Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Addiction Services Program Helps Machinists Get Clean and Sober
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.
Vinny Ceraso has been a Machinists (IAM) member since 1993, but in 2019 he took on an important new challenge when he was put in charge of IAM’s Addiction Services program. The program is free to IAM members and their families and has helped nearly 150 people find the resources they need in just two years.
“We don’t provide any direct services. We provide options,” Ceraso explained. “Immediately I listen and do an evaluation. Then it’s time to find them a treatment place. It doesn’t matter where you live, I am going to match you with the best facility for you, because everyone’s recovery is unique. It probably won’t be the one down the block from where you live.”
The program’s success is a natural result of Ceraso’s approach to the issue of addiction. “Anyone can treat you for drugs and alcohol, but can they treat you for the underlying issue? That’s what gives the Machinist Union such a high rate of success.” Ceraso’s approach is particularly successful at preventing relapses. “The average relapse rate in this country is about 78% or so in the first year, which is ridiculous. If you go out three years, 92% or 93% of people are going to relapse. But if you go through the Machinists, it’s about 2% or 3%. Not because of me, but because we are being very specific about where we send people.”
Ceraso said that bargaining units can include language in contracts to direct members to the program. “At the start of 2020, before the world changed due to COVID-19, we put together a one-page contract insert that I encourage any bargaining unit to consider,” said Ceraso. “Not only does it explain the program to members and the company, but it offers a way to protect the person seeking help, without the fear of discipline, if they call us.”
The success of the program astounds him, Ceraso said. “Every single day, I wake up proud of this program because every day I know that the union, which employs me, had the consciousness of making this help available to its membership. And every single day, I get to help our members get healthy and stay alive.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/24/2021 - 08:42Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Pride Month Profiles: Keturah Johnson
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Keturah Johnson.
Keturah Johnson has been a flight attendant at Piedmont Airlines for four years, previously working on the ramp. Now, she leads the fight for a new contract at Piedmont, where flight attendants have gone far too long without a raise. Johnson currently serves as president of Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) Local 61.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/23/2021 - 09:24Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey AFL-CIO Launches Virtual Picket Line in Support of Metropolitan Opera 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.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, led by President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE), has launched a first-of-its-kind virtual picket line in support of workers at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, who are locked out by management. In December, the workers, members of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), rejected a demand from management that all workers take a 30% pay cut. Management also imposed work-rule changes unrelated to the pandemic. Other unions also were locked out as well, and singers, stagehands, set builders and lighting and sound techs, and more found themselves without a job during a global pandemic.
The labor movement, from New York and beyond, has shown our solidarity with the Met Opera workers. New Jersey, for instance, launched a virtual picket line, where anyone can participate and show support. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself with a pro-IATSE sign (download signs from the virtual picket line website) and then submit the photo. Once the picture is processed, it will appear on the digital picket line screen in front of the Metropolitan Opera building. Join the virtual picket line today!
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/23/2021 - 08:29Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Rallies for Union Organizer/Teacher
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 San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council recently organized a rally in support of Jared Hutchins (CTA), a teacher and union organizer who was fired by High Tech High.
In late April, some 400 educators at the High Tech High charter school network filed for union recognition with the California Public Employment Relations Board as High Tech Education Collective (HTEC), becoming the newest members of the California Teachers Association family.
With 16 schools on four campuses and more than 6,000 K–12 students, High Tech High is the largest operator of charter schools in San Diego County.
A virtual rally on Zoom garnered nearly 50 supporters for Jared Hutchins. Hutchins said, “I fought and was fighting for teachers to have an equal voice at the table. It was because I was unapologetic about my purpose of bringing anti-racist practices into our schools.”
The California Teachers Association filed an unfair labor practice charge against the High Tech High charter school network for firing Hutchins, who has been helping to organize a union throughout the network.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/22/2021 - 08:32Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Pride Month Profiles: Stan Kiino
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Stan Kiino.
Stan Kiino originally began his career as a flight attendant at Pan Am and then joined United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) in 1986. Kiino fought for domestic partner benefits in San Francisco while at United in the '90s. He continues his advocacy today through AFA-CWA, Pride At Work, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and various labor councils.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/22/2021 - 08:32Working People Across the Country Celebrate Junteenth
It was a long time coming, but President Joe Biden signed the document that finally made Juneteenth a federal holiday. The newly-recognized holiday honors Black joy, Black resilience and Black power and reminds us that the struggle for equality that so many have fought and died for is an ongoing movement and much work remains to be done.
Working people across the country came together to celebrate Juneteenth and declare proudly that Black Lives Matter. Here are the words, events and actions from those honoring Juneteenth in it's first year as an official federal holiday:
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
Today’s historic signing by @POTUS making #Juneteenth a federal holiday is a recognition of Black power and a reflection of America’s ongoing journey to tell our nation’s story. pic.twitter.com/DQ6C9dpt8d
— Richard Trumka (@RichardTrumka) June 17, 2021AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler:
On this day in 1865, enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. 156 years later we celebrate #Juneteenth and reaffirm labor’s fight to uproot systemic racism and white supremacy. pic.twitter.com/obZRuyZYFr
— Liz Shuler (@lizshuler) June 19, 2021A. Philip Randolph Institute:
Tomorrow is day 2!! pic.twitter.com/CAxVswLyt0
— APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) June 18, 2021Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Happy #JuneTeenth2021 pic.twitter.com/TqXzhTHXGt
— CBTU (@CBTU72) June 19, 2021Actor's Equity:
We know that theatre professionals thrive on collaboration, and we can put that spirit to work creating a more just industry together. To that end, we have an always-growing collection of resources to help our colleagues navigate their inclusion journeys.https://t.co/8fcGKnVTQB pic.twitter.com/8OfToEpvau
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) June 20, 2021AFSCME:
As we celebrate the end of slavery & African American history & culture, we must remember racial justice & economic justice are intertwined. Through efforts to defeat things like "right-to-work" laws, we can equalize the playing field & demand a just & fair future for us all. pic.twitter.com/wObSAsqjmZ
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 18, 2021AFSCME Council 4:
The Council 4 Civil Rights Committee honored a Tuskegee Airman and Buffalo Soldier by presenting plaques to their local family members. The movie may have been rained out but the Juneteenth celebration continued on with dancing, food & fellowship. #JuneTeenth2021 pic.twitter.com/ZCLlgtznOy
— Council 4 AFSCME (@AFSCMECT4) June 19, 2021AFGE:
The labor movement knows firsthand the economic disparities that persist for Black Americans in our workplaces. We must be a voice for all who live and work in these United States and to say out loud the names of those who were taken from us by racist violence. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/1JM6lTnb7h
— AFGE (@AFGENational) June 19, 2021Amalgamated Transit Union:
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 19, 2021American Federation of Musicians:
Today the nation celebrates Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in ??.
