Service + Solidarity Spotlight: BAC Plays Key Role in Expansion Efforts for New York’s Iconic Penn Station
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 Moynihan Train Hall in New York City opened earlier this year, thanks in large part to the skilled work of members of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Some 90 members of BAC locals 1 NY and 7 NY/NJ installed 26,563 pieces of marble, setting the stage for Penn Station’s beautiful new train terminal. “The contractors wanted every deadline hit, so that’s what we did,” said Local 7 member Joe Bond (pictured above kneeling, second from the right). “Everything and everyone followed us, so we had to stay on schedule. It was a lot to keep up with, especially when you factor in a pandemic. Some may have decided to stay home, but not my crew.” BAC members performed some 70,000 hours of work on the project. Click here to read more.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/10/2021 - 09:33Build It Union: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Veterans deserve the right to join a union. It's time for @lisamurkowski and @SenDanSullivan to #PassThePROAct and open up meaningful employment opportunities for veterans! #1u pic.twitter.com/3fPls4UuvX
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
"Since 2020, employees have unionized or are attempting to do so everywhere from Printed Matter in New York City to Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle and Bookshop Santa Cruz in California." https://t.co/wuJytDJL1I
— Arizona AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 9, 2021California Labor Federation:
Planning your #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday shopping?
READ THIS FIRST!!#UnionStrong #1u #Solidarity https://t.co/AZuM67Be72
Colorado AFL-CIO:
#coleg #copolitics #1u #Strikesgiving #Striketober #hellofresh @unitehere23 https://t.co/X2WE0uzp7w
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 3, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
CT @AFLCIO delegates elected Ed Hawthorne (@AFSCME) and Shellye Davis (@AFTunion) as their new leaders today! Congratulations! #CTAFL21 https://t.co/Yt7HKK7zIJ
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 29, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
Happening Now: Florida AFL-CIO Director of Politics and Public Policy Dr. Rich Templin joins Rep. Anna Eskamani, Rep. Angie Nixon, and Dr. Esteban Leonardo Santis to discuss tax fairness in Florida.https://t.co/idsXuX9Loq
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
City councils in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Evansville have all passed resolutions supporting the PRO Act! https://t.co/zmSxpALG2P
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The next postal vehicle: Tell them to Build It Union https://t.co/kGzY0JIsLD
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Maine AFL-CIO:
NEW MAINE LABOR NEWS:
✊ IBEW 567 Has Largest Class of First-Year Apprentices Ever!
✊ Maine AFL-CIO Tells Hilton to Save Union Hotel Jobs
✊ Support MDI Teachers Fighting for a Fair Contract
✊ Voting is Open for Next Labor Reading Group Selectionhttps://t.co/NvTtQ8JIzD
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
President Edwards and @ValderramaforMD at the @NCSLorg 2021 Conference. pic.twitter.com/0sbjhrOL1O
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 4, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
As we continue to #BuildBackBetter we must #PassBothBills #1u https://t.co/6uUh4besh3
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // #Strikesgiving (@massaflcio) November 5, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
On day 30 of the #KelloggStrike, the Kellogg Company released their Q3 Profit Report showing adjusted earnings for this quarter up 19.8% per share from the same period last year and a third quarter increase of 9% in operating profits totaling $447,000,000.
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 4, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
We're treating essential workers like they're expendable, again https://t.co/Ct6vIZOZGG (via @mnreformer's @jpcoolican) #1u #mnleg #MakeItRight #EssentialWorkers pic.twitter.com/7RyEB0iQTu
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
We know that corporations want to break up unions. Why? Because it is a money grab for the greedy CEOs, millionaires, and stockholders. We need strong unions to reverse this trend. https://t.co/1UTh21rCo5
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Montana AFL-CIO:
This is a very good day for Montana. The bipartisan infrastructure package will help support good paying jobs in Montana for the next decade. #unionstrong #mtpol https://t.co/rgEK7QmQQM
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) November 6, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) November 7, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
From @Culinary226:
"Union workers at the Mirage Casino are protected by a strong union contract, which means Mirage workers are retained and their jobs are protected, even if owners or operators change."
READ MORE ⤵️https://t.co/dmd4Inmc6N
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 5, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 4, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
Our @UAPipeTrades local 412 Brothers and Sisters helped Albuquerque’s seniors stay warm in the cold months to come.
Thank you ✊✊ #Solidarity #1u @AFLCIO https://t.co/RhxeruiHex
New York State AFL-CIO:
Congrats this is amazing news! https://t.co/oQ7QvZZbHF
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks @SenSherrodBrown for visiting the striking @steelworkers in Shelby, #Ohio today. @RepTimRyan was there Saturday. Next year we can elect @TimRyan and have the two most pro-#Union Senators in the country. #strikegiving pic.twitter.com/CBIT65UhPA
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Thanks @SenSherrodBrown for visiting the striking @steelworkers in Shelby, #Ohio today. @RepTimRyan was there Saturday. Next year we can elect @TimRyan and have the two most pro-#Union Senators in the country. #strikegiving pic.twitter.com/CBIT65UhPA
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
"It’s time for Kaiser to put patients over profits and to bargain a fair contract with their workers instead of putting cash into the pockets of a CEO." https://t.co/jFGY0EldRh
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Stand in solidarity with @sftlocal1147 ✊ #SchoolsOurKidsDeservehttps://t.co/GJO7htNfXx@PFTLocal3 @AFTPA @PFT400
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 8, 2021Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
"working people have a right to have a say everywhere decisions are being made in the state of Rhode Island"
RI AFL-CIO President George Nee's acceptance speech for the 2021 Dante Mollo Labor United Award, presented by United Way RI @liveunitedri https://t.co/sqPKw5Iaqp pic.twitter.com/oKYUjltvia
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"This will be my first time ever going on a strike. It's a good and a bad feeling. Because you're standing up for what you believe in, for your future." #kelloggsstrike #Strikesgiving #1u https://t.co/kTtUwo7OBK
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) November 8, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
Last week, United Mine Workers of America (@MineWorkers) workers sent a message to greedy corporations that #Strikesgiving is underway. We're standing in solidarity with our striking brothers and sisters across the country. #TXUnionStrong pic.twitter.com/58QufqXMdO
— Texas AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@TexasAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Virginia AFL-CIO:
Official statement from @Virginia_AFLCIO President Doris Crouse-Mays on Virginia 2021 election results:
Virginia's labor movement is truly disheartened by the election of anti-labor, anti-worker gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin.
Washington State Labor Council:
Official statement from @Virginia_AFLCIO President Doris Crouse-Mays on Virginia 2021 election results:
Virginia's labor movement is truly disheartened by the election of anti-labor, anti-worker gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin.
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
1,000 SEIU 1199 union members employed at Cabell Huntington Hospital walked out on strike today at noon.
We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of SEIU 1199 in their fight against corporate greed! #wvpol pic.twitter.com/zK0SGa4mRq
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
The next postal vehicle: Tell them to Build It Union. Take action w/ the @AFLCIO and @UAW here: https://t.co/MVqirRX0aG
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 9, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/09/2021 - 13:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New York Taxi Workers Secure Historic Debt Relief
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.
After 3 years of direct action, 6 weeks of 24/7 mobilization starting in September and a 15-day hunger strike that ended on November 3, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) reached an agreement with the city and Marblegate Asset Management (the holder of many of the relevant loans) for significant debt relief for the city's taxi drivers.
When drivers first acquire the medallion that allows them to drive in the city, many are forced to go into such deep debt that paying it off becomes a challenge. Under the agreement, total principal and monthly payments will be capped at more reasonable levels and drivers will no longer risk having liens placed on their homes or bank accounts.
"We won a campaign to win back our lives and honor the memory of the brothers we lost to the despair of debt," said Bhairavi Desai, executive director of NYTWA. "After years of pain and loss, we want to celebrate our triumph, the strength of driver unity and the dawning of our new days. We still also have a lot of work ahead of us—especially in getting all the lenders to the table, negotiating temporary payments before this program is up and running, securing tax exemption on forgiven debt and making sure absolutely no driver—including those foreclosed on or in bankruptcy court—is left behind. Today, while we build our momentum for the next stage, we celebrate the victory and we thank the leaders who walked the walk to make it possible."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/09/2021 - 09:39Winning Public Support: 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.
Why Unions Are Striking—and Winning More Public Support Than in 50 Years: “The U.S. is experiencing an unusual surge of strikes—10,000 John Deere workers went on strike in October, and so did 1,400 Kellogg workers, and now 35,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers are threatening to walk out. Workplace experts generally point to two reasons for this surge. First, after working so hard and often risking their lives during the pandemic, many workers believe that they deserve better pay and treatment. Second, American workers—especially long-underappreciated essential and low-wage workers—are suddenly feeling empowered because of today’s labor shortage.”
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.”
