Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Tamaki Corella
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Tamaki Corella of UAW.
Tamaki Corella is from Japan, but she is pure Texas. She has been an active member of UAW Local 276 in Arlington, Texas, working for General Motors. Corella was part of the 2019 strike and walked the picket line to fight for justice.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/04/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Working Families Deserve Access to Unrestricted Health Care
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed this morning that the leaked draft of a majority opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade did come from someone at the court. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released this statement on social media:
“Access to health care without fear and intimidation is every person’s right. We must be able to control our own bodies—which has a direct impact on economic justice and the ability of working people to make a better life for themselves and their families. This leaked draft foreshadows an unstable future for the fundamental rights of Americans.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/04/2022 - 09:37Pro-Union, Pro-Choice: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
A. Philip Randolph Institute:
APRI family and friends! Please find the 51st APRI NEC call letter and registration forms here, and you also can print them from the https://t.co/dv53dlnJ1E website!
Also be aware, rooms are filling up fast so please go to https://t.co/fgBCupYNjA to reserve your room today!! pic.twitter.com/YU1eT9vdiT
Actors' Equity:
Molly Picon was a Yiddish Theater star during the early 1900s. She created the "Schmendrick" character, drawing in large diverse audiences. Her international artivism during WWII led to renaming the NY Second Avenue Theater as the Molly Picon Theater. #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/q8IX4ve0UG
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 4, 2022AFGE:
We're proud to celebrate the diversity of our union. That's why for the first time, our union has an Asian American Pacific Islander constituency group called APOWER: Asian Pacific Organized Workers Empowering Representation. Read more about APOWER→ https://t.co/9p88rmzeYF #1u pic.twitter.com/ZeZxgTVURA
— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 3, 2022AFSCME:
“Regardless of the many difficulties that these essential workers face, they never quit on their communities. We must never quit on them.” – AFSCME President Lee Saunders, in a statement commemorating Public Service Recognition Week #PSRW https://t.co/yW1EPKDdWP
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 2, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
We're suing the state of Georgia, along with @votedotorg and @PrioritiesUSA, to ensure that older Georgians can cast mail-in ballots without having to worry about complicated and arcane rules: https://t.co/GMPm6PkBnk pic.twitter.com/yE48OfqrdQ
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 2, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
This morning, @ATULocal689-Washington, DC bus operators working for the DC Circulator went on strike against contractor RATP Dev in their fight for fair and just contract. Local President Raymond Jackson and our members are standing strong and united on the picket lines. #1u pic.twitter.com/eUy8OCap70
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 3, 2022American Federation of Musicians:
The Local 4 Drum and Flag Corps kept the beat for @SenSherrodBrown @RepTimRyan and @ohioaflcio President Tim Burga at the Ohio Jobs Rally at Black River Landing in Lorain. @ClevelandAFLCIO #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/oenvHnUYzq
— Local 4 AFM (@local4afm) May 2, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
Today is #TeacherAppreciationDay!
We'd like to thank the 214 parent groups, civil rights groups, student groups, religious groups & fellow unions representing more than 10 million people nationwide to say “thank you” to America’s teachers. #TeacherAppreciationDay #ThankATeacher pic.twitter.com/irD7ITBlct
American Postal Workers Union:
Listen to APWU President Mark Dimondstein announce "Building Union Power" - APWU's National Organizing Drive to sign up 5,000 new members over the coming weeks, with more info at https://t.co/YuLf4xQi2R pic.twitter.com/Sa5yFqpuen
— APWU National (@APWUnational) May 2, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
The wage gap for AANHPI women is 75¢ - but some AANHPI women experience giant wage gaps that aren’t visible when we only look at averages. Burmese, Pakistani, and Nepalese women make less than 50% of what white, non-Hispanic men make. #AANHPIEqualPay# NotYourModelMinority pic.twitter.com/AhtWEhGAWP
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) May 3, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
“The Constitutional right affirmed by the Court in 1973 to safe access & the legal right to an abortion was transformational for women’s rights and our jobs…Choice and self-determination are at the foundation of why we formed our union 75 years ago.” 1/3 https://t.co/RYj306alcp
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 4, 2022Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
MAY 2, 2022: You are hereby notified that the 41st Constitutional Convention of the BCTGM will convene in Las Vegas @ 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27th, and conclude on Tuesday, August 2nd.
Get the Convention Call in English and French👉 https://t.co/CSv1GI7Usr | #bctgm2022 pic.twitter.com/qiv63smoU2
Boilermakers:
The two year mark is approaching for #Boilermakers locked out of their jobs at CESSCO. Read the full update: https://t.co/ZOrtehcFvK
We stand with our brothers and sisters at Boilermakers Local Lodge 146 ❤️ #BoilermakersUnion #StandWith146 #UnionStrong #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/sg6xUKeXoK
Bricklayers:
On April 26, the BAC Executive Board attended a wreath laying ceremony in honor of #WorkersMemorialDay at the @USDOL Memorial Garden in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was hosted by Labor Secretary @MartyJWalsh, Congressman @BobbyScott, @OSHA_DOL & @MSHA_DOL pic.twitter.com/B0mKh414RV
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) April 28, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU President Terry Melvin issued a scathing statement today reacting to #SCOTUS #abortion leak. #1u #Leaked pic.twitter.com/hV5NMQgDZI
— CBTU (@CBTU72) May 3, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
The Supreme Court’s draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade is an outrage and an affront to the opinion of the majority of Americans who support a woman’s right to reproductive freedom including a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. -Elise Bryant, CLUW President (1/2) pic.twitter.com/et664ImvBz
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) May 4, 2022Communications Workers of America:
The latest CWA bargaining update just dropped. https://t.co/73rrMr30F0
— CWA (@CWAUnion) May 2, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
We recognize and thank public servants for all that they do! #psrw #PSRW2022 pic.twitter.com/EH0HNYUzL1
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 4, 2022Electrical Workers:
Chicago is home to the 40th International #IBEW convention. And its also one of the greatest union cities in the world. https://t.co/VcRh52wnuN pic.twitter.com/H0vNTfhmGU
— IBEW (@IBEW) May 4, 2022Fire Fighters:
On this #InternationalFireFightersDay, share your appreciation to our fire fighters and paramedics who are on the frontlines. pic.twitter.com/YywQ5j3sJa
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) May 4, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
Natalie could not believe how much her life has changed since joining the Insulators Union. Hear more about her story: https://t.co/2TNy0I8E3N pic.twitter.com/427uWvmYZM
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) May 3, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
Happy #MayDay from IFPTE Local 21 💙
Celebrations of International Workers’ Day, date back over 100 years to the fight for an eight-hour workday. In San Francisco, May 1 has also played host to a rich history of collective action by workers—and this year will be no different! pic.twitter.com/JbcLYYuYxC
Ironworkers:
The latest issue of The Ironworker is out! https://t.co/O8BivbCtja pic.twitter.com/Y3pcD3wjzR
— Ironworkers (@TheIronworkers) May 2, 2022Jobs With Justice:
Make no mistake the forces of oppression are on the rise. Tonight’s news only reflects what we’ve known for too long. We will not stand idly by in this moment—or any other that calls for action. We are in this together and together we can fight for justice.
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) May 3, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Over the weekend, many of our chapters nationwide commemorated May Day, using their voice and rallying behind immigrant workers!
Immigrant workers are essential. They always have been. pic.twitter.com/FVJZvjweg6
Laborers:
Terry O’Sullivan, General President of #LIUNA made the following statement on Public Service Recognition Week. #1U
CLICK TO READ STATEMENT: https://t.co/cJwE4bPtgu pic.twitter.com/OIN074ytOe
Machinists:
The IAM Disaster Relief Program is here for members who may have been affected by the April 30, 2022, tornado that hit Andover, Kansas. If you have been affected, please review the IAM Disaster Relief Guide at https://t.co/9cs0zZGEG0. pic.twitter.com/TU40GMbSWY
— IAMAW District Lodge 70 (@iamawDL70) May 4, 2022Metal Trades Department:
The Metal Trades Dept., cosponsored this maritime jobs rally yesterday in support of the Bartlett Maritime Plan. The event drew notable political and labor officials that support bringing shipping jobs back to the area. https://t.co/GKrZtUjtNC
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) May 3, 2022Mine Workers:
"With the right federal support, America could replace its older coal plants with a new fleet of zero-emissions coal and gas plants that would become a backbone for affordable, reliable, and clean domestic energy going forward."https://t.co/g3EmC00Ouv
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) May 3, 2022Musical Artists:
ONE WEEK TO GO! There is still time to register! AGMA will host a FREE, OPERA-specific webinar focused on union organizing on Mon, May 9, at 8PM ET. All professional singers, dancers, and staging staff in opera in the U.S. are invited! https://t.co/jRkHiiYiZT pic.twitter.com/WgkvJlmnFZ
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 2, 2022National Air Traffic Co
More than 300 air traffic controllers from around the world, including the U.S., Canada, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic gathered on April 5-8, at LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, N.Y., for the 47th International ATC Hockey Tournament.https://t.co/UXQDrfgsst pic.twitter.com/j1NLQqvcgP
— NATCA (@NATCA) May 3, 2022 ntrollers Association:National Association of Letter Carriers:
The #StampOutHunger Food Drive is 1️⃣0️⃣ days away! If you’re a food drive coordinator, be sure to check out the tool kit that has everything you need to prepare for and host a successful food drive on Saturday, May 14. https://t.co/huTuXAFzxX pic.twitter.com/NXktnn4880
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 4, 2022National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
On Workers’ Memorial Day, Immigrants Call on Biden to Turn the Tide on Exploitation and Abuse
“For those who have died… we cannot tolerate the vitriol of xenophobic Republicans or the silence of disingenuous Democrats…” #DALE
Read more: https://t.co/B06LvTC7qN pic.twitter.com/0vbXPWEVAr
National Nurses United:
If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, our patients' health and security will be at risk!
