Service + Solidarity Spotlight: LCLAA Announces Fellowship Program in Honor of Richard Trumka
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The officers and executive board of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) were joined earlier this month by labor leaders, advocates, community organizers, workers, chapter presidents and members from across the country and participated in LCLAA’s 23rd National Membership Convention in Las Vegas. With the unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA), LCLAA moved an emergency resolution creating the Richard Trumka Latino Fellowship Program. This fellowship, designed to be a yearlong, paid opportunity, will offer participants the chance to gain insights into the complex political, social and economic forces that shape the operating environment of the labor movement. The fellowship will help build emerging labor leaders and unionists, LCLAA said. Donations to the new fellowship program can be made here.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/25/2021 - 09:21Working People and Allies Congratulate AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and New Leadership
On Friday, Liz Shuler (IBEW) was elected president of the AFL-CIO by the federation's Executive Council. The also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president. Upon the release of the election results, positive response was widespread. Here's what people are saying:
Actors' Equity:
Congratulations to a true fighter in the labor movement. We are proud to have her as a leader in labor. @Lizshuler spoke with Equity delegates at our first national convention earlier this year and shared inspiring words leading into our first day of the convention. #1u pic.twitter.com/6Hd437mVrq
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 20, 2021AFGE National President Everett Kelley:
“On behalf of the more than 700,000 government employees AFGE represents, I extend our congratulations to Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond on their elections to lead the AFL-CIO following the untimely passing of former President Richard Trumka.
“As AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer, Liz Shuler has been an unwavering ally of AFGE members for many years – joining us at union conventions, labor rallies, and organizing events to support the federal and D.C. government workers we represent. Her election as the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO is truly a historic and well-deserved achievement.
“Likewise, United Steelworkers International Vice President Fred Redmond makes history as the first African American to serve as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer. Fred also has been a long-time supporter of AFGE, joining us at our human rights conferences and speaking out in support of the issues that matter most for our members.
“In addition to the elections of Shuler and Redmond, AFGE District 10 National Vice President Cheryl Eliano was elected as one of 55 vice presidents on the AFL-CIO Executive Council.
“As members of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Cheryl and I look forward to working with Liz and Fred in their new roles to continue advancing the labor movement and strengthening our service to working people across the nation.”
AFSCME:
This is a historic day, as Liz Shuler becomes the first woman to lead the @AFLCIO, and Fred Redmond becomes the first African American Secretary-Treasurer. Both these leaders have dedicated their lives to the fight for working people. #1u https://t.co/6mdL13vlOi
— AFSCME ✊ Pass the #PROAct (@AFSCME) August 20, 2021Air Line Pilots Association:
Congratulations to @LizShuler on being the first woman to be elected to lead the @AFLCIO. Liz is a staunch advocate for workers & their families. We know Rich Trumka’s work will continue under Liz and our nation’s workers have a bright future ahead! #1uHerStory
— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) August 20, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans President Robert Roach, Jr.:
“On behalf of retirees across the country, I want to congratulate Liz Shuler on her election as President of the AFL-CIO and United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond on his election as Secretary Treasurer. Both of their elections are historic and well deserved. President Shuler has done an outstanding job as Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, and Alliance members have benefitted from her serving as our Executive Vice President. We worked together on the AFL-CIO’s Retirement Security Working Group, where she was a driving force in successfully battling to shore up failing multiemployer pension funds. Secretary-Treasurer Redmond has also made retirement security a focus of his career at USW and has served as the Chair of the AFL-CIO’s Older and Retired Workers Committee. He fought to protect USW members’ health care and pensions, and has made sure that retiree issues receive the attention they deserve. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s untimely death on August 5 has left us with big shoes to fill. But with President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond leading the way, I am confident that the labor movement will work to ensure that retired union members, and all Americans, have the secure retirement they have earned after a lifetime of hard work.”
Amalgamated Transit Union:
The ATU applauds the election of Liz Shuler as @AFLCIO President and Fred Redmond as Secretary-Treasurer #1u pic.twitter.com/nl6G63nB2B
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 20, 2021American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten:
.@lizshuler, as I said in my seconding remarks, is an able leader who is smart, strategic, caring and compassionate but also tenacious and committed; she is the right choice to lead the @aflcio into the future. #1u
— Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) August 20, 2021American Postal Workers Union:
Congratulations to @LizShuler, new @AFLCIO President, for historic election. Now to continue work to build workers’ power, organize the unorganized and defend democracy #1U https://t.co/DcrCh2rKs7
— APWU National (@APWUnational) August 20, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
"Today, I was honored to cast my vote for @lizshuler as President of the @AFLCIO to lead our nation's labor movement. A union organizer at heart, Liz will continue the fight for worker rights and economic and racial justice. Congratulations Liz!"
- BCTGM Pres. Anthony Shelton pic.twitter.com/JUK8BWbmV4
Boilermakers:
Our congratulations to Liz Schuler on her election as President of the AFL-CIO and to Fred Redmond on his election as Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO. Read the AFL-CIO's full announcement: https://t.co/paGSee5y9c#BoilermakersUnion @AFLCIO
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2021Bricklayers President Tim Driscoll:
“Sister Shuler’s commitment to strengthening the voice of union labor—from the workplace to the halls of Congress—is second to none. Her passion and work ethic have been rewarded by her peers in electing her as the sixth President of the AFL-CIO, and the first woman to hold that position. Liz’s roots as a local IBEW organizer have informed her decision-making throughout her career and are central to the vision she brings to leading the federation. Her vital stewardship of the AFL-CIO through two recessions has demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive during challenging times. While the depth and breadth of her experience in working with numerous affiliates over the years ensures that the varying nature of challenges faced by each affiliate union will inform the goals and strategic programs of the AFL-CIO. I look forward to working with Liz to meet those challenges head-on. I also want to congratulate newly elected AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. A resilient organizer and steadfast leader, Brother Redmond has been a stalwart champion for the rights of working men and women throughout his career. On behalf of our Union, I want to congratulate Liz, Fred, and Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre. They are a diverse and dynamic leadership team that will work tirelessly to provide a brighter future for all working families.”
Coalition of Labor Union Women President Elise Bryant:
"Congratulations to our newly elected president of the AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler! President Shuler is a long-time supporter and member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. Liz welcomed me into her former office of Secretary-Treasurer even before I became president of CLUW. There is no doubt in my mind that Liz Shuler is a SNAP — a sister not afraid of power and will be an outstanding leader for the labor movement in the U.S.A.
"Congratulations also to Brother Fred Redmond, our newly elected Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO. I’ve known Fred for years in his capacity as the United Steelworkers of America Vice President for Human Affairs. There is no doubt in my mind that Brother Redmond will continue his work to make the labor movement more inclusive to women, people of color and immigrant workers.
"Shuler, Redmond and Gebre — what a team! Brother Rich Trumka is smiling down from heaven!"