The Working Class Is on Strike: “Across the country we are witnessing a historic strike wave, with over 22,000 US union members on strike right now. From our BCTGM Local 374G right here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on strike against the greed of Kellogg’s, to the 10,000 UAW workers at John Deere plants walking off the factory floor, the Ironworkers Regional Shop Local 851 on strike against Erie Strayer Company in northwestern Pennsylvania, or the 24,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente on the west coast who have overwhelmingly authorized a strike, workers have had enough, and they are taking action. For years the working class in this country [has] been pushed to the brink, while corporate bosses and shareholders have reaped nearly all the benefits of their labor.”
The Labor Shortage Is Reshaping the Economy, and How People Talk About Work. Here's a Glossary of All the New Phrases That Sum Up Workers' Frustration with Their Deal: “Importantly, there's a mismatch between businesses saying they're eager to hire and who's still out of work. For instance, in August, the Black unemployment rate went up, even as businesses said they were scrambling to hire. It's what Dr. William Spriggs—an economics professor at Howard University and the chief economist for the AFL-CIO—said was ‘the self-evident discrimination in the labor market revealing itself.’ The Black unemployment rate ticked a bit in September, but still remains elevated.”
Labor Is Having a Moment in Colorado and Beyond, but Will That Lead to More Unionized Workers?: “A vote on a union at an Aurora HelloFresh site is seen as a test of labor’s ability to flex its muscles at a time when workers are hard to find and union members who’ve been on the front lines in the pandemic are now on the picket line, seeking better conditions and pay. The mail-in vote at the HelloFresh facility in Aurora, where about 350 employees are eligible to cast ballots, started Oct. 28 and will run through Nov. 22. About 900 HelloFresh employees in Richmond, California, will start voting Nov. 18. The number of worksites, both in Colorado and across the county, wanting to organize seems to be growing by the week. ‘I know it’s a moment for labor, but it’s actually a moment for workers,’ said Robert Lindgren, Colorado AFL-CIO political and organizing director. ‘I’m seeing people reexamining why they work at a given place and trying to find the best possible opportunity for them and their families.’”
Local Labor Union Helps Albuquerque Seniors with Heating: “It's that time of year when people start cranking up the heat in their homes, but that can be hard for seniors and people with disabilities. Members of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union 412 got ready Saturday morning to head out and help the community. ‘All the folks here—there's about one hundred hands here today, and it's a volunteer day for them. This is 100% out of the kindness of their heart. They chose to show up this morning. They'll go out all day, work their butts off and help the community,’ said Courtenay Eichhorst, union business manager.”
AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Marks 100 Minnesota Projects: “The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) announced today it reached the milestone of investing $1.6 billion in 100 construction projects in Minnesota. This achievement has contributed to the HIT’s track record of producing competitive returns for its investors since its inception in 1984, while generating important social impacts. In Minnesota, these have included about 22.8 million hours of well-paying union construction work; 13,142 new units of sorely needed housing that is 47% affordable; and transformative growth with total economic impacts of $4.8 billion.”
‘Striketober’ Isn’t a Sign of Chaos—It’s a Healthy Development for the Country: “The picket line has been crowded lately. Tens of thousands of workers are on strike, including nurses in Massachusetts, United Auto Workers at John Deere, coal miners in Alabama, metal workers in West Virginia, hospital workers in New York, ironworkers in Pennsylvania and Kellogg’s workers in four states. I recently walked the picket line with Keith Bragg, Darlene Carpenter and other members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 358 in Richmond. They saw Nabisco making record profits while trying to weaken health coverage for new hires. Bragg and Carpenter told me they refused to sell out their younger colleagues through a two-tiered system—and after a five-week strike, they won a contract that preserved good benefits for all.”
Survey Shows Broad Public Support for Worker Strikes: “Workers at companies like Kellogg’s, Nabisco and John Deere have hit the picket lines in recent weeks hoping to get a better deal from their employers. A new survey suggests the public by and large supports them. The AFL-CIO labor federation commissioned the progressive pollster Data for Progress to take the public’s temperature on the strikes that have made headlines this summer and fall. The online survey of nearly 1,300 likely voters asked if they ‘approve or disapprove of employees going on strike in support of better wages, benefits, and working conditions.’ Seventy-four percent of respondents either strongly approved or somewhat approved of the strikes, while just 20% strongly disapproved or somewhat disapproved of them. Six percent did not have an opinion.”
What the Labor Movement Needs to Keep 'Striketober' Going, According to New AFL-CIO Leader Liz Shuler: “‘They’ve had enough,’ Shuler says of the season, which many have dubbed ‘Striketober.’ But as ripe as the current labor market conditions are for successful strikes, the current moment is also a critical juncture for the future existence of the very labor unions that make such revolts possible. Private sector union membership has fallen from roughly 32% in 1960 to 6% today, and stands to decline even more as older generations—who are more likely than younger ones to be in unions—near retirement age. ‘This is the challenge of our time. Something like 10,000 people a day are retiring,’ Shuler says, ‘and that silver tsunami is about to hit us.’ Shuler spoke with TIME about what the workers participating in this historic wave of strikes are fighting for, how union membership can help them get it, and what the AFL-CIO is doing to bolster its ranks—especially with young people—to preserve its collective bargaining power in the decades to come.”
Outside Hotlines for Athletes Are a Sign of Strained Trust in Sports: “The NWSL players’ union, for instance, is paying about $50 a month, said Meghann Burke, its executive director. Burke said the association, a new affiliate of the AFL-CIO, had initially asked the league to include an anonymous third-party hotline in its anti-harassment policy, adopted earlier this year, because of ‘the lack of trust the players have in the league handling these complaints.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 13:11Working People Respond to Passage of Historic Infrastructure Legislation
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the legislation now goes to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. Working people across the country applauded the legislation as a breakthrough victory for working families. Here are responses from advocates for working families to the bill's passage:
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler:
Victories like this are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden. Finally, at long last, infrastructure week is really here. Today’s final passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, resilient transmission lines and more is centered around the creation of good union jobs.
Yet there is still more work to be done. The Build Back Better Act will knock down the barriers that have prevented so many workers, especially women and people of color, from finding high-quality sustainable jobs. It will make quality child care and elder care available to relieve the burden families face in getting back to work. Investments in good, clean union energy jobs will help us fight climate change and protect our communities. Improvements to our immigration system will ease the burden for those who want to call America home. Wealthy individuals and corporations finally will pay their fair share in taxes. And for the first time, employers will be hit with real financial penalties for union-busting, making this the most significant advancement for the right to organize since passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935.
President Biden promised to be the most pro-union president in history—and today is another down payment on that promise. We are so close to making our economy fairer and safer for working people, and we can’t stop now. With the bipartisan infrastructure bill set to become law, the House and Senate must finish the job by sending the Build Back Better Act to President Biden’s desk.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders:
The passage of this bill is a watershed moment that is a long time coming. It will create good union jobs, providing the shot in the arm our economy and our communities need. It will improve quality of life for all of us—everyone who drives on our roads, who rides public transit, who buys goods that pass through our ports, who depends on clean drinking water and a reliable power grid.
Today’s vote in the House comes on the immediate heels of a very strong jobs report this morning, with more than half a million jobs created in October, as the virus continues to recede. After more than a year and a half of struggle and challenge, we are starting to turn the corner, and the passage of the infrastructure bill will further accelerate progress.
But Congress’ work isn’t done. The House and the Senate both must move immediately to also pass the Build Back Better Act, which will make unprecedented and urgently needed investments in our human infrastructure.
Build Back Better would be life-changing for millions upon millions of people. It includes the robust support many of our neighbors need to live with greater security and dignity. If you rely on prescription drugs to stay alive, if the affordable housing crisis is devastating your family, if you need access to child care for your kids or home care for your elderly parents, you can’t wait any longer.
Jobs are coming back. We are getting closer to ending this pandemic. Resources are coming into our communities. We are heading in the right direction—not just a return to normalcy in America, but profound change that leaves everyone better off than before. Now, it’s time to finish the job.
International President John A. Costa, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU):
This legislation is a game changer for public transit, workers, riders, and our country. It's a down payment on our future. With record funding for public transit, the bill provides a historic investment in fixing and modernizing our nation's crumbling transit infrastructure. It will help fight climate change with funding to replace thousands of gas-powered buses with clean, zero-emission vehicles, and provides critical workforce development to ensure frontline transit workers are trained to safely repair, maintain, and operate vehicles with this new technology.
There has been an epidemic of violent attacks on transit workers that has only gotten worse during the pandemic. The Infrastructure bill provides important protections and safety measures to help ensure transit workers are safe on the job.
The vision of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda is a comprehensive agenda for how we move forward as a nation for generations to come. So much is on the line. It's time to deliver what the American people voted for. By the House passing the infrastructure bill, we are one step closer to achieving real, transformative change.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten:
This bill is a triumph for working people, the economy and the nation. It will better the life of each and every American and stands as a breakthrough after years of talk and bluster about infrastructure, but precious little action.
Today, that changed: it shows what we can achieve when we bridge divides and work together to find solutions for the American people. This bill will get lead out of water and repair leaky tunnels. It will pipe broadband into millions of homes that sorely need it. And it’s going to restore our crumbling roads and create millions of new jobs.
