Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union-Backed Candidates Triumph in New York State’s School Board Races
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.
Pro-public school candidates overwhelmingly won their elections to serve New York state’s suburban and rural school districts on Tuesday. Sixty members of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), were elected to school boards in every corner of the state. The large majority of candidates who ran on manufactured outrage around far-right cultural issues handily lost in Monroe County and the Capital Region school districts. NYSUT also reported that 99% of school budgets were approved.
“Under the banner Public Schools Unite Us, we saw a wave of pro-public education school board members elected Tuesday who we know will put students first at every board meeting,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta (AFT). “We’re proud to see how many educators stepped up this year to support candidates or run for office themselves.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/20/2022 - 09:42Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Folafolaga Avei
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Folafolaga Avei of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA).
Folafolaga Avei has been a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines for nine years, where he also has served as the master executive council chairperson for the airline's human rights committee. As a representative, Avei has been at the forefront of educating members about issues related to the Asian American Pacific Islander community. Through these efforts, he has rallied the community to demand an end to anti-Asian hate, marched for racial equality and justice, and campaigned to protect children and women against human trafficking. Avei has also worked to reduce poverty and homelessness.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/19/2022 - 10:008 Things You Need to Know from EPI's New Report on State Unemployment by Race and Ethnicity
Two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the labor market is approaching 2020 levels. But a new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) shows that disparities remain in terms of race and ethnicity. Here are eight important things from the EPI report you should know.
- The overall unemployment rate of 3.8% is currently the same level it was at the beginning of 2020. The majority of states have an unemployment rate within 1% of what they had in 2020.
- The lowest unemployment rates are in Nebraska and Utah (both at 2.1%). The highest rates are Washington, D.C. (6.1%) and New Mexico (5.6%).
- The unemployment rate for White workers is the same in 2022 (3%) as it was pre-pandemic.
- The unemployment rate for Black workers remains higher (6.5%) than before the pandemic (6.2%).
- No state saw Black unemployment below 5%. The states with the lowest rates were Georgia (5%) and Florida (5.3%). The highest rates were in D.C. (12.5%) and Illinois (12.2%).
- Hispanic workers have an unemployment rate (4.6%) slightly below their 2020 rate (4.8%).
- The states with the lowest Hispanic unemployment are Georgia (2%) and North Carolina (2.5%). Those with the highest rates are Massachusetts (7.5%) and New York (6.3%).
- For Asian workers, the current unemployment rate is higher (3.4%) than it was before the pandemic (3.1%).
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Emmelle Israel
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Emmelle Israel of the United Autoworkers (UAW).
Emmelle Israel is a doctoral student at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Her research focuses on the historical and contemporary impact of labor unions and guilds in the media and entertainment industries, labor organizing in tech and digital media workplaces, and cultural representations of work, labor and unions in popular culture. Prior to studying at UCLA, Israel spent several years working as a communications specialist for unions and labor federations in the U.S. In her current studies, she seeks to pursue projects that build upon her past experiences in the labor movement and contribute to the larger body of scholarship that increases visibility and deepens understanding of working conditions and worker activism.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/18/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union-Crewed Hospital Ship Sets Sail on Humanitarian Mission
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 hospital ship USNS Mercy left San Diego on May 3 to join the Navy’s Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) mission with international partners. Members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and Seafarers (SIU) work as civilian mariners aboard the vessel.
The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region. The PP22 team will work with host nations and regional partners to provide medical care and exchange information related to disaster response throughout Oceania and the Western Pacific.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/18/2022 - 09:36Take Action: Cancel Student Debt
After all the hardship we have endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot ask working people to sacrifice even more. Sign the petition to tell the Biden administration: cancel student debt!
Organized labor was built on the foundation of creating a pathway to the middle class for everyone. But skyrocketing student loan debt has become an insurmountable obstacle to achieving this goal.
The Biden administration’s decision to continue to pause student debt has made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many borrowers. But these borrowers still live with the uncertainty of not knowing when to drastically alter their finances in order to begin repaying their loans.
We call on the Biden administration to do its part to assist borrowers hampered by crippling debt.
Sign the petition to say you support canceling student debt!
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/17/2022 - 11:40Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Imran Ansari
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Imran Ansari of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Imran Ansari is the political director of the Long Island Fedration of Labor, the fourth largest central labor council of the AFL-CIO. He supports the officers and affiliate leadership in political matters, directs and manages mobilization efforts, and works to advance legislative efforts at all levels of government.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/17/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: ‘When Are We Going to Wake Up as a Society?’: UFCW Local 1 Demands Answers After Mass Shooting at Buffalo Grocery Store
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.
