Delivering for Working Families
A young couple is expecting their first child. They have done everything right—installed a baby-seat in their car, assembled a crib, even checked out what hospital is in their health plan’s network. When it comes to the big day, however, the young couple gets a bundle of joy and a whopping bill for thousands of dollars! Turns out the doctor who delivered the baby actually worked for a medical staffing company that contracted with the hospital and was out of network!
When you go to the hospital, you want a doctor who will deliver the best care possible, not leave you with an unexpected bill. That is why Congress passed the "No Surprises" Act—to protect workers and their families from doctors and hospitals who get even richer at their patient’s expense. Securing this landmark legislation was not easy—the hospitals and the private equity investors they work with to come up with these revenue strategies fought the legislation vigorously. Now these same groups are trying to undermine its implementation.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration issued regulations implementing the law that would effectively limit the ability of doctors that stay out-of-network from charging five to ten times what they would get from payers like Medicare. The legislation protects workers by limiting co-pays and co-insurance to whatever an in-network doctor would charge. Physicians would still be paid, but the amount that a health plan would normally pay for in-network care. By preventing a small group of physicians from charging outrageous amounts for care covered by a patient’s plan, this regulation would help keep down insurance premiums for all working families.
This legislation and the regulations needed for its implementation address a surprisingly common problem. About one in five visits to a hospital emergency room end with an unexpected bill. The practice of surprise billing has cost working families covered by employer-sponsored insurance at least $40 billion annually.
With the regulations barring this practice set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, the physicians and hospitals are urging the administration to halt everything and rewrite the regulations to protect their bottom line. One group of doctors in Texas is even suing the federal government to rewrite the rules.
Last week, the AFL-CIO and other groups representing workers and consumers submitted comments arguing strongly to keep the current regulations, which we think is the only way to stop surprise bills from increasing health care premiums. We applaud President Biden for standing up to the big moneyed interests in medicine; this small step in containing health care costs will protect workers from surprise bills and higher premiums down the road!
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/13/2021 - 10:23Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Maine’s Labor Movement Celebrates 20 Years of Food and Medicine
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 labor movement in Maine is celebrating 20 years of Food and Medicine (FAM) with a new video about the union-backed organization. FAM started in 2001 when a series of companies outsourced jobs and left some 3,000 Mainers jobless. “Food and Medicine was founded with the idea that nobody should be forced to choose [between] food, medicine and other basic necessities,” said FAM Director Jack McKay (not pictured). “That was a moral position that we had in the beginning.”
Over the years, FAM has launched a series of programs to improve the lives of working people in Maine, including Solidarity Harvest, which has taken place every Thanksgiving since 2003. FAM purchases large quantities of fresh food from local farmers and gives meal baskets to unions, churches and nonprofit organizations to distribute to laid-off workers and families in need. Solidarity Harvest is sponsored by the eastern, southern and western Maine labor councils.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/13/2021 - 09:44Economy Gains 210,000 Jobs in November; Unemployment Down to 4.2%
The U.S. economy gained 210,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate declined to 4.2%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In response to the November job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
Since the Pandemic, the household survey has shown higher growth than payrolls. That can reflect a return of people to self-employment and "gig" work. But, the adjusted household number grew much more in November than the payroll figure, +1.9 million compared to 210,000 @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 3, 2021Despite the strong gains by Black workers in November in the employment-to-population ratio and the drop in unemployment, the Black unemployment rate in November at 6.7% is still higher than the unemployment rate for high school dropouts that fell from 7.4 to 5.0% @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 3, 2021Women lagged in payroll employment gains in November, gains for women were 76,000. Women continued to make more gains in transportation and warehousing, but their gains in construction weakened. This is why @POTUS #BuildBackBetter needs to passed by the Senate. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/5CMX0DRFUu
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 3, 2021Labor force flow data show that the labor market rebound in November didn't help the gender gap, unemployed men were more likely to land jobs than drop out of the labor force, unemployed women were less likely to land a job than quit looking. @AFLCIO https://t.co/IPzxmzhpO2
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 3, 2021Last month’s biggest job gains were in professional and business services (+90,000), transportation and warehousing (+50,000), construction (+31,000), manufacturing (+31,000), leisure and hospitality (+23,000) and financial activities (+13,000). The only industry to see losses over the month was retail trade (-20,000). In November, employment showed little change in other major industries, including health care, information, mining, other services, public and private education and wholesale trade.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates fell in November for Black Americans (6.7%), Hispanics (5.2%), adult men (4.0%), adult women (4.0%) and White Americans (3.7%). The jobless rates for teenagers (11.2%) and Asian Americans (3.8%) showed little change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) showed little change in November and accounted for 32.1% of the total unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/03/2021 - 10:54Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IFPTE Members Help Secure Settlement for DoorDash Workers in San Francisco
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.
DoorDash workers in San Francisco will receive restitution from a $5.3-million-dollar settlement over the food delivery company’s violations of local labor laws. The settlement, which benefits at least 4,000 delivery workers, stems from an investigation initiated by the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, which employs government workers represented by International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21.
Local 21 Vice President Bianca Polovina, responsible for the local’s membership recruitment and organizing, commented, “As a union member and public sector worker, I can’t be more proud that this settlement will compensate these gig workers, who unfortunately do not enjoy the same worker protections as most of us. Our local applauds this decision.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/03/2021 - 10:18‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Her First 100 Days
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler sits down with Emily's List President Laphonza Butler to talk about life as newly elected women leaders as Shuler celebrates her first 100 days. They lay out their plans to build more inclusive labor and political movements, respectively. They also discuss how their lives have changed since becoming new leaders of their organizations.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/02/2021 - 11:22Tags: Podcast
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: ALPA Launches Public Awareness Campaign Ahead of Holiday Travel Season
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.