Celebrate Freedom! BLM ✊? ? pic.twitter.com/HBS6fX6oDR
American Federation of Teachers (AFT):
In this @sharemylesson collection, learn more about why June 19, 1865, is the date we recognize and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. #Juneteenth https://t.co/aRFTGLE0lX pic.twitter.com/kJNEQISZ3N
— AFT (@AFTunion) June 19, 2021AFT President Randi Weingarten:
The @AFTunion's new campaign, “Stamping Out Racism and Hate,” is distributing hundreds of free books about the history of racism and how it affects our lives today. Read more about our partnership with @FirstBook & @NAACP. https://t.co/UZYGnOPAO8
— Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) June 19, 2021American Postal Workers Union:
Update on #JuneTeenth & postal workers: Since our original article was posted, postal management issued a statement from USPS Headquarters that is an indication that this issue will be positively resolved in the future. https://t.co/L6ZELFq21E
— APWU National (@APWUnational) June 18, 2021Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Today, June 19, marks the 156th anniversary of #JuneTeenth, otherwise known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, marking the freeing of the last enslaved Black people in the United States. pic.twitter.com/zZYiSHdrtc
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 19, 2021BCTGM:
#juneteenth #1u #racialjustice #freedomday #jubileeday #liberationday #emancipationday pic.twitter.com/srusxzU0E8
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) June 19, 2021Communications Workers of America:
Happening now: CWA's Juneteenth Celebration!
Join us and be part of the working people's movement for racial justice.
Watch live on Facebook: https://t.co/iNrmq96GD7 pic.twitter.com/dbL6ttQsFX
Fire Fighters:
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) June 18, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Applauds Recognition of #Juneteenth National Independence Day as Federal Holiday #1u https://t.co/OP72BE0YhR
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) June 18, 2021Ironworkers:
#juneteenth pic.twitter.com/WioCfMKWYn
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) June 20, 2021Laborers:
"The broad bipartisan support for Juneteenth in Congress is both commendable & reassuring...#LIUNA urges lawmakers to be equally clear-eyed & open to policy solutions to address the sins of the present..."
More: https://t.co/wRbWkUMsaG pic.twitter.com/roZaCwghLb
Machinists:
America celebrates Juneteeth which is now a new Federal holiday. @MachinistsUnion pic.twitter.com/RauuoaDWoK
— IAM District 141 (@IAMDistrict141) June 19, 2021Mine Workers:
"Let us not only take today but every day to remember how far we still need to go in order for our nation and those who live in it to truly recognize and respect each other as equals." - UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts https://t.co/z8IV4J5sxf
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) June 18, 2021Musical Artists:
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. To honor this day beyond a hashtag, AGMA will recommit to exploring the ways our union can better support Black Artists, and the ways in which racism can be unlearned and dismantled in our industries. Full message: https://t.co/5aD6Wuu1Ye pic.twitter.com/kzQPuvUITP
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) June 18, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
In solidarity, NATCA stands with other labor unions and civil rights groups in celebrating the decision to recognize Juneteenth Independence Day as a national holiday. On Juneteenth 2021, NATCA joins in calling for an end to systemic bigotry, discrimination, and racial injustice. pic.twitter.com/VjFM0s8D7z
— NATCA (@NATCA) June 19, 2021National Nurses United:
Happy #Juneteenth!
In the spirit of nurse abolitionist Harriet Tubman, it's a beautiful day to reflect on ? lessons from the movement to abolish slavery, what they mean for the ongoing struggle for freedom, and #nurses' fight to build a society based on care.
?1/5 pic.twitter.com/lOnxfso1Dy
NFL Players:
ICYMI: We had an excellent discussion on the history behind #Juneteenth with @tafromga, @bscarlett17, @zbnfl & James Crawford from @consciouskidlib. Listen in ⬇️ https://t.co/9GTYxqp3V2
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 19, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
None of us are free until all of us are free both inside and outside the workplace. The struggle for freedom for Black Americans continues. #Juneteenth pic.twitter.com/tHeM40qJW1
— IUPAT | Pass the PRO Act! (@GoIUPAT) June 19, 2021Plasterers and Cement Masons:
#OPCMIA congratulates @potus & Congress for making Juneteenth a federal holiday. We recommit ourselves to doing everything in our power to end the wage, wealth & opportunity disparities keeping Black people from equality 156 years after the 1st Juneteenth. https://t.co/ad8Q3ZO2HP
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) June 19, 2021UAW:
Tomorrow is Juneteenth, an annual celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth and be on the lookout for more posts from the UAW tomorrow: https://t.co/vvEx3PJXiY
— UAW (@UAW) June 18, 2021UNITE HERE:
?️? FIRED UP! Ready to go!
UNITE HERE Freedom Riders representing Locals from across the US together in NOLA for the @BlackVotersMtr pre-launch of the #FreedomRide2021.
Bc WE are the workers & POC who will be the most impacted by these anti-voter laws if we don’t fight back! pic.twitter.com/CsjBNGVf6t
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Today, we observe the first national #Juneteenth Independence Day & commemorate emancipation from slavery.