Ten people were killed and three were injured at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday in what police described as “a racially motivated hate crime.” The mass shooting took place in a predominantly Black neighborhood where four Tops workers were among the victims. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1 represents dozens of employees at the store. The union is collaborating with Tops management to ensure all of its members receive the support they need.
Local 1 President Frank DeRiso quickly responded to news of the worst mass shooting in Buffalo history. “It’s just terrible,” he told The Buffalo News. “And then, you know, you’re a customer, you go there to shop on a Saturday afternoon, never expecting that you’re not going to come home. It’s just senseless, it’s stupid. And something’s got to be done about it.” UFCW International President Marc Perrone issued this statement on Saturday.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/17/2022 - 09:40A Historic Moment: 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.
'Historic Moment': House Passes Bill Allowing Congressional Workers to Unionize: “‘Workers everywhere must have the free & fair opportunity to join together and form a union if they so choose—congressional staff included,’ said Liz Shuler.”
The Largest Labor Federation in the Country Calls on Biden to Cancel Student Debt: 'We Cannot Ask Working People to Make Further Sacrifices': “‘Organized labor was built on the foundation of creating a pathway to the middle class for everyone, but skyrocketing student loan debt has become an insurmountable obstacle to achieving this goal,’ Shuler wrote on Twitter.”
Meet DC’s Most Influential: “Liz Shuler didn’t choose her moment of maximum influence. It chose her after the death of AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka in August from a heart attack. Two weeks later, she was elected the first female president in the history of the nation’s largest labor organization, tasked with keeping it moving during the uncertainty of the pandemic, a wave of strikes throughout the country, and a grieving staff. But Shuler was ready due to a lifetime of preparation that began when she was 11 and had her first job babysitting—which provided her initial lesson in the power of collective bargaining. ‘One day, I discovered that the parents were paying different rates for different sitters,’ she recalls. ‘I found out from my friend that her hourly pay was lower than mine, and it seemed pretty unfair. So we came together to ask for equal pay.’”
U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Introduces Bill to Protect Health Care Professionals from Workplace Violence: “As the nation celebrates National Nurses Week, U.S. Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee, introduced legislation to protect health care and social services employees from workplace violence. ‘This groundbreaking legislation will hold health care and social service employers accountable for the safety of their workers,’ said Bonnie Castillo, RN, and executive director of NNU. ‘It’s time for employers to stop putting people’s lives in danger. Everyone deserves to be safe in their workplace, and that includes hospitals, clinics, and social service settings that are so crucial now more than ever given the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the leadership of Sen. Baldwin and Rep. Courtney for spearheading this important legislation.’ ‘Health care and social service workers, especially women, are at greatest risk of violence on the job,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. ‘These workers are on the front lines, serving as caretakers to our families, friends and those in need. This bill is about protecting the lives of these brave heroes, and every single member of Congress should support this critical, life-saving legislation.’”
Emboldened Labor Movement Seeks to Expand on Successes: “‘That was a historic moment. The White House visit in itself shows that every worker who is in a union and every worker who is thinking of organizing their workplace has an ally in the highest office in the country,’ said Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer and executive vice president of the AFL-CIO. ‘As we’re continuing to recover from this pandemic, what we’re finding is an entire workforce that is waking up to the realization that they deserve better,’ Redmond said. ‘They were essential one minute and expendable the next minute.’”
Are Corporations Using Inflationary Times to Raise Prices and Up Their Profits?: “Inflation is high and so are corporate profits. NPR's A Martínez talks to Josh Bivens of the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute, about whether corporations are benefiting from rising prices.”
30th Food Drive Will Help Feed Needy Families in All 50 States: “The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive on Saturday, May 14. NALC’s food drive, which was first held in 1983, helps feed millions of Americans. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country’s largest one-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 14. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches. The Letter Carriers’ food drive is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Hunger affects 1 in 8 Americans, including millions of children, senior citizens and veterans.”
Ørsted and NABTU Sign ‘Historic’ Project Labor Agreement for U.S. Offshore Wind: “‘The signing of this unprecedented agreement is historic for America’s workers and our energy future. NABTU’s highly trained men and women professionals have the best craft skills in the world. This partnership will not only expand tens of thousands of career opportunities for them to flourish in the energy transition but also lift up even more people into the middle-class,’ said Sean McGarvey, president of NABTU. ‘The project labor agreement signed today is proof that labor and employers working together can create an equitable clean energy transition with opportunity for everyone. When we make good on our values—workers’ rights, gender and racial justice, economic equality, and safe and healthy workplaces—then we all win,’ commented Liz Shuler, President of AFL-CIO.”