Communications Workers of America:
Today’s historic appointment of Liz Shuler as the next president of the federation, the first woman to hold the office, and United Steelworkers International Vice President Fred Redmond as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold this position, by the AFL-CIO’s Executive Council is welcome news to all CWA members and the entire labor movement. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.
“For more than a decade Liz Shuler and former President Trumka worked hand in hand to guide the AFL-CIO,” said CWA President Chris Shelton. “The diversity of the new leadership team is a sign of progress for our movement. I have absolute faith in their ability to continue to fight for the dignity of all workers.”
“Liz Shuler has dedicated her career to fighting for the protection of the rights of working families,” said CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens. “As a trailblazer for women and young workers, her appointment will be an inspiration to a new generation of leaders in the labor movement and beyond.”
Congratulations to President Liz Shuler and the AFL-CIO’s new historic leadership team.
Department for Professional Employees:
DPE congratulates @lizshuler on her election as @AFLCIO President and Fred Redmond on his election as @AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer. We look to working with the @AFLCIO leadership team to build an economy that works for all working people. #1u https://t.co/cj03fD7Mtk
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 20, 2021Electrical Workers:
IBEW: “@lizshuler is the leader the American labor movement needs. As an experienced and dedicated trade unionist, Liz brings both compassion and a fierce commitment to advancing the cause of working people to the job of AFL-CIO President" https://t.co/92Iy1MTEvW
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 20, 2021Fire Fighters:
.@IAFFPresident was elected earlier today to the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO. Congratulations to @lizshuler and @STRedmond on their unanimous election to President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively, of the AFL-CIO. pic.twitter.com/tbWzZ3Oj4A
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 20, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Applauds Liz Shuler on Her Election as AFL-CIO President https://t.co/ibwZGQhy3r
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 20, 2021Ironworkers:
A message from Iron Workers General President Eric Dean about the newly elected president of the AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler. pic.twitter.com/FuJ63TO0bw
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 20, 2021Machinists International President Robert Martinez:
The @MachinistsUnion is proud to welcome @LizShuler as president and @STRedmond as secretary-treasurer of the @AFLCIO. Together with @Tefere_Gebre, this is the most diverse leadership team in the federation’s history.
Let’s grow our movement and unite our fight for all workers.
National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi:
“On behalf of the NATCA National Executive Board and the nearly 20,000 aviation safety professionals we represent, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Liz and Fred on their election. Because of their strong passion for fighting for workers and their rights both on and off the job, NATCA stands with Liz and Fred, and we offer them our full support.
“We continue to mourn the recent tragic loss of former AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka. Although nobody can replace Brother Rich in our hearts, there is nobody better to serve as President of the AFL-CIO than Liz Shuler. Liz knows the House of Labor inside and out and has already led us in so many important endeavors. With the pandemic still raging, and the historic infrastructure bill and PRO Act working their way through the U.S. Congress, these are critically important days for our country, all American workers, and our transportation industry. Liz knows how to unify our voices to protect workers and strengthen our economy in this challenging time. We look forward to working with her and Fred as they build upon the successes of the past and strengthen us into the future.
NATCA members are proud to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in organized labor. We will continue to move people, cargo, and the COVID-19 vaccine and other medical supplies. We will continue to advocate for the passage of the infrastructure bill and the PRO Act, and we will support Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond as they make our Labor Movement stronger.”
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Congratulations to the newly elected @AFLCIO President @lizshuler! #1u #1uHerstory #UnionStrong https://t.co/vglOs0YK7m pic.twitter.com/lIgpmVVrS9
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 20, 2021National Nurses United:
National Nurses United (NNU) today welcomed the election of long-time labor leader Liz Shuler as president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 12.5 million members.
Shuler, who succeeds the late Richard Trumka, will be the first woman to lead the premier labor federation of the United States. NNU also congratulates United Steelworkers International Vice President Fred Redmond for his election as AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, succeeding Shuler in that role.
“We could not be more proud of Liz Shuler, who will be the first woman leader of the AFL-CIO, and has a record as an accomplished labor leader and activist who brings vision and innovative ideas that will strengthen the entire labor movement,” said NNU President Deborah Burger, RN.
“Liz Shuler has been a great friend of registered nurses and our union,” said NNU Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN. “Her outspoken advocacy for the strongest possible infectious disease control protections over the past year in the face of the grave danger to our members and all Americans in this terrible once-in-a-century pandemic symbolizes what a strong champion she will be for workers, patients, and public health and safety overall.”
Castillo also cited Shuler’s “strong support for NNU union organizing campaigns, a recognition of the enormous significance of how the labor movement needs to grow in the face of so many attacks from the corporate class and the far-right legislators and policy groups aligned with them.”
“There could not be a better tribute to the legacy of Rich Trumka than to be followed by Liz Shuler who worked so closely with him and will surely expand the influence and achievements of the labor movement for all working people,” Castillo added.
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Congratulations President @lizshuler #1u The struggle continues. Power to the workers, always! #PassThePROAct
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 20, 2021NFL Players Association:
Congratulations to my friend and great labor leader @lizshuler and the new leadership team of the AFL-CIO! I am proud to serve with this tremendous group of people who represent the best in our labor community. #1uherstory https://t.co/S1knsiVIMe
— DeMaurice Smith (@demauricesmith) August 20, 2021North America's Building Trades Unions:
HISTORY MADE ??
Join us in congratulating @LizShuler for becoming the first woman President of the AFL-CIO.
?: https://t.co/yQD5yW1uO5 pic.twitter.com/aEBxUVUQOu
Painters and Allied Trades General President Jimmy Williams:
As the incoming General President of @GoIUPAT and on behalf of our Executive Board and 140,000 member-strong union, I am proud to support @lizshuler as the next President of the @AFLCIO. pic.twitter.com/IZ7ekVLBxl
— Jimmy Williams (@Jimmy_iupat) August 20, 2021Plasterers and Cement Masons:
The #OPCMIA congratulates @lizshuler on being elected @AFLCIO President & new Secretary-Treasurer @STRedmond. Liz has always had the backs of OPCMIA members and we’ve got hers. We wish Liz & Fred the greatest success! #1u https://t.co/M5yF1BQpsJ
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 20, 2021Plumbers and Pipe Fitters:
A tireless champion for working families, the election of @lizshuler as @AFLCIO President is a historic step for organized labor.
President Shuler is a card-carrying building trades member who's never forgotten where she came from.
America's working families are in good hands. https://t.co/MyMyjxtrCY
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS congratulates @lizshuler & Fred Redmond on election to lead @AFLCIO. Pres Mike Perrone: "the federation is strong & Rich Trumka built a talented leadership team that is able to face any challenge...his legacy is in strong and capable hands." #1uhttps://t.co/M86zAedmBd
— PASS (@PASSNational) August 20, 2021Roofers and Waterproofers:
Congratulations to our Sister @lizshuler and the rest of the (most diverse ever) elected leadership team at the @AFLCIO! We look forward to working together with you in strengthening America's labor movement and fighting for working families. #HERstory https://t.co/YPbvBa4Vi2
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 20, 2021Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan and Secretary-Treasurer Shari Semelsberger:
“On behalf of millions of frontline transportation workers and the unions that represent them, we congratulate Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond on their unanimous election as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, of the AFL-CIO.