UFCW stands in solidarity with black communities across our nation as we reaffirm our commitment to end systemic racism.#1u #UnionStronghttps://t.co/64G9oCmux6
Utility Workers:
Today is #Juneteenth, an annual celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
As union members we must continue to fight against racism, and recognize that the fight for Black lives is linked to building the working-class power we need.#Juneteenth2021 pic.twitter.com/YZFlqasN0z
California Labor Federation:
Today, we celebrate liberation and honor the sacrifices & contributions Black Americans have made to the labor movement.#Juneteenth.#FreedomDay.#JubileeDay.#EmancipationDay.
On this day in 1865, all Americans became free from slavery. Yet the struggle for equality continues. pic.twitter.com/w6tE4jHSsI
Gulf Coast (Texas) AFL-CIO:
On this #Juneteenth, Texas is ground zero in the fight for American democracy. And only by engaging in an honest reckoning with our past can we win that fight and open the door to a new era of racial justice #1uhttps://t.co/69knVULqDE
— Gulf Coast AFL-CIO | Pass the PRO Act! (@gcaflcio) June 19, 2021Iowa AFL-CIO:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/fkyD1X5wwP Thanks to @APWUnational @CWAUnion @UAW #juneteenth #fathersday
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) June 19, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
#Juneteenth is a day of profound meaning to Black workers, as it should be to all working people who enjoy and defend the freedom to live our own lives, speak with our own voices and enjoy the fruits of our labor. pic.twitter.com/kWRu1hXoAy
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 19, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
Making sure our elections are fair and safe across the nation is not something that we can wait around on. America needs the Senate to pass both the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) and S1, the #ForthePeople Act! https://t.co/gsSCRtAlaz
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) June 17, 2021Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is a reflection of Black power and America’s ongoing journey to tell our nation’s story.
On Juneteenth, and every day, the labor movement must unite to boldly declare and demonstrate Black Lives Matter to tell that story. ✊?✊? pic.twitter.com/2anzuj1RBk
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
On June 19, we commemorate the official freeing of the last enslaved Black people in the United States. The original #Juneteenth celebrations happened on the Texas Gulf Coast, which is the childhood home of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/LJ6m2eR1W4
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) June 19, 2021Jobs With Justice:
Tomorrow is #JuneTeenth2021, the anniversary of Black liberation from slavery in the US.
But remember: In 2021, Black workers are *still* fighting for liberation from discriminatory + retaliatory bosses.
We're fighting for real workplace protections -- to be #PROActProud ✊? 1/ pic.twitter.com/KhjdsMnWLc
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
A day for celebration and a reminder that while change is slow, change is still possible! ✊?✊?✊?#Juneteenth #FreedomDay pic.twitter.com/ugc8dpAtkr
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 19, 2021North America's Building Trades Unions:
Today is #Juneteenth2021! This marks the first year that this holiday is recognized federally.
Interested in learning more about the meaning behind Juneteenth? Check out this informative @NPR article: https://t.co/GVqZa8Slkn
Union Veterans Council:
Today and every day, the Union Veterans Council stands with Black Americans against racism and discrimination. #Juneteenth #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jje2OR70nN
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) June 19, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/21/2021 - 16:30Tags: bla
Pride Month Profiles: Robyn Schultz
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Robyn Schultz.
Robyn Schultz has a dynamic personality and is always organizing to make the union, workplace and community better. She is the newly elected president of the Milwaukee chapter of Pride At Work. Schultz has been a member of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) for decades and has worked as a stagehand, staff electrician and lighting director. About the union, Schultz said: "My affiliation with IATSE goes back decades and continues to serve as a solid platform for ongoing professional development. In addition to the predictable array of work I get to do with them, I have the honor of being elected to the vice presidency of Local 18, and the distinction of being appointed as the examiner for the Electrics Department. I continue to support the work, the cause and the belief that together we can do more."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/21/2021 - 09:34Tags: pride
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Get on the Bus: UNITE HERE Joins Freedom Rides with Black Voters Matter
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On the 60th anniversary of the 1961 Freedom Rides from Washington, D.C., through the South, UNITE HERE will join Black Voters Matter in the Freedom Ride for Voting Rights. As voter suppression laws targeting people of color sweep the nation, this multiracial coalition will conduct a voter outreach campaign to protect the freedom to vote. Launching on June 18, over 1,500 hospitality workers and allies from more than 15 cities across the country will travel by bus to the nation’s capital for a major mobilization on June 26 and stop in key cities for events along the way. The coalition is demanding that the U.S. Senate pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
“UNITE HERE hospitality workers made huge sacrifices to get out the vote and take back our country for the people. We won’t stand by and let racist voter suppression laws move us backward,” said D. Taylor, international president of UNITE HERE. “We are committed to protect our democracy so that it is representative for all people, not just a privileged few.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/21/2021 - 08:28Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Pride Month Profiles: Ginger Hemingway
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Ginger Hemingway.
Ginger Hemingway has been a worker and LGBTQ+ advocate for decades. She has countered hatred and bigotry throughout her life and continues to give her time as a retiree to AFGE to advance AFGE Pride and local chapters. She has been a member of AFGE Local 2433 for more than 35 years. She has been married to her wife, Linda Savard, since 2014.
Hemingway said:
My Union Membership has provided me a platform to speak out for all my LGBTQIA siblings. It taught me I was not alone. In the early years Pride At Work was a voice for those who were afraid to speak out. When I came out at work, I was able to be a safe place for others. My Union membership gave me courage. Courage to step out because I knew I was not alone. I was part of a family that cared and had my back.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/18/2021 - 08:56Pride Month Profiles: Brittany Anderson
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Brittany Anderson.
Andrews, an organizer with the Machinists (IAM), spoke to the union difference for LGBTQ+ workers:
Even with the June 2020 Supreme Court victory finally making workplace discrimination against LGBTQ workers illegal across the entire country, the strongest workplace protection for queer workers is still a union. Being union gives us a voice in the collective bargaining process, meaning we can spell out exactly what we need to be safe and respected at our shop. Nothing beats the power and solidarity of union siblings standing together.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/17/2021 - 13:55ILO and Its Role in Building an Inclusive and Just Future for All Workers
Today, President Biden became the second sitting U.S. president to address the International Labor Conference in Geneva, the yearly global meeting that brings together unions, employers and governments to develop and adopt international labor standards. The mission of the International Labor Organization (ILO) is to promote social justice and internationally recognized labor and human rights, based on the founding principle that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. Biden’s speech underscores this administration’s commitment to a multilateral approach to building a global economic agenda shaped by workers and rooted in the protection of workers’ rights.