Black Unemployment Rate Falls to Pandemic-Era Low in April: “When broken down by gender, the unemployment rate for Black men rose to 6.1% in April from 5.6% the month prior, even as nearly every other demographic group’s unemployment rate fell or held steady. However, the labor force participation rate for Black men jumped a percentage point in April to 68.9%. That shows more Black men entered the labor market but faced challenges in hiring. ‘This shows how the unemployment rate can be misleading on whether the labor market is tight. Workers who face hiring frictions are sensitive to actual hiring to get into the search,’ William Spriggs, chief economist to the AFL-CIO, said in a tweet.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/16/2022 - 15:03Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Miyukiko ‘Koko’ Kostelny
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Miyukiko ‘Koko’ Kostelny of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
Originally from the island of Guam, Miyukiko “Koko” Kostelny came full circle when she became a first officer for United Airlines; her childhood dream came true as Kostelny now flies with crew that flew her around the Pacific as a child. Along with being an ALPA member, Kostelny continues to inspire women through her work with the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, Women in Aviation, Professional Asian Pilots Association and United Airlines’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion groups. Kostelny co-founded Guam’s Women in Aviation chapter, where she enjoys hosting educational events and school visits to increase visibility of Asian American and Pacific Islander aviators to the local community.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/16/2022 - 13:44Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Melani Abihai
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Melani Abihai of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
A brand-new PASS member, Melani Abihai is a Federal Aviation Administration employee supporting the daily management and administration of the Maui Air Traffic Control Tower. She is proud of her Hawaiian/Chinese/Portuguese heritage and she said she lives by Hawaiian values passed down from ‘ohana.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/16/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Ironworkers Political Academy Empowers Local Unions to Advance Pro-Labor Policies
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 Ironworkers concluded their national Ironworkers Political Academy (IPA) in Houston today. Political coordinators from all over the country attended the weeklong class, which was conducted by the international union and hosted by locals 84 and 135. It is among the most comprehensive political training programs in the labor movement.
IPA students learned the skills to represent their locals in politics. Subjects included talking to members about important union issues; overcoming partisan divides in union membership; mobilizing volunteers for electoral campaigns; building relationships with both Republican and Democratic elected officials; and lobbying strategies for state and local governments. Each student left class with a political strategic plan customized for their own local union’s challenges and goals.
The class featured a discussion with the Texas AFL-CIO about how local unions can work with their labor federations on elections and policy. “I came away so impressed by the depth and quality of the program,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA). “If we’re going to win this year and in the future, it’s going to be because of deep investments in developing new member leaders who can lead and carry out new programs.”
Forty hours of intensive training left students excited to get to work in their home locals.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/16/2022 - 09:40The Power and Value of Unions: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Don't forget! pic.twitter.com/aVsjWDfMpg
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) May 9, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
We stand with @AlaskaPilots ✊ #1u https://t.co/gnYphJ0d57
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 13, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
"Collective bargaining... and other employment terms and the daily administration of those collective bargaining agreements–can provide positive contributions to both sides through a reduction in turnover and an improvement in communication." #UnionStrong https://t.co/NL9HMNdUdj
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 10, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
"A young generation of workers is waking up to the power and value of unions"
Yes! Unions are how we balance the economic scales, today and in the future!#UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #1u@SBWorkersUnited @sbwuca pic.twitter.com/uCABZgc3JV
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Listen to President Jaramillo’s interview with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler! https://t.co/z8WDunSaUv
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) May 3, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Nursing home workers at Windsor Rehab are on a ULP strike for a living wage and affordable benefits! Here's the rub - the State of CT specifically allocated additional money to boost their pay but management refuses to meet the standard of the nursing home industry. #1u pic.twitter.com/uysshXtXMV
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 10, 2022Florida AFL-CIO:
Nurses from across the state rallied in Tallahassee today for better safety standards and treatment on the job. Solidarity! pic.twitter.com/kK5Yv9BeL2
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 12, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
The unemployment rate for Black Americans dipped to 5.9% in April, a pandemic-era low.
BUT the Black unemployment rate in April was still significantly higher than that of the U.S. overall.
We must do more to fight hiring discrimination. https://t.co/2sp76z7ZsX
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
AFL-CIO Calls for Student Loan Forgiveness AFL-CIO Calls for Student Loan Forgiveness AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the federation’s commitment to ending the student loan crisis: We call on the Biden administration to do its part to assist... https://t.co/ThrwwLSMyf
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 12, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Business is booming for @TheIronworkers Local 7 in Maine!
