of members voted in favor of the HBA, and 87.2% voted in favor of the ASA. The HBA is an umbrella contract covering about 45,000 behind-the-scenes film and television workers located primarily in Los Angeles. The ASA covers approximately 25,000 film and television workers across the United States, excluding Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago. Major wins coming out of bargaining for the HBA deal include high minimum wage increases—7% in the first year, 4% in the second year and 3.5% in the third year—and a $700 million infusion of funding into the union’s health and pension plans. Additionally, the contract also establishes critical language governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and new penalties for long workdays to protect member safety. The ASA deal’s also secured the same wage rate increases, AI regulations, a standardized benefit contribution rate and some of the same penalties on long workdays. “IATSE’s rank-and-file members have spoken, and their will is clear,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “Between significant wage increases in addition to several craft-specific adjustments, bolstered health and pension benefits with new funding mechanisms, improved safety provisions, critical protections preventing misuse of artificial intelligence from displacing IATSE members and more—the gains secured in these contracts mark a significant step forward for America’s film and TV industry and its workers. This result shows our members agree, and now we must build on what these negotiations achieved.”
Mass. Gov. Maura Healey Swears in Members of Labor Advisory Council: Last week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey swore in the members of her new Labor Advisory Council, becoming the first governor in the state in more than 50 years to create such a council. The chairs are Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch and UNITE HERE Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo. Gov. Healy announced that she was signing an executive order to create this body to advise her on labor-related issues earlier this year while at the Massachusetts Building Trades Council’s annual convention. It includes representatives from both private- and public-sector workers across a broad range of industries. The other members of the council are Rich MacKinnon (president, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts); Joe Byrne (executive secretary-treasurer, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters); Frank Callahan (president, Massachusetts Building Trades Council); Beth Kontos (former president, American Federation of Teachers [AFT] Massachusetts); Dan Leary (president, Utility Workers [UWUA] Local 369); Joe Bonfiglio (business manager, Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council); Jim Evers Jr. (president and business agent, Amalgamated Transit Union [ATU] Local 589); Steve Finnigan (sub-district director, United Steelworkers [USW] District 4); Fernando Lemus (president, United Food and Commercial Workers [UFCW] Local 1445); Max Page (president, Massachusetts Teachers Association); Tim Foley (executive vice president, SEIU District 1199), Dave Foley (president, SEIU District 509); Chris Cook (president, SEIU/National Association of Government Employees Local 282); Mark Bernard (executive director, AFSCME Council 93); Colleen Glynn (international vice president and business representative, Theatrical Stage Employees [IATSE] Local 11); Lou Antonellis (business manager and financial secretary, Electrical Workers [IBEW] Local 103); Jessica Tang (president, Boston Teachers Union and AFT Massachusetts); and Katie Murphy (president, Massachusetts Nurses Association). “This Labor Advisory Council is representative of Gov. Healey and Lieutenant Gov. Driscoll’s recognition that working people are critical to every aspect of life in Massachusetts,” Lynch said. “I’m proud to be leading this impressive group of leaders who will make sure that the voices of union members and working people are front and center in policymaking.” “The organized labor community in Massachusetts is strong, innovative and diverse—just like this Labor Advisory Council,” said Aramayo. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as chair and am grateful to Gov. Healey for making this a priority.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:55