Biden’s speech comes at a time of deep global economic, social and environmental crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed how the system exploits workers, whether we are front-line workers in grocery stores or health care centers or supply chain workers sewing clothing in factories. Before the pandemic, millions of workers worked for low pay, worked informally or were hired through nonstandard forms of employment.
Economic, racial and gender inequality continue to grow and global unemployment is expected to grow to 205 million people in 2022, greatly surpassing the level of 187 million in 2019. Child labor increased for the first time in two decades to 161 million. Cases of reported gender-based violence and harassment increased during the pandemic. More than half of the world’s workers do not have a single social protection and millions of working families face growing insecurity as their communities face the impacts of climate change.
The president’s participation at the conference reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing the many challenges facing the global community by building collective responses through multilateralism and policies that deliver decent work and protect rights for all workers. In the current global economic model, government and corporations continue to profit off of forced labor, egregious worker rights violations, weak health and safety protections, and environmental degradation. The ILO plays a critical role in the international community through challenging corporate-driven globalization and shaping the frameworks needed to rebuild a resilient global economy with high standards for all workers.
The speeches and policy commitments made at international fora like the International Labor Conference must be translated into real commitments by government and employers to build a new social contract for all workers that will guarantee decent work, worker rights and social protection. This new contract is critical to rebuilding workers' trust in democracy. The pandemic underscores the need to recognize occupational health and safety as a fundamental right, along with freedom of association, collective bargaining, nondiscrimination, and protections against forced and child labor. The right to strike must be protected as a cornerstone of workers’ freedom of association. From delivery drivers to warehouse workers to garment workers, the right to strike is a powerful tool used before and during the pandemic that allows workers to protect ourselves from the virus and improve our working conditions.
Throughout its history, unions have worked with employers and governments to shape the agenda of the International Labor Conference to reflect the changing needs of the global workforce. In 2011, unions, domestic worker and allied organizations worked with employers and governments to pass the first global standards protecting domestic workers, and in 2019 the International Labor Conference approved the first international treaty to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace. Since the adoption of these conventions, dozens of countries have taken action to strengthen protections for domestic workers and eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace. These global ILO standards, when translated into national and local legislation, concretely improve the lives of workers around the world.
The yearly conference reminds the world that we must be ambitious and create and implement global standards that transform the lives of workers and empower us. Biden’s speech at this year’s International Labor Conference reminds the global community that to build a more just, democratic, global economy, the rights and needs of workers and our families must be central to policymaking. The ILO’s original vision to ensure shared prosperity for the global community is once again central to the challenge of guaranteeing dignity, rights and protections for all workers and our families.
President Biden's Remarks to the International Labour Organization
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/17/2021 - 10:16
Union Members: Do Your Part and Get Vaccinated
In late May, America hit a milestone: More than half of the country’s population had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But we still have a ways to go. Getting vaccinated is an important tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and put an end to the pandemic. We have lost too many co-workers, friends and family members from COVID-19. We must do everything we can to get as many vaccines into the arms of Americans as possible. Before we rush back into enjoying all of the things we used to before the pandemic—the sporting events, the nights out, the dinners at our favorite restaurants—let’s keep building vaccine confidence to make sure we never have to endure a year like 2020 again.
Here are the reasons why it's important we all get the vaccine:
- Getting vaccinated helps keep you from getting sick or seriously ill even if you get COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated protects your family, friends and co-workers, particularly the most vulnerable people who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated is the safest way to build protection for you, your loved ones and your entire community.
- Getting vaccinated produces immunity in your body against the virus.
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The results from clinical trials have shown this to be true. Vaccine use would not be authorized if they weren’t deemed safe.
- Getting vaccinated does not cause you to get sick with COVID-19. After getting vaccinated, you might have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection.
- Getting vaccinated is an important tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and put an end to the pandemic. Continue to wear a mask when you’re inside public places, stay 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you and who may not be vaccinated, avoid crowds and wash your hands frequently.
- Vaccines are effective and important, and are another layer of protection that also includes strong health and safety protections in the workplace that prevent you from being exposed to COVID-19. Workplaces are high-risk settings for COVID-19 exposures because many people breathe in the same air, for long periods of time, and do not know if others are infected with COVID-19.
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is how we make sure we put an end to the pandemic.
OK, now you know why it's important. Do your part so we can finally leave the pandemic behind.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/16/2021 - 10:27Pride Month Profiles: Taylor Aguilera
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Taylor Aguilera.
Taylor Aguilera is a field representative for the West Central Florida Labor Council and a member of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). She formed Equality Polk, an organization dedicated to ending LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodations, in her home county, Polk County, Florida. Aguilera dedicates her work to the advancement of LGBTQ+ workers all across west central Florida.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/16/2021 - 08:55Tags: pride
The Blueprint for Global Recovery: 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.
Joe Biden Has Laid Down the Gauntlet to Other G-7 Nations: His ‘Worker First’ Policies Are the Blueprint for Global Recovery: "As leaders from the world’s richest nations meet in Cornwall for the G7, significant global challenges are mounting. While many of the nations are continuing the rapid rollout of vaccines in their own countries, the pandemic is gathering pace elsewhere, and the global economic outlook remains bleak, with mass unemployment still a very real threat. On top of that, the economic challenges of the last decade which were thrown into focus by the 2008 financial crisis—rising inequality, stagnant wages and falling living standards—have not gone away. That’s why the G7 must step up and show serious ambition. On the agenda will be our global recovery from the pandemic, tackling the climate crisis and advancing democracy."