“The money in Boston is good and there’s a lot of work, but we’re really happy to be back here in Maine,” said Ben Moore of Augusta, who has been working in Boston for the past ten years.https://t.co/qAP4DJ1jW7
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Every worker deserves a Union.
Jump into the weekend by supporting the work of the State House Employees Union #mapoli #1uhttps://t.co/b5CJ5gUV0j pic.twitter.com/qaSqdYV4L0
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
FULL STATEMENT HERE: https://t.co/c6TwD9eYSw
— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) May 11, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Workers celebrate Frontline Worker bonus check pay https://t.co/LbqF11A3ze #1u #mnleg #MakeItRight @UFCW663 pic.twitter.com/bxanJ3CBVS
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 12, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
#RightToWork was wrong in 1954 and is still wrong in 2022. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/AzhOe7L8f2
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 12, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
Our freedoms at work support and protect Montana's economy. If the economy doesn't work for Montana's workers, it doesn't work for anyone. Together, we're letting candidates know they must work to protect our communities. #mtpol #mtnews #workersrights #1uhttps://t.co/ltwZe4wPmF
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) May 12, 2022Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 11, 2022New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Watch your mailboxes & notifications from your union for information about the 2022 NH AFL-CIO Linda Horan Scholarship awards! @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @Ibew490 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 pic.twitter.com/LjYbNBWdgl
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) May 11, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
We are incredibly proud of the workers, our affiliates, and our allies for making New Jersey the best state in the country for organized labor.
Thank you @AFLCIO President @lizshuler for recognizing our success, and special thanks to @GovMurphy for his incredible partnership. #1u pic.twitter.com/nGrk5HTBlL
New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
These workers are unsure of when they can even sleep -
Their spouses went to picket in protest -
It is time to think about the safety of the #Workers AND their families!
Give them a #FairContract Now!@TTDAFLCIO https://t.co/0obJ0rlWLP
New York State AFL-CIO:
The Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Castle Point VA hospitals have been slated for closure, and Northport VA hospital is facing major cuts. Sign the petition to stop this assault on veterans’ care now: https://t.co/9O5atITvAx #SaveMyVA
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 5, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Low-wage pregnant workers are less likely to receive pregnancy accommodations, especially Black & Latino low-wage workers. Join us in telling @SenThomTillis to support the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act & help keep pregnant workers and their babies safe! https://t.co/SOEacxE7wk pic.twitter.com/jlp45F40BL
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 6, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks to @POTUS, @TimRyan, @SenSherrodBrown, @RepMarcyKaptur and @RepBeatty for this funding. Shame on all the @Ohiogop for voting against it. And disgusting that @GovMikeDeWine takes the accolades for the work of @TheDemocrats and doesn't even give credit where credit is due. https://t.co/pfAmde1kg7
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 13, 2022Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Click here to get the latest OKC Starbucks update!
"Nichols Hills Starbucks workers get Union votes, but can't celebrate yet"https://t.co/2DujfCKIgM pic.twitter.com/8LWByiqwtA
Oregon AFL-CIO:
This Saturday, May 14, join workers and activists mobilizing throughout the state to protest the Supreme Court’s potential decision on Roe v. Wade. For more information: https://t.co/90GfTbunyl #BansOff #RoeVWade
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 13, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Happy Mother’s Day to all our incredible union moms out there, and to all who stand in to fill that role.
We see you, we support you, and we are who we are because of the support you give! Thank you for all you do! pic.twitter.com/FHJlVSnEmM
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Wage theft is the costliest crime in America.
In RI, an estimated $185.3 million in workers’ wages and salaries was unreported to the DLT in 2019 according to this report
👇 👇 👇 https://t.co/rtH1uIVl0f
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
The rainy day fund is overflowing, and state leaders are more focused on rerouting $200 million that was supposed to help with relocating schools that are in floodplains and eliminating the professional privilege tax for doctors. #TNLeg #1u https://t.co/GWbMRA3WKZ
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 12, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
We’re down to the wire – early voting for the primary runoff election starts next Monday!
There's so much at stake for working families, we can't afford to sit this election out.
For more info about early voting, visit: https://t.co/W71Kd5EjG2 pic.twitter.com/WwWNtACGtG
Virginia AFL-CIO:
The Virginia AFL-CIO has voted to endorse 7 congressional incumbents ahead of the 2022 election cycle.