Both progressive and moderates worked constructively with the speaker and the president to find a way to make this a reality. Now, we have the wind at our backs—we are dealing with COVID, adding jobs, and have a second page of history about to be written: child and elder care, pre-K, and climate action in the Build Back Better Act. Let’s celebrate tonight’s vote and continue to deliver for the American people who’ve been through so much and yearn to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Communications Workers of America (CWA):
The passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is welcome news for America’s working families.
The $65 billion in the IIJA to support the expansion and affordability of broadband will help close the digital divide. For the first time, the bill prioritizes broadband projects from employers who follow labor law. That means that the funding will create good, sustainable jobs in our communities. CWA members are eager to begin this buildout and to support the deployment. We are working with state legislators and regulators to make sure that the funds are distributed to projects that deliver the speed and reliability that customers need, and that the companies that receive the funds are held to high standards.
Additionally, to address the nation’s airports and air traffic control facilities, the IIJA allocates $25 billion for airport improvement projects, airport terminal development, and Federal Aviation Administration facilities and equipment. This will help make our airports safer for travelers and for the CWA passenger service agents and flight attendants who ensure that our air travel runs smoothly.
Finally, the inclusion of the Build America, Buy America Act in the IIJA will close the loopholes in and provide more transparency into our domestic procurement laws, helping to ensure that our tax dollars are supporting American jobs.
These investments are much needed but they are not enough. Congress must act quickly to pass the Build Back Better Act to ease the burdens of the pandemic and help working families and retirees build a better future.
Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Lonnie R. Stephenson:
Nearly one year ago, the American people voted in record numbers for a new president and majorities in Congress that would prioritize working families by making bold and visionary investments in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Today, our elected leaders made good on that promise. IBEW members and working people everywhere are celebrating the passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.
Making once-in-a-generation investments in our country, this legislation ushers in a new era of worker-centric prosperity—one characterized by good, union jobs that will put millions to work modernizing our electric grid, repairing and expanding the vital transportation services we all rely on, and creating the reduced-carbon energy solutions that will power our economy well into the 21st century and beyond.
IBEW members have long called for the kind of historic funding levels that will transform life in America and we are eager, willing, and able to get to work rebuilding this country and powering our economy. We will lead the way in building out the charging infrastructure needed for the wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles, buses, trains, and trucks. And we will continue our critical work as the power professionals who build and maintain the grid that makes life in America possible.
We commend President Biden’s leadership in addressing the climate crisis and encourage the Biden administration to continue supporting carbon-free nuclear energy. IBEW members also applaud the strong labor protections found in this legislation and will always push for the strongest labor standards possible across all infrastructure investments, including in the critical area of broadband expansion.
Restoring the middle class has always been at the heart of President Biden’s ambitious plan to Build Back Better, and the IBEW is proud to stand with President Biden, Vice President Harris and Congress in fighting for the union workers who built the middle class and our great nation.
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART):
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a significant achievement to create and protect good, union jobs in the construction and transportation industries that will be instrumental in rebuilding our nation. Its passage comes as our labor market demonstrates signs of progress and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent. The passage of this legislation will further aid our recovery.
However, there is still significant work ahead. Congress must immediately pass the Build Back Better Act. This legislation will make unprecedented investments in American families and further boost economic growth. The bill applies labor standards to clean energy tax credits, expands registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, invests in high-speed rail projects, addresses indoor air quality in schools and supports workers’ right to organize by making monumental reforms to the National Labor Relations Act.
Congress must fulfill their promise to the American people and deliver on the entirety of President Biden’s agenda by swiftly passing the Build Back Better Act.
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matthew Biggs:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a win for American workers and their communities. This bill fulfills an overdue promise that lawmakers have made to Americans and paves the way for 21st-century infrastructure projects and good-paying union jobs. IFPTE members, the work they do, and the neighborhoods they come home to, will be among the beneficiaries of this bill, which modernizes transit and transportation networks, roads and highways, ports and waterways, airports, water systems, and broadband. We now turn our attention to passing the Build Back Better Act and applaud the progress the House has made. We urge Congress to quickly follow up on this historic victory and send the Build Back Better Act to President Biden's desk that commits to childcare and early education, economic resiliency and clean energy, research and development infrastructure, affordable housing, and tax fairness. We applaud President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer for their vision in making this historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and in American workers.
Terry O’Sullivan, general president of LIUNA:
The bipartisan infrastructure deal announced by the White House is a bold and transformational investment in our nation’s infrastructure that will put Laborers to work and help union families build better lives. The $1.2 trillion package will add significantly to existing investment and create hundreds of thousands of good union jobs building our roads and bridges, upgrading our drinking water and power systems, and improving infrastructure resiliency. These investments will bolster our economic well-being and secure our infrastructure for years to come.
LIUNA commends the vision of the Biden Administration and the bipartisan group of legislators who have joined with the President to craft an infrastructure package that will build and restore our nation. The collaboration and cooperation from both parties on this historic legislation is both a testament to the importance of infrastructure and an encouraging sign that lawmakers can come together on issues vital to our way of life.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and members of Congress for passage of this legislation, and to ensure each and every job created through public spending has the strongest of labor protections.
Machinists (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr.:
Our union is relieved that our nation’s elected officials could agree on legislation impacting millions of working families. The IAM was instrumental in helping pass the American Rescue Plan and other rescue packages to help keep our members employed and their families secure. But these were temporary fixes to a problem that needs a permanent solution. The IAM applauds the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the framework agreement on the Build Back Better Act. Both pieces of legislation will provide historic investment for the airline, transit, aerospace, manufacturing and other critical industries.
Build Back Better is transformative for families, with the Child Tax Credit, lower child care costs, universal pre-K, workforce development, and more. Corporations have been on the receiving end of corporate tax cuts and other special giveaways for too long. We need legislation that will embrace a pro-worker, pro-democracy agenda that provides millions of working families the opportunity to better wages and benefits.
The infrastructure package will finally strengthen Buy American rules to help boost our domestic manufacturing sectors. Our union fought to include the most significant federal investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak. Our transportation sector will benefit through the modernization projects created through the robust funding provided in this infrastructure package. This investment will help our vital manufacturing and transportation sectors build back better.
Our union is dedicated to reversing the trend of an economy that serves the wealthiest and most prominent corporations so that working families can live a better life with decent wages and benefits.
Rich Santa, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA):
This bipartisan infrastructure legislation is not only great news for the country, but also very significant for NATCA members. Once the president signs it into law, this legislation will provide $5 billion to help bring air traffic control facilities up to standard. Although this funding will not resolve every issue in every facility across the country, it is a major step in the right direction.
As our members know well based on their daily experiences in their facilities, and as we testified before Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) physical infrastructure needs immediate attention. Upgrading the FAA’s aging air traffic control facility infrastructure remains a top priority for NATCA. Many of our facilities have exceeded their life expectancy, while others need extensive repairs and/or replacement of critical physical infrastructure systems including roofs, windows, HVAC systems, elevators, and plumbing. We expect that the IIJA will address many of these issues.
NATCA thanks the members of Congress who supported this critical legislation, which will greatly improve the physical infrastructure of the National Airspace System (NAS), helping to ensure that it remains the safest, most efficient in the world.
James T. Callahan, general president of the Operating Engineers (IUOE):
The Operating Engineers applaud the hard work and resolve of President Biden and Speaker Pelosi to make passage of the bipartisan infrastructure framework a reality and to deliver for the American people.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will enable us to build world-class infrastructure that is safe, reliable, and more resilient. It will create hundreds of thousands of family wage jobs, build healthier communities, and reduce congestion and gridlock.
This historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure investment will help train and employ tens of thousands of skilled tradespeople, including thousands of Operating Engineers, in every corner of the country. It will rebuild the nation’s crumbling public works and solidify the foundation upon which America competes in the global economy.
The legislative process is not always easy, but bipartisanship and compromise are essential to move our country forward. Passing this historic infrastructure bill is a major step forward. We expect to see further progress in the days to come.
Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President Jimmy Williams Jr.:
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the House last night is a huge step forward for our country. IUPAT members from coast to coast are ready to go to work on the projects that will be funded through the bi-partisan infrastructure bill, and we thank those in Congress of both parties who put workers first and voted for the bill.
In order to truly move America forward, however, we need the additional investments of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill, which will make progress toward fixing labor laws that are rigged against workers; invest in our care economy; and make real inroads to tackle the climate crisis. We urge the House and Senate to immediately get to work to pass this historic investment in working people.
Together, these bills will help leverage the economic power of the United States to create quality, good paying jobs across sectors and allow our communities to grow and thrive. We cannot wait to act; the time is now to make the investments that will impact our country now and for generations to come.
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) General President Mark McManus:
For generations, our members have been promised good-paying jobs rebuilding American infrastructure by presidents of both parties. Now, President Biden is making good on that promise. This bipartisan infrastructure bill is a historic achievement that will create good-paying jobs for United Association members as we work to build back better. While this process was not easy, and was not without its roadblocks, Congress has finally shown our members that they are committed to create family-sustaining union jobs.”