As many people return to air travel this holiday season, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has launched a campaign to inform the public that pilots are more than ready to get them to their destinations safely. ALPA touts the skill of North American pilots, including the 3.2 million hours ALPA pilots spent training in 2020 to prepare to return passengers to the skies. As part of the campaign, ALPA also advocates the need to have at least two trained, experienced professional pilots on every flight deck. While there are some who think the industry could save money by having only one pilot on a flight without jeopardizing safety, ALPA maintains that safety would indeed be compromised. The union’s “More Than Ready” campaign makes clear to decision-makers, passengers and cargo shippers that reducing the number of pilots on the flight deck is a safety risk nobody should want to take.
ALPA said: “As we continue to face many threats to our jobs—and to the safety and security of the skies—we stand More Than Ready to respond, adjusting our advocacy efforts in the United States and Canada to advance our pilot-partisan agenda and protect the hard-fought gains ALPA pilots have made over nine decades.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/02/2021 - 09:35Service + Solidarity Spotlight: As Holiday Shopping Gets Underway, RWDSU-UFCW Reaffirms Need to Treat Workers with Respect
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.
With holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) released two statements on the need to treat workers fairly, especially this time of year. RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum is urging holiday shoppers to treat workers with dignity and respect as they return to shopping in stores amid supply chain issues. “Our members are eager to welcome customers back to stores this holiday season, but as incidents of harassment, violence and hate continue to rise in stores, workers are worried about their physical and mental safety,” he said. “Shoppers need to remember what this season is supposed to be all about—kindness.”
Appelbaum also took aim at Amazon, which notoriously mistreats and dehumanizes its workers. He called on the retail giant to stop union-busting and allow its workers to freely come together to form unions. “The company has continued to repress workers’ voices and prevent their ability to make effective change at work—which can only happen when workers are able to join together through a union,” he said.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/29/2021 - 10:10Strikesgiving: 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.
Pronouns Matter. How to Respect Transgender, Non-Binary People in the Workplace: “Pronouns are how we address each other outside of our name. We refer to friends, colleagues, children, family members, strangers, even our pets with their pronouns—they identify us. Transitioning in the workplace can be one of the most challenging endeavors a transgender person can experience. Organizations that are interested in a gender diverse environment seem to understand that embracing all of their employees is good for the organization and its corporate social responsibility. Bess Watts (she/her/hers) is the president of the Pride at Work, AFL-CIO, Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter. She said that often when someone transitions at work, we think about ourselves and the relationship we have with that person instead of what the person is going through and how we can support their transition.”
Winning at Kaiser: “Coming off of ‘Striketober’ and heading straight into ‘Strikesgiving’ has gripped the nation with constant headlines, growing momentum, and a sense of long overdue wind at the backs of working people. Here in Oregon, Nabisco workers had just come off of a months-long strike against their multinational, publicly traded employer as the Striketober hashtag was beginning to make the rounds. And a strike database from Cornell University shows that more than 250 strikes have taken place since the start of this year. As AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler put it recently, this rise in strike activity and worker action is ‘a healthy response to imbalances of power created by employers who believe they should be able to squeeze more and more out of the workers who make their companies profitable.”
Deere & Co. Workers Approve the Latest Contract Offer and Will End Their Strike: “Deere & Co. workers approved a new contract Wednesday that will deliver 10% raises immediately and end a monthlong strike for more than 10,000 employees. The United Auto Workers union says 61% of the members approved the deal with the tractor maker on their third vote, even though this offer was strikingly similar to one that 55% of workers rejected two weeks ago. ‘UAW John Deere members did not just unite themselves, they seemed to unite the nation in a struggle for fairness in the workplace,’ UAW President Ray Curry said in a statement Wednesday night.”
The Factors Driving 'Striketober': “NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Jasmine Kerrissey, professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, about the recent wave of strikes and what it says about labor in America.”
Alabama Miners Are Still on Strike After 8 Months: “Last week, more than 500 coal mine workers picketed in New York City, joined by a diverse army of other labor movement members and supporters. The mine workers, who extract coal for steel production, are now in the eighth month of their strike against Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama. Their aim is to force Warrior Met to restore the pay, benefits, and schedules they had before their previous employer, Walter Energy, declared bankruptcy and auctioned off its assets in 2016.”
Union Busting: 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver': “John Oliver discusses the mechanics of union busting, why the companies who do it face so few consequences, and what it really means when your manager wants to talk to you about ‘your attendance.’”
AFL-CIO President Shuler Discusses Worker Power and Leverage on Bloomberg TV: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined 'Balance of Power' to discuss how workers are standing up for change across the country.”
Liz Shuler: Seeing a Bigger Role for Women in the Labor Movement: “When you’re the only woman in a room full of power linemen and older men, it’s challenging to have your voice heard and respected. I had to get creative in how I got things done. I also built a bench of mentors that I could lean on. All my mentors were men. I was always kind of assimilating back then. I have been passionate about women’s issues at work throughout my career, but it wasn’t until I came to the AFL-CIO, frankly, that I opened up and really stepped into what it’s like to be a woman leader.”