We stand with all child-bearing people fighting restrictions on health services, including the right to reproductive and other family planning services.https://t.co/kte5oXqoNd
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Number 6! Thank you @CityAndStateNY for this recognition of our work! The 2022 Power of Diversity: Asian 100 https://t.co/OqpXrpNkYD via @CityAndStateNY pic.twitter.com/ZyEJuddM48
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) May 2, 2022NWSL Players Association:
The NWSLPA is pleased to announce that the entire CBA is now available on our website! pic.twitter.com/LIjHFhCFLr
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) May 2, 2022NFL Players Association:
We honor the many #AAPI players who have contributed to our game as well as to their communities and culture. 🙌 https://t.co/fAbloYW63z
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 1, 2022North America's Building Trades Unions:
This week is the National #StandDown4Safety! Tomorrow, @CPWR is hosting a webinar on fall protection - register now to reserve your spot. https://t.co/W3UCjfQ5CG
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 2, 2022Office and Professional Employees:
We are proud to stand with a majority of Americans who want #RoeVWade to remain the law of the land. https://t.co/0qQjIdK0TM
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) May 3, 2022Painters and Allied Trades:
Statement on leaked Roe opinion: We will continue to fight for the rights of all of our members and their families to have access to the healthcare they need and to marry who they please. pic.twitter.com/2rdRKiQc0l
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) May 4, 2022Pride At Work:
While the SCOTUS draft is not the final version, it is clear that the right-wing majority intends not only to overturn Roe, but has the Obergefell and Lawrence precedents in its crosshairs as well. We're ready to fight. How about you? @AFLCIO #prochoice #LGBTQ #CivilRights
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) May 3, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
As aviation continues to recover from global pandemic, during PSRW, PASS recognizes extraordinary efforts of workers we represent @FAANews & DoD @MCASCPPA to ensure safety of flying public is never compromised! #PSRW #aviationsafety #federalemployees https://t.co/jUxmvk9Db1 pic.twitter.com/tFNNgGYrGG
— PASS (@PASSNational) May 2, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
This year as we mark #MayDay, we do so amongst a wave of exciting new organizing wins. There has never been a better time to organize with your co-workers and build power on the job. Our May Day call to action: Organize. Fight. Win!
Contact an organizer: https://t.co/XZoh0W0o1t pic.twitter.com/d4LJUrudPB
Roofers and Waterproofers:
It’s day 3 of the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls! Have experts demonstrate how to properly fit, inspect and use personal fall arrest systems, or watch CPWR's webinar on full body harness fit: https://t.co/dg6plHzZM8 #roofersafety365 #StandDown4Safety pic.twitter.com/ZZKH6LFOex
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 4, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Unions and music go hand in hand. Check this out to learn more about music legislation and how SAG-AFTRA is championing more protections for our singers, musicians and recording artists. #sagaftramembers https://t.co/HpbgeGpiHp
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 3, 2022Seafarers:
Virginia Backs Jones Act - Seafarers International Union https://t.co/SEtrFx9i4K #1u #Maritime #JonesAct #Jobs
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) May 3, 2022Solidarity Center:
Ambulance crews in #Ukraine helped evacuate 150+ civilians from Azovstal Steel plant in Mariupol. "The task was very difficult & dangerous, but the members of the union fulfilled it w dignity. They are our heroes"-Oleg Panasenko, Free Trade Union of Medical Workers @CFTUU pic.twitter.com/LzlpXE7QNr
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 4, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
Congratulations to the workers of @PNS_News! You're taking your future into your own hands. Solidarity! https://t.co/cIBqEtuRPp
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 4, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
To kick off the first week of #AAPIHeritageMonth today we lift up @ICGLocal600 Camera Technician, Steve Wong. As a first-generation union member, Wong dedicates his time on set speaking with new #IATSE members about how the union works and how it helps its members. pic.twitter.com/5r7rKpiRVr
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 3, 2022Transport Workers Union:
After a two-year hiatus, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) was back in action. Members from @TWULocal514 @TWULocal591 @twu567 took part. Congrats to all our aviation mechanics!https://t.co/6o0yFtmLhZ pic.twitter.com/t4VtWit3jR
— TWU (@transportworker) May 3, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
We mourn the passing of former U.S. Transportation Secretary and @TransportDems Chair Norm Mineta. He was a strong defender of workers, an early pioneer of intermodal surface transportation policy, and an advocate for well-funded public transit programs. He will be missed. https://t.co/bbWf3YBWsB
— Transportation Trades Department (@TTDAFLCIO) May 4, 2022UAW:
UAW CNHi members struck at noon, May 2, after the company failed to present an agreement that met member demands and needs. https://t.co/Dqmk7Szaay
— UAW (@UAW) May 2, 2022UNITE HERE:
NEW: Senate cafeteria workers have issued a MAY 18 DEADLINE for Senators to take action & support good jobs at the Senate cafeteria.
These workers can't wait to see change. With inflation surging, folks are having to make choices between paying for food, rent, gas, or meds. pic.twitter.com/niOBrPElRw
United Food and Commercial Workers:
On #NationalSkilledTradesDay, we recognize and celebrate the contributions made by all the hardworking members in our union family and the labor movement!
Thank you for all you do! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/R3yvsSv7vE
United Steelworkers:
Don’t miss @APALAnational Labor Gets the Votes: How to Mobilize & Sustain Volunteers zoom training. Learn fundamentals of base-building, identifying new leaders, & skills for volunteer retention. Tomorrow 5/5 @7p.m.-Register here: https://t.co/hHOJ7CB9jB #AAPIHeritageMonth #AAPI
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) May 4, 2022Utility Workers:
When it comes down to it, the boss always seems to have enough time and money to come up with new excuses to avoid investing in workplace safety and providing fair wages 🤔. #UnionBustingIsDisgusting pic.twitter.com/cWf7P0O93V
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) May 3, 2022Working America:
Every worker should have the right to paid sick leave. Have we not learned anything from the past two years while frontline workers were forced to take pay cuts during a global pandemic?https://t.co/0xmtwDfVBt
— Working America | Pass the #PROAct (@WorkingAmerica) April 28, 2022Writers Guild of America, East:
Meet @goodenergystory: a nonprofit creative consultancy that’s unlocking the power of TV and film to inspire courage in the face of climate change. They just launched the new open-source Playbook for Screenwriting in the Age of Climate Change, live now at https://t.co/jh6WwnnpUN!
— Writers Guild of America, East / #PROAct (@WGAEast) May 3, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/03/2022 - 14:03Collective Action to Make Change: 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.
U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Leads Senate Resolution Commemorating Workers’ Memorial Day: “Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a resolution honoring Workers’ Memorial Day, an international holiday commemorating workers who were killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell on the job. Workers’ Memorial Day is observed annually on April 28, the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) going into effect. ‘Workers’ Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of all of the workers who have been lost tragically on the job. They’ve left family and loved ones behind, and we must honor their memories by strengthening safety and health protections,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. ‘There is still work to do to ensure that every worker has the right to go home safe at the end of a shift. We strongly urge the Senate to support this resolution.’”
American Workers Are Still Dying from Injuries on the Job—Here’s Who is Most Impacted: “‘Worker injuries and deaths are still far too common,’ Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO, said in a press conference Tuesday. ‘Every single day, 340 people die because of hazardous working conditions.’”
AFL-CIO on Memorial Day: ‘We Mourn Our Dead by Fighting for the Living’: “Tomorrow, on April 28, 2022, we observe Workers Memorial Day and remember the workers—our family, friends, and neighbors—who we have lost to workplace accidents, injuries or illness. Workers Memorial Day commemorates the anniversary of when the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) became effective. In addition to creating standards for workplace safety, OSHA establishes workplace safety as a fundamental right of every worker.”
Post Office Helping ‘Stamp Out Hunger’: “The 30th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held on May 14. Traditionally held on the second Saturday in May, to participate Derby residents can leave non-perishable donation items in a bag by their mailbox. The letter carriers will pick up the donations and deliver them to a local food bank, with the goal of helping feed the hungry across America.”
Climate Activists to Biden: Stop Stalling, Attack Climate Change: “Unionists ‘are going to help build a clean energy future,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, an Electrical Worker (IBEW) and one of the headliners at the D.C. rally. She specifically declared Biden’s plan calls for unionists to build such climate-combating devices as solar panels and wind turbines. Public transit, not cars, is part of the solution, too, Shuler said. ‘Labor issues and climate issues are two sides of the same coin—and the solution to the climate crisis runs through the union movement.’ It also runs through workers’ lives, she noted.”
Joaquin Castro, Texas AFL-CIO Back Bill To Support Seasonal Workers: “Leonard Aguilar, secretary treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, said the stories of exploitation and violence within the H-2B program were both heartbreaking and infuriating. ‘For far too many workers, these jobs turned into nightmares,’ Aguilar said. ‘Because of the issues that were forced upon them, issues such as wage theft, poor working conditions, exposure to COVID-19, fraud and discrimination, harassment and retaliation.’”
No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen : “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: ‘Collective action now is being seen as the way to make change. I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more organizing efforts—whether it is Starbucks or Amazon, we’ve seen research assistants in the UC system 17,000 rising up, forming their union, Silicon Valley, museums, culture workers, non-profit workers. So I think it is vast and it is just getting started.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/03/2022 - 13:03Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Rosalee Agas-Yuu
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Rosalee Agas-Yuu of OPEIU.