The strong labor protections included in this bill, like prevailing wage provisions and the use of registered apprenticeships, mean that the jobs created will give every worker a fair shot at the middle class. Even more, these labor protections mean that United Association members, who are the best trained and most highly skilled craftspeople in our industry, can get to work providing clean and safe water to all our communities, delivering affordable and reliable energy to American consumers, and rebuilding critical pieces of our nation’s infrastructure—all with fair wages and benefits.
While there is still work left to do as the Senate considers the Build Back Better Act, today’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill is a truly historic moment. President Biden is making good on his promise to invest in infrastructure to create good-paying union jobs. Now, the entire United Association stands ready to get to work rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure.
Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a monumental victory for transportation workers and all workers in this country. This bill includes historic levels of much-needed federal investment that will repair, modernize, and grow our public transit and passenger rail systems. Not only will it create hundreds of thousands of new, good-paying, union jobs—it will improve job protection standards for workers nationwide.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will also ensure that workers will not be cast aside by new technology investments such as electric vehicles, prevent assaults onboard public transit and Amtrak, and raise safety standards in our transportation systems.
While no bill is perfect and the TWU will continue to fight against any increase in private activity bond (PAB) financing intended to undermine and diminish public transit service, the key infrastructure investments included in this bill will create and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs and improve the lives of our members.
The TWU recognizes the unwavering commitment of President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Sherrod Brown, and Representative Peter DeFazio to transportation workers. Together, we look forward to building the next generation of transportation infrastructure.
UAW President Ray Curry:
With today’s passage of a bi-partisan infrastructure bill, President Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats have fixed many of the core needs that every American relies on to live, work and succeed in the future.
For UAW members, this legislation brings reliability and job opportunities by improving the current state of our roads, bridges, water, electric vehicle infrastructure, internet capacity and electrical grid reliability.
We were also encouraged by passage of the procedural rules for the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). We now look forward to swift passage by the U.S. House of the BBBA, along with the Kildee/Stabenow Provision, that when paired with this infrastructure bill will ensure that consumer EV subsidies for new EV products will be made in the United States by workers who have good paying union jobs.
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway:
The USW applauds the U.S. House for passing this monumental bill, paving the way for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.
Robust investment, coupled with strong domestic procurement provisions, will help American workers, including hundreds of thousands of USW members, not only by making their communities safer but by promoting widespread job growth and economic opportunity.
Our members stand ready to produce the essential building blocks of a modern infrastructure, as we begin making long-overdue upgrades to the nation’s roads, bridges, broadband, public transit, ports, power grids and more.
Our elected leaders have long promised this kind of transformational infrastructure investment but ultimately failed to deliver. Now, thanks to President Biden’s vision and leadership, Congress has finally come together and passed bipartisan legislation that will directly benefit American workers and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
We now look forward to working with the administration and our congressional leaders as they address needed investments in our nation’s social infrastructure, making the rest of the president’s Build Back Better agenda a reality.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
BREAKING NEWS ?
The House PASSED the $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan!
Great for jobs and great for Alaska! Thank you @repdonyoung for voting YES ✅ #BIF pic.twitter.com/fdTreOeCJ9
California Labor Federation:
We applaud our legislators who fought hard to get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal passed ?? This critical investment in will help rebuild our country, while uplifting good, union jobs.
Now let’s get the job done and pass the #BuildBackBetterAct #NotDoneYet #1u https://t.co/58nSYJRmVJ
Indiana AFL-CIO:
Passage of the Infrastructure Bill is a huge win for Hoosier workers! #InfrastructureBill pic.twitter.com/wHvIce1RwW
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
This weekend, the House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Take a look and see what this could mean for Massachusetts #1u #mapoli ??? pic.twitter.com/K00S2YDpQB
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) November 8, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has PASSED! Here’s what it means for Michigan: pic.twitter.com/QhFHVKQ40S
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
What did Minnesota get in the #Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? A whole lot! #1u pic.twitter.com/QK7nU79aQZ
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
We did it! The bipartisan infrastructure bill is headed to the Presidents desk! You all made this possible. This bill will create jobs, build our cities and improve the quality of life for ALL Americans! #Infrastructure pic.twitter.com/X0SgbPZbbe
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary James Holbrook:
The Montana AFL-CIO and workers across our state thank Senator Jon Tester for his leadership in getting this bipartisan bill passed. Investments in good paying jobs and the infrastructure we need to keep our economy going shouldn’t be partisan. This bill pays for important investments in internet access for rural communities, clean water, fire prevention, and transportation infrastructure. All investments that Montana needs to keep our economy strong, keep our communities safe and healthy and live our daily lives.
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Every dollar invested in our state's #Infrastructure is an opportunity to put people to work in union jobs with higher pay, better benefits, and a louder voice in the workplace.
With this bill, @RepSusieLee, @repdinatitus and @RepHorsford stood by our union brothers and sisters! pic.twitter.com/5qyrnzSAMj
New York State AFL-CIO:
After decades of delay and decline, the infrastructure funding our country desperately needs has finally been approved. This investment will result in good union jobs, right here in New York. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5BTzPKGcbK
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
And a real investment in so many areas of #Ohio the @ohiogop like to claim they are helping but have been devastated by their policies the last 10 years. We look forward to seeing what rural Ohio looks like in 10 years after @POTUS @JoeBiden’s real commitment to #BuildBackBetter https://t.co/HuwnKyDDxL
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 7, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 8, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a big win for the Labor Movement. This federal funding will create good union jobs, right here in Oregon! pic.twitter.com/4QrJNK5KaJ
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Thanks to all our Congress men and women who voted for the most significant jobs bill in a long time @RepBrianFitz @RepBrendanBoyle @RepDwightEvans @RepMGS @RepDean @RepSusanWild @RepCartwright @rep_doyle @RepConorLamb this is what #leadership looks like!! #Infrastructure Bill
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 6, 2021Tennessee AFL-CIO:
Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Tennessee roads and bridges will finally receive much-needed upgrades, high-speed internet will reach more homes, and much more.
This bill is an important first step in completing the work that still needs to be done. #1u pic.twitter.com/e8IQNx09NE
Texas AFL-CIO:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act means:
? safer roads and bridges
?improved transportation options
? investment in electric vehicle charging stations for a cleaner, greener future
? expanded broadband access to connect us all.
✊ good-paying, UNION jobs in TX! pic.twitter.com/SO7DfUs9C6
Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans:
Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, is a significant victory for all Americans. It will make needed investments to improve public transit, repair our roads and bridges, ensure all Americans have clean drinking water, and combat climate change.
Investing $39 billion in public transit will make a difference in the lives of millions of older Americans who travel by bus and train.
Similarly, bringing broadband to every American, no matter where they live, will help the 22 million seniors who lack internet access in their homes today.
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Executive Director Jose Vargas:
This bill is a historic investment in Latino working people. It will allow so many in our community the opportunity to enjoy stable employment and rebuild their lives in the post pandemic era. It will also enhance the communities we live in, making them more accessible and connected to their surroundings and more resilient to climate change.
North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey:
The proud men and women of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are ready to go to work. After decades of delay and decay, we applaud last night’s passage of the historic Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act by a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As it is now sent to the President‘s desk for signature, we commend committed leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who negotiated in good faith and delivered for the American people. We would also like to note our gratitude for Republicans who put the country first and joined with their colleagues in resisting threats and politics as usual by voting in the affirmative to tangibly strengthen the country we all love. The opportunities provided by this act will redound to the benefit of Americans from all walks of life, and NABTU is committed to making that a reality for those currently in and those seeking to enter the unionized construction industry.
Moreover, NABTU will remain eternally grateful to the President and for his entire Administration’s leadership on this generational accomplishment. President Biden’s ability to ultimately bring both sides together and deliver for working families ensures that his promise made, was truly a promise kept.
Transportation Trades Department:
Historic: By sending the #IIJA to @POTUS' desk for a signature, and advancing the rule on the #BuildBackBetter Act, Congress has taken serious steps towards answering our decades-long call to bring our infrastructure squarely into the 21st Century. https://t.co/wnIzJ56BeS
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 6, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 11:37Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Promotes Crash Responder Safety 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.
This week has been designated Crash Responder Safety Week by the the Federal Highway Administration. The initiative was planned to increase public knowledge about the dangers that first responders encounter when they respond to traffic accidents. First responders, including members of the Fire Fighters (IAFF), are killed or suffer life-sustaining injuries every week. Using the best professional practices and training, they work tirelessly to save lives at traffic accidents, but motorists need to do their part by slowing down, moving to clear traffic lanes and staying alert when approaching traffic incidents.