U.S. Trade Chief Resets Union Relations in Worker-Centric Push: "Calling Tai a 'friend of the working people' and a 'champion' for them, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said that over the past 40 years, Republican and Democratic administrations have 'pushed the harmful neoliberal free-trade agenda' based on 'the myth that lowering tariffs and expanding trade would somehow make all of us better off. Well, it didn’t work—workers became poorer.'"
Inequity, Pay Disparities and Job Insecurity: Inside the Rise of Tech Unions: "'Tech workers have produced innovations that are changing the course of history—and making their bosses rich in the process,' Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer at AFL-CIO, said in an email to CIO Dive. 'The folks creating that wealth deserve to be treated with respect, take home their fair share, and make themselves heard.'"
Why the PRO Act Is Critical: "In March, the House of Representatives passed legislation designed to level the field. It’s called the Protect the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). The Senate version has 47 Democratic co-sponsors. It needs three more to give the PRO Act a fighting chance of getting to Joe Biden’s desk. The PRO Act would end many of the practices Amazon used to defeat the union effort in Bessemer. Real penalties would be imposed on companies and corporate officers who retaliate against union advocates or otherwise violate the National Labor Relations Act. The PRO Act would make it easier for workers to form a union, with the aim of protecting them from unfair working conditions. The PRO Act alone won’t end economic inequality or return prosperity and opportunity to America’s working families. But passage of the PRO Act would help."
U.S. Files Labor Complaint Against Mexican Factory Under USMCA Enforcement Rules: "The U.S. Trade Representative's office said it made the request involving the Tridonex auto parts factory in the northern border city of Matamoros after the AFL-CIO union federation petitioned the agency to review the case over allegations that the factory denied workers collective bargaining and free association rights."
IATSE Praises Biden Budget Proposing Record Increase for Federal Arts Funding: "As the union behind entertainment, we know that funding for the arts directly impacts job growth and work for our skilled craftspeople. Federal arts agencies—like the National Endowment for the Arts—support working families, bolster local economies, and ensure all Americans have access to the arts and entertainment. The Biden administration’s proposed budget includes $201 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for FY2022. We also join our fellow arts, entertainment, and media industry (AEMI) unions affiliated with the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) in applauding the Biden administration’s commitment to racial equity and justice, which can be seen throughout the FY2022 budget."
Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Weaken Public-Sector Labor Unions: "The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a bid to weaken the power of public-sector unions, refusing to reconsider a 1984 ruling that lets them serve as the exclusive bargaining agent for workers. The justices without comment rejected an appeal by Jade Thompson, an Ohio high school teacher who said she has a First Amendment right not to be represented by a union. The appeal was one of the first to test the court’s appetite for labor issues since Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation in October created a 6-3 conservative majority."
AFL-CIO Building Trades Unions Back Biden’s Full Infrastructure Plan: "Aware that the pressure must be raised for passage of President Biden’s proposed infrastructure plan, the AFL-CIO’s building trades unions, at a 1-day virtual legislative conference, backed the president’s original $2.2 trillion plan. 'This year has been unlike any other,' National Association Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey declared on June 5, referring to the coronavirus pandemic, which sent unemployment soaring, hampered construction work, and forced the conference itself, like so much else, onto Zoom."
Trumka Hits Biden on Delayed OSHA Pandemic Workplace Regulations: "The Biden administration has taken too long to implement Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency regulations to ensure on-the-job protections for workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. 'I keep pushing the administration to get it done. They keep saying they’re working on it, but I have yet to see that temporary pandemic standard be issued,' the labor leader said in an interview Friday on Bloomberg Television’s 'Balance of Power' program. Trumka, a Biden ally, said he is frustrated at the delayed rule-making process. 'It is a shame because every day it is not there, workers get exposed, workers get hurt, workers get sick.'"
Strong Unions Make for Better Workplaces: "Biden’s executive order, for the first time, requires agencies to engage in bargaining over all issues that are not expressly prohibited by law. With this expansion, Biden is doing more to strengthen worker rights inside the federal government than any president in a generation. This pro-union stance extends beyond federal workers, too; in April, Biden signed an executive order creating a task force of more than 20 Cabinet members and heads of other federal agencies, whose job is to leverage federal programs and policies to empower more workers to organize and bargain with their employers. And he has strongly endorsed the PRO Act, which would make it easier for workers in the private sector to unionize. That is a relief to the government employees who serve the public every day and should be welcome news for all Americans."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/15/2021 - 13:13Labor Victory in New Hampshire and More 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:
Labor Movement Defeats Right to Work in New Hampshire: The New Hampshire state House of Representatives voted June 3 to indefinitely postpone the proposed “right to work” bill, delivering a crucial win for the labor movement. Dozens of New Hampshire union members and leaders gathered along the road leading up to the NH Sportsplex in Bedford, where the New Hampshire House of Representatives session was being held temporarily for two days. Union members gathered to urge lawmakers to vote NO on S.B. 61, a right to work bill. “The New Hampshire AFL-CIO applauds the New Hampshire House of Representatives for voting to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61, harmful legislation that would have made the Granite State the first ‘right to work’ state in the Northeast,” New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett (IBEW) said in a statement. “Our labor unions have fought for more than a century to ensure that collective bargaining agreements in the Granite State consist of some of the best union wages, benefits, and jobsite protections in the country. We are extraordinarily grateful for the lawmakers who made the decision today to side with us and our workers.”
Pavement Owner Agrees to Recognize Union, Moves Toward Cafe Becoming State’s First Union Coffee Shop: Ownership at Pavement Coffeehouse has agreed to formally recognize an ongoing unionization effort at the cafe chain with the New England Joint Board UNITE HERE, based on a majority of cards indicating employees’ intent to form a union. If successful, Pavement would become the first coffee shop in Massachusetts to unionize. The company plans to agree to a card-check by a neutral arbitrator and abide by the result. Mitch Fallon, the communications and political director for the New England Joint Board UNITE HERE, said a committee of employees has now secured a majority of union cards. The workers are fighting for a pay raise, an audit of all salaries, increased mental health resources and break time, and more transparency and involvement around management decisions like COVID-19 health protocols. “Assuming that they’re true to their word and we continue to follow down a good path with management,” Fallon said in an article with WGBH, one of Boston’s local NPR stations. “That’s the picture of how unionization is in a lot of places across the country,” said Fallon. “And so we’re really happy that here in Boston we do support unions, and companies like Pavement are recognizing that and making sure that democracy can be found inside of its workplace.”