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) May 10, 2022West Virginia AFL-CIO:
Headed out to the polls? Check out our list of endorsed candidates who will support working families: https://t.co/0HCUknGecR
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) May 10, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Where collective bargaining and politics fit into prison staff shortages https://t.co/G991QchXEK via @WIExaminer
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 13, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/13/2022 - 16:12Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Frances Hsieh
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Frances Hsieh of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Frances Hsieh oversees and coordinates legislative advocacy work in San Francisco, the East Bay and South Bay. She helped start her local's API Caucus, and advocates on behalf of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders within her local, in the labor movement, and in the broader community. She is an active Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance member, a member of IFPTE's Executive Council, and is also active in several local community and progressive political organizations.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/13/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Hawaii State AFL-CIO Showers ‘Labor of Love’ on Community
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 a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor Community Service Program brought back its “Labor of Love” volunteer service project last month, with more than 300 volunteers from 30 unions and throughout the community working together to make improvements to Iao Intermediate School in Wailuku. Participants at the event built new picnic tables and benches; installed a new shelving and instrument repair area in the band room; put down fresh paint on portions of the campus; and created a paved shaded area for students to gather.
“Our unions work for everyone in Hawaii, whether fighting for safe workplaces, lifting up conditions for the working class, or showing up to improve one of our precious public schools,” said Hawaii State AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira (AFSCME, not pictured). “We are so proud of our brothers and sisters for sharing their hard work, resources and talent, and for showing what it means to be a union member in Hawaii.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/13/2022 - 09:35USW Condemns Arrest of Korean Labor Leader
The United Steelworkers (USW) strongly condemned the May 4 arrest of Youn Taeg-gun, first vice president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), who was detained for his leading role in organizing a general strike on Oct. 20, 2021.
Youn’s arrest is particularly outrageous given that International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions 87, protecting freedom of association and the right to organize, and 98, protecting the right to organize and collective bargaining, entered into force in the Republic of Korea on April 20.
Youn led the strike in part because, at the time, KCTU President Yang Kyeung-soo was in detention on similar spurious charges. Like President Yang before him, Youn has been charged with violation of the Infectious Disease Control Act on Demonstration and Assembly, despite the KCTU’s proper observance of COVID-19 protocols.
The strike took place shortly after representatives of the USW, the UAW and the AFL-CIO visited the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., to demand Yang’s freedom. The USW also raised the arrest of President Yang and the interrogation of Vice President Youn during the meeting of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Labor Council on April 26.
Vice President Youn’s arrest, in the context of current discussions on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and this week’s ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit and President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to South Korea, can only be seen as an expression of the Korean government’s intention to disregard fundamental labor rights and international conventions.
The USW calls on the Korean government to openly adhere to these International Labor Organization conventions by releasing Youn and ending police harassment of trade unionists for engaging in legitimate union activity.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/12/2022 - 14:51Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Adrian Kamaka
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Adrian Kamaka of the Bricklayers.
"I am a proud 30-year union-strong member of BAC."—Adrian Kamaka. Kamaka is a member of BAC Local 1 in Hawaii.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/12/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: FLOC Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Farmworkers
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 Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) brought easy and welcoming vaccine clinics to Ohio and North Carolina to protect front-line farmworkers against COVID-19. Migrant farmworkers are especially vulnerable to the virus as they work, travel and live closely together. Data from the Environmental Working Group shows that areas with some of the highest rates of infection also have higher numbers of migrant farmworkers.
“We have converted over to reaching the migrant population when they started coming in for the planting and cultivating and then finally, the harvesting,” FLOC President Baldemar Velasquez (not pictured) said. “And that’s when we got the mobile clinic out to a couple of the big farms.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/12/2022 - 09:37Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Joy Pasaoa
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Joy Pasaoa of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Joy Pasaoa is a senior customer service representative who helps keep her co-workers engaged and motivated. Outside of work, she and her family connect with their Filipino heritage through involvement in several groups, including the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan and the Downriver Filipino American Association of Michigan. Through these organizations, Pasaoa helps raise money to send to the Philippines for medical care for those in need.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/11/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Under New Leadership
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 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Board of Directors has tapped Walter Ingram to fill the position of chief executive officer and executive director. Ingram has been with the USA since 2012, serving as the labor conservation organization’s director of union relations. During that time, he has led the growth of the USA’s conservation dinner program, and both developed and strengthened its relationship with endemic partners and unions across the country.
USA Chairman of the Board Kinsey Robinson (Roofers) announced Ingram’s new role at the alliance: “Through this organizational transition and beyond, the USA will continue to charge forward in fulfilling our mission as we work together with members and partners like you to improve public access to the outdoors, enhance wildlife habitats, restore America’s parks, and provide opportunities for youth and adults to engage in the great outdoors.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/11/2022 - 09:35