Watch this video from IAFF General President Ed Kelly to learn more:
.@iaffpresident encourages the public to help keep first responders safe around traffic incidents #CrashResponderSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/7fbROO5GcI
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 8, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 10:03Economy Gains 531,000 Jobs in October; Unemployment Down to 4.6%
The U.S. economy gained 531,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate declined to 4.6%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In response to the October job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
The unemployment rate for Black men rose for "good" reasons, more looked for jobs (up 0.5 percentage points) and more found jobs (up 0.3) but more were unsuccessful (0.3) Their unemployment rate at 8.9% is higher than for high school dropouts 7.4% (which fell 0.5) @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 5, 2021Women's labor force participation remains flat at 53.4% Congress must pass the Care infrastructure plan of @POTUS to increase early child care and elder care and paid leave so we can have the infrastructure to give women a path to work @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 5, 2021Last month’s biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+164,000), professional and business services (+100,000), manufacturing (+60,000), transportation and warehousing (+54,000), construction (+44,000), health care (+37,000), retail trade (+35,000), other services industry (+33,000), financial activities (+21,000), private education (+17,000), wholesale trade (+14,000), information (+10,000) and mining (+5,000). In October, employment decreased in local government education (-43,000) and state government education (-22,000).
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (4.3%) declined in October. The jobless rates for teenagers (11.9%), Black Americans (7.9%), Hispanics (5.9%), adult women (4.4%), Asian Americans (4.2%) and White Americans (4.0%) showed little or no change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) decreased in October and accounted for 31.6% of the total unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/05/2021 - 11:11Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Culinary Union Marks 86 Years of Fighting for Working Families in Nevada
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.
Chartered in 1935, the Culinary Union-UNITE HERE Local 226 is celebrating its 86th anniversary this week. An organization that has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nevada hospitality workers and their families with decent wages and benefits, the Culinary Union has much to be proud of.
“Working families in Nevada are resilient because of the strength and sacrifices made by generations of Culinary Union members who [have] come before us. In nearly nine decades, Nevada’s working families have seen many changes: From presidents and politicians to casino buildings and corporations—our community is always evolving, and in spite of some incredible challenges, workers have built and maintained real power over 86 years,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union.
The union’s membership has risen from 18,000 in 1987 to 60,000 members today. Click here to watch the new video about the successes of both the Culinary Union and its members in 2020.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/05/2021 - 09:52Music Fairness Awareness Month: 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:
Wishing all a very happy Diwali!
May your celebration be full of fun and good fortune. pic.twitter.com/DFXDrZuK0H
AFGE:
This AFGE leader jumped into action when a colleague needed life-saving help. Here's their story → #1u https://t.co/LNKJPuRWPm
— AFGE (@AFGENational) November 3, 2021AFSCME:
Museum workers are joining together in unions to combat poor working conditions made worse by the pandemic, organizing with @CWUAFSCME to reverse cutbacks, low wages, increased workloads and a lack of transparency from management. https://t.co/JldwSsnYLK
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 4, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
The ACA marketplace is now open! Make sure you #GetCovered by January 15. https://t.co/prgB9xSTBu
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) November 4, 2021Amalgamated Transit Union:
#1u #Labour pic.twitter.com/4g8mNJDY8w
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 3, 2021American Federation of Musicians:
November is #MusicFairness Awareness Month! For too long, huge radio corporations have ignored musicians’ pleas for #fairpay when our work is played on the radio. This injustice must end. Sign the AMFA petition below to show your support. https://t.co/dmwemzJcNF
— AFM (@The_AFM) November 2, 2021American Federation of Teachers:
.@POTUS & Congress laid out historic investments with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act & the #BuildBackBetterAct. Now they have to pass. Tell your Rep: Pass both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act & the Build Back Better Act. https://t.co/L1G191KEPc @AFTUnion
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 28, 2021American Postal Workers Union:
On October 21, the Nation’s Capital Southern MD Area Local (NCSMAL) held a remembrance event for the two postal workers killed by the October 2001 anthrax attacks: Joseph P. Curseen and Thomas L. Morris... https://t.co/ozQsyKnaZv
— APWU National (@APWUnational) October 27, 2021Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
We cannot #BuildBackBetter without #paidleave.
Join us in urging @POTUS @JoeBiden, @SenSchumer, & @Sen_JoeManchin to stand with working families and commit to #PaidLeaveforAll!
#SavePaidLeave
--> https://t.co/gx2CAvqMve
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Expeditiously referring the most violent, physical assaults against crewmembers & passengers to the @TheJusticeDept for public prosecution is the most effective way to deter bad actors & put a stop to the spike in disruptive passengers. Thank you @FAANews! https://t.co/ZNqrW2Lgvt
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 4, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: The @bctgm negotiating committee was unable to reach an acceptable agreement with Kellogg’s this week. The strike continues.
Read the full statement ? https://t.co/Z3ET2j7Mex#kelloggstrike #strikesgiving #twotiertravesty #1u pic.twitter.com/12BORAcvqz
Boilermakers:
#Boilermakers got together to recall their part in the construction of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis for the 56th anniversary of completion. Read more: https://t.co/kyM23AUtip
And watch this video : https://t.co/ezCbFbxtFQ#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud #ThursdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/mmwKUcn1f1
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
#PaidLeave will unite the country, keep us healthy and keep us working, and help every family in America. What a powerful way to #BuildBackBetter. pic.twitter.com/B4yn1rEv6K
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) November 3, 2021Communications Workers of America:
Learn more about why these bills are so important: https://t.co/c4a1DgJZbn
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 4, 2021Electrical Workers:
Congratulations to pro-worker champion @GovMurphy on his re-election and we look forward to continuing to work with you in building a New Jersey that works for everyone.
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 4, 2021Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
Mark your calendars! Songs for Justice is coming right up! Join us for a festive and soulful evening! Hasta La Victoria! Check out the link in the video or click here...https://t.co/fa1ndL3l9t https://t.co/4EoxLymoZh via @FacebookWatch
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) November 1, 2021Fire Fighters:
Vote for Your Favorite Pink T-Shirt Design #IAFFinPink https://t.co/i8jQIEWGqb pic.twitter.com/K1GYinXQRI
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 4, 2021Heat and Frost Insulators:
Calling all women who want equal pay, education without debt and room to grow in your position. If you said yes to these, then working for the Insulators Union is your calling! See what the job entails here: https://t.co/inecKQHji5
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) November 4, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
Happy Halloween ? (part I) from our IFPTE Local 21 family to yours! We had a spooooooky great time at the CCSF Spooktacular Extravaganza ?? #1u pic.twitter.com/ej3hLP4FKD
— IFPTE Local 21 (@IFPTE21) October 31, 2021Jobs With Justice:
Join our friends over at @DPEaflcio for a virtual Unions 101 workshop! Learn about organizing and what it can do for you. Sign-up link below ??https://t.co/vCpbDMY6c6
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) November 4, 2021Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
This morning, LCLAA staff showed up at the White House to demand that @POTUS show leadership on strengthening voting rights via legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act!#VotingRightsNow #PoweredByYouth #BidenMustAct pic.twitter.com/I2kDsjglMG
— Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (@LCLAA) November 3, 2021Laborers:
.@HouseDemocrats @USProgressives @WhiteHouse Our nation's #infrastructure cannot wait! #LIUNA members have been waiting for an #infrastructurebill like the #BIFDeal for over a DECADE. Get it done! Pass the #BIFDeal and let's #BuildBackBetter #LIUNABuilds pic.twitter.com/egL4AU6bCi
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 29, 2021Machinists:
Congratulations to the approximately 3,500 @IAM2003 members who ratified a new, improved contract.https://t.co/SqNJPf9YzG
— Machinists Union | Pass the #PROAct (@MachinistsUnion) November 4, 2021Metal Trades Department:
In private-sector industries, union membership rates were highest in transportation/utilities 17.6%, construction 12.7%, and information 9.3%. Union membership rates were lowest in financial activities, leisure/hospitality, and professional/business services.#LaborFacts
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 4, 2021Mine Workers:
#MinersAgainstBlackRock pic.twitter.com/r43yvYu3tR
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 4, 2021Musical Artists:
The AGMA Staging Staff Caucus will host “Technology for Staging Staff” with industry expert Matthew Stern on Tuesday, November 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET. All AGMA Staging Staff in good standing are encouraged to attend. Please register here: https://t.co/Qk4Wyhcvms pic.twitter.com/1DspYxP58s
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 3, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Northwest Mountain RVP Alex Navarro III & Western Pacific RVP Joel Ortiz worked in the National Office Oct. 25-27 as part of the National Executive Board’s process of having 2-3 RVPs in Washington, D.C., each week. https://t.co/wchpJ4gx3G pic.twitter.com/ELvsjU2SPq
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 4, 2021National Association of Letter Carriers:
Meet Anthony Denucce, the molar musician! Anthony, a member of Boston, MA Br. 34, has been making music with his teeth for decades. He even recently performed on “America’s Got Talent.” #PostalRecord
? Read: https://t.co/xuq5PjdLGm
? Listen: https://t.co/Sh8jxNF6kF pic.twitter.com/VMOaD59Bj9
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Call Congress and tell them to pass the #BuildBack Better and bipartisan infrastructure bill so that care workers like June aren’t constantly put in impossible situations—deciding between working or taking care of their health and well-being.
It’s time for action! pic.twitter.com/fpRyVqCNsB
National Federation of Federal Employees:
This morning: NFFE request for additional 10-20k federal wildland firefighters is gaining traction. Watch the video here: https://t.co/9It32sAMDy https://t.co/RonYvCJBhj
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 26, 2021National Nurses United:
Nurses know that the @OSHA_DOL Covid-19 health care emergency temporary standard has saved lives during the ongoing crisis — but the pandemic will not be over by December.