Rosalee Agas-Yuu is a transport nurse at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, flying from Honolulu to the other Hawaiian islands to transport critically ill children and babies. In addition, she is a strong union leader and longtime chief steward at her facility. At OPEIU Local 50, where she is vice president, she plays an integral role in the administration of the local.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/03/2022 - 11:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Take Action to Support AFA-CWA’s Campaign for Safe Uniforms
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Delta Air Lines is about to ground hundreds of flight attendants, just as we head into the busy summer travel season with an already understaffed workforce. Delta is choosing to harm workers and risk unnecessary operational meltdowns in the name of its “new” corporate brand.
In 2018, Delta rolled out a new uniform line. Within weeks, flight attendants began reporting severe adverse reactions like trouble breathing, extreme headaches, painful rashes and hair loss. An independent lab test showed the uniforms had high levels of a toxic chemical.
After flight attendants spoke out, Delta promised “a completely new uniform program” and allowed workers to wear an alternative uniform. But now, management is backtracking on its promise. Workers are being forced to wear a uniform they don’t feel safe in or stay home without a paycheck. Tell Delta management to live up to its promise by providing new uniforms that are safe and healthy:
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/03/2022 - 09:42Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Joy Kimura
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Joy Kimura of the Laborers.
As the director of government affairs and compliance for Hawaii Laborers and Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Joy Kimura advocates on issues such as affordable housing, development and renewable energy. She recently was given the 2021 Women Leader of the Year award by the Organization of Women Leaders Hawaii.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/02/2022 - 11:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Redmond, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council Honor Workers Memorial Day in Pittsburgh
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Union members are gathering throughout the country today to remember those workers we’ve lost on the job. At Market Square in the heart of Pittsburgh, members of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council gathered together in observance of Workers Memorial Day. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Vice President Fred Redmond was among the labor leaders who attended the special event. He delivered the keynote address, saying, “The best way we can honor those we’ve lost—and keep their memories alive—is by having the resolve and determination to make our workplaces safer for us, for our children and grandchildren.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/29/2022 - 11:01Labor’s Great Resurgence
Unions are back.
Or so we hear from observers of recent union victories at Amazon and Starbucks and in hundreds of other workplaces across the country. For those of us who have long fought for working people, the recent triumphs of the labor movement’s David over corporate Goliaths are exciting.
Often overlooked in this historic turning of the tide is Bessemer, Alabama, where a parallel unionization effort at an Amazon facility appeared to go down in defeat.
Yet this vote, still too close to call, demonstrates that collective bargaining is within reach in a harshly anti-union state like Alabama. That fact represents the most notable sign of a widespread “great resurgence” in America's labor movement.
From New York to Bessemer, working people are taking risks for the right to dignity and control over our lives. Our motivations are simple and shared; coming together for decent jobs, health care and the ability to determine our futures.
Winning a union and the power to negotiate is a powerful tool. It's unacceptable that it is so difficult to achieve today. The good news is there is much that can be done to bring more into the movement and to build more effective vehicles to guarantee worker rights.
1. Invite all working people to the movement
Working people are fed up and fired up. We’re sick of bad conditions, bad bosses and the lack of control. The pandemic dramatically ripped the cover off the reality so many Americans already lived every day: our system devalues working people.
That is why we keep seeing people band together for bargaining in all different forms.
Across all types of jobs—front-line essential workers, professional soccer players, stagehands, video game developers—working people are leading ground-up efforts for a better deal. No industry is off-limits.
We are increasingly hopeful, but success means the movement has to grow. Prioritizing inclusivity of industry, experience, and reflecting diversifying workforces made up of women, people of color, and historically marginalized groups.
We have to fight anti-union tactics and dispel stereotypes that unions are only for certain kinds of work. A union starts and ends with people—unions are whatever we want them to be.
2. Prioritize innovation and experimentation
We must embrace experimentation in how we organize and get to the bargaining table.
Amazon Labor Union (ALU) organizers reminded us of critical values. They proved that agility, creativity and community are powerful organizing forces—they are not alone in reshaping the playbook of the modern labor movement.
We see all kinds of examples, from workers negotiating ways to mitigate their company’s carbon footprint to those implementing fairer scheduling in emerging industries. Within the past year alone:
Employees like Nozlee Samadzadeh at The New York Times won their election to form The Times Tech Guild (TNG-CWA Local 31003), the largest union of tech workers with bargaining rights in the country. Samadzadeh and her co-workers, who organized their union as part of CWA's Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA), will bargain for better pay, diversity and equity.
In December 2021, 17,000 academic researchers at University of California institutions organized with the UAW for fair pay, but also to reduce gender inequity, receive paid family leave and protection against discrimination.
Amazon workers in Bessemer are still standing up against a deep-pocketed anti-union campaign in a “right to work” state. The AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions shared expertise and resources for momentum in Bessemer’s second campaign.
3. Work for structural reform
Make no mistake, the courageous workers at Amazon in Bessemer have made progress, but it is not a fair fight.
If Bessemer were in New York, we would be celebrating a second Amazon union. Beyond Amazon’s illegal union-busting tactics and million-dollar consultants, systemic barriers stand in our way. Broken labor laws that have been chipped away at by corporations have made the drive harder. For this movement to scale we need systemic change.
We have the support of a pro-labor administration and a fair National Labor Relations Board enforcing labor laws. Now, we need to elect pro-worker candidates to pass good legislation and revamp laws that tip the scales for real people.
What’s next?
The entire union movement is buoyed by the win in Staten Island, New York. We will be here to encourage and support ALU workers in every way possible as they prepare for contract negotiations. At the AFL-CIO, our role is not to get in the way of people’s movements, as some corporate critics would have you believe, but to support them with additional resources, tools and expertise.
Around the country, working people are connected by a hunger for change and incredible courage. We need to band together to translate it into a sustainable voice on the job, safer workplaces and better livelihoods.
Our time is now to deliver fairness, dignity and prosperity to all working people. Together we can make sure this is the first of many more Amazon Labor Unions.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/28/2022 - 12:09Workers Memorial Day: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
In the past 24 hours, every legislative office has received 159 letters from Alaskans in support of HB 220. #akleg
Let's keep that ball rolling!
ALL public employees deserve a quality retirement. Please take action today and help support HB 220! https://t.co/ZdupDWc4Xo
Arizona AFL-CIO:
An overwhelming majority of Americans support @amazonlabor's goal to seek "union representation in order to have job security, better pay, and safer working conditions.” https://t.co/ZnfqZTH26o #UnionStrong
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 19, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
#MayDay is in 4⃣ days!!
International Workers’ Day is a global celebration of working peoples' achievements, Below are some of the actions unions are hosting.
Spread the word! Add your event in the comments!
Let's celebrate across California!https://t.co/ptiLPevOki
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Starbucks workers vote UNION in Colorado! @SBWorkersUnited #1u #solidarity pic.twitter.com/bsSR4FLS9D
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 23, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Today is #WorkersMemorialDay, where the labor movement remembers workers killed or injured on the job and renews the fight for strong safety and health protections.
Livestream the ceremony at 12:00pm --> https://t.co/5suYtwL5yH pic.twitter.com/8Am6JAb39C
Florida AFL-CIO:
This #WorkersMemorialDay, America's labor movement remembers the workers we have lost. Florida AFL-CIO members discussed the importance of this day with WMNF in Tampa: https://t.co/eqP8RBLZC0
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 28, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🚨 BREAKING: Today the Georgia AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions endorsed @senatorjen for Attorney General, @boddieforga for Labor Commissioner and @BeeForGeorgia for Secretary of State at a press conference held outside the IBEW Local 613 offices in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/L26SFwqIqa
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 27, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
The Illinois AFL-CIO met with affiliates on April 21 for COPE endorsements in the Primary Election. See the complete list at our website https://t.co/1WDYAwTM4U
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 22, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Show your solidarity. Contribute to the strike fund 👇🏼 https://t.co/COwESYlXtF
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 26, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/dQUvSHpPha Thanks to @MachinistsUnion @UnionPlus @SEIU #1u #1ulatinx
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) April 28, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Thank you @SpeakerFecteau for your leadership & determination to ensure future generations of workers understand their rights, the value of their labor and our proud history of collective struggles to achieve the American Dream. https://t.co/KWrjxvAtEe #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 22, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO unequivocally supports the efforts of workers everywhere to form a union.
Support the work of the State House Employee Union below #1u #mapoli https://t.co/gpMUgEXcy9 pic.twitter.com/sXa8veoEGK
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Thank you @CityOfWestland Mayor Wild for honorin those we've lost this #WorkersMemorialDay @WestlandMayor #Solidarity https://t.co/QsyjG1dyx5
— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) April 28, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
In memoir, United Hospital nurse reflects on experiences in COVID ICU https://t.co/P96tQDyCbV (via @unionadvocate) #1u @mnnurses pic.twitter.com/qVzVvhF5WH
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 27, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
Congrats to Dr. John Gaal, for being honored with the PreventEd’s 2022 Pioneer Award for his work in the field of substance use disorders! https://t.co/UbqoTbqKPh
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 28, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
A big win for nurses and their patients in Dillon as workers continue to fight for their communities across the state. #mtnews #UnionStrong @MTnurses https://t.co/0eaQFRPwHc
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 21, 2022Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
From the front lines of building a clean energy future - one that supports workers AND protects the planet. #earthday #1u pic.twitter.com/IXQdN1xoFp
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) April 22, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO announces statewide candidate endorsements for the 2022 Primary Election! #NVCOPE pic.twitter.com/vdRhieheuR
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 27, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
No one should lose their lives making their living. We remember all of our brothers & sisters who lost their lives and commit ourselves to not losing any others. @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @Ibew490 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTNewHampshire pic.twitter.com/7A5JrKtsd7
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 28, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
We commemorate #WorkersMemorialDay by mourning our dead and fighting for the living.