“Today’s historic election comes during an unprecedented time in history. Working families are still bearing the brunt of a global public health and economic crisis. The introduction of new technologies, combined with the explosive rise of anti-worker business models, threatens to change the nature of work itself. And our movement continues to mourn the loss of former AFL-CIO president Richard L. Trumka.
“Conquering these challenges will not be easy, but the Executive Committee of the AFL-CIO chose wisely in electing Shuler and Redmond to lead America’s unions. Shuler and Redmond bring to the table proven leadership, grit, determination, and a deep understanding of the unique and complex needs of today’s working families. They will also usher in a new era in the American labor movement – one in which the experience and diversity of our leaders reflect the diverse backgrounds and skillsets of American workers.
“TTD and our 33 affiliated unions proudly stand with President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond. Together, we will continue fighting for policies that promote social and economic justice, create family-sustaining jobs and safe workplaces, and lift more people into the middle class.”
Union Plus:
Union Plus congratulates @lizshuler, newly elected President of the @AFLCIO! #1uherstoryhttps://t.co/XE2diJYOqs pic.twitter.com/ao4skGUI83
— Union Plus (@UnionPlus) August 20, 2021UNITE HERE:
When thousands of jobs—and livelihoods—are on the line, the moment calls for a broad coalition of support.
That's why we're proud to have some of the progressive movement's strongest voices standing with hotel workers fighting the elimination of automatic daily housekeeping. ? pic.twitter.com/b8eNX5cR4u
United Steelworkers:
President Conway: it was my honor to nominate @lizshuler as the president of the @AFLCIO and our own @STRedmond as Secretary Treasurer of the AFL. #USWProud pic.twitter.com/zC1CkMKSyU
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 20, 2021Working America Executive Director Matt Morrison:
"Today, the AFL-CIO Executive Council elected Liz Shuler (IBEW) as AFL-CIO President and Fred Redmond (USW) as Secretary-Treasurer, following the untimely passing of former AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka. Together with Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre (UFCW), the first immigrant to hold that position, Shuler, the first female president, and Redmond, the first African American Secretary-Treasurer, the historic and diverse leadership team will lead AFL-CIO forward. Former President Trumka observed that “there is something happening in America,” referring to the growing demand for justice and opportunity by working people. President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond vowed to continue that legacy, prioritizing workers’ rights, voting rights and protecting our democracy and planet. We congratulate newly elected President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and thank Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre for his continuing leadership."
Writers Guild of America, East:
We are proud to stand with @LizShuler as she becomes the first woman to serve as President of the AFL-CIO. #1u https://t.co/EtTNPmjjb7
— Writers Guild of America, East / #PROAct (@WGAEast) August 20, 2021The Animation Guild (IATSE):
Congrats @lizshuler during this historic moment as the first woman elected as @AFLCIO President in the history of the labor federation! And congrats to Fred Redmond the first African American to hold the secretary-treasurer office!https://t.co/Ripykcn69v pic.twitter.com/p1dqUjUbtz
— The Animation Guild (@animationguild) August 20, 2021Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams:
“Liz has been on the forefront of the fight for workers’ rights in the United States. I’m proud to have worked with Liz throughout the years, and her leadership through these challenging times as Secretary-Treasurer and Acting President of the AFL-CIO has shown that she has the knowledge, passion, and experience to lead. I look forward to working with my dear friend and fellow IBEW member as we continue to stand up for America’s working families. I’d also like to congratulate Fred Redmond on his election as Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and have the utmost confidence that he will excel in the position. With the election of Shuler and Redmond, and along with Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, this is the most diverse leadership team in our organization’s history.”
Georgia AFL-CIO President Charlie Flemming:
“Today, the American labor movement made history with the AFL-CIO Executive Council Election of President Liz Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and International Vice President Tefere Gebre. Liz is the first woman to hold this position, and together the three leaders make up the most diverse leadership team in AFL-CIO history. The Georgia AFL-CIO extends its congratulations to Liz, Fred and Tefere on their elections.
“Our movement is at a crossroads—our future of work is rapidly changing, income inequality is increasing, and our political opponents are working harder than ever to strip workers of their right to fair wages, benefits, and safety on the job. Liz is the leader we need at this moment. We’ve seen what she can do from her years of experience as AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer and in the IBEW. We know she will bring new, innovative ideas to the table and are looking forward to working with her and her team.”
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
"We are looking forward to working with Liz, especially as our fight continues against the Uber/Big Tech Prop-22 copycat ballot measure.” Read the Full Statement by MA AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman on the Election of @AFLCIO President @lizshuler below. #1u #solidarity pic.twitter.com/dQz24M2u7P
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) August 20, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber:
"On behalf of the hard working families across Michigan, we congratulate longtime trade unionist Liz Shuler on her election as the next President of the AFL-CIO. This leadership team—a first woman President and first African American Secretary-Treasurer, reflects the great diversity and strength of our growing labor movement. The Michigan AFL-CIO looks forward to working with President Shuler to pass the PRO Act, protect workers rights on the job, and build a better life for working folks across our state."
New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett:
“The New Hampshire AFL-CIO extends its congratulations to AFL-CIO President Shuler on her historic election as the first woman to lead the federation. The Executive Council made a great choice. Liz was a real partner to RichardTrumka and I’m sure she’ll lead the AFL-CIO with the same strength and wisdom that Rich did. Liz’s election gives us the opportunity to keep the labor movement moving forward and I’m eager to keep working with her.”
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO congratulates Elizabeth H. Shuler on her election as the first woman president of the National AFL-CIO, and Fred Redmond as the first African American to serve as secretary-treasurer.
The National AFL-CIO Executive Council on Friday, August 20, elected Acting President and Secretary-Treasurer Shuler, an IBEW sister, to complete the term of Richard L. Trumka, who passed away on August 5. Redmond, the international vice president for human affairs of the United Steelworkers, will complete Shuler’s term as secretary-treasurer. Both terms continue until June 2022, the next scheduled election of national officers. New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech, a National AFL-CIO Executive Council member, voted in full support of the Shuler-Redmond team.
“Liz Shuler is making history once again,” President Wowkanech said, noting that in 2009 President Shuler was the first woman elected secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO. “Whether she was at the negotiating table or on the picket line, she has always displayed her lifelong commitment to excellence and activism. And her record of strong, progressive and compassionate leadership for every sector of labor promises stability for our movement and for every working family in America.
“Fred Redmond, likewise, is making history,” President Wowkanech said. “He battled economic insecurity and protected voting rights in his position with the Steelworkers, and he is recognized as a titan in the civil rights movement.