We need a permanent standard to #ProtectNurses and our patients!https://t.co/WpaFhO1E78
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
BREAKING NEWS:
2 words:
WE WON!!!!
+3:
THANK YOU NYC!!!!
We have won a city-backed guarantee! Loans will be restructured to max $170K! No more debt beyond our lifetime. No more risk of losing homes.
DRIVER POWER! UNION POWER! #EndCabbieDebt
NWSL Players Association:
We were honored to add our voice to @RepLoisFrankel's EMPOWER Act.
Watch @k_naughton24 speak about @nwsl_players experiences & how much more still needs to be done!
Honor to be part of the #EmpowerAct team w/ @RepLoisFrankel @RepJerryNadler @RepLBR @FGossGraves & @RoArquette https://t.co/QFVqjkw3xz
NFL Players Association:
It takes strength to focus on your mental health above everything else, including football. We’ve got resources: https://t.co/FHjlT71KoO. #itsokaynottobeok #mentalhealthmatters #movember pic.twitter.com/z0unOK5bS8
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 4, 2021North America's Building Trades Unions:
After touring a Providence ARP, @SecMartyWalsh told a roundtable of union & industry leaders that “what Rhode Island is doing could be a national model” ??
Read more about what Sec. Walsh had to say on the importance of training a skilled workforce.https://t.co/xULPsmGmxW
Office and Professional Employees:
This week, nonprofit workers at Arizona’s largest migrant aid nonprofit received voluntary recognition of their union with @opeiu251. Workers @FlorenceProject are building a stronger organization and a more prosperous future through @firrpunion. https://t.co/XKMvLJQE3d #1u pic.twitter.com/vDNp1iN8z1
— OPEIU ║ #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) November 4, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
Today's IUPAT View comes from @IUPAT_DC35 LU 1044 brother Billy Doyle who is working on floor 42 of the 43-floor, 600-foot tall One Congress building in Boston overlooking the Harbor. pic.twitter.com/6qIAeIrzYk
— IUPAT | Pass the PRO Act! (@GoIUPAT) November 4, 2021Plasterers and Cement Masons:
It’s long past time for action! Pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and the Build Back Better framework TODAY. Create good jobs, strengthen our economy, rebuild the middle class, & transform children’s & families’ lives for the better. https://t.co/qTQwNHoXJJ
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 4, 2021Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS represented employees in FAA's office of Aviation Safety investigate these incidents & are doing their part to bring these violators to justice. No airline employee or compliant passenger should be subjected to air rage. @TTDAFLCIO #aviationsafety https://t.co/nk6g1fVeYP
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 4, 2021Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
STATEMENT from @sappelbaum on @OSHA_DOL's new Emergency Temporary Standard: "Too many essential and frontline workers' lives continue to be on the line in this pandemic, and having a standard to protect workers across the board is critical." #1u
For more: https://t.co/5RukFzbOIp pic.twitter.com/rN6aC0bowN
Roofers and Waterproofers:
In 2019, there were 146 fatal falls from roofs ‒ a 28% increase from 2018. To prevent falls, remember to plan. provide. train. https://t.co/xwyuSGM8t4 #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/5awJd3VVYY
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 3, 2021SAG-AFTRA:
Did you know that no matter how popular the song, performers don’t receive a single cent when it’s played on FM/AM radio? It's #MusicFairness Awareness Month and performers are demanding #fairpay. Artists deserve compensation for their work—just like everyone else.
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) November 3, 2021Seafarers:
Maritime must be safe for women: ITF calls for industry to work with seafarers as assault case reverberates https://t.co/eZksPHxCGy #1u #maritime
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 4, 2021Solidarity Center:
35,000 Bangladeshis die at work every year, 8 million are injured. Sexual violence is rife, millions of workplaces are barely monitored by govt labor inspectors & ppl are trapped in jobs with poverty wages. Workers want #ABetterBangladesh! @ituc https://t.co/yceUxPI3K2
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 4, 2021The NewsGuild-CWA:
All kinds of media workers are joining the union family! Solidarity! https://t.co/fN93dGYllq
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) November 3, 2021Theatrical Stage Employees:
Local 16 is working hard to get the stage ready for My Fair Lady at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre! pic.twitter.com/ihMxJvPpJe
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) November 3, 2021Transport Workers Union:
No LUV from @SouthwestAir when they shame and undermine @twu556 FAs when they need to care for loved ones. https://t.co/RMSQvRGnmv
— TWU (@transportworker) November 4, 2021Transportation Trades Department:
The American people simply cannot afford for Congress to wait another day to enact the #BuildBackBetter agenda. The president and many members of Congress campaigned and won on the promise of repairing and modernizing infrastructure. Now is the time for them to deliver.
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 4, 2021UAW:
No LUV from @SouthwestAir when they shame and undermine @twu556 FAs when they need to care for loved ones. https://t.co/RMSQvRGnmv
— TWU (@transportworker) November 4, 2021Union Veterans Council:
Let us introduce to you a @steelworkers Hero!
We believe that her, along with her coworkers at @aboutKP who serve their community are worth a #FairContractNow #1u https://t.co/buFAnhv4Bx
UNITE HERE:
We are in NYC today in solidarity with @MineWorkers on strike since April! They are taking on the big corporate villain of private equity. But UNITE HERE hospitality workers stand with them in this fight—it's our fight, too. One day longer, one day stronger! pic.twitter.com/sCMXU2cBoh
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) November 4, 2021United Food and Commercial Workers:
ICYMI: UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas testified before @COVIDOversight on the pandemic’s impact on America’s meatpacking workers.
Watch full hearing here: https://t.co/nPR1oUlOIG pic.twitter.com/ydi6bRm6X8
United Steelworkers:
. @SanfordBishop- INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE - We need reliable roads, bridges & railways to receive our raw materials & get our finished products to those we supply across the US! #BIFDeal #USWMade #WeSupplyAmerica pic.twitter.com/38bHwZs8L5
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) November 4, 2021Utility Workers:
. @SanfordBishop- INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE - We need reliable roads, bridges & railways to receive our raw materials & get our finished products to those we supply across the US! #BIFDeal #USWMade #WeSupplyAmerica pic.twitter.com/38bHwZs8L5
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) November 4, 2021Writers Guild of America, East:
More than a decade before @OnWritingWGAE found its home online, it had a life as a print publication.
Today, we're thrilled to announce OnWriting: The Print Archive: 13 digitized editions, available online, with more to come in the spring.
Start reading: https://t.co/72ebbiqNq2 pic.twitter.com/J3CLAY7rP9
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Los Angeles Chargers’ Harris Named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 8
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.
Chris Harris Jr. has been named the Week 8 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP after he distributed 500 bags of clothing and hygiene essentials to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. “I’m so honored to be named a NFLPA Community MVP,” the Los Angeles Chargers cornerback said. “Since entering the league, I’ve always wanted to use my platform to help and inspire others.”
As part of his foundation’s annual Chris Cares Winter Handout, Harris and the Salvation Army organized an event that donated 500 bags filled with blankets, beanies, socks, mittens and hygiene items. Those who attended also were treated to hot chocolate and fresh donuts, building on the annual initiative’s efforts to help those in need get through the colder months. Click here to read more.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/04/2021 - 09:45Service + Solidarity Spotlight: RWDSU-UFCW Local 110 Delivers Truckload of Food and Supplies to UAW Members on Strike
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 Friday morning, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-United Food and Commercial Workers (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 110 delivered a truckload of supplies to UAW Local 838 members on strike against John Deere. The donation included packages of diapers, hand warmers, toiletries, food and frozen meats, as well as cases of cereal and snacks made by Local 110 members at General Mills and Quaker in nearby Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“This is America’s heartland, and the heart our members are showing is just who we are,” said Shane Forbes, president of RWDSU Local 110. “We know that if we were in their shoes, they’d do the same for us; that’s what being in a union is all about, having each other’s backs.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/03/2021 - 09:45Two New Episodes of 'State of the Unions' This Week: Rep. Chuy García and BCTGM Members
This week, we have two episodes of "State of the Unions"! In the first, co-hosts Tim Schlittner and Carolyn Bobb are joined by Rep. Chuy García of Illinois to discuss the Build Back Better agenda, infrastructure and what passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act would mean for working people all across the country.
In the second episode, Tim and Carolyn are joined by two Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) members on strike at Kellogg, Heather Greene and Andrew Johnson
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/02/2021 - 10:24Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Members Hold Day of Action to Fight for More Good Jobs
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.
Workers’ renewed action has made headlines during #Striketober, and hospitality workers are fighting for a recovery with good jobs under the banner “Come Back Stronger.” On Thursday, thousands of members of UNITE HERE in 29 cities across the United States and Canada held a day of action, including marches, pickets, rallies, a unionization vote and a strike authorization vote. At the peak of the shutdown, 98% of the union’s members in hospitality were out of work, still UNITE HERE has been a model of resiliency. Now, many hospitality workers say their jobs haven’t come back even as business rebounds and employers complain of a labor shortage.