Southern Maine Public Transit Workers Form Union with ATU: Drivers, mechanics and other staff at Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) in Maine have unionized with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 714. Some 32 transit drivers, mechanics and other staff joined Local 714 and will soon be negotiating their first contract. “We’re very excited that BSOOB Transit workers voted overwhelmingly to go with ATU, and we look forward to helping them get whatever they want to achieve in their first contract,” said Mike Frager, vice president of Local 714. “As our members in Portland and Bangor can tell you, being part of a union is the best way to achieve better wages, improve working conditions and gain more power in the workplace.”
Staff at the Atlantic Overwhelmingly Vote to Unionize: Writers, producers, fact-checkers, editors, engineers and art directors overwhelmingly voted to form a union with The NewsGuild of New York (TNG-CWA). Management has already agreed to voluntarily recognize the new union. The union's mission statement says: “Over the course of a year marked by uncertainty and isolation, the employees of The Atlantic have come together in solidarity to imagine our shared future. We have faith in our leadership, but in a time of upheaval in our industry and nation, we also wish to ensure that all of the staffers who contribute to The Atlantic’s successes are justly rewarded for their labor and free to speak their mind on matters of concern.”
Nevada AFL-CIO Wins Landmark Legislation Strengthening Workers’ Rights: The Nevada Legislature came to a close the weekend of May 29–30. Nevada’s labor movement fought tooth and nail for legislation that will better the lives of all Nevada workers. Nevada's unions worked tirelessly to pass transformative legislation, including ending contractor misclassification (A.B. 227), allowing home care workers to fight for better working conditions (S.B. 340), and ensuring that those who lost jobs due to COVID-19 were able to return to work (S.B. 386). “I’m proud to join our affiliated unions in the work to pass legislation that will benefit their members and all working Nevadans. Nevada is union strong, and this session shows that!” said Rusty McAllister (IAFF), Nevada State AFL-CIO executive secretary-treasurer.
Landmark Victory for IAM Local 701 and Illinois Auto Technicians: Machinists (IAM) Local 701 achieved a landmark victory at the end of the 2021 Illinois legislative session with the passage of Illinois H.B. 3940. IAM member and Illinois state Rep. Lawrence Walsh sponsored this legislation calling for fair payment for warranty repairs done by Illinois auto technicians. The issues raised in H.B. 3940 were identified by Local 701 more than three years ago after reviewing franchise agreement laws in California and Wisconsin. Currently, auto technicians are paid in warranty and non-warranty retail rates. Once this legislation is signed into law, it will help the entire Illinois auto industry by forcing manufacturers to compensate dealerships at the retail rate for all warranty repairs. Auto technicians represented by Local 701 are guaranteed to get this retail rate. They will fight to organize other nonunion technicians throughout the state of Illinois so they can obtain the same retail rate as IAM Local 701 members.
Urban Institute Staff Win Voluntary Recognition: The Urban Institute Employees' Union (UIEU), an affiliate of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), won voluntary recognition from management. The UIEU Organizing Committee said: “The formation of our union is rooted in our commitment to improving the Urban Institute’s principles as a workplace and research institution. We are thrilled that Urban has voluntarily recognized the Urban Institute Employees' Union and look forward to getting to the bargaining table to strengthen the voices of all workers at Urban and ensure that it is an inclusive and nurturing workplace for all its employees.”
Oregon Working People Win Big at the Ballot Box: Oregon's labor movement saw overwhelming success in recent legislative elections. More than 65% of candidates endorsed by Oregon's central labor councils won their races. Nearly half of the endorsed candidates were current or former members of unions. A number were also graduates of the Oregon Labor Candidate School. Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor (IBEW) said: “It is truly inspiring to see so many union members and working people in every corner of our state take time from their busy lives to run for office and be willing to commit to public service. We have always known that when working people vote, working people win. [This] election in Oregon takes that idea a step further and will inspire more working Oregonians to step up and run for office as well.”
UFCW Local 7 Cannabis Workers Ratify First Union Contract: Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 who work at Ohmgro Pure Fire Cannabis Dispensary in Gunnison, Colorado, recently ratified their first union contract. These workers joined UFCW in February because they wanted better wages, an annual raise structure and health care benefits. The three-year contract addresses those issues and includes annual wage increases, improved health care benefits, several paid holidays and a pension. “When workers recognize their true value and their own solidarity, they win! We are honored to have the privilege to represent workers at Pure Fire Cannabis,” said UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova.
Staff at Independent L.A. Bookstore Skylight Books Join CWA: Booksellers at Skylight Books in Los Angeles voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The newly unionized workers seek to have management address a dozen issues, including regular staff meetings, guaranteed raises and more equitable hiring practices. Management immediately granted the union voluntary recognition. In a statement, the union said: "We appreciate that our management elected to recognize our union voluntarily, and we hope they can serve as an example for managers of other workers who wish to exercise their right to organize."
San Diego Cannabis Workers at Three Dispensaries Become First in Area to Unionize: Workers at three local dispensaries have become the first in the San Diego region to unionize, and they have ratified new contracts. More than 140 workers voted overwhelmingly to join UFCW Local 135. Todd Walters, president of the local, said: “This contract will create career jobs and promote an industry-setting standard that is needed to ensure that cannabis workers are accepted and valued. This industry-leading contract will create a new model for March and Ash employees, and other members of the industry, by providing training, educational opportunities, child care and more.”
Newsroom Workers at Longview Daily Vote for Representation by The NewsGuild-CWA: The newsroom staff at the Daily News in Longview, Washington, voted unanimously to be represented by TNG-CWA. The union will begin negotiations on a first union contract, and they are seeking higher wages and increased stability. Reporter Katie Fairbanks said: “This is something that we believe will make the newspaper stronger.”