A Chance for More Worker Power: “Workers across the country are unsatisfied with their subpar employment arrangements and many feel empowered to do something about it. While some are quitting their jobs, others are using collective power to create lasting change. Last month, which came to be known as ‘Striketober,’ workers across the country joined picket lines and threatened to walk off the job in response to stagnant wages, long hours and poor working conditions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 14:05Strikes Work: 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:
@UMWA on 'Goat Hill' to protestq @GovernorKayIvey use of @aleaprotects to buss in out-of-state #scabs to suppress coal miners in Brookwood #1u pic.twitter.com/CyM7xNL2g5
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) November 18, 2021Alaska AFL-CIO:
Last week, President Joelle Hall joined members of the Alaska @unionveterans in dropping off a letter in support of the #PROAct to Sen. @lisamurkowski. #UnionVeterans #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/Gjx1f8EQgv
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
When working people have the power to form a union and bargain collectively for better wages and benefits, ALL workers benefit. Hear Arizona business owner Nick Klenner's powerful story on why he supports the PRO Act. ? pic.twitter.com/zsyd7oMKJa
— Arizona AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 18, 2021California Labor Federation:
Organizing workers leads to greater worker power. It’s the only way to stand up to exploitative greedy corporations who see workers as disposable and not people. #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/EH8hXl1zBi
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) November 18, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
New CT AFL-CIO leaders made their first public appearance by standing in solidarity with our sisters and brothers on strike at Sunrise. The members of @SEIU1199_NE are fighting for dignity, respect & a fair contract. We’ll fight one day longer and one day stronger. #1u pic.twitter.com/E0IxqqVokf
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) November 11, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
Union apprenticeships prepare working people for good-paying, in-demand jobs. IBEW 915 apprentice Nicole Wright-Kocher was recently interviewed about the opportunities apprenticeships provide. https://t.co/deZBS32Ltu
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to the John Deere workers! #StrikesWork https://t.co/9UYFHYZ2qT
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 18, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/p8LV51lemZ Thanks to @MachinistsUnion @SEIU @AFSCME #unionvets #veteransday
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 12, 2021Maine AFL-CIO:
New Maine Labor News!
✊ Congress Passes Historic Investment in Infrastructure & Jobs
✊ WMLC President Calls on Collins to Support Build Back Better
✊ United Farmworkers Co-Founder Dolores Huerta Supports Bates Workers & more!https://t.co/ZgG45KVXV6 #mepolitics
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
With President Biden’s official signature on the bipartisan bill, Infrastructure Week is finally here. But we need to finish the job by also passing the Build Back Better Act. Will you add your name to call on Congress to pass it immediately? https://t.co/5DRzxQg8CN
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 16, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Mass. AFL-CIO was proud to stand with and support our @MineWorkers sisters and brothers today. #1u #bospoli #mapoli #onedaylongeronedaystronger https://t.co/1gsmPOGkzv pic.twitter.com/iw6YonMG8t
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // #Strikesgiving (@massaflcio) November 18, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
Of the @BCTGM Local 3G members on strike in Battle Creek since October 5, well over two dozen of them have served their country in the armed services and returned to civilian life with a union job. It's time to stand with them in their fight for a fair contract! #KelloggStrike pic.twitter.com/tiTfpj8RAN
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 12, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
How did your legislator vote on the issues important to working Minnesotans this year? Find out in the Minnesota AFL-CIO's 2021 Legislative Report. https://t.co/97kGdNUcAc #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/oEmHwpm8w4
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 15, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Merri Berry joined the picket line at Sunset Ford today. @MachinistsUnion Lodge 777 are on strike due to management attempts to gut their pension, cut overtime pay, and force them to accept no raises for the next 3 years. #Solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/E8YxREvp21
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 16, 2021Montana AFL-CIO:
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) November 11, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) November 7, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Workers’ rights and voting rights cannot be separated.
The #FreedomToVoteAct is just one step that working Nevadans need to ensure that they can make their voices heard in our elections! ✊ ✔️ ??
FULL STATEMENT ⤵️https://t.co/yRfW8Xi5O0
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
ICYMI pic.twitter.com/1RPtUiwGXU
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 11, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 4, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
— NMFL ✊ #Strikesgiving ? ✊ (@NMFLaflcio) November 11, 2021New York State AFL-CIO:
Discussing unions & social justice in relation to cannabis with stakeholders in the Capital Region. Creating good union jobs in this emerging industry is a top priority for the labor movement. This meeting is part of the New York State Cannabis Workforce Initiative. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/0yqz0DpdFt
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 16, 2021North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
This track is???! Check out Tom Morello (feat. grandson) - Hold the Line: Union Strong Edit https://t.co/s04LseS57A via @aflcio ✊✊✊ #Strikesgiving #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct! (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 15, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
Always bet on the @MachoMan! https://t.co/H3s3AHb7hW
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 17, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Take a look at our Labor Union Video from the 33rd Biennial General Convention!https://t.co/aFosimVOl4
— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 16, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
"The lesson of the #KaiserStrike is that when you take one of us on, you take all of us on."
Read more from @graham_oregon in the latest @nwlaborpress: https://t.co/2rQzYJTJCh@OFNHP @AFTunion @AFLCIO #Strikesgiving
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Last month we had #Striketober , this month we have #Strikesgiving! We will stand up for all of our rights. All union members are cheering for your victory! @sftlocal1147 @AFTPA pic.twitter.com/kKfV8UUATH
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 10, 2021Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Prevailing wage laws boost worker productivity, reduce injury rates, and increase apprenticeship training, which helps combat the shortage of skilled labor in construction!
For a full list of or 2021 Resolutions visit our website: https://t.co/Sg7NuWSHHj#BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/OtbosGvEEt
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
As detailed by the @TNLookout, Eddie Bryan leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. #1u https://t.co/NRDl2BHbm0
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) November 16, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
Texan and member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Salvador Herrera, shared his thoughts on organizing in the South with the Department of Labor.https://t.co/wAIxFym21e pic.twitter.com/wPOnzawGza
— Texas AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@TexasAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Washington State Labor Council:
When Van’s employer tried to use his immigration status as an excuse to fire him, his coworkers & union @teamsters117 fought back. When we fight for immigrant workers, we can win; against a boss and against the racist, xenophobic policies & institutions that harm all workers. #1u pic.twitter.com/0JHmAPjY2m
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 10, 2021West Virginia AFL-CIO:
WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword: “It creates national standards across the spectrum on how different facets of our democratic process work ….” https://t.co/ab5oKtLBUr
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) November 10, 2021Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Governor Evers uses veto pen to stand up for democracy. Voters derserve fair maps. https://t.co/Gm9Ize8hnN
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 18, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 10:17Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UMWA Holds International Day of Action for Striking Miners
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 Mine Workers (UMWA) continued to ramp up the pressure by holding an international day of action earlier today in support of its members at Warrior Met Coal in Alabama. Since April, miners at Warrior have been on strike, determined to win a fair contract that recognizes their contributions to the company. At today’s protests, UMWA targeted Warrior’s investors to urge management to come back to the table and bargain in good faith.