“Workers are fed up with bad jobs and unsafe working conditions, and now they’re seizing the moment to come back stronger in an economy that has favored too few for too long,” said D. Taylor, president of UNITE HERE. “Every time there’s a crisis, the hospitality industry cuts jobs to boost profits, but we are fighting for a recovery where no one gets left behind. We are the Comeback Union, and we are determined to fight for one another, to bring the good jobs back and grow the union movement.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/02/2021 - 09:54Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Insulators Help Upgrade Kansas City International Airport
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 Kansas City International Airport is undergoing a massive transformation, with more than 850 construction workers building a new terminal for the travel hub. When word of the project got out several years ago, Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU) Local 27 and the Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council immediately became involved.
“We worked with city leaders helping to inform the public of the benefits,” said Local 27 Business Manager Scott VanBebber (not pictured). “The largest benefit for the building trades for this project includes working with pre-apprenticeship programs to aid those seeking construction jobs to ultimately grow the Kansas City workforce.” Members of Local 27 working for Pro Insulation started on the project last fall and will be on the job through the spring of 2023. They are working to cover more than 120,000 feet of piping in what is the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/29/2021 - 09:19Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Energy Partnership Launches New Website
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, the Labor Energy Partnership (LEP) team is proud to announce the launch of its brand new website. This will be the central hub for sharing insights, amplifying reports and products, and lifting up the stories of those most impacted by climate change and those on the front lines of the energy transition.
Back in 2020, the AFL-CIO joined forces with climate experts at Energy Futures Initiative to found the Labor Energy Partnership. Together, we are uniting climate and labor priorities in a shared vision for a low-carbon future that uplifts families and communities. So far, the LEP has developed innovative, technically sound, place-based solutions to the climate crisis that are rooted in social and economic justice and that create and sustain high-quality union jobs.
Check it out: LaborEnergy.org. If you have any questions, are interested in writing for the LEP blog or want to learn more about the LEP’s work, reach out to Sarah Clements at Info@LaborEnergy.org.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/28/2021 - 09:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Bend the Arc Staff Form Union with NPEU
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 staff of Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice have joined together with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU)/IFPTE Local 70 to form the Bend the Arc Workers Union, the two organizations announced on Friday. The union has received voluntary recognition from management. The Bend the Arc Workers Union said it works to support the interests of its members, and promote solidarity and equity while advancing social, racial and economic justice in their members’ workplaces and communities.
“Bend the Arc is organizing the Jewish community to fight for a country where all of us are safe, free and thriving—and we want the same for our workplace,” said the Bend the Arc Workers Union organizing committee. “We are excited to have another tool to support Bend the Arc’s mission internally and continue our goals for anti-racism within the organization. In forming a union, we draw from a long legacy of Jewish labor organizing in the United States and across the world, individually and collectively grounded in our ancestors’ fights for workers’ rights and collective power.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/26/2021 - 09:38Vote Union Yes: 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:
#Striketober Success: UFCW Workers at Heaven Hill Distillery Approve New Contract: After a strike that lasted 6 weeks, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) members at Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky reached an agreement on a new contract. The new contract preserves affordable health care, increases pay, maintains overtime provisions and strengthens retirement security, among other provisions. The strike came after six months of negotiations led to a proposal from the Distillery that was rejected by more than 96% of members in a vote.
First Game Workers in North America Win Collective Bargaining Rights: The workers who create the popular role-playing games Starfinder and Pathfinder announced on Thursday, Oct. 21, that they had won voluntary recognition from their employer, Paizo. United Paizo Workers is affiliated with the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees-CWA (CODE-CWA) and includes more than 39 members. These workers are the first game employees in North America to win collective bargaining rights. “Now the real work begins,” the union said. “One of our goals is to increase wages to better match the cost of living, and that is likely to be the first topic we tackle. Following [the Oct. 14] announcement of our unionization, even more Paizo employees joined us.”
Code for America Staff Become Latest Tech Workers to Join OPEIU: Workers at Code for America (CfA) have voted to join Tech Workers Union Local 1010, an affiliate of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). Code for America, a nonprofit that focuses on closing the technology gap between public and private sectors, voluntarily recognized the union and contract negotiations are expected to start soon. “Nonprofit and tech workers alike are becoming increasingly aware of the power a union brings them at work,” said OPEIU Organizing Director Brandon Nessen. “Unionizing gives working people agency to advance not only their own interests, but the mutual interests shared by both staff and management.” “We are pleased Code for America management took the step to voluntarily recognize our union, CfA Workers United, today via a democratic card-check process,” said Aditi Joshi. “We look forward to working together with CfA management to continue building a culture at the organization that empowers all employees to show up to work as their full selves, each and every day."
concluded.
Bend the Arc Staff Form Union with NPEU: The Staff of Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice have joined together with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU)/IFPTE Local 70 to form the Bend the Arc Workers Union, the two organizations announced on Friday. The union has received voluntary recognition from management. The Bend the Arc Workers Union said it works to support the interests of its members, and promote solidarity and equity while advancing social, racial and economic justice in their members’ workplaces and communities. “Bend the Arc is organizing the Jewish community to fight for a country where all of us are safe, free and thriving—and we want the same for our workplace,” said the Bend the Arc Workers Union organizing committee. “We are excited to have another tool to support Bend the Arc’s mission internally and continue our goals for anti-racism within the organization. In forming a union, we draw from a long legacy of Jewish labor organizing in the United States and across the world, individually and collectively grounded in our ancestors’ fights for workers’ rights and collective power.”
Pitt Faculty Members Vote to Form Union in Organizing Victory for USW: The University of Pittsburgh’s 3,300 faculty members are looking forward to bargaining their first union contract with the school’s administration after the faculty’s successful vote to become members of the United Steelworkers (USW). The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held a mail ballot election over the past several weeks for faculty members, following more than two years of delays as a result of legal challenges from the administration. Preliminary results on Tuesday showed more than 71% of the workers who voted cast votes to join the union. his result has been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait,” said Tyler Bickford, an associate professor in the university’s English department. “It’s a good feeling to know that we as faculty members have finally achieved what all workers deserve—a voice in the decision-making process that affects our lives on the job.”
Ohio Workers at Worthington Libraries Vote Union Yes: Librarians and other workers at Worthington Libraries voted 80–10 (89%) to form their union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The organizing campaign was driven by concerns that too many library policies, including health and safety concerns and paid leave policies, were being made without any input from library employees. Worthington Libraries are now the only second library system in central Ohio where workers have organized a union, and their organizing campaign has sparked interest from librarians and workers at other libraries. “We organized our union because equity and democracy are pillars of public libraries,” said Libby Vasey, a librarian at Worthington Park Library. “All workers at the library, especially those who work directly and daily with the people we serve, should have a voice at the table where workplace decisions are made.”
#Striketober Victory in West Virginia as Machinists Approve New Contract: In yet another #Striketober win, a two-week strike is over after members of Machinists (IAM) Local 598 voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract. The 50 workers went back to the job site at Sulzer Pumps in Barboursville, West Virginia, on Sunday. The new, improved agreement increases wages, secures seniority rights, stabilizes health care benefits and creates a new pension plan with matching employer payments. “I’m so proud of IAM Local 598 members for standing strong and winning the contract that themselves and their families deserve,” said IAM District 54 President T. Dean Wright Jr. “Thanks to their determination and the support of the community, we have protected some of the best careers in the area. Our members look forward to getting back to work building a great product right here in Barboursville.”
AFT Settles Student Debt Lawsuit, Wins Big Gains for Borrowers: The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT President Randi Weingarten and eight individual AFT member plaintiffs reached a landmark settlement last week with the U.S. Department of Education in the case Weingarten v. DeVos, and, as a result, tens of thousands of student loan borrowers can expect imminent relief from their student debt. Under the historic agreement, all Public Service Loan Forgiveness applicants who were denied relief will have an opportunity for their cases to be reviewed, setting public employees across the country, including teachers, nurses and firefighters, on a path to a life-changing reduction or elimination of their crushing student debt burden. “Congress pledged relief to those who dedicated their lives to serving the public, but 98% got a debt sentence instead,” Weingarten said. “Today is a day of vindication for the millions of borrowers who took the government at its word but were cruelly denied through no fault of their own.”
IAM Local 701 Mechanics Return to Work After Eight-Week Strike: Members of Machinists (IAM) Local 701, working as auto and truck mechanics in the Chicago area, attained a new contract in September after an eight-week strike that left management again in disarray. The dealers association, known as the Chicago New Car Dealer Committee (NCDC), had been making drastic proposals at the bargaining table. But as the union’s contract campaign picked up steam, more than 20 dealerships broke away from NCDC and bargained their own interim agreements with Local 701. The NCDC eventually withdrew all of its initial proposals and settled for virtually the same terms as the interim agreements signed by over 100 other dealerships. “This strike was the result of yet another attempt by the few anti-union dealers who remain in the NCDC association from four years ago to break our union,” said Local 701 Directing Business Representative Sam Cicinelli. “I’m extremely proud of the resolve, tenacity and solidarity of the membership. Their unflinching determination led to yet another benchmark agreement across our industry.” The members’ new contract provides significant wage increases, no changes to health benefits and increased funding for Local 701’s training program.