Read our Op-Ed here: https://t.co/E74XtMWRtx pic.twitter.com/T40kY2XTam
New York State AFL-CIO:
Today is Workers Memorial Day, a day we pay tribute to those who have died, been injured or made sick on the job. Here's a statement from our President, Mario Cilento, on the continued fight for workplace safety: https://t.co/B49XahGl6d
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 28, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Our #WorkersMemorialDay service has come to a close. We stand in solidarity with all working people & we know that we have the power to make the world a better and safer place #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 28, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
A message from #Ohio @AFLCIO President Tim Burga on #WorkersMemorialDay:https://t.co/OI1L8x2f7o
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 28, 2022Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Today is Workers' Memorial Day.
45 Oklahoma lives were lost Jan 2021 - Jan 2022.
We honor their memory today in our Virtual Vigil Event.
Please join us at 10am CST to view this year's Workers' Memorial Day Commemoration. https://t.co/whQMeYRYTn pic.twitter.com/l6tq72Cndr
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Ballots will start being mailed tomorrow for the May 17 Primary Election! #ORPol pic.twitter.com/PswMFqxaO9
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 27, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
New @LaborVisionRI episode! Host, Autumn Guillotte, sits down with David Molina-Herandez from @Fuerza_Laboral to talk about their work with the labor and cooperative movement.
Watch here: https://t.co/km7HJkeaEk pic.twitter.com/S7YmnJABzG
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
As we mark Workers Memorial Day, we join with our entire labor family across the country in recommitting ourselves to the fight for safe workplaces for each and every worker. #WorkersMemorialDay #1u pic.twitter.com/OAdpKbeviE
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 28, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
“People still have to work two or three jobs to make ends meet; that hasn’t changed.“If [Rep. Cuellar] really is quite as powerful as he says, we probably would have had solutions a long time ago, but things haven’t changed for us here in South Texas." – @JCisnerosTX #1u https://t.co/WuHEfQxbIY
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 27, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Workers world-wide are rallying on #InternationalWorkersDay this Sunday! Celebrate May Day by joining marches in Mt. Vernon and Seattle in solidarity with farmworkers, immigrants, and all working people fighting for justice. Details at https://t.co/glKbTHFjEs #1u pic.twitter.com/yKA7xVeBBt
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 27, 2022West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“In 2021, 15 West Virginians lost their lives while on the job. They were first responders, public safety officers, coal miners, and machine operators, and they should have returned home safely to their loved ones.” Join us Thursday: https://t.co/MdMHxkrUiS
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) April 27, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 28, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/28/2022 - 11:42Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Slam Rail Carriers’ Recent Offer
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Rail union members have worked tirelessly to bring our nation through the pandemic. However, for more than two years, they have been stuck at the bargaining table fighting for a fair contract with America’s largest rail carriers that are raking in record profits because of their hard work. The unions that make up the Coordinated Bargaining Coalition (CBC) unanimously rejected the carriers’ recent short-term offer of a $600 maximum payment per worker, calling it “somewhere between a loan and a pay day advance” because it’s contingent on the terms of the complete contract settlement. The unions said carriers are refusing to bargain in good faith and have asked for the National Mediation Board to offer arbitration.
Together, the CBC unions represent more than 105,000 railroad workers across the country, including members of the following AFL-CIO affiliates: the Train Dispatchers (ATDA); the Railroad Signalmen (BRS); the Machinists (IAM); the Boilermakers (IBB); the Electrical Workers (IBEW); the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division-TCU/IAM; the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD); the TCU/IAM; and the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/28/2022 - 09:39Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NATCA Inspires the Next Generation of Air Traffic Controllers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) continued its commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and sparking students’ interest in the air traffic control profession when it provided a simulator lab at two Philadelphia-area high schools. Using an innovative, multitouch interface, students were able to listen, control and learn how to safely navigate aircraft as a controller.
“I love doing these events,” said NATCA President Rich Santa (pictured above, standing). “The students are very interested and eager to learn. They asked about our professions, and many of them are considering STEM fields as their careers after high school. The team we had also did a fantastic job working with the students and teaching them about the National Airspace System.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/27/2022 - 09:24Mourn the Dead and Fight for the Living: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Stage Managers are the eyes and ears of every production. Equity SMs can refer to this page in the member portal for the most up-to-date information to help their shows run smoothly.https://t.co/c6lrxKjBYq pic.twitter.com/kuPOOqrMDV
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 27, 2022AFGE:
AFGE recently applauded OPM’s guidance encouraging agencies to collectively bargain with federal employee unions, so it's troubling to hear that OPM leadership is not addressing the workplace concerns of our members.https://t.co/D2m8R1xxob
— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 27, 2022AFSCME:
Nancy Abudu has extraordinary skills as a voting rights lawyer. Now she's President Biden's nominee for the 11th Circuit Court. She's a historic choice. If confirmed, she would be the 1st Black woman to serve on this court. #ConfirmAbudu
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 27, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
Wages have stagnated for far too long, and diminished wages = reduced savings for retirement.
Tell President Biden to take action to fix that by signing our petition: https://t.co/2fyZxTxIAy https://t.co/eReqxcpgaQ
Amalgamated Transit Union:
We wish our Greyhound member a quick recovery and demand better protection for our members amidst the continuing violence and crime on Greyhound and transit systems across North America. https://t.co/hEYF4piJ2A #NotOneMore
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 27, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
The stress of working through COVID has also had an impact on the mental health of healthcare workers, with many reporting depression, anxiety, & PTSD. As we celebrate #WorkersMemorialDay this week, we thank healthcare workers & redouble our efforts to keep them safe on the job. pic.twitter.com/MHUmP7Sv52
— AFT (@AFTunion) April 26, 2022American Postal Workers Union:
“It’s you. You do what we do as postal workers - bind the people together. Made sure they had their products during a tragic pandemic. You should be very proud of what you do, for the people that you serve. You’ve earned your fair share!” - APWU President Mark Dimondstein. pic.twitter.com/jv3wv38ERs
— APWU National (@APWUnational) April 25, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
One year ago, a gunman murdered eight people, including four Sikhs, at an Indianapolis FedEx facility. We remember those we lost and urge authorities to always critically examine bias motivation when acts of mass violence harm marginalized communities. https://t.co/n9VBFParHe pic.twitter.com/DnOAqiUF0j
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) April 15, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Yay @ALPAPilots! Proud to celebrate #WorldPilotsDay with our partners on the flight deck! https://t.co/sCiMybiBw3
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 26, 2022Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Unionizing is hard, worthy work. It has a way of bringing us together even when we ultimately “lose.”
Listen to this 35-minute recap with Hershey BCTGM supporters NOW 👉 https://t.co/6XTEvUNVg7#bctgmvoices #hersheyunionyes #laborradiopod #1u pic.twitter.com/4ADhvGWcpL
Boilermakers:
Thanks to active and retired #Boilermakers from L-359 (Vancouver, British Columbia) a 1917 “Farquhar” steam traction engine is back in business. Read more: https://t.co/lfLfuqeKbe#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/PqihLg2gcN
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 27, 2022Bricklayers:
This Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28), let’s “mourn the dead and fight for the living,” by joining brothers and sisters across the country as we remember those we have lost and demand safer workplaces for all. Find and attend an event near you: https://t.co/4PKvqkLEqk pic.twitter.com/YLB2xnQaxJ
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) April 27, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU is with @amazonlabor 24/7 https://t.co/p3CJS1T4l3
— CBTU (@CBTU72) April 25, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
You’re invited to spend an afternoon honoring and celebrating the life of Helen Ramirez-Odell. Register by May 5: https://t.co/jbh4SHJZLp pic.twitter.com/04c0Whc3O8
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) April 23, 2022Communications Workers of America:
Jesse Mason was fired from Verizon Wireless for organizing a union. Listen to what he had to say about it in Seattle last weekend.