“President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond are fully focused on the importance of organizing, which will create jobs for the future, especially in the emerging green economy,” President Wowkanech said.
“Liz Shuler’s election today brings a transformative perspective to the presidency,” New Jersey State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan said. “She is committed to empowering union women, as she demonstrated time and time again through her support of our WILD (Women in Leadership Development) Conferences. And she is committed to diversity and equality, to young workers, and to eliminating the income inequality that threatens the American dream for far too many people.”
“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO wishes President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond tremendous success,” President Wowkanech said, “especially as they continue to advocate for passage of the PRO Act, which is being renamed the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act to honor his legacy. America’s workers deserve these protections, and we know Liz and Fred will fight for them.”
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento:
“On behalf of the 2.5 million members of the New York State AFL-CIO, I applaud the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO for voting to elect Liz Shuler as President to serve out the remainder of Richard Trumka’s term,” said Mario Cilento, president of the NYS AFL-CIO.
“We have worked closely with Liz as a state federation on several of the labor movement’s priority issues over the years as she served in her role as Secretary-Treasurer. She is a proven leader with the experience and drive we need to move us forward.
“We proudly celebrate this historic moment as Liz becomes the first woman president of the AFL-CIO and newly elected Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond becomes the first African American to hold the number two office.
“We look forward to working with both leaders to further labor’s agenda and enhance the lives of working people in this country,” Cilento added.
North Carolina State AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan:
Congratulations to @lizshuler & Fred Redmond on their historic election to lead the @AFLCIO! #1u https://t.co/QYaZFnjLoJ
— MaryBe McMillan (@marybemcmillan) August 20, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor:
Couldn't be more proud of my friend, Union sister, fellow Oregonian, and @AFLCIO President @lizshuler! Our Movement is in good hands, onward! ✊✊✊#UnionStrong #1uHerstory https://t.co/5c1HNcReUn
— Graham Trainor (@graham_oregon) August 20, 2021Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"Today, Liz Shuler has cemented her well-deserved place in labor history following her election as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO. For the past 12 years, she has been a powerful force for change on multiple issues at the national level, including the clean energy economy, empowering women and young workers, and much more. Liz has fully dedicated herself to ensuring that all working families know the benefits of having a union voice on the job, and we are confident that she is the person to lead the AFL-CIO’s 12.5 million members into the future at a critical time for the labor movement.
"We are equally optimistic and enthusiastic about the election of Fred Redmond as the federation’s new secretary-treasurer. A proud and active United Steelworkers (USW) member for nearly 50 years, he has spent a great deal of time on several important initiatives, including protecting voting rights from extremist attacks and combating economic inequality. His steady, consistent leadership is already well-known throughout the USW and will be an asset to the AFL-CIO.
"Former President Richard Trumka's goal was to build an economy and society that lifts up all workers and every community, and we are confident in the ability of these new leaders to carry on his legacy. We congratulate President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond wholeheartedly on their new roles and look forward to seeing their impact on working families, both in Tennessee and across the country."
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy:
“The Texas AFL-CIO congratulates Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond on their elections to the top positions at the AFL-CIO,” Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said. “We have been blessed to get to know both these trail-blazing leaders.”
“We have counted Liz Shuler as a close friend during her time as Secretary-Treasurer,” Levy said. “We have marched and advocated on Texas streets with Liz in the cause of a fair shot for all Texans. When Hurricane Harvey struck, it was Liz Shuler who came to Texas and brought national resources to help working families whose lives had been turned upside-down. Liz believes, as do we, that when we change Texas, we will change the U.S., and when we change the U.S., we will change the world.”
“Fred Redmond has graced our Convention with his powerful oratory and we knew of him before that through his friendship in the Steelworkers with the late Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick. Fred is a standout advocate for civil rights and racial justice who always connects those topics to economic inequality and the sorry state of labor rights.”
“In this time of transition,” Levy said, “we are very heartened that our Brother Tefere Gebre will retain his leadership role as Executive Vice President. Tefere’s vision of the labor movement resonates with our own, and we will continue to look to him to guide our work.”
“The Texas AFL-CIO looks forward to building a bigger, bolder, broader labor movement with all of these outstanding leaders.”
Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays:
"Liz Shuler has always been an advocate for working people in Virginia. We can always count on her to move the working men and women forward towards a brighter, bolder, and safer future. Fred Redmond has taken USW to new heights, and I know he will bring a strong voice and new ideas to the AFL-CIO. We are so proud and excited to get started and empower our unions and our members with President Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Redmond."
Central Florida AFL-CIO:
HUGE congratulations to @lizshuler today on becoming both the first woman and youngest person to ever be elected President of the @AFLCIO!
We look forward to continuing the growth and the fight of the labor movement under your leadership ?
Cincinnati AFL-CIO:
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council congratulates Liz Shuler, Elected AFL-CIO President and Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, forming an historic new leadership team! https://t.co/8IhVGa5GGI pic.twitter.com/GDg6OrkWcy
— Cincinnati AFL-CIO (@CincyAFLCIO) August 20, 2021Metro Washington DC Labor Council President Dyana Forester:
“Today the American labor movement made history with the AFL-CIO Executive Council election of AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, the first woman to ever lead the federation. In the weeks following the death of Richard Trumka, Liz has stepped up with the utmost grace and bravery in the most difficult of circumstances.
“Women and people of color have long been excluded from leadership positions in this movement. But today’s election is a pivotal step forward in the right direction, a landmark moment that I know not only serves as an inspiration for myself, but to countless young women across the country. We are confident in Liz’s ability to pilot us forward as our future of work evolves. Her passion for organizing tech workers, bringing justice for gig workers, and building a new green economy are what we need right now to build a positive future for our movement.
“Liz is also a DC resident and understands firsthand the importance of DC statehood. We are excited to work together with her on this fight, so that someday the District’s tens of thousands of union members can have the representation in Congress they deserve.”
National Education Association President Becky Pringle:
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to @lizshuler on her new position as @AFLCIO’s president. Liz is the first woman and the youngest person to hold this honor. @NEAToday and I look forward to working with you to strengthen the labor movement!
— Becky Pringle (@BeckyPringle) August 20, 2021U.S. President Joe Biden:
Congratulations to Liz Shuler on being elected President of the AFL-CIO — I know Rich would be proud of the historic new team. I look forward to working alongside them to strengthen America’s unions and ensure every worker is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 20, 2021U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi:
Congratulations @LizShuler on your historic election to lead @AFLCIO!
House Democrats look forward to continuing our partnership with you to #BuildBackBetter, lift up diversity in the workplace and create millions of good-paying, sustainable jobs for all!
U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh:
I am excited to congratulate @lizshuler on being named President of the @AFLCIO.