National Nurses United Successfully Organize at Maine Medical Center: Registered nurses at Maine's biggest hospital complex, Maine Medical Center, voted to join National Nurses United (NNU), despite management's use of anti-union consultants. The nurses hope to address inadequate staffing, scheduling concerns, burnout, and lack of meal and break times, among other issues. Jane Crowley, RN, said: “We’ve made history at Maine Med. Now we are ready and excited to begin talks with hospital representatives to strengthen our voice for patients, workplace conditions and standards for the caregivers, and for our neighbors and community.”
AFSCME Celebrates as Nevada State Employees Ratify First Contract: Members of the four bargaining units at AFSCME Local 4041, representing 20,000 state employees, overwhelmingly voted "yes" to ratify their first contract with the state of Nevada on May 16. Members of Local 4041 continue to provide essential services to Nevadans during the pandemic, serving in front-line positions. “Throughout the pandemic, Nevada public service workers risked everything to deliver vital public services needed to crush the virus, while also using their collective voice to advocate for the American Rescue Plan, which includes a multibillion-dollar investment in Nevada communities,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “This contract gives Nevada state employees the respect they deserve. The next step must be for Congress to extend that same respect to all public service workers nationwide, empowering them with collective bargaining rights by passing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”
Colorado AFL-CIO Welcomes Ski Patrollers to CWA: The Colorado AFL-CIO welcomes the newest addition to our union family as Breckenridge ski patrollers voted to unionize with the CWA. The Colorado Sun recently reported: “The increasing cost of living in and around ski towns—coupled with stagnant wages, year-round workloads and the increasingly corporate ski area ownership model in the rapidly consolidating resort industry—has buoyed recent efforts for unionization of ski patrollers.” Patrollers at Vail Resorts-owned Breckenridge are joining union patrollers in Crested Butte, Steamboat, Telluride, Utah’s Park City and Washington’s Stevens Pass, who are all part of the United Professional Ski Patrols of America, a chapter of the CWA. “The company says they view us as professionals, and I believe that. But then decisions come around and (when) it’s time to treat us like professionals, our concerns are superseded by other concerns,” said Ryan Anderson, an eight-year patroller at Breckenridge. “It feels like first responders always end up on the back burner.”
ACLU Staff United Forms with NPEU: Workers at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have organized as ACLU Staff United, associated with the NPEU, IFPTE Local 70. ACLU voluntarily recognized the new union. In a statement, ACLU Staff United said: “We appreciate that we can now get to the bargaining table to create a better, stronger ACLU for the members of our bargaining unit. We formed this union to ensure workers have a voice on important decisions about our work environment, to promote transparency and accountability, and to ensure equity in our workplace. This is just the beginning of our work and we look forward to speaking more with our bargaining unit members about their priorities and negotiating a contract with ACLU management.”
Idaho State AFL-CIO and the Idaho NewsGuild Join Forces to Win a First Contract: The Idaho State AFL-CIO joined the effort of the Idaho NewsGuild to win a first union contract at the Idaho Statesman, Idaho’s largest newspaper. In the first few hours of a public pressure campaign, the Idaho NewsGuild generated more than 50 letters to newspaper executives to push back against unilateral changes the company has imposed. “We’re going to do what we can to help these folks at the Idaho Statesman,” said Idaho State AFL-CIO President Joe Maloney (IBEW) after a Zoom meeting with activists from the newspaper and area union leaders. “They need justice, and we’re ready to help them get what they need.”
Alaska AFL-CIO Elects Slate of Union Member Candidates: Two union member candidates, Dora Wilson with Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 and Carl Jacobs with AFSCME Local 52, and one union-endorsed candidate, Pat Higgins, swept the field in Anchorage city and school board elections this week. Another union-endorsed candidate, Kelly Lessens, is headed to a recount. In addition, in the Anchorage mayoral race, Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 1959 member Forrest Dunbar secured one of two slots for the runoff election on May 11. “This emphasizes what we already know. Anchorage is a union town, and it supports working people. Our candidates ran on pro-educator and pro-union platforms. We’re excited to see what these elected officials will do for our educators, our students and our community,” said Alaska AFL-CIO Political Director Kim Hays (UFCW).
Northern Colorado Central Labor Council Elects Several Worker Champions in Fort Collins: The Northern Colorado Central Labor Council endorsed five candidates running for positions in the Fort Collins city elections held April 6. The council is happy to report that four of the five worker-endorsed candidates won. These candidates not only interviewed with council leadership but also submitted responses to the council’s labor questionnaire, which included questions on local labor issues affecting our members in northern Colorado. We also asked for their positions on the needs and challenges of affordable housing, livable wage and transportation issues all Coloradans face in Fort Collins. “We now have a mayor and three seats of the City Council occupied by pro-labor candidates. The power of labor and the voice of working women and men are winning elections and improving working conditions for our members,” said Kevin Caffrey (SMART), president of the Northern Colorado Central Labor Council.
Thurston-Lewis-Mason Counties Labor Council Wins Hazard Pay in Olympia, Washington: Thanks to the work of Washington’s labor movement, Olympia grocery stores are coming under a new ordinance requiring them to pay their employees $4 more per hour in hazard pay beginning next month. The ordinance, which the City Council passed unanimously on April 13, is intended to recognize the risks grocery workers face during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hazard pay requirement lasts as long as Washington is under a state of emergency as declared by the governor, with the opportunity to revisit the policy in four months. Speaking of the win, Steve Segall, vice president of Thurston-Lewis-Mason Counties Labor Council and member of AFSCME Council 28, said: “Local government is in a unique position to recognize the sacrifices made by workers during the pandemic and have the power to act to protect essential workers, their families and our communities. We appreciate the city of Olympia taking this action.”