We, the working class, will not be intimidated by this retaliation. All workers deserve a union. pic.twitter.com/6GhUGkBkoV
Department for Professional Employees:
Are you ready to join together with your coworkers to create a better workplace? Contact us about joining together in union: https://t.co/OtfDPQu5yP pic.twitter.com/DmngKcDgAy
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 25, 2022Electrical Workers:
Less than half of residential construction in middle West Virginia is done union. This #IBEW local is looking to change that. https://t.co/ZNyUNXcPV3
— IBEW (@IBEW) April 27, 2022Fire Fighters:
The 4th District Partnership Education Program (PEP) event is underway in Morgantown, West Virginia. 4th District Vice President @akpantelis is leading a two-day educational event to help #IAFF members build their union and leadership skills. pic.twitter.com/Zjx6PGM8wS
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) April 26, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
Is being an Insulator a job for you? If you want to receive great pay, quality health insurance and work in an amazing environment, becoming a union Insulator might be for you. We are looking to recruit new members today! https://t.co/P521LpQk1D pic.twitter.com/4jArbD8Fxa
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 27, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Newark Council 21 Takes Their Fight to the City Council https://t.co/GnMw9UiKpj
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 22, 2022International Labor Communications Association:
You love to see it! https://t.co/VaOi0cv4BK
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) April 25, 2022Ironworkers:
Ironworkers Local 384 💪 🔥 https://t.co/W2jHMddZ0w
— Ironworkers (@TheIronworkers) April 26, 2022Jobs With Justice:
#TheFutureWeNeed: Organize for a Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century is available now! Get your own guide to organizing a better democracy in the twenty-first century. https://t.co/i6wRJCKq17
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 19, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Today we joined 100+ organizations urging Congress to not continue the Title 42 policy, which lacks any public health justification https://t.co/0Cz7oHS5bf
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 26, 2022Laborers:
#ProtectLIUNAPay by supporting the Dept of Labor's historic update to protect & strengthen Davis-Bacon #prevailingwages. These changes will protect Laborers’ wages, and ensure union contractors have a fair shot. Go to https://t.co/jeP6VUbmEO pic.twitter.com/ASqlIBBKNH
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 19, 2022Machinists:
The IAM is pleased to announce the appointment of President and Directing Business Representative of IAM Local 1943, Neil Douglas, as @IAMAW_EastTerr Special Representative.https://t.co/w5OZv36Qnj
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 27, 2022Metal Trades Department:
American workers and their families should be a priority. No one should have to comprise their health for the sake of a paycheck. #BuildingABetterAmerica https://t.co/B0aadyp6CZ
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 27, 2022Mine Workers:
End this strike! Provide for the workers that pulled you out of bankruptcy and made you profitable! #WarriorMetsWrong#EveryoneWantsToKnow https://t.co/yuwfveUDYE
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 25, 2022Musical Artists:
AGMA MEMBERS: Have you completed AGMA’s census yet? There is 1 week left to add your voice! Your participation in this historic census will help your union improve the working lives of all members. https://t.co/OGVVKdvq1V pic.twitter.com/H3CeaR1TIo
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 27, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The Global Air Traffic Controllers Alliance recently held a meeting in London. NATCA President Rich Santa and former NATCA president and current Alliance Vice President Paul Rinaldi represented our Union at this meeting.https://t.co/FyESd1Weac pic.twitter.com/w4fiF51dvi
— NATCA (@NATCA) April 27, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
How can you participate in the #StampOutHunger Food Drive on May 14? It's simple! Leave a bag of nonperishable food next to your mailbox on May 14, and your letter carrier will handle the rest. https://t.co/O1KRMVMvgV pic.twitter.com/8oq1WyZrRn
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 26, 2022National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
#BREAKING: Workers and families with @WorkersDignity marching to downtown Nashville, TN to protest deaths of workers, and demand respect and accountability!
A day b4 #WorkersMemorialDay, powerful testimonies of workers and families. #IWMD22 #DALE #HonrandoALosCaidos pic.twitter.com/Vt0h91Lk5p
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We LOVE to see it! 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏿
https://t.co/8UqbmkyTDg
National Nurses United:
After eight months of stalled contract bargaining, RNs at @MaineMed take action to highlight concerns about nurse retention, patient safety, and #SafeStaffing.
It's past time for Maine Med to give us the fair union contract we deserve! Read more: https://t.co/ewE5LKGhDU pic.twitter.com/HBGB2TgtNW
NWSL Players Association:
🗣🗣🗣 “It’s time to truly, measurably bet on women.” @kagawacolas #WeAreBG https://t.co/cIZP3GJMUC
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) April 27, 2022NFL Players Association:
Four players, each on a unique journey to reach their goals. @MarkqueseB, @ChaseGarbers, @JoshuaRoss_12 & @vavaeee star in the @Fanatics original documentary “Determined" – releasing this Wednesday the 27th: https://t.co/Nd0amoonL0. pic.twitter.com/1P4KueLEPX
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 26, 2022North America's Building Trades Unions:
Child care is the biggest barrier to entry for working parents in our industry.
We need to create flexible, safe, and reliable child care options that are suitable to every worker. #SolveChildCare
🔗: https://t.co/LhAcVUTnEB pic.twitter.com/93Gg6uwn1u
Office and Professional Employees:
Our entire union family is standing in solidarity with @IFESUnion in their fight for recognition from @IFES1987.
The people have spoken. They want a union. #UnionStrong ✊💪 https://t.co/N7THDeJFhf
Painters and Allied Trades:
"Being an IUPAT member changed my life for the better in more ways financially than I ever thought possible. Show up early, stay steady, take pride in your work, & always remain teachable!”- @IUPAT_DC35 sister Jennifer Correia Dillon pic.twitter.com/tgTLVJQCNy
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 27, 2022Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Quality child care is often out of reach for families. Parent’s need Congress to #SolveChildCare so that they know their children are safe when they are at work. https://t.co/QxvyCL9UFZ pic.twitter.com/M5T3BU0TYg
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 27, 2022Pride At Work:
@PrideatWork celebrates #LesbianVisibilityDay with all of our members, our labor siblings, and the entire LGBTQ+ Community! @AFLCIO @CLUWNational @APRI_National @CBTU @APALAnational @unionveterans @LCLAA
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) April 26, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Today @PASSprezdc Dave Spero & Sec-Treasurer Carlos Aguirre met with Acting Administrator @FAA_Billy to discuss important issues for frontline workers PASS represents: staffing levels, training, resources, 5G, diversity & inclusion efforts & more #aviationsafety #publicservice pic.twitter.com/Kru05Syg5u
— PASS (@PASSNational) April 26, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Thanks @NationalCOSH for naming @Amazon one of America’s Dirty Dozen unsafe employers. As Amazon workers fighting for a union have bravely shared, Amazon’s unsafe working conditions are unacceptable. Workers deserve a safe workplace. Full report: https://t.co/rXZ5E5KHcn #WorkedUp pic.twitter.com/A7DWCZqZn4
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 27, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Next week is the annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Set aside time next week to raise awareness, provide training and save a life. We want every worker to come home at the end of the day. Visit https://t.co/EIjzuMHJCa #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/NrtgTA12lj
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 26, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Learn everything you need to know about the latest features and gains of the new 2022 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contracts in our new podcast episode. Go here to listen: https://t.co/vyZhaKtf0u pic.twitter.com/TqGrITjTST
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 22, 2022Solidarity Center:
Nazma Akter @Awaj_fdn says w/o paid sick leave, garment workers in #Bangladesh have no choice but to go to work when sick so they can get paid and support their families.https://t.co/w4A7CmFHlQ@FashionRev @NoSweatCo @BoF
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 27, 2022TCU/IAM:
🚨🚨TCU Vice President Matt Hollis is about to testify before the STB on how workforce issues have impacted rail service. Tune in! https://t.co/o8vLrZVJ4N cc: @TTDAFLCIO @MachinistsUnion
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) April 27, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
“Consolidation is killing local news,” says NewsGuild Pres Jon Schleuss. We will continue to fight consolidation and we call on the federal government to toughen merger standards.https://t.co/mMU9WwQRcc
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 27, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
Help hair and makeup workers take a stand against @TheAtlantaOpera's cynical attempts to deny them the dignity and benefits of a union. RSVP here for the rally: https://t.co/hUzmUgX2QO
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 27, 2022Transport Workers Union:
The Railroad Division is at the Beech Grove Shop today, visiting the inaugural class of Coach Cleaners training to become Carmen. Railroad Divison Director John Feltz and International Rep Brian DeLucia gave a presentation on the fighting TWU's history. #TWURailroadDivision pic.twitter.com/72FoV9e3Tp
— TWU (@transportworker) April 27, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
🌞 Good morning to the Surface Transportation Board and only the Surface Transportation Board.
Tune into Day 2 of the public hearing on urgent rail service challenges: https://t.co/AkiNAmtoQQ https://t.co/HvdPigPW6Y
UAW:
April is Arab American Heritage Month and the UAW celebrates all of our Arab American members. Mike Beydoun is a second generation UAW member and president of Michigan APALA. #APALA #AAHM pic.twitter.com/ujuSgEVXE3
— UAW (@UAW) April 27, 2022Union Veterans Council:
The @DeptVetAffairs are adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposures.
Via @DeptVetAffairs: https://t.co/et31alqW1g
UNITE HERE:
Let's go!!! 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/0S81pkRkyc
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 27, 2022United Food and Commercial Workers:
ICYMI: @UnitedUfcw held its 2022 Educational Conference bringing together hundreds of members and allies from across North America to engage in conversations around issues impacting Latinx workers.
Click here to view the highlights: https://t.co/EaG9QFa7kY
#1u #1uLatinx pic.twitter.com/WzuWpA4jaM
United Steelworkers:
Steelworkers helping steelworkers in #Ukraine. Please give if you can: https://t.co/LKyboI7W7S #1u pic.twitter.com/HJt8RByKep
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) April 27, 2022United Students Against Sweatshops:
When @Nike supplier Hong Seng Knitting lost orders due to COVID, they used threats & intimidation to steal $600,000 in wages from garment workers sewing university apparel. USAS demands major Nike schools like @UofAlabama @GonzagaU @UCLA take action now! https://t.co/mcDmRM2m6k
— USAS (@USAS) April 20, 2022Utility Workers:
Please join us in observing a moment of silence at the start of your shift to remember workers around the world who have died on the job. #WorkersMemorialDay
Learn more about how you can help honor workers in your community: https://t.co/UB707E69Xu pic.twitter.com/91IXbkNH6A
Working America:
#EveryoneWantsToKnow How #WarriorMetCoal executives were able to receive massive bonuses right before the #UMWA strike, but refused to compensate miners for their work? pic.twitter.com/zV0rSIekeH
— Working America | Pass the #PROAct (@WorkingAmerica) April 26, 2022Writers Guild of America, East:
Join us on April 28 at 7pm ET for our second Town Hall to discuss proposed changes to the WGAE constitution. #NextChapter
This event is only open to current Guild members.