Liz is a trailblazer who is ready to meet the moment. I look forward to working with her as we build back better with a workforce that looks like America and an economy that works for workers.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg:
Congrats @LizShuler on your historic election to lead the @AFLCIO. Union workers have long been the backbone of our transportation system — they’ll be key to building the infrastructure of the future, too.
I look forward to working together to support America’s workers. https://t.co/hHUPXL2Tqb
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
.@lizshuler has worked her way up from union organizing to become the new president of the @AFLCIO, the first woman to serve in the role.
She’ll fight for good, sustainable jobs for everyone, and I’m excited to help.
Congratulations, Madam President.
Liz Shuler Elected President as Part of Most Diverse Leadership Team in AFL-CIO History
The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.
The election of Shuler and Redmond comes after the unexpected and untimely passing of Richard Trumka, who served as AFL-CIO president from 2009 until his death on Aug. 5, capping a more than 50-year career of dedication to America’s unions and working people.
“I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” Shuler said after her election. “I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations—to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center—at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.”
“I could not be more excited to get to work with President Shuler so we can build on the labor movement’s legacy of change, writing a new chapter that brings the promise of union membership to workers across this country,” Redmond said. “This is the right team at the right time to help bring about the economic and social justice America is hungry for.”
“Our country is at a crossroads. Now more than ever, the labor movement is the best vehicle to fight inequality, systemic racism, and attacks on our basic rights and freedoms,” said Gebre. “I am honored to work with our historic team led by President Shuler and look forward to fighting every day for working families.”
Shuler grew up in a union household—her father, Lance, was a power lineman and longtime member of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 125 at Portland General Electric and her late mother, Joyce, worked as an estimator in the company’s service and design department. In 1993, Shuler was hired as an organizer at Local 125. When energy giant Enron Corp. tried to muscle electricity deregulation through the Oregon Legislature, Shuler worked with a broad-based coalition of labor, community and environmental activists to challenge and ultimately overcome Enron’s powerhouse lobbying campaign, a victory that sparked her passion for mobilizing workers to make change even when faced with overwhelming odds.
In 1998, Ed Hill, then-secretary-treasurer of the IBEW, assigned Shuler to California where she mobilized IBEW members to help defeat Prop. 226, the so-called paycheck protection initiative that threatened to silence union members in the political process. That victory prompted John J. Barry, then president of the IBEW at that time, to hire her as an international representative in the union’s Political/Legislative Affairs Department in Washington, D.C. In that role, Shuler ran grassroots political mobilization efforts and lobbied Congress on a range of issues important to working families. In 2004, she was promoted to assistant to the international president, where she served President Hill, who had succeeded to that position, in driving the agenda of the nearly 1-million member union.
In 2009, she joined forces with Trumka, becoming the first woman elected to the position of secretary-treasurer at an AFL-CIO convention and the youngest woman ever on the federation’s Executive Council. As secretary-treasurer, she also served as the chief financial officer, turning deficits into surpluses and steering the federation through multiple fiscal crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to her stewardship of the federation’s finances, Shuler led the AFL-CIO’s initiatives on the future of work, retirement security, the clean energy economy, public safety reform, workforce development, and empowering women and young workers. She is committed to busting myths about labor, leveraging the labor movement’s diversity for innovative approaches to social justice and making the benefits of a union voice on the job available to working people everywhere.
Redmond has been a USW member since 1973, when he went to work at Reynolds Metals Co. in Chicago. He became active in his local union almost immediately, serving as shop steward and eventually vice president. He served three terms as local president.
For decades, Redmond served the USW in various staff and leadership roles, assisting local unions, developing and conducting training programs, and bargaining contracts.
As international vice president for human affairs, Redmond oversaw the Civil and Human Rights Department, as well as the union’s shipbuilding, health care and public sector bargaining, and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality. Redmond has a long history of leadership on various boards, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. In 2021, Redmond was elected president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, a prestigious international post.
The terms of the three executive officers run through June 2022, when delegates to the AFL-CIO Convention in Philadelphia will elect leaders for new four-year terms.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/20/2021 - 10:32Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey State AFL-CIO: 25th Annual Labor Candidates School Dedicated to Richard Trumka
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is proud to dedicate the 25th annual Labor Candidates School in honor of the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.
“President Trumka was an enthusiastic supporter of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Program, which the national AFL-CIO recognized as America’s gold standard through the 2019 Path to Progress Award,” state federation President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE) said in a statement. “As the 25th Annual Labor Candidates School commences, and as we dedicate our work this weekend in his honor, let us reaffirm our commitment to the union values and high moral standards President Trumka lived by.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/20/2021 - 08:30Be Safe and Get Vaccinated: 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:
As more members return to work, more Equity staff has been assigned to administering your contracts. Use the newly updated Find Your Business Rep page on the portal to contact the appropriate staff member for any contract questions - https://t.co/xZ1VzSIshC pic.twitter.com/phI3qXCjZH
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 18, 2021AFGE:
Today is our 89th birthday! ??
Since its creation, our union’s mission has been to build a better workplace for government employees – and that’s what we’ve been doing for the past nine decades. #1u pic.twitter.com/5rd4Xmo66S
AFSCME:
Greg Bailey, a conservator at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, wants to make sure pay is more equitable for employees & worker safety & health are top priorities for management. The way to achieve those and other goals, workers say, is to form a union. https://t.co/B01drF0LZa
— AFSCME ✊ Pass the #PROAct (@AFSCME) August 18, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
This is a disgusting misinformation campaign from #BigPharma. We have to call out these fallacies when we see them. Medicare drug price negotiation will save people money and save lives!https://t.co/YHLKm9dd5k
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 18, 2021Amalgamated Transit Union:
International President John Costa mourns the loss of our Local 265-San Jose, CA brother Henry Gonzales and calls out the VTA for their failure to address mental health and safety in the workplace. https://t.co/S8Vu0OZ9VV #1u #VTA
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 18, 2021American Federation of Teachers:
"As students, families & staff return to school, I am grateful for how far science and medicine have come, & I am mindful of how urgent it is that we move ahead with them. Please be safe & get vaccinated."
Read & RT @rweingarten's latest in the @nytimes: https://t.co/B7g2QWxOKH
American Postal Workers Union:
Our Senators must take bold action to protect our voting rights. Our demands are clear: eliminate the filibuster & pass the #ForThePeopleAct, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. #VotingRightsMarch
Call now: https://t.co/LJNKkMxLbG pic.twitter.com/j908OK8r7o
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
As summer comes to an end, a new school year approaches! Be sure to prepare your children, family, friends, students, and neighbors aged 12 and up for the upcoming school year with a free COVID-19 vaccine!