“Today showed that this isn’t just our fight. This is everyone’s fight,” said UMWA International President Cecil Roberts. “We had labor leaders across the nation standing up today demanding justice for working families. Warrior Met and the corporations backing them now know we are not stopping until these families get what they deserve.”
Rallies were held in Washington, D.C.; New York City; Denver; Boston; Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Montgomery, Alabama; Newport Beach, California; and Melbourne, Australia. President Shuler helped lead the rally in Washington.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 09:35Pass the Freedom to Vote Act Now! What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Equity Weekly comes out each Wednesday to update the membership on everything happening across the union. Subscribe today to stay in the loop - https://t.co/oa33DA5A1C pic.twitter.com/Ih38trdiNW
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) November 16, 2021AFGE:
In memory of our beloved sister Fredna White -- gone too soon, but never forgotten. You were a fierce advocate, a loyal friend, a wise elder, and a trailblazing leader inside the labor movement and out. Thank you for sharing your unique talent and energy with us. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/xVsfBigJv6
— AFGE (@AFGENational) November 17, 2021AFSCME:
“We beat back a two-tier wage package which would have negatively impacted our ability to hire, recruit and retain during a severe shortage of nurses, health care workers and professionals.” – @unacuhcp President Denise Duncan. #Strikesgiving #1u https://t.co/oxHGAuIr7P
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 16, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
Seniors have had to put up with greed from wealthy pharmaceutical corporations for far too long.
It's time to get #BuildBackBetter passed and require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. https://t.co/BLrr2w3M7N
Amalgamated Transit Union:
#Covid_19 #1u #Labour pic.twitter.com/IBJPGR9wmB
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 17, 2021American Federation of Musicians:
This #VeteransDay, we’re proud to honor the incredible #musicians who have served our country. Our nation wouldn’t be what is today without the service and sacrifice of our #veterans. Honoring #USMilitary musicians: current, past, and future. #thankyouforyourservice pic.twitter.com/89RYIRb0zm
— AFM (@The_AFM) November 11, 2021American Federation of Teachers:
Talking with grieving students about their loss helps them cope. Increasing all students’ awareness of the impact of loss can also help those who are grieving. Learn more this November, Children’s Grief Awareness month: https://t.co/4SS3OwuVLU pic.twitter.com/8RvZXiDEyL
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 16, 2021American Postal Workers Union:
Yesterday, @JoeBiden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. APWU applauds this historic investment in our nation's infrastructure, and urges congress to pass the pro-worker Build Back Better Act. https://t.co/XqEJkuVeUT
— APWU National (@APWUnational) November 16, 2021Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
When it comes to our family’s health, we can't get distracted by false health information by extremists seeking to cause harm. One of the ways they do this is by repeating claims to make incidental side effects seem significant when they’re not. #NotInMyFeed pic.twitter.com/F9HeVYZ60r
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) November 16, 2021Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
The attack on voting rights is a direct attack on Flight Attendant voting rights. Most Election Days we are flying and away from home. That's why we rely on early voting and mail ballots for local, state, & national elections. The Freedom to Vote Act must be passed by the Senate! pic.twitter.com/ZyeO3S3T1w
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 17, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
What’s that saying about a Sleeping Giant? ?#kelloggstrike #1u #contractconcessions101 #twotiertravesty pic.twitter.com/sf5LE7mIVq
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) November 12, 2021Boilermakers:
Here's a #NAW2021 fact thanks to @NABTU
As a #Boilermaker apprentice you will be trained for your craft and set up for a better life which leads to a family-sustaining career ??#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/5oBGK0aLSw
Bricklayers:
Apprentices are the lifeblood of our #Union and the industry. This #NAW2021, as we celebrate our quality training programs, let's remember that we're developing a skilled workforce for tomorrow. #1u #apprenticeships https://t.co/F0pgwafLjz
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) November 15, 2021Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Congratulations to Elise Bryant on being re-elected President of CLUW. #CLUWCon2021 pic.twitter.com/WwjuIGmDpm
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) November 16, 2021Communications Workers of America:
Happening now in DC: CWAers and friends demand #VotingRightsNow! pic.twitter.com/k8rmqAiwwF
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 17, 2021Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Union Busting on @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver #1u https://t.co/TZWZF1dG0R
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 16, 2021Electrical Workers:
This #IBEW local is welcoming back its members in the tastiest way imaginable. https://t.co/0b995jH1vZ
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 16, 2021Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
It takes a long journey to win justice for farmworkers. We need your support as we continue to fight together. Take action by joining for our annual Songs for Justice concert on Nov. 20th with the Aguila Negra Band and GRAMMY-nominated Joe Troop. #UniteForFarmworkers
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) November 12, 2021Fire Fighters:
Former @PFFPNC President David Anders presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the state convention Tuesday. It is the most prestigious award presented by the Governor of North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/SsGjPq9YWI
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 16, 2021Heat and Frost Insulators:
Did you know that you are able to receive a post-high school education without accumulating student related debt? A career in the trades beginning with a registered apprenticeship puts you right on the path to the middle-class debt free! Find out more here https://t.co/CIRF8Cr8RC
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) November 17, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Local 195's Tim Rudolph and Sherry Thomas, Local 561's Mike Arendt and IFPTE Pres. Matt Biggs are at the White House for the signing of @JoeBiden's historic bipartisan infrastructure plan. #bidendelivers #buildbackbetter #bipartisaninfrastructuredeal pic.twitter.com/j18ymYrq1Y
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) November 15, 2021International Labor Communications Association:
Registration is now open for our Dec. 9 virtual convention https://t.co/QOqQcy84si pic.twitter.com/PmyLXevF5F
— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) November 15, 2021Ironworkers:
President Joe Biden signed his landmark $1 trillion infrastructure bill into law Monday. The bill will inject $550 billion of new funds into transportation, broadband and utilities over the next five years. https://t.co/WISQScTcBH
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) November 15, 2021Jobs With Justice:
ICYMI: A few weeks ago, Jobs With Justice joined with @Teamsters, @onefairwage, and members of Congress to call on the Senate to pass the #PROAct. Our full event wrap-up here. ??https://t.co/FgtR5Fk8Au
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) November 16, 2021Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers on strike ✊? https://t.co/0f0usBwC8f
— LCLAA Los Angeles (@lclaalosangeles) November 16, 2021Laborers:
The skilled Building Trades registered apprenticeship programs have been a path to the Middle Class for generations of Americans. #NAW21 #ApprenticeshipWorks
Learn more about LIUNA's apprenticeship: https://t.co/0hGdbD4c6X pic.twitter.com/7rGYU2jbu5
Machinists:
We will not sit by and watch the exploitation of U.S. workers continue.