UFCW Local 2 Members Secure a Fair Contract with Significant Pay Increases: Over 1,800 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 2 have reason to celebrate: They have won a new contract with Triumph Foods that includes the largest pay increase in the company’s history. The six-year contract includes a starting wage that is higher than the average wage of other regional meatpacking companies. All current production workers at the meatpacking plant in St. Joseph, Missouri, will also receive a minimum $2.75 per hour increase. “Our union is thrilled that Triumph Foods has agreed to implement this significant wage increase,” said UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas. “This rate is almost 15% higher than current starting wages, which is an incredible investment in Triumph team members who work so hard to supply pork for consumers.”
Alaska Union Members Win Big in Local Elections: Union member candidates scored a series of victories in local elections held Oct. 5 in Alaska. Seven union-endorsed candidates won their elections, including Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward (IUOE) and three other current and former union members. The Alaska AFL-CIO led a strong ground game, knocking on nearly 800 doors and making thousands of phone calls to voters in Fairbanks. Elections were also held in Juneau and Kenai Peninsula. Political action is growing in Alaska, which is a battleground for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. “Building union power starts by getting our members elected at the local level and driving program from the ground up,” said Alaska AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall (UFCW). “We are thrilled to have elected a strong slate of pro-worker candidates to public office, especially in a town like Fairbanks with a long, storied history of worker power. We will continue to work hard to build a political movement in Alaska that’s rooted in the Workers First Agenda.”
Michigan to Reinstate Prevailing Wage for State Construction Projects: In a big win for workers in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state will now require contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wage on all state construction projects. The reinstatement of prevailing wage will ensure that qualified workers are utilized to construct and repair Michigan’s physical infrastructure while allowing contractors to compete for bids fairly. “Requiring a prevailing wage to be paid in state contracting means safe, quality construction projects completed by highly skilled workers. It means working women and men getting paid a decent wage that can support a family. It means no more race to the bottom to find the cheapest labor while companies pad their bottom line. It also means a fair competitive bidding process for contractors,” said Michigan State AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber (UAW). “All of this is especially important as we look to rebuild our economy after the devastation caused by the pandemic and look to improve and modernize our infrastructure. Michigan families will be better off because of Gov. Whitmer’s action today.”
Maine Public Employees Ratify New Contract: The Bangor Federation of Public Employees (AFT Local 6071) have ratified a new contract for the mechanics who maintain the city's buses, police cars and fire trucks. “Overall, we feel that this was an improvement over the initial proposals made by the City,” said Serina DeWolfe, labor representative for AFT Local 6071. “Initially the City only wanted to give the members a 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) raise for each year of the collective bargaining agreement. We ended up with a 2% COLA for each year PLUS a 2.5% wage step raise for each year of the contract. The members are happy with the increase in not only the wages but the safety eyewear increase and the increased accrued comp time. The negotiations went smoothly and we credit the City for working collaboratively with us to reach an agreement we can all live with.” The contract includes annual wage increases, increased allowances for safety equipment and other benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:07Tags: Organizing
Our Future Is Not for Sale: 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.
‘Our Future Is Not for Sale’: America Is Witnessing the Biggest Strike Wave in a Generation: “Something extraordinary is happening in factories, universities, hospitals, and movie studios across America. Workers are authorizing strikes and shutting down production in numbers that many young people have never seen before in their lifetimes.”
Kaiser Healthcare Workers Vote in Favor of Strike After Failed Contract Negotiations: “Following stalled contract negotiations, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 voted in favor of striking. The union said 93% of healthcare workers, which included nearly 2,000 employees, voted to authorize a strike. Unite Here Local 5 said the decision comes as Kaiser has offered only a 1% pay raise and a two-tier wage system that would cut up to a third of wages for future hires.”
A Hollywood Strike May Have Been Averted. But Radio Performers Are Still Waiting for Justice: “In particular, it’s time for radio broadcasters to face the music. For them, the question is whether the performers of the songs that get played on AM/FM radio should be paid when their work is sent out over the airwaves. While those who write the songs get paid each time the song is played, the artists who perform the songs—the lead singers, the backup vocalists, the bassists, guitarists, drummers, etc.—do not. For years, many major broadcasters have fought efforts to pay the artists, many of them in unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO, whose music makes their businesses possible.”
U.S. Labor Unions Are Having a Moment: “‘Essential workers are tired of being thanked one day and then treated as expendable the next day,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said in a speech Wednesday in Washington. ‘The headline isn’t that there’s a shortage of people willing to return to work. Instead, it’s a scarcity story. We have a shortage of safe, good-paying, sustainable jobs.’ That’s the feeling at Deere, where assembly employees were categorized as front-line workers to continue operations, creating a sense that the company owes them. Kellogg workers, too, feel like they put themselves at risk in order to keep America’s pantries full during lockdowns.”
Tight U.S. Job Market Triggers Strikes for More Pay: “‘Workers are on strike for a better deal and a better life,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the nation's biggest labor federation, said last week at a SABEW journalism conference. ‘The pandemic really did lay bare the inequities of our system and working people are refusing to return to crappy jobs that put their health at risk,’ she added, noting that the term #Striketober was trending on Twitter.”
Black and Latino Families Are Bearing the Weight of the Pandemic's Economic Toll: “Thirty-eight percent of households across the country report facing serious financial problems over the last few months. That's according to a poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But among Black and Latino households, more than 55% reported serious financial problems. That's compared with 29% of white households. William Spriggs is professor of economics at Howard University and chief economist to the AFL-CIO. The additional federal aid that expired last month gave people a sense of security, Spriggs says, so they could continue to consume. Spriggs: ‘That's all gone away. And so that is, I think, the No. 1 reason you saw special stress in Latino and Black households because without the boost to the unemployment check, without the stimulus checks still being there, these households simply don't have the savings to endure and be resilient during downturns.’”
Tennessee Republicans Push to Enshrine Right-to-Work Laws as Unions Gain Strength Amid Worker Shortage: “With more jobs than workers today, Tennessee labor unions say they are positioned to make needed gains for workers in wages, benefits and union representation. But the No. 2 labor leader in the country told AFL-CIO leaders in Nashville on Monday that Tennessee's right-to-work laws continue the South's history of trying to take advantage of workers and hurt their ability to make a fair wage. ‘Right to work is a direct descendant of Jim Crow and it should have no place in our society, much less in the state Constitution,’ AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond said during the opening of the Tennessee AFL-CIO annual convention on Monday. ‘Workers are fed up and America is taking notice of our collective action. Working people are waking up and understanding the value of labor unions.’”
AFL-CIO President Shuler on Good Morning America: Workers Exercising Collective Power: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined ‘Good Morning America’ to talk about how workers are standing up for a better deal and a better life through strikes across the country.”
Strikes Are Sweeping the Labor Market as Workers Wield New Leverage: “‘The strikes are sending a signal, no doubt about it, that employers ignore workers at their peril,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in an interview with The Washington Post. ‘I think this wave of strikes is actually going to inspire more workers to stand up and speak out and put that line in the sand and say, ‘We deserve better.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:38Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW’s Tree Trimming Academy Brings Career Opportunities to Detroit Area
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.
Detroit’s Tree Trimming Academy recently graduated its first class of tree trimmers, providing new talent in a high-demand field and a lucrative career opportunity for area residents. The academy is a collaboration among Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17, utility company DTE Energy, the city of Detroit and Focus: HOPE, a local nonprofit organization that provides employment training and assistance.
“We strive to build an empowered and diverse workforce and are excited to help develop more well-trained and well-paid workers who put safety first,” said Local 17 Business Manager James Shaw (not pictured). “Growing and developing local talent has to be a focus to best maintain safe, reliable energy.”
Some 70% of power outages are caused by trees, and a lot of today’s trimmers are reaching retirement age, creating a need for a new generation to fill these much-needed jobs. The Tree Trimming Academy was created to establish a new pipeline of talent. While the program is open to anyone, there’s an emphasis on actively recruiting from Detroit and the surrounding area to make sure as many jobs as possible go to local residents.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:33Alaska Airlines Pilots to Airline CEO: Do the Right Thing and Value Your Pilots
Alaska Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), delivered a letter Monday to Ben Minicucci, the chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, asking him to stop stalling contract negotiations and come to the table willing to bargain an industry-standard contract. After actively negotiating since spring 2019, no agreement has been reached on a new contract for the pilots.
“Alaska pilots stepped up during the pandemic to do the right thing and help keep the airline operating,” said Capt. Will McQuillen, chairman of ALPA’s Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council. “Now we’re asking Alaska management to live the company’s core value and ‘do the right thing’ by valuing our contributions to the airline and making basic quality-of-life and job security improvements that our peers at major airlines have enjoyed for years.” McQuillen emphasized the work ALPA members have done to pass the federal payroll support program, which helped keep the company afloat during the pandemic.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/22/2021 - 13:20