Find vaccines near you at https://t.co/OVcsr1nbMq.#WeCanDoThis pic.twitter.com/vZZkbt6aEL
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Happy National Aviation Week! Reminder, @Sept11Memorial is providing free Museum access to crewmembers both active & retired. https://t.co/AVWVMOQbmD
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 18, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Welcome to the BCTGM! https://t.co/kmpazVqPlV
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 18, 2021Boilermakers:
Safety first! #Boilermakers at L-83 (Kansas City, Missouri) and Enerfab are celebrating a zero recordables safety record at the Columbia Municipal Power Plant in Columbia, Missouri ? https://t.co/5c25agrB03#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/7XMIWsZoR6
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 18, 2021Bricklayers:
Listen to IUBAC President @Tdriscollbac discuss the passing of Trumka, the PRO Act, infrastructure bill and more on the @RickSmithShow ? #infrastructure https://t.co/8drbJcTJg1 https://t.co/hgchg4ukrH
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 16, 2021California School Employees Association:
Our top priority is, and always has been, ensuring the safety of students and staff. Read our statement on @CAgovernor's decision to require vaccines or regular testing for school staff: pic.twitter.com/Ry65ItgMVI
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) August 11, 2021Coalition of Labor Union Women:
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: Join us for our 21st Biennial Virtual CLUW Convention October 7 - 9. https://t.co/rykwTuzL6D pic.twitter.com/iBPXUGADpu
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 10, 2021Communications Workers of America:
Thanks to @TerryMcAuliffe for speaking with CWAers last night.
CWA endorses McAuliffe for VA Governor because we can count on him to support working people and keep Virginia on track for a strong recovery from the pandemic.
Learn more: https://t.co/eq3IyB7Tay pic.twitter.com/GfPk8Wr5Lf
Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to the employees of the @greenlightbklyn and @YoursTrulyBklyn on joining together in union with @RWDSU! #1u https://t.co/vB9lMbd0Zf
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 18, 2021Electrical Workers:
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 18, 2021Fire Fighters:
#IAFF-Endorsed HERO Act Introduced in the Senatehttps://t.co/h7rd2IhFtb
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 18, 2021Heat and Frost Insulators:
Advanced skills training taught in our numerous facilities across North America assist in delivering the expertise required in the precise, quality needs in specialized fabricating. Examples can include: Die Cutting, Sound Control, Thermal Barrier Products https://t.co/UxJnXYtAcb
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) August 18, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Convention Recap - Members, Leaders, Staff Honor Retiring President Paul Shearon, Delegates Elect New Leadership, Set Policy, and Commit Resources to Building Union Power https://t.co/jsFm10fA92#1u #canlab
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 13, 2021International Labor Communications Association:
14: number of days left to enter our Labor Media Awards contest. Don't delay! Submit your best work today! https://t.co/SpcmwcclNP
— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) August 13, 2021Ironworkers:
Iron Workers Local 25 mobile training facility courtesy of IMPACT. pic.twitter.com/LSm6X8qLSz
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 17, 2021Jobs With Justice:
When you preach the values of a democratic workplace for clicks, but fail to practice these values yourself, you have to call it what it is -- a grift.https://t.co/YoOUIK3eYB
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 18, 2021Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to #RestoreTheVRA and ensure Americans can safely and freely cast our ballots so that every voice is heard and our elections reflect the will of the people. Take action to protect voting: https://t.co/oeBUgIL0E2 pic.twitter.com/dx1hEUXBgm
— Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (@LCLAA) August 18, 2021Laborers:
It’s more than a job, it’s a rewarding career earning competing wages, health and wellness benefits and the highest standard of workplace safety! Union Strong, #LiUNA Strong! pic.twitter.com/X4OLwBUsV5
— LiUNA! Canada (@LiUNACanada) August 17, 2021Machinists:
Service to the community are words we live by, emblazoned on the IAM Flag. Retired Machinists Union member and former @IAMW3Center employee Jerry Guyer exemplifies what it means to help those in need.https://t.co/5AUircovLN
— Machinists Union | Pass the #PROAct (@MachinistsUnion) August 18, 2021Metal Trades Department:
Peter J. McGuire was the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. In 1882, he called upon 30,000 workers to march in New York for 8 hour work days and succeeded 4 years later. He became the unofficial founder of Labor Day. #LaborHistory pic.twitter.com/DEDQdhLWQO
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 16, 2021Mine Workers:
“Coal miners have always had to fight for everything they’ve ever had,” Kolenc said. “Since 1890, when we first started, nobody’s ever handed us anything. So we’re not about to lay our tools down now.”#WarriorMetsWrong https://t.co/TONMjVEdVT
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 17, 2021Musical Artists:
We are happy to report a tentative agreement with Lyric Opera of Chicago. AGMA Artists at Lyric Opera who have contracts for the 21-22 season should continue reading for important ratification information: https://t.co/qII57ahR2b pic.twitter.com/9ZQ7R6400Y
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 12, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) recently held its annual training conference. @PaulRinaldi was a guest speaker on the Labor Management panel. Read the full story: https://t.co/YE0HxVJ3iy pic.twitter.com/kUq99zXpmY
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 17, 2021National Association of Letter Carriers:
The NALC Veterans Group has 15,000 members and is growing! Have you joined? NALC’s Veterans Group provides connections and resources for letter carriers who are current or former military service members. Learn more and join today. https://t.co/mDHCpbBGz4 pic.twitter.com/DGUmmG6qrR
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 18, 2021National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Please read and share...
In the days ahead, a legislative breakthrough can be achieved if immigrants are given a chance to speak for themselves. And if they are heard.
THIS *MUST BE* THE YEAR. https://t.co/paKyz9ShBZ
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
“It's often the people with the least amount of power and resources who are bearing the burden of safety for our entire society.” — @aijenpoo
Many care workers lack access to essentials like transportation & child care. It’s time to change that. https://t.co/KEWFy1Stgw
National Nurses United:
✊?✊?✊?✊?✊?#WearAMask
Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/xHRHGUkXjg
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Drivers are being foreclosed on, their medallion - their job - is confiscated & sold to bidders. Made jobless, they then are sued to pay off balance left on the loan. The city inflated values, banks engaged in predatory lending. They all made millions. Drivers are in poverty. pic.twitter.com/25XT6huzWM
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 12, 2021NFL Players Association:
.@AllenRobinson continued to invest in Chicago kids this summer. The Bears WR cut the ribbon on the city’s second @ARWithinReach reading zone space at Orville T. Bright School, providing hundreds of age-appropriate books for students. #CommunityFriday
(?: @ChicagoBears) pic.twitter.com/StMPoNtiei
North America's Building Trades Unions:
In April, the @CleBCTC Tradeswomen Committee volunteered their time and skills to help upgrade Haven House, a local homeless overflow shelter.
Check out this article for more about their efforts!
?: https://t.co/q7PN1F2fUr pic.twitter.com/lOVyi6cb3T
Office and Professional Employees:
Welcome to our union family, @NJForwardUnion! ✊❤️ https://t.co/z6jm1rXKay
— OPEIU ║ #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) August 16, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
Lorna Woo, Political Director of IUPAT DC 50, has been instrumental to our PRO Act campaign.