Thanks for having our back, Rep. @BennieGThompson.https://t.co/1CqhqVhPwC
Maritime Trades Department:
— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) November 16, 2021Metal Trades Department:
In 2020 there was an increase in the number of completed apprenticeship programs and active apprenticeships. There were 222,243 who became active apprentices during the year and 82,379 who completed their programs. #NAW21 pic.twitter.com/aFtoQu6THD
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 17, 2021Mine Workers:
Johnny Murphy from UMWA Local Union 2397 wants to give a shout-out to @unitehere for their INCREDIBLE donation to the UMWA 2021 Strike Fund!
If you would like to support the Brothers and Sisters on strike at Warrior Met visit:https://t.co/GLkH79H9sL pic.twitter.com/KmJRjVbzFG
Musical Artists:
AGMAzine has earned a Gold Award in the 2021 MarCom Awards! AGMA was recognized for its 2021 Winter issue “The New Frontier”. Continue reading: https://t.co/a37LbHurLy pic.twitter.com/YEMrTJZ2oD
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 16, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Executive Vice President Andrew LeBovidge represented NATCA at the recent World ATM Congress in Madrid. The event’s return after two years signaled a key step in the global aviation recovery. https://t.co/E21KK36hTd pic.twitter.com/G2IvLs7EAM
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 17, 2021National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:
Honoring those who served. Thank you. ??#VeteransDay2021 pic.twitter.com/5oAgZbx6SX
— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) November 11, 2021National Association of Letter Carriers:
Members of Jacksonville, FL Branch 53 participated in a Veterans Day parade last week. Thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/StdL8bDrwv
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) November 17, 2021National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
BREAKING: Senate Hearing Raises Expectations For Biden Administration on Immigrant Worker Rights: Senator Booker and Secretary Mayorkas Make Case for Deferred Action Status [video and statement]: https://t.co/bm1zpgw39u #dale
— NDLON (@NDLON) November 16, 2021National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Care workers do so much to support our loved ones. It’s time for Congress to support care workers, too. By passing the #BuildBackBetter bill, Congress can ensure everyone who needs care can receive the attention they need. #TimeToDeliver #CareCantWait pic.twitter.com/sD6h4mOZRj
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 17, 2021National Federation of Federal Employees:
Veterans Day Message from NFFE National President Randy Erwin - https://t.co/7MVJpqI4Ke pic.twitter.com/nQ9MuIr8JD
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) November 11, 2021National Nurses United:
Workers in male-dominated fields (police, firefighters) get "presumptive eligibility" for workers' comp.
But nurses suffer some of the highest rates of injury at work of any profession. Why are we left without this benefit? #CarePenalty #NurseTwitter pic.twitter.com/lHgh7s0RgX
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
16 workers killed on the job.
The work of #LosDeliveristas - some of the best we've seen - is going to save lives. It's deep and moving. And @SenSchumer using his power to deliver to grassroots workers is changing the game. #DeliveristasHUBs Now! Power to @workersjusticep! https://t.co/pzCxVJ5xf9
NWSL Players Association:
A true leader.
Thank you @clubelevenmag for highlighting the tireless work of @torihuster and the PA! https://t.co/DNQaxdSBg5
NFL Players Association:
??? @megatronnie continuing to make an impact in his community. https://t.co/v9bOENoEvQ
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 17, 2021North America's Building Trades Unions:
What’d I tell you... BIF is a BFD.
Thank you, @POTUS, for getting the job done ?#BidenDelivers // #1u // @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/6qftPeeCPQ
Office and Professional Employees:
Wesleyan university students and physical plant employees unionized with @OPEIU Local 153 stand in solidarity with unionizing workers at @BatesCollege #1u pic.twitter.com/bl3kiwCgDy
— OPEIU Local 153 (@153Local) November 10, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
Union apprenticeships like ours in the building trades:
✅World-class education, free of charge.
✅Earn while you learn.
✅Robust benefits on day one.
✅Begin pension on day one.
✅Starting salary above national median salary.
✅Flexibility to work anywhere in the country. pic.twitter.com/nA7LQqoDFC
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Kudos to @POTUS for signing the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Monday, creating millions of new, good union jobs. Now Congress must finish the job by passing the Build Back Better Act to secure America’s middle class! https://t.co/dzNXcnlzcI
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 16, 2021Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS is proud to represent thousands of veterans @FAANews & @MCASCPPA. They continue to serve their country as federal employees, working 24/7/365 for the American public. #VeteransDay2021 #publicservice #aviationsafety #unionsolidarity @FAA_Steve pic.twitter.com/4GHb7b00M7
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 11, 2021Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
STATEMENT on Blue Origin subsidy in #NDAA: “Until Jeff Bezos changes the way his employees are mistreated and dehumanized at Amazon and elsewhere, no elected official should support the passage of subsidies for him or any of his projects” -@sappelbaum https://t.co/LOppvCfXdc pic.twitter.com/t30afGKQzc
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 17, 2021Roofers and Waterproofers:
Working with a nail gun? Choose the safest trigger option – a full sequential trigger. It can prevent serious, even fatal, injuries. For more tips on using nail guns safely, visit: https://t.co/Qfr0592fUs #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/fIGOJ1aXe8
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 17, 2021SAG-AFTRA:
#KnowHerName: Learn about lawyer, activist, and former presidential advisor Kimberly Teehee, the first Cherokee Nation delegate in the House
of Representatives.