RSVP and Information here ⬇️https://t.co/JhZfDXd3Me
16 Things You Need to Know from the 2022 Death on the Job Report
This 2022 edition of Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect marks the 31st year the AFL-CIO has produced a report on the state of safety and health protections for America’s workers. This report features national and state information on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, as well as the workplace safety inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. It also includes information on the state of mine safety and health and the state of worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are 16 key things you need to know from the 2022 Death on the Job report:
1. Every day, 340 workers died from hazardous workplaces.
2. More than 4,700 workers were killed on the job.
3. An estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases.
4. The fatality rate in the workplace was 3.4 per 100,000 workers.
5. Latino and Black workers face a greater risking of dying on the job than the workforce as a whole. The Latino rate was 4.5 per 100,000 workers, a 15% increase over the past decade. The Black worker rate was 3.5 per 100,000 workers.
6. Older workers were at high risk, with more than one-third of workplace fatalities occurring among workers ages 55 and older.
7. Nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses were reported in 2020.
8. Musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 1 in 5 of all workers who reported workplace injuries or illnesses, more than any other type of injury or illness.
9. The true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is significantly larger than what is reported, totaling between 5.4 million and 8.1 million annually.
10. The cost of on-the-job injuries and illnesses is estimated to be between $176 billion and $352 billion.
11. The states with the highest fatality rates were: Wyoming, Alaska, South Dakota, North Dakota and West Virginia.
12. The industries with the highest fatality rates were: agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, transportation, warehousing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, construction, and wholesale trade.
13. Workplaces are a primary source of COVID-19 outbreaks.
14. More than 700 workers were killed through workplace violence and overall violent incidents that led to lost-time injuries surpassing 27,000 incidents.
15. The number of inspectors working for the Occupational Safety and Health Act is near its lowest number since it was created more than 50 years ago. There are just over 1,700 inspectors for 10.4 million workplace.
16. Penalties for violations are still too weak, with the average penalty for a serious violation was only $4,460 for federal cases and $2,421 for state plans. Only 115 worker death cases have been criminally prosecuted under the OSH Act since 1970.
Read the full Death on the Job report.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/26/2022 - 13:14Tags: OSHA
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Home All Alone: NNU Fights Industry’s Plans for Hospital Care at Home
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Registered nurses have a legal and moral obligation to always advocate for the best interests of their patients. That is why National Nurses United (NNU) is strongly opposed to the hospital industry’s plans to maximize revenue by limiting opportunities for nurses to care for patients in a hospital setting, instead sending patients home to be remotely monitored by technology. Hospital executives are trying to exploit the trend toward telehealth that has accelerated during the pandemic, which threatens to widen the racial health care gap. Watch NNU’s video and learn more.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/26/2022 - 10:37America Is Unionizing: 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.
Amazon Faces New Activism From Pension Funds in New York Over Worker Safety: “A group of New York city and state pension funds that collectively own more than $5 billion of Amazon.com Inc. stock are urging fellow shareholders to vote against re-election of two board members for what the institutions say are failures to adequately protect worker safety. New York City’s pension fund, which represents the teachers, police department, fire department and other unions, has paired up with New York state’s pension fund and the office of the Illinois state treasurer to vote against the re-election of Amazon directors Daniel Huttenlocher and Judith McGrath. The two directors sit on a committee on Amazon’s board that oversees leadership development.”
The What, When and Why of Workers’ Memorial Day: Things to Know and Remember This April 28: “In 2019, 5,333 workers lost their lives on the job as a result of traumatic injuries, an increase from 2018, according to fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number dropped in 2020 by 10.7%, likely a direct correlation to the pandemic, in which fewer workers were on a physical job site. ‘Employers have made incredible strides in creating safer workplaces, investing and innovating to protect their people. But the zero injury goal remains elusive, especially for high-risk industries,’ said Michelle Kerr, national workers’ compensation editor for Risk & Insurance and National Comp conference chair.”
From Amazon to Starbucks, America Is Unionizing. Will Politics Catch Up?: “‘This is about being able to control your own destiny, to be able to shape the workplace that you would like to see, to be able to come together and leverage and have more power. And in fact, this is a watershed moment. The system, as we know, isn’t working for people. And it’s been broken for a long time well before the pandemic. But the pandemic shone a light on just how many things are broken and the fact that people did make sacrifices to get us through and worked on the front lines and put their health at risk. And now they’re fed up, and they’re fired up.’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.”
AFL-CIO Data Finds Young Workers Support Collective Action: “‘Young people are taking risks, are saying enough is enough because they've borne the brunt of what's been happening in the economy,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said at an event announcing the survey. ‘As they've grown into the workforce, they've experienced nothing but wage depression, wage stagnation.’”
Democratic Party Weighs Banning its Consultants from Anti-Union Activity: “‘We appreciate the Democratic Party committees’ decision to amend their contract and RFP processes in light of reporting that GSG had been working for Amazon as they sought to defeat the recent organizing drive,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. ‘By amending their contracts and RFP processes to exclude firms actively working with clients who seek to prevent or limit working people’s basic rights to act collectively or otherwise act against their interests as union members, the committees demonstrate their commitment to democracy and shared prosperity.’”
Madison County Federation Will Host Workers Memorial Day Program April 28: “The Greater Madison County Federation of Labor will hold its annual Workers Memorial Day ceremony on Thursday, April 28, at Gordon Moore Park in Alton. The event will begin at 7 p.m. April 28 is recognized nationally by the AFL-CIO to honor workers killed or injured on the job. As in past years, weather will determine if the event will be at the landscaped, outdoor memorial site along the park road or at the indoor pavilion just up the road. “Hopefully we’ll have some good weather and we can actually do it at the memorial site, where the wall and the statue are,’ Federation President B. Dean Webb said.”
Hospitality Worker Union Wants Hotels to Bring Back More Employees Full Time: “As tourism continues to recover in Hawaiʻi, the state’s largest hospitality worker union is demanding hotels bring more of their employees back full time. Unite Here! Local 5 members rallied in Waikiki last week calling for hotels to bring back employees to their former positions. The union argues that hotel occupancy and the average daily room rates have risen dramatically in recent months. However, amenities, such as daily room cleanings and room service, haven’t returned. Local 5 treasurer Eric Gill says this is preventing thousands of workers from returning full time.”
Actors' Equity Association Calls on Congress to Restore Tax Fairness for Performing Artists: “‘I am grateful for the leadership of Representatives Chu and Buchanan who have helped us build a strong coalition in the House, and Senators Warner and Hagerty, who are building support in the Senate,’ said Kate Shindle, president of Actors' Equity Association. ‘Actors, stage managers and our colleagues are still hurting from COVID. Although unemployment in the live performing arts is still more than double pre-pandemic levels, the cost of looking for work has not gone away; in many cases, it has increased. With a record number of supporters and cosponsors for PATPA, there is no better time for Congress to pass this legislation and restore tax fairness for middle-class arts workers across the country.’”
Biden, Harris Pro-Worker Actions: Federal Neutrality, OSHA to Tackle High Heat Threat: “That cheered Everett Kelley, president of the Government Employees, the largest union for federal workers. It represents some 700,000 workers, including free-loaders. ‘Working people everywhere should have the right to join together in a union and advocate for better working conditions at their place of employment without fear of retaliation or reprisal–and this White House gets it,’ Kelley said in a statement. ‘Today’s action by the Biden administration will further the federal government’s goal of being a model employer,’ Kelley continued. Through the moves Biden announced, ‘The White House is sending a powerful message to employers everywhere that efforts to interfere with union elections and workers’ union rights should not be tolerated.’ Harris announced a major Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiative. Speaking in Philadelphia’s Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 hall, she said OSHA would target 70 high heat hazard industries both outdoors and indoors for its National Emphasis Program. That program of nationwide workplace inspections concentrates on the worst industries and highest hazards. Her announcement drew applause.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/26/2022 - 09:40Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Demand Justice for Seasonal Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar (UA, pictured above) joined a press conference earlier today with Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas and Judy Chu of California to announce the introduction of the Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act. Last year, the number of workers in the H-2B visa system hit a record high of 132,000, and as H-2B visas increase, so does the urgency of reforming the system to better protect all workers.
The Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act will create a new framework for the H-2B temporary guest worker visa program to prevent discrimination and displacement, elevate labor standards, respond to real labor market needs, end captive employment, respect family unity, ensure access to justice, and afford immigrant workers a path to citizenship. Read the statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and watch the press conference here.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/25/2022 - 09:34Workers First: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Senators @SenShelby @SenTuberville your constituency in west central Alabama needs your help and support. #WorkersFirstAgenda #1U pic.twitter.com/aAfhESL9qe
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 13, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
Historically, Alaska has some of the highest rates of on-the-job mortality and injury.
Please join us next Thursday as we commemorate Workers' Memorial Day and strive to organize and create safer working conditions for all. #1u pic.twitter.com/pecC4FqL1e
Arizona AFL-CIO:
An overwhelming majority of Americans support @amazonlabor's goal to seek "union representation in order to have job security, better pay, and safer working conditions.” https://t.co/ZnfqZTH26o #UnionStrong
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 19, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Workers shouldn't be spied on by their employers. It's time we restore workers’ rights to privacy, at work and outside the workplace!
Thank you @Ash_Kalra for supporting workers standing together for our privacy rights!#AB1651 #WorkerPrivacyNowhttps://t.co/2W1iffHa6V
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
STARTING NOW: Sen. @Gary4CT leads the debate on SB 163, which would protect workers seeking to form a union from coercive captive audience meetings. Watch live --> https://t.co/UJecDmjHnN pic.twitter.com/xlcjX7IavE
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Florida AFL-CIO:
“If you vote for this you are voting for revenge governance and the most brutal form of cancel culture, and once again voting to pick up tab for legal challenges,” said Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, of the bills."https://t.co/GYHS2n4PAh
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
It’s time to end the racial disparities for marijuana in Iowa and join many other states in legalizing recreational cannabis consumption! #Iowa #HIGHowa #IALegis
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Rally today at 12pm! https://t.co/tjwHXHPpGw
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) April 20, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
25-year old Oliver Bianchi has just been elected President of the Hampden Professional Firefighters. We spoke to him about his passion for supporting his brothers & sisters both on the Fire Dept & in the broader labor movement!https://t.co/oLKXmbNjdf
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Thank you, Maryland General Assembly, for overriding the Governor’s veto of this important bill for workers and their families! https://t.co/KjEIJQ8QeJ
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) April 9, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO unequivocally supports the efforts of workers everywhere to form a union.