Lorna was essential in getting dozens of unions and community organizations to support our Pass the PRO Act campaign along with both of Hawaii's Congressional and Senate delegations. pic.twitter.com/GVTuefZxNa
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Kudos to @POTUS for proposing strong, real, tough Buy American rules! https://t.co/siJMf3I2F1
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 17, 2021Pride At Work:
We stand with the New York Times workers walking out today! #1u #solidarity https://t.co/GeRTftPG0M
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 11, 2021Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Thank you @SecMartyWalsh & @RepPeterDeFazio for meeting with PASS member Ken Werling during this morning's labor event in Oregon. Your support of workers (including dedicated public servants PASS represents at FAA & DoD) is key to #BuildBackBetter. #publicservice #aviationsafety pic.twitter.com/TV44C87DxX
— PASS (@PASSNational) August 11, 2021Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
check out the thread below if you're looking for some union jams for your playlist! thx to everyone sharing their favorite union songs! https://t.co/8BY6tRgKtI
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 18, 2021Roofers and Waterproofers:
The right length lanyard will protect workers in a fall: https://t.co/UTBbknBF8i #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/pipeOaRjcG
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 18, 2021SAG-AFTRA:
SAG-AFTRA recording artists deserve to be paid when their music is played on FM/AM radio. Join us in the fight for #musicfairness by contacting your representative and asking them to support the American Music Fairness Act TODAY: https://t.co/nQE1T7SfXy pic.twitter.com/S46iVZTf4m
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 17, 2021Solidarity Center:
With 20+ yrs in the aviation sector, one woman laid off in #SouthAfrica during #COVID19 says she lost her house, car, medical aid & depends on her grandparents to survive.
"I have got a warm bed & a plate of food. Other than that, I don't have anything."https://t.co/uCaX8FsG1M
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Another newsroom pay study with disgraceful results. If this were a study of any other New York business, management would be rallying staff to expose the scandal! #PayEquity now. https://t.co/1aw6HEpU31
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 13, 2021Theatrical Stage Employees:
"Ultimately, a union allows workers to have the ability to speak out about their work conditions without their bosses retaliating against them. It provides a form of protection for workers in precarious situations during deeply uncertain times." https://t.co/mWHD44VlvE
— IATSE // #PROAct (@IATSE) August 18, 2021Transport Workers Union:
The TWU congratulates our Envoy fleet service workers on their contract victory, achieving gains including significant wage increases and work rule improvements. Your negotiating team fought the bosses and brought back a T/A that improves each member’s quality of life.
— TWU (@transportworker) August 13, 2021Transportation Trades Department:
Bad behavior from airline passengers is surging, but these passengers rarely face consequences for their abusive behavior towards flight attendants, even when they are violent. We need to do more to protect these frontline workers. https://t.co/CW1tWrFuZG
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 17, 2021UAW:
UAW Local 897 Health and Safety Inspector Darwin Ost is taking a 2,400 mile bike ride, stopping at UAW local halls along the way to raise money and awareness for Type 1 diabetes. https://t.co/2jLy8gT6Hf
— UAW (@UAW) August 12, 2021Union Veterans Council:
Make the Check!#Afghanistan #BuddyCheck https://t.co/yvIONURhq6
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) August 17, 2021UNITE HERE:
“The legislator must protect the right to organize, only approving gaming compacts that contain strong enforcement language protecting workers rights and the right to organize.”
- Amber Parrish Baur, Executive Director of @UFCWWSC8 pic.twitter.com/p6r9YQoIAm
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#UFCWVictory ✊?✊?✊?✊?
Congratulations to @UFCW5 for scoring key victories for cannabis workers across the San Francisco Bay Area!
These victories include first-ever agreements to unionize workers at a cannabis manufacturer & lab.#1u #UnionStronghttps://t.co/yuF0jEclES
United Steelworkers:
“The legislator must protect the right to organize, only approving gaming compacts that contain strong enforcement language protecting workers rights and the right to organize.”
- Amber Parrish Baur, Executive Director of @UFCWWSC8 pic.twitter.com/p6r9YQoIAm
Utility Workers:
"We never leave a fallen brother or sister behind."https://t.co/I94Y4VekPP pic.twitter.com/r9gCByL114
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 18, 2021Working America:
Spoiler alert: it's more than 7.25/hourhttps://t.co/D2oQeRJzPt
— Working America | Pass the #PROAct (@WorkingAmerica) August 17, 2021Writers Guild of America, East:
Today, August 17, 6pm ET / 3pm PT
PITCH PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT:
COMEDY EDITION
(via Zoom)
Join us as three WGA members pitch and get feedback from a panel of experienced comedy executives: @marclieberman, @CaraMaz, and @honestbritt.https://t.co/oqrBk8l9Ky
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Michigan School Driver Receives AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award
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.
Front-line workers like Diane Rang of Romeo, Michigan, know all about serving our communities. A food truck delivery driver for a school, she sprang into action when the coronavirus pandemic shut down nearly everything across the country in the spring of 2020. Rang is being recognized by her union, AFSCME, receiving the Never Quit Service Award in honor of her dedicated service to the families in her community. “We do it for the love of the kids,” Rang said. “It makes me feel good at heart….And just to see the kids that they are getting something to eat and it’s nutritious and I know that the parents really appreciate it in our district. It’s rewarding just to help somebody else out that you can.” She is a member of AFSCME Local 2614, Council 25.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/19/2021 - 09:20We Need Congress to Work for Us: 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:
Wonderful day @ RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill for our 18th Annual Golf Tournament pic.twitter.com/QKA26SSIKa
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 11, 2021Alaska AFL-CIO:
? Last week, labor groups across Alaska continued to drop off letters in support of the #PROAct to the office of @lisamurkowski! pic.twitter.com/DTE3WsSqhR
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 17, 2021California Labor Federation:
NEW VIDEO: Why is voting NO on the Recall so important?
Union-busting CEOs will do anything to put a Trump Republican in office, but you can fight back by voting NO on the Recall. #NoOnRecall pic.twitter.com/bKOPkD775d
Colorado AFL-CIO:
If we #buildbackbetter, working people and their families win. It’s that simple. #ForAmericaByAmerica https://t.co/oOmvwtnQu3
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) August 17, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Are you interested in supporting the legislative, political, organizing and solidarity goals of the labor movement? Then apply today for a position with the Eastern CT Area Labor Federation! https://t.co/xjK7zqV8rl
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
"It was too bad, but entirely predictable, that Florida’s two senators could not hoist themselves from the partisan sideline to do what was best for the Sunshine State."https://t.co/9OlH0JybKo
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 12, 2021Georgia AFL-CIO:
On the anniversary of the #VotingRightsAct, we are reminded once again of our urgent need to pass voting reform. We cannot allow the 2022 elections to be stolen by corruption.