Thank you to @womenshistory for this moment in history.#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/U96PRDHhft
Seafarers:
To expand the Navy isn’t enough. We need a bigger commercial fleet. https://t.co/FKdImpuqwa via @BrookingsInst #Maritime #USA #1u #Jobs
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 12, 2021Solidarity Center:
With just 1 yr to go until the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup time is running out for #Qatar to deliver on its promise to abolish the kafala sponsorship system & better protect #migrantworkers, per new @amnesty report. @GAATW_IS @FES_Migration https://t.co/VsQKik9SNq
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 17, 2021TCU/IAM:
The signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill yesterday was a historic moment for our country and our union as the bill makes massive investments in our crafts. We were proud and honored to attend the bill signing ceremony. #1u #InfrastructureBill #InfrastructureWeek pic.twitter.com/06GrVrourL
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) November 16, 2021The NewsGuild-CWA:
Members of three New York Times unions joined forces on Tuesday to deliver a message to management: Stop union busting. Respect our union.https://t.co/2p5oUdNYXP pic.twitter.com/kj16y481W8
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) November 17, 2021Theatrical Stage Employees:
What does it mean to be Sober Curious?
Join us on Friday, 11/19 for a webinar with Rosalyn Gilbert, LCSW, and Joshua Snow, LCSW, from the @TheActorsFund Addiction and Recovery Services.
Register here: https://t.co/4gSoX0Yd0U pic.twitter.com/Z2WsBmc5I5
Transport Workers Union:
“If there’s not a no-fly list, people are going to continue to assault plane crews and gate agents. Its an absolute must that this list be established.” - @TWUSamuelsen #EnoughIsEnough pic.twitter.com/W6zETLMncZ
— TWU (@transportworker) November 17, 2021Transportation Trades Department:
TTD Pres. Greg Regan to @TransportDems: We do not believe that a shortage of employees in the supply chain is a factor in current conditions. pic.twitter.com/BTJ3Vp2FWI
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 17, 2021UAW:
Jeff is a Vietnam vet and activist who’s heard a lot of talk about supporting our vets over the years. #TheBuildBackBetterAct addresses the needs of vets including support for the VA & workforce & building improvements to streamline care for our nation’s veterans. #UAWVeterans pic.twitter.com/XTfNS2SMo3
— UAW (@UAW) November 11, 2021Union Veterans Council:
In the words of @JasonIsbell “What have we done to Help” today? #1u https://t.co/s9PVmt7HmO
— Union Veterans Council?✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) November 17, 2021UNITE HERE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:@HelloFresh Workers Allege Frequent Injuries, Dangerous Working Conditions Inside America’s #1 Meal Kit Company’s CA & CO Factories
Workers & union ask gov't to investigate occupational hazards as new data reveal higher-than-average injury rates pic.twitter.com/KkRppt60t7
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Did you know that the @UFCW Free College Benefit is now offering a free online #Cannabis Business Certificate program for its members and their families?
Sign up today to take advantage of this benefit! For more details, visit: https://t.co/U0bR5c9pf4#1u #CannabisUnion pic.twitter.com/GPqluTcsMS
United Steelworkers:
. @exxonmobilbmt @exxonmobil put our @USWLu13_243 families on the streets in a #ULPLockOut & now it’s personal! We’re fighting not just for us, but all of us for SAFETY, SECURITY & SENIORITY of our community @CityofBmt too! #FairContract pic.twitter.com/YtJdc4bsdx
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) November 16, 2021United Students Against Sweatshops:
Drumroll please..... the 25th USAS National Convention will be March 18-19, 2022 at Fresno State University - YOU'RE INVITED!! Register now at https://t.co/KODD1FshEy pic.twitter.com/75A415iK80
— USAS (@USAS) November 8, 2021Utility Workers:
November is National Native American Heritage Month! Pay tribute by learning more about the rich ancestry and traditions of native peoples by visiting https://t.co/9F5JxE1E2P
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 16, 2021Working America:
It's time for @generalelectric to believe in America and restore its commitment to service members.
Find out more from @CWAUnion at https://t.co/V0Yx95lIB1 #VeteransDay #1u pic.twitter.com/S8J1y2OsgA
Writers Guild of America, East:
This week on OnWriting: A Podcast of the Writers Guild of America, East....
JON SPAIHTS & DENIS VILLENEUVE
Co-writers of @DUNEmovie
They discuss the challenges of writing a story that serves 2 audiences, focusing on the human element in sci-fi, & more.https://t.co/2uMHA9uUhi
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NNU, AFT Urge Implementation of Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Recommendations
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.
National Nurses United (NNU) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) praised President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, which last week released its final report to the president addressing the deep structural inequities in our country that led to the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on people of color. The task force is recommending that the administration create a permanent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases; improve health care access for communities of color and underserved communities; address environmental factors that contribute to health disparities; and enforce anti-discrimination protections for Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian health care workers.
“The pandemic’s devastating impact on communities of color laid bare the stark inequities of our nation’s health care system—inequities that existed long before COVID-19 and prevented millions of people of color, rural and low-income Americans from accessing hospitals, medication and more,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “This task force took critical steps to address those inequities, including assessing rural hospital closures and implementing important standards to make sure health care workers are protected on the job, which in turn creates safer environments for patients to receive care, regardless of where they live.”