Portland Museum of Art Workers Join UAW: Some 35 workers at the Portland Museum of Art voted to join the UAW. Local 2110 President Maida Rosenstein said: "We're very hopeful that it will be a new chapter, and with the museum, we will begin preparing very soon to go into collective bargaining negotiations, which is the whole point of unionizing."
California Labor Federation Wins Rehire Rights for Hospitality and Business Services Industry Workers: After much advocacy from the California Labor Federation, Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 16 signed legislation to create a statewide policy for the rehiring of workers laid off amid the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering the state’s efforts to ensure an equitable recovery. S.B. 93 requires employers in the hospitality and business services industries to offer new positions for similar work to employees laid off during the pandemic within five days of creating a position. The employee must have been employed for more than six months in the 12 months preceding Jan. 1, 2020, and have been laid off for non-disciplinary reasons related to the pandemic. The California Labor Federation celebrated the win in a tweet: “BREAKING: Gov. Gavin Newsom just signed rehire rights legislation to ensure hospitality workers laid off during COVID are able to return to the job. Huge victory! Thank you to all the UNITE HERE workers who fought so hard to make this happen. And thank you Governor!”
New York Times Tech Workers Join NewsGuild: Tech workers for the New York times have formed a new union, the Tech Times Guild, that will represent more than 650 workers. The new union requested voluntary recognition. The Tech Times Guild posted on Twitter: “As of now, we face a number of challenges, including sudden or unexplained termination, opaque promotion processes, unpaid overtime, and underinvestment in diverse representation. Without a union, we lack the data or bargaining rights to address these issues.”
WGAE Reaches Strike-Ending Agreement: In April, we reported in our Daily Brief newsletter that writers for the television show "The Chase" had gone on strike. Today, we are glad to report that a settlement has been reached to end the strike. The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and ITV Entertainment issued a joint statement. “ITV Entertainment and the WGAE are pleased to have come to terms for writers on ‘The Chase’ to be represented by the WGAE and for the show to be covered by the Minimum Basic Agreement,” the statement said. “We are in agreement that fair and positive work practices are essential to our industry and that, especially during the ongoing battle of the pandemic, the priority is to keep production going and to ensure that people can do their work and build sustainable careers. We are glad to have come to terms and that the process is completed.”
Bath Iron Works Employees in Maine Secure New Contract: Workers at Bath Iron Works in Maine signed a new three-year contract that includes numerous improvements for 200 administrative and clerical workers, who are represented by the IAM. The new contract includes annual 3% pay increases and improved accident and sickness benefits. Local S7 President Jessica Chubbuck-Goodwin said: “The success of these negotiations was due in large part to the hard work and dedication of the Local S7 negotiating committee, the solidarity of the hardworking members of Local S7, and the support and leadership from Machinists District 4.”
Staff at Animal Legal Defense Fund Join NPEU: A supermajority of eligible staff at the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) voted to join the NPEU, IFPTE Local 70. “Despite ALDF management’s attempts to bust the staff’s union,” said interim President Katie Barrows, “the employees prevailed in exercising their workplace right to join together in union. This victory highlights the power of strong worker organizing. We are so proud of ALDF United and are excited to support them as they begin negotiating to make ALDF an even better organization.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/15/2021 - 12:38Tags: Organizing
Pride Month Profiles: Sebastian Rey
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Sebastian Rey.
Sebastian Rey is a proud transgender member of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) who works as a costumer. He has been a member of Local 478 since 2011. “I love my crew and the film industry,” he said. As a mixed-race man, Rey said that before joining IATSE he avoided speaking his mind or being in spaces where he would likely be discriminated against, or his safety would be jeopardized.
“I’ve found my voice and a home within the union,” he said. “Now all I want to do is speak the truth and see the response I get. It’s been an effective change in me, since joining [IATSE]. I admit the confidence makes you want to create good trouble everywhere.”
Rey says he’s proud to see the union embrace LGBTQ workers as well. “Do we have a lot of work to do? Yes. However, it’s a great feeling to know we’re not starting from ground zero.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/15/2021 - 09:55Tags: pride
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: APWU Provides Resources for Veterans
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) added a range of new resources to help its members who are veterans of the armed services. The resources include APWU’s guide to veterans rights and benefits, as well as the Veterans Administration’s guidebook on mental health and suicide prevention. “The APWU encourages our members who are veterans of the armed services to avail themselves of their earned rights as well as to be fully involved in the union and the continuing struggle to improve the rights and well-being of postal workers and defend and expand the public Postal Service,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/15/2021 - 08:35Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Pride Month Profiles: Minas Roros
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Minas Roros.
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) member Minas Roros has been a dedicated public servant for 32 years and is a proud member of his union and the LGBTQ+ community. Roros works as a management and program analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration. He believes unions are invaluable for workers in many industries, including the federal government.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/14/2021 - 09:22Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Nevada State AFL-CIO Wins Landmark Legislation Strengthening Workers’ Rights
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 Nevada Legislature came to a close the weekend of May 29–30. Nevada’s labor movement fought tooth and nail for legislation that will better the lives of all Nevada workers. Nevada’s unions worked tirelessly to pass transformative legislation, including ending contractor misclassification (A.B. 227), allowing home care workers to fight for better working conditions (S.B. 340) and ensuring that those who lost jobs due to COVID-19 were able to return to work (S.B. 386).
“I’m proud to join our affiliated unions in the work to pass legislation that will benefit their members and all working Nevadans. Nevada is union strong, and this session shows that,” said Rusty McAllister (IAFF), Nevada State AFL-CIO executive secretary-treasurer.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/14/2021 - 08:22Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Pride Month Profiles: Ryan Sebolt
For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Ryan Sebolt.
Ryan Sebolt is director of legislative affairs at the Michigan State AFL-CIO. He has more than a decade of legislative experience working for both the Michigan state House and Senate. Sebolt also has worked on state- and local-level campaigns and currently serves as an Ingham County commissioner. A lifelong Michigan resident, Sebolt was born in Lansing and is a graduate of Albion College. He is a member of UAW Local 1981 and is always quick with a helpful contribution or a clever joke when the moment calls for it.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/11/2021 - 09:41