Support the work of the State House Employee Union below #1u #mapoli https://t.co/gpMUgEXcy9 pic.twitter.com/sXa8veoEGK
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
It's Time to Pay Frontline Workers https://t.co/PuG0LELP14 Sign the petition urging Senate Majority Leader @jeremyrmiller to support and pass frontline worker pay for all of Minnesota's essential workers! #1u #mnleg #MakeItRight
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
⚽ ✊ FIFA is selecting the cities across the U.S. that will host the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Sign the petition today and tell FIFA we won’t accept the horrendous conditions and human rights violations tied to previous World Cup tournaments. https://t.co/dAe5XjZ1zA
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the new union nurses at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare! https://t.co/jP8QMXokQj
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 15, 2022Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
Rest in Peace former Nebraska Rep. Ashford, you will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/wwrwOFUP7l
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) April 20, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
We stand in solidarity with the Las Vegas @SpiritAFA in their fight against contract violations, empty promises, and unsafe working conditions by @SpiritAirlines!
How can we expect flight attendants to protect passengers in the air when they themselves aren’t being protected? pic.twitter.com/yh927ETlv2
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Coalition Wednesday! First, meeting with our Moral Economy allies, now the NH Faith & Labor Coalition! These days are a constant reminder that time spent planning in solidarity with our allies is crucial to our success.@AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @Ibew490 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH pic.twitter.com/Cnjw2IXcjh
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 20, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @UFCW Local 360 for successfully organizing cannabis retailer Cannabist in Deptford Township.
The 15 Patient Specialists, or "Budtenders," voted 14 to 1 in favor of joining Local 360 in today's ballot election.
✅ Union Yes! pic.twitter.com/D9xXoLEUjm
New York State AFL-CIO:
We love to see it! #FruitStandWorkersUnited https://t.co/xHVGQSrDZC
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 19, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
"We are proud to support candidates who are willing to stand alongside us and fight for higher wages, safer working conditions, and stronger labor rights." -@marybemcmillan #1u #ncpol https://t.co/hCPbDkaU6G
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://t.co/BNCgnh1snM
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 15, 2022Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
CWA needs your help!
Local 6016 seeks support to create change & bring awareness to the plight of their Union family at the AT&T retail store in Norman!
4-23 @1pm
1444 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK
Help Fight Against - unjust terminations, safety issues & disparity in compensation! pic.twitter.com/jzhVVxX2B9
Oregon AFL-CIO:
We’re proud to stand in solidarity with @OregonNurses at Providence! #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/MXWKVIbkwF
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 21, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Time to make wage theft a felony ✊⚖️ https://t.co/QK29Ao5R8Q
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 21, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
🚨ACTION ALERT! SB 2383/HB 2397 requires that some taxpayer-funded projects use products that are "Made in America" whenever possible. Click below to send a pre-written message to your lawmakers asking them to vote YES on SB 2383/HB 2397 ⬇️#1u https://t.co/dJ5Dk0uTNi
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 18, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Congrats to @workersdefense and our other labor allies for this groundbreaking victory in Harris County.
Essential workers deserve essential pay and equitable treatment. https://t.co/FMIlfjRTv7
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Starbucks workers at 5 Richmond area stores today who won their union! @SBWorkersUnited
Organizing for union representation takes courage & today, worker voices have been heard! Virginia is for Unions and we're so proud! #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/G5dGuxXvam
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
🎉 Congratulations to @VzwUnion workers on this massive win! This is worker power in action. https://t.co/aTn48Z0RjB
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 15, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
We Support Nurses Who Are Calling for a Union Voice for Safe, Quality Care at UW Health - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/v8ac6weNsZ
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 21, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/22/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Celebrates 4/20 with Organizing Wins
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Wednesday was 4/20, the informal holiday for celebrating all things cannabis. And for some new members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), it was also a day to celebrate their rights as union members in America’s growing cannabis industry. The union continued its organizing winning streak, adding new members in New Jersey, Missouri and Michigan.
Workers (pictured above with New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech [IUOE]) at a cannabis store in Deptford, New Jersey, overwhelmingly voted to form a union with UFCW Local 360. Also on Monday, workers at a recreational cannabis facility in Battle Creek became the first such group to gain union representation in western Michigan by becoming members of UFCW Local 951. And earlier this month, workers at a medical cannabis dispensary in St. Louis voted to form the first such union in the state with UFCW Local 655.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/22/2022 - 09:30Value Our Work: Worker Wins
Despite the challenges of organizing during a deadly pandemic, working people across the country (and beyond) continue organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. This edition begins with:
Consumer Reports Guild Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract: More than 250 workers at Consumer Reports voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract. The workers are members of the Consumer Reports Guild, which has been affiliated with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) for more than 70 years. The new contract includes: guaranteed wage increases of 14.2% over the life of the contract, a $3,000 ratification bonus, up to 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay, creation of a joint labor-management Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, expanded use of paid sick leave and more. “I’m extremely proud of the bargaining committee and the support that our Guild colleagues have given us during two often acrimonious years of bargaining,” said Richard Handel, unit chair at Consumer Reports. “From the start, we fought back against management’s retrogressive proposals and piddly wage offers. As a result, I’m happy to say we got to a good contract. We can’t wait for all our union colleagues to benefit from the strong policies they’ve collectively fought so hard to win.”
IAM Members at Cummins Secure Pay Raises After Nearly Two Months on Strike: After a strike that lasted nearly two months, workers at Cummins locations in New England have achieved the guaranteed pay raises they fought for. After management attempted to implement inconsistent and subjective pay-for-performance rules, the Machinists (IAM) Local 447 members went on strike. They built solidarity with allies, and organized a rally that attracted numerous community organizations and leaders. “Our members at Cummins held strong to get a contract that values their hard work and will make life better for themselves and their families,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “We want to express our sincere thank you to the New England community and elected officials for their unwavering support.” In addition to guaranteed pay raises over the next three years, the new agreement includes more paid holidays, discretionary leave, increased on-call pay and other benefits.
MIT Library Support Staff Ratify First Contract with AFSCME: Library support staff workers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are integral to the work of the university and the success of students. But these workers said they felt invisible at the institution, so they worked with AFSCME to form a union. Now they have ratified their first contract. “A lot of this started in mid-2018,” recalls library associate Lara Day. “There was a lot of continuous distrust from our management. We’d sometimes have a chance for feedback, but rarely anything came from it. We’d put our voices out there but there were no changes. Or, we’d say things and management would do the complete opposite.” In addition to a voice on the job, the support staff were focused on wages, particularly the pay inequities between White male staffers and everyone else. They knew that the best way to address these problems was to join a union. They were right, and the new contract addresses the support staff’s concerns well enough that it was approved unanimously.
UFCW Members in Alaska Secure Better Wages and Benefits in New Contract: More than 1,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) who work at Carrs in Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska, ratified a new three-year contract on March 4. The new agreement includes significant pay increases, improved upward mobility and earning potential, better paid sick leave, increased access to dental and vision coverage, and improved workplace safety. “Members of UFCW Local 1496 voted unanimously to approve an industry-leading contract that is among the most competitive for food and commercial workers in the state of Alaska,” said Local 1496 President Frank Mutchie. “This agreement, which was secured after 10 months of negotiations, ensures workers will receive first day paid sick leave, receive fair pay and wage increases, and have access to affordable, quality health care. The negotiated wage increases means that over the next 18 months, many of our members will earn 17 percent raises, some even higher. This agreement also reduces the length of wage progressions, increasing the upward mobility and earning potential of our members. Furthermore, this contract gives us a real say in scheduling and workplace safety conditions.”
Stater Bros. Grocery Workers in California Ratify a New Contract: On April 9, over 13,000 members of UFCW locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167 and 1428 who work at some 170 Stater Bros. stores in Southern California ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits, provides guaranteed minimum work hours and protects pensions. The deal was reached after months of negotiations and active participation by tens of thousands of California’s essential grocery workers. “After more than two years of risking their lives to serve California’s communities as essential workers, the members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other, and secured one of the most historic contracts in California labor history,” the UFCW locals said in a joint statement. “This contract is a concrete and direct result of their tireless work.”
San Mateo Nurses Secure Numerous Gains in New Contract: Nurses working for San Mateo County ratified a new contract that includes better pay, more input on protections against COVID-19 and other diseases and improved protections against harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Nearly 95% of the registered nurses, members of the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), vote to ratify the contract. “The nurses are thrilled to have secured this unprecedented contract,” said Margarita Harrington, a surgical clinic charge nurse and bargaining team member. “The improvements included in this contract are important to retain and recruit experienced nurses. We know this, in turn, greatly benefits our patients and our community.”
Workers at Parcast Ratify First Union Contract: Members of the Parcast Union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America, East, (WGAE) unanimously ratified their first contract on Monday. Parcast is a popular storytelling podcast production company owned by Spotify. The workers’ new collective bargaining agreement provides significant wage increases, career development and workplace safety provisions, and binding commitments to enhance the company’s diversity, inclusion and equity. “It was a long road, with 15 months of bargaining, to get this deal,” the union’s bargaining committee said. “We’re very happy with the terms of our new Union contract, which we all fought together to achieve. Our unit demonstrated amazing solidarity, all the way to the point of signing a strike pledge, and we’re pleased to be able to move forward together into the next chapter of our effort.”