Mary Turner, RN, who is president of the Minnesota Nurses Association, which is an affiliate of NNU, and a member of the task force, said: “As an ICU nurse on a COVID unit since the start of the pandemic, I am thrilled that the task force is calling for a permanent OSHA COVID-19 standard that includes protections against aerosol and airborne transmission for nurses and other workers. I’ve seen too many workers die during this pandemic, and nurses of color have become infected and died at alarming rates. Nurses should never again have to fight for respiratory and other occupational health and safety protections. I am also proud of our recommendation to assess clinical practice guidelines and health-related algorithms for racial and other types of bias.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/18/2021 - 09:36Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBB Members Help Rebuild Seattle Zoo’s Playground
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 always work together when we have a chance to improve our communities. Members of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 104 recently took part in a special community service project to rebuild and upgrade the playground at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. The project was completed with volunteers giving a couple hours of their evenings over a few months to work.
Local 104 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Steve Behling said he’s proud of the volunteer work the local has completed for their community. “I would like to thank Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo for giving Local 104 membership the opportunity to be of service to our community. We are proud to have been a part [of the project] by making the upgraded bamboo scramble installation much safer for the children of Seattle, and we hope that many generations to come are able to enjoy their visit to one of the best zoos in our area.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/17/2021 - 09:58Workers Rise Up: 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. Workers Have Been Striking in Startling Numbers. Will That Continue?: “U.S. workers are doing something we haven’t seen much of in the last three decades: striking. Roughly 25,000 workers have recently walked off their jobs and joined picket lines, earning October 2021 the nickname #striketober. Are these strikes likely to spread? Our research on union activity over the past century has identified several major factors affecting union and strike dynamics. How today’s strikes develop will likely depend on these factors.”
Infrastructure Bill Includes Billions for Broadband: “The infrastructure bill heading to President Biden's desk includes $65 billion to improve high-speed internet access and affordability. Why it matters: The pandemic proved the necessity of connectivity to participate in daily American life, and Biden's administration acknowledged that by including this funding in the infrastructure package. By the numbers: The funding is aimed towards building high-speed internet networks, helping low-income families pay for service and digital equity programs.”
Meet the 18-Year Kellogg's Veteran Who's Leading Workers in a Monthlong Strike That's Still Going: 'What's at Stake Here Is the American Middle Class': “Dan Osborn has worked at Kellogg's for 18 years and he's on strike for the first time. Not only is he one of the 1,400 workers who have been on strike since October 5, he's president of the local union branch in Omaha, Nebraska. They're the latest group opting to stay on the picket line and demand equitable wages as thousands of workers across the country walk out, turning what the labor movement called #Striketober into #Strikesgiving. Just this week, John Deere union members voted down a tentative agreement, meaning that more than 10,000 workers will stay on strike. At Kellogg's, workers are demanding an end to what they see as an unfair wage system.”
Yamashita: Working Families Go Beyond Negotiation Tables to Secure Democracy: “A strike database from Cornell University shows more than 250 strikes have taken place since the start of this year. All of these work stoppages are a testament to how critical of a time we are in to build a more equitable country. A country where our democracy is secured in the workplace, at the ballot box and where immigrants aren’t forced into the shadows but are given a clear path to citizenship. Workers cannot wait any longer.”
Starbucks Has Cultivated a Progressive Brand—but It’s Urging Buffalo Employees to Reject a Union in This Week’s Landmark Vote: “On Wednesday, the National Labor Relations Board will mail ballots to employees at three Starbucks Corp. coffee shops in and around Buffalo, New York, who will vote over the next four weeks on whether to establish the first-ever unionized locations among the chain’s thousands of corporate-run U.S. stores.”
Amid Wider Trends, Employers Should Expect More Worker-Led Movements for Better Benefits and Working Conditions: “With all of this attention on labor actions, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman emphasized strikes are considered a last resort for union members. ‘Nobody wants to go on strike,’ Tolman said. Tolman, who is in his 11th year as president of labor organization, which is a national federation of labor unions maintaining state federations and local labor councils, said he’s hopeful increased support for unions, as well as national legislative efforts to codify increased organizing protections, like the proposed Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 in Congress, which passed in the House earlier this year but not the Senate, will result in more workplaces organizing.”
Alabama Coal Miners Protest BlackRock in NYC: “Striking miners from Alabama protested outside BlackRock headquarters in New York on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.”
From Striketober to the Great Resignation: Pandemic Pushes Workers to Rise Up: “As the nation slowly recuperates from the brunt of the pandemic, American workers—many of whom were lauded as ‘essential’ only months ago—are making it clearer than ever that enough is enough. Corrina A. Christensen, Director of Public Relations & Communications of the BCTGM International Union, which represents workers at Frito-Lay, Kellogg, and Nabisco, told Salon that workers are capitalizing on a ‘newfound sense of leverage’ as the employers reckon with the consequences of the pandemic.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:30Biden Signs Massive Infrastructure Investment Into Law
After decades of neglect and decline, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on Monday, marking a historic $1.2 trillion investment in the country's infrastructure. The legislation invests in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, resilient transmission lines and more, and is centered around the creation of good union jobs. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and other advocates for working families were in attendance, representing the years of hard work that was put into the passage of this important bill and the importance of infrastructure investments for working people.
In addition to the economic investments that will boost the economy, make work and traveling to and from work safer and create jobs, the legislation does a lot to help make the economy more fair and equal for women and communities of color. The legislation addresses racial justice and gender equity through improving economic opportunity and providing pathways to increased equality. In addition to investments in closing the digital divide, expanding public transit, cleaning up hazardous waste sites, making infrastructure more resilient to climate change and extreme weather and clean drinking water, the legislation ensures that women and people of color will have access to the high-quality jobs the bill creates. People of color and women were disproportionately affected by the pandemic and the act would help mediate those effects while working to shrink the persistent racial wealth gap and cycles of poverty that affect communities of color.
The investments also will allow for activists and leaders like Judaline Cassidy, a member of United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 1, to pursue programs that benefit women and people of color in the workforce. Cassidy hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has more than 25 years as a tradeswoman under her belt. When she's not continuing to perfect her craft, she focuses on efforts to inspire women to join the building trades. Among her other projects is a podcast, "Tradeswomen Talk," that spotlights women in the building trades, "Tools and Tiaras," which introduces young girls to the building trades, and "Lean In Women in Trades," a partnership with author Sheryl Sandberg that helps women navigate the trades.
This historic investment is a good starting point, but there is still work to be done. The next step is for Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will knock down barriers and help so many workers, especially women and people of color, find high-quality sustainable jobs. Activists like Cassidy are working hard to improve the lives of those around them, and it's up to Congress to provide them with the support they need to not only succeed, but to expand their efforts to benefit even more working families.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 09:44Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
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.
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week, and the labor movement is celebrating the drive and success of thousands of union apprentices across the country. Apprenticeships offer workers the chance to earn while they learn, opening doors to the middle class as an alternative to traditional higher education. Click here to watch a new video from the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) about the value of union apprenticeships.
“Our robust labor-management commitment to and private multi-billion dollar investment in craft training ensure workers of all backgrounds, including veterans, women and minority communities, can meet the demands of our competitive industry,” said Sean McGarvey (IUPAT), president of North America’s Building Trades Unions. “Every year, tens of thousands of the most highly-skilled construction workers complete our state-of-the-art Registered Apprenticeship programs not only meeting the demands of industry, but also fully equipped with portable skills for rewarding middle-class careers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 09:43‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Meeting the Moment for Working Families
Tim and Carolyn sit down with Jimmy Williams Jr., general president of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), to discuss the ongoing membership work of the IUPAT. They also talk about the positive impact the Build Back Better legislative agenda, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act will have on working people across the country.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/15/2021 - 10:00Tags: Podcast
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Beats Back Anti-Union Tactics at Two Air Force Bases
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.
During the previous administration, federal government agencies felt empowered to pursue anti-union strategies that stripped federal workers of their right to bargain collectively. Management at March Air Reserve Base in California and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona showed their animus when they imposed contracts that took away grievance procedures and did not recognize union leaders. AFGE District 12 subsequently filed unfair labor practice complaints with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) on behalf of its members and won.
The judges who adjudicated the union’s complaints recently ordered the Air Force to immediately stop implementing the illegal contracts and return to the status quo. They also ordered the agency to go back to the bargaining table with the union and notify all employees regarding the violations.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/15/2021 - 09:32Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Pennsylvania Labor Movement Hosts Community Service Campaign in Honor of Richard Trumka
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.
Throughout Richard Trumka’s (UMWA) life, he inspired and encouraged us to be active leaders in our communities. We’re proud to see his legacy continue in his home state of Pennsylvania, where the labor movement is holding a series of community service events in memory of our departed friend and brother who served as president of the AFL-CIO for nearly 12 years.
Members of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, under the leadership of President Darrin Kelly (IAFF), held a litter cleanup Monday morning in Pittsburgh. The Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council held a Labor Day of Action with different opportunities for volunteers, including writing thank you cards to veterans and helping out at a local food bank. The Montgomery County AFL-CIO Union Council held a food drive and the United Labor Council of Reading & Berks County fundraised $700 to tackle hunger
There are further events planned in the coming weeks in Erie, Allentown, York, Johnstown, the Northern Tier region and Scranton. The labor movement salutes the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and its central labor councils for their dedication to their neighbors and for honoring the legacy of Brother Trumka.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/12/2021 - 10:35President Liz Shuler Honors the Service and Dedication of Our Nation’s Veterans
This Veterans Day, I join the entire country in thanking and recognizing America's servicemembers and their families.
Coast to coast, from the mountains to the plains to small towns and major cities, our own labor family includes more than 1 million veterans. They’ve served our country and continue to serve so much more than themselves by raising their voices on the picket lines, leading negotiations at the collective bargaining table and defending democracy in America’s workplaces.
That’s what the labor movement is all about. Unions put power behind workers' voices and having a say in our economic future is a cornerstone of American democracy. It’s patriotic.
It’s why the labor movement will keep fighting for the rights of all working people, especially the freedom to stand together in unions without the fear of getting fired.
I come from a union veteran family. My dad was a member of the electrical workers union, IBEW Local 125 and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He grew up poor, working in the orchards of Hood River Oregon where his family lived in a one room fruit picking shack. He and his four siblings often worried about keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. To help make ends meet, he started working at age 12, sandblasting tombstones. He signed up to join the Marine Corps right out of high school, and was deployed straight to Vietnam.
When he returned, he faced the question most veterans do: now what? A union lineman apprenticeship program put him on the path to a good job at Portland General Electric. And that job put our family on the path to the middle class.
Unions are transformational. In one generation, the union difference meant my sister and I didn’t have to worry about secure housing or having enough to eat.
That’s what drives me every single day: Every working person in this country, especially our veterans and their families, should have the life-changing power of a good, union job.
The labor movement has always engaged and supported veterans. And as we build a bold, dynamic and inclusive movement, our Union Veterans Council is taking it to the next level to shape the future of work and expand workplace democracy. Today, the council will launch a far-reaching campaign to engage, educate and mobilize our veteran community because veteran voices in our unions are powerful, persuasive and unifying.
As the nation honors their service, we want every veteran and family to know that they can have a place in our movement
Please be sure to join the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO for a special Operation Union Veterans Day event today at noon ET. You can join here.
Featured speakers include Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO; Cecil Roberts, international president of the Mine Workers; Will Attig, executive director of the Union Veterans Council; and James Rodriguez, Department of Labor's principal deputy assistant secretary for policy for Veterans' Employment and Training Service.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/11/2021 - 00:21