St. Louis Cannabis Workers Become First to Unionize in the State: Workers at a medical marijuana dispensary in St. Louis voted to join the UFCW, becoming the first cannabis-industry workers in the the state to unionize. The workers at the Root 66 dispensary voted unanimously to become members of UFCW Local 655. “Cannabis workers across the country are voting to join a union because they know it’s the best way to secure good wages and benefits on the job,” said David Cook, president of Local 655. “Workers need economic security and fair treatment in the workplace, and cannabis workers are no different,” he said. “We are committed to helping cannabis workers across Missouri.”
IAM Reaches Industry-Leading Tentative Agreement at Southwest Airlines: Some 7,000 union members at Southwest Airlines will vote on a contract that delivers industry-leading job protections and pay scales, as well as improved mandatory overtime rules. The IAM represents Southwest Airlines’ customer service employees, and its negotiating committee unanimously recommended a “yes” vote for the tentative agreement. Members will decide whether to ratify the four-year tentative agreement in the coming weeks. “Our members should be proud to have stood strong for a contract they deserve,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM chief of staff to the international president. “Thanks to this negotiating committee and the solidarity of our membership, we were able to secure a much stronger tentative agreement that will benefit our members at Southwest Airlines, their families and communities.”
Members of RWDSU-UFCW Win Historic Wage Increases in Contract with Kellogg: On Monday night, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 184-L ratified a new contract containing unprecedented wage increases for workers at Kellogg in Kansas City, Kansas. The new agreement, which covers approximately 570 workers who produce Cheez-It brand snack crackers, brings a 15.5% wage increase over the course of the three-year contract, with an additional $500 bonus for workers in the third year. “These wage increases will help us better provide for our families and improve the quality of our lives. And it’s not just our pay; improved benefits and protected health care with low premiums is what we need and deserve right now,” said Larry Smith, president of RWDSU-UFCW Local 184-L and a worker at Kellogg’s Kansas City plant.
Workers at Condé Nast Request Voluntary Recognition to Form Union: More than 500 workers at iconic magazine publisher Condé Nast delivered a petition to management Tuesday requesting voluntary recognition to form a union with The NewsGuild of New York-CWA. Condé Nast publishes highly regarded titles such as Vanity Fair, Vogue and Bon Appétit. “It comes down to prestige doesn’t pay the bills,” Vanity Fair web producer Jaime Archer told The Washington Post. “We love working here, and we want to keep working here.…If Condé wants to attract the best talent in the business, they have to stop relying on prestige and provide equitable pay and benefits.”
TWU Members at Kalitta Air Secure Their First Contract: Last week, workers at Kalitta Air ratified their first contract as members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The bargaining unit of flight dispatchers voted 87% in favor of their tentative agreement with the cargo air carrier. TWU International President John Samuelsen congratulated his members on their new collective bargaining agreement and said: “Organizing drives aren’t complete until workers win the massively important first contract. A winning drive is nothing but an empty shell absent a winning first contract.”
Minneapolis Educators Ratify Groundbreaking Contract: After nearly three weeks on strike, the courageous members of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Professionals (MFT), AFT-NEA Local 59, have won their fight for safe and stable schools. MFT members voted this past weekend to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Minneapolis Public Schools. The new contract will provide living wages for educational support professionals, retain educators of color and increase mental health support for students all while reducing class sizes and caseloads. Greta Callahan, president of the MFT teachers chapter, said, “We will return to our schools on Monday more united with our students, our communities and each other.”
Google Fiber Contract Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union with CWA: In a sweeping victory for workers who overcame a relentless anti-union campaign from their employer, a group of Google Fiber contractors in Kansas City, Missouri, overwhelmingly won their union election this afternoon. This is the first officially recognized bargaining unit to be formed with Alphabet Workers Union-CWA (AWU-CWA) Local 1400, an affiliate of CODE-CWA. Alphabet—the parent company of Google—is a multitrillion-dollar corporation that heavily relies on contract workers to rake in massive profits. With this groundbreaking win, these workers are now the first to form a union at Google Fiber. “Today, we are elated to see the [National Labor Relations Board] reaffirm what we have already known—that we enjoy overwhelming support for our union as the workers of BDS Connected Solutions, a Google Fiber subcontractor,” said Eris Derickson, a retail associate at BDS Connected Solutions and Google Fiber. “It was always clear to all of us that together we can positively shape our working conditions to ensure we all have access to the quality pay, benefits and protections we have earned.”
AFSCME Member Activism Wins in Florida Legislative Session: The Florida legislative session drew to a close on Monday. For AFSCME Florida Council 79 members, it was the end of a frustrating yet ultimately successful session. Thanks to nonstop grassroots activism, AFSCME members fought off one of the most aggressive anti-union measures proposed in recent history. Additionally, in what would be the largest budget in state history, legislators released $112.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year that, thanks to the union’s lobbying efforts, includes more than $1 billion in pay raises for state workers and contractors. Vicki Hall (pictured above, front row center), president of AFSCME Florida and international vice president of AFSCME, said: “We applaud the leadership of both the House and Senate for historic increases for the state workers who provide the vital, essential services our communities need. State workers need both living wages to lift families out of poverty and enhanced compensation for professionals whose pay has not kept pace with comparable private-sector counterparts.”
LIUNA Secures Strong Apprenticeship Requirements in St. Louis: Members of the Laborers (LIUNA) in St. Louis County, Missouri, have won legislation upgrading apprenticeship requirements on projects valued at more than $75,000, helping to ensure top-notch training, quality construction and new opportunities for workers. The Missouri Kansas Laborers’ District Council celebrated its victory and tweeted: “St. Louis County Bill #8 is a big win for union workers. Our apprenticeship program is world class. Our union apprenticeship program ensures top-notch training that helps keep workers safe. And our craftsmanship saves tax-payer dollars!”
Workers at Nava PBC Form Largest Union in Civic Tech: Workers at Nava PBC made history on Friday, winning voluntary recognition to form the biggest union of civic technology workers in America. Last month, they requested a formal card-check process for their new bargaining unit, Nava United, which was organized by the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Tech Workers Union Local 1010. As these new union members head to the bargaining table, senior infrastructure engineer Sean Fern said: “Everyone asks, ‘What are our demands in building a union?’ And yes, this is about improving our conditions at work—like pay and [paid time off]—but the longer we’ve been organizing, the more I’ve realized this isn’t about any particular demand. We’re doing this to get a say in how company policy evolves in the coming years. We’re doing this to improve how both tech and government contracting industries treat workers.”
New York Times Tech Workers Form Largest Tech Union in the U.S.: New York Times tech workers voted overwhelmingly to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The 600-member unit is now the largest group unionized tech workers at one workplace in the country. The New York Times Tech Guild is pursuing five key goals during their first contract negotiations: improved pay (including equity for women and people of color), affordable health care plans, opportunities for career growth, access to remote work and more inclusive policies such as annually publishing the company's diversity statistics and improving efforts to hire, promote and retain workers of color. The workers overcame what they describe as relentless union-busting methods from the Times. The National Labor Relations Board filed a formal complaint against the company's tactics in December.
Denver ATU Workers Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement: Members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1001 have agreed to a three-year contract with the Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colorado. The new contract raises wages more than 25% over the life of the contract. “ATU 1001 is pleased with the outcome of our contract negotiations with RTD,” said Lance Logenbohn, president of ATU Local 1001. “The bargaining was conducted in good faith, and many significant improvements were made in wages and working conditions. Under General Manager Debra Johnson’s guidance, the district demonstrated a commitment to its union employees and their well-being that is sure to contribute to our mutual goal of the success of the agency.” In addition to wage increases, the new agreement includes improved retirement benefits, a modified work week, vacation flexibility and more.
Center for American Progress Union Union Members Approve New Contract: Members of the Center for American Progress (CAP) Union voted to ratify a new contract that raises salaries and other agreements. This is the third contract for the workers at CAP since they joined the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) in 2016. “We are extremely excited to have reached an agreement with CAP management that reflects the priorities of our members. This wouldn’t have been possible without the solidarity of our members throughout these negotiations,” said CAP Union President Marissa Alayna Navarro. In addition to pay raises, the contract improves workplace transparency, increases equity, improves the review process, provides for severance pay, limits overtime work, encourages internal hiring and other benefits.
REI SoHo Workers Become First Unionized REI Store in the U.S.: More than 85% of workers at the REI Co-Op at Lafayette Street in Manhattan, New York, voted to join the RWDSU-UFCW. This location becomes the first REI location in the U.S. to unionize. Workers say they faced a union-busting campaign similar to what Amazon workers faced in Bessemer, Alabama. “I am proud to be here in this moment with my coworkers at REI SoHo as a part of this new wave of unionization efforts that is sweeping the nation,” stated Claire Chang, a member of the REI SoHo Organizing Committee. “As members of the RWDSU, we know we will be able to harness our collective strength to advocate for a more equitable, safe, and enriching work environment. A union is necessary for many of us to achieve more stability and security in our lives which could allow for us to explore and play more outside of work! As green vests, we believe ‘a life outdoors is a life well lived’ and in order for that to be viable and accessible to us, we need to be at the bargaining table alongside REI leadership to work out a collective bargaining agreement that works for us. Hence, we’re hopeful that REI meets us in good faith during negotiations for our first contract, while keeping our co-op values in mind and applying them to workers, so we can all demonstrate that we really do go further... together!”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/21/2022 - 11:00Tags: Organizing