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 6, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Climate change is a labor issue. https://t.co/4L2o3XVSr8
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 17, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/JNSAq9N1el Thanks to @SEIU @LIUNA @UFCW #1u #buildbackbetter
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 17, 2021Maine AFL-CIO:
IN THIS EDITION of MAINE LABOR NEWS:@CWAUnion & @IBEW Locals Reach Tentative Agreement with @MyCCITweets
Workers Urge Senators Collins and King to Support for the #PROAct
Bicentennial Parade in Lewiston to Feature WMLC Labor Float — Sat. August 21sthttps://t.co/OqsdsBtZbz
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
NOW: Please join us as we remember the life and legacy of AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka #solidarity #1u https://t.co/tSOgzu1Uag
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) August 12, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
Join us in bucking the Democratic and Republican establishment to fight for nonpartisan, statistically fair maps for the PEOPLE. The time for engagement is NOW. https://t.co/HnnEzf2kJg
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) August 17, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Julie Blaha brings 'fresh attitude' to building back State Auditor's Office https://t.co/XUR1s0fNWu We knew long ago that @julieblaha had what it took to be Minnesota's State Auditor. Now, Minnesotans are benefiting from her leadership. #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 16, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
Employers spend roughly $340 million per year hiring anti-union lawyers and consultants to help them stave off union elections.
Policymakers must enact labor law reforms to protect workers’ right to organize. https://t.co/0hFhaiojAe
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Labor has always had friend in @SenCortezMasto! ✨
Thank you to the Senator for taking the time to speak to union members about how the bipartisan #InfrastructureBill will bring good-paying, union jobs (and billions of dollars in investment) to our state! ??♀️ pic.twitter.com/3RuBp6MgAQ
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 15, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
#FactFriday
Did you know #unions fight for you every day?
On Fridays we will give you some history on where each of the hard fought-for rights you enjoy started.
If you knew this was the beginning of the #8hourworkday, like this post
If not, tell us in the comments.@AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/LC69gtKuBE
New York State AFL-CIO:
We proudly congratulate Angela Blue for being one of WNY's most influential women! Angela Blue was selected by the editorial department of Buffalo Buisness First to represent one of the Power 200 Women in WNY. pic.twitter.com/uqVopol4ed
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 13, 2021North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Four takeaways from the House budget proposal https://t.co/hJbsKiXX7O via @ncpolicywatch #ncga #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct! (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 13, 2021North Dakota AFL-CIO:
"Landis Larson of the AFL-CIO actually had a more viable take on the value of COVID unemployment benefits by saying that unemployment recipients were using the cash to support local businesses that were also hurting." https://t.co/ZzRcEqqXJ0
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) August 10, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks, @USW, for stopping by in a very wet and rainy Newark, #Ohio today. We will #BuildBackBetter by making it in America with a well-trained, #Union, and American workforce! https://t.co/r3TYnGAi7W
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 17, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union, AFL-CIO (IW), has been a proud trade association since the 1890s.
The Iron Workers represents over 120K members!
Did you know? OK has two locals: #48 in OKC and #584 in Tulsa. pic.twitter.com/jMnsQJmiiI
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Support the staff at Kaiser Permanente, which includes the RNs, Techs, Lab Pros, PROs, RDH staff, and a total of almost 4,000 healthcare professionals, who are fighting for safe staffing and a fair contract at Kaiser. #1u
https://t.co/JPhhDPtiNr
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Read this week's E-News-->https://t.co/5SBMy5WKWk @IBT251 #1u #Trumka #aflcio #unions #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity
Send your E-Mail to Info@riaflcio.com to receive the E-News weekly in your inbox. pic.twitter.com/nu8hJ9GRoV
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Apparently, union-busting runs in the Musk family. We need to create pathways to make it easier for workers to organize if they choose to do so, rather than putting yet another roadblock in their way. #1u #UnionBustingIsDisgusting
via @TNLookout https://t.co/1ceTNPXlUm
Texas AFL-CIO:
Austin EMS Association President Says Medics Are 'Exhausted' And 'Hopeless' As COVID Cases Surge https://t.co/p3Ew5kPysm
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 16, 2021Virginia AFL-CIO:
Super excited that @MarkHerringVA joined a coalition of attorneys general in calling on the @SenateDems to #PassThePROAct. Hey, @MarkWarner, kick it into gear buddy, sign the #PROAct. https://t.co/y7VecBaqsB #ProtectWorkers #1u
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 11, 2021Washington State Labor Council:
Learn more at https://t.co/5ualaEX1Rl pic.twitter.com/QMw6aipk6N
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 11, 2021West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“West Virginians are known to be some of the hardest working people in this country, and they deserve dignity, respect and a voice. We’ve given enough breaks to corporate elites. The PRO Act is legislation for the people.” #wvpol https://t.co/WsiZvgep94
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) August 16, 2021Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Senator Ron Johnson Didn’t Even Bother To Read The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill https://t.co/bGmsWtXkzF
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 17, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/18/2021 - 11:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Veterans Council Offers Support to Veterans After the Events in Afghanistan
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.
Veterans from all generations are processing the news of what is currently unfolding in Afghanistan and could be experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings right now. From union presidents to first-year apprentices, many of these veterans are our brothers, sisters and friends in the labor movement, and we want to support them during this concerning time. The Union Veterans Council has shared a list of resources for military veterans. The council is also encouraging union members who are veterans to check in with each other.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/18/2021 - 09:37A Voice in How Employees Are Treated: 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:
Every Texan United Members Ratify First Union Contract: Every Texan United, the staff union of Every Texan, ratified their first union contract after a 15-month process. Management recognized the union in February 2020. Union Member Katie Martin Lightfoot said: "Every Texan’s contract shows how partnership between unionized workers and management helps us live our values and advance our mission. "We’re excited to see more Texas nonprofits organizing their workplaces and we hope our contract can help raise the bar for our sector here and across the country."
Employees at Code for America Join OPEIU: Code for America workers signed authorization cards to indicate their effort to unionize with the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 1010 in order to advocate for better compensation and improved promotion policies, among other goals. Ash Camp, an organizer and Code for America employee, said: "A union gives independent contributors a seat at the table. Unionizing allows us to rethink the barrier between staff and management, so that regular staff can have a meaningful say in decisions that affect them and benefit the organization collectively."
El Paso Registered Nurses Ratify Contract: Registered nurses at Del Sol Medical Center and Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, have approved by an overwhelming margin a new collective bargaining agreement with HCA Healthcare, the large hospital chain that operates the medical centers. The new three-year contract announced today by National Nurses Organizing Committee-Texas/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) will strengthen COVID-19 safety measures and provide increased economic security for some 650 registered nurses at the two hospitals. “This is a very solid contract that addresses significant health and safety protections for nurses and our patients,” said Las Palmas registered nurse Juan Anchondo. “These protections have been a very high priority following the pandemic crisis our nurses and our community have gone through over the past year.” The ratification follows a tentative agreement last week for HCA RNs at two medical centers in Brownsville, Texas, and new contracts in recent weeks at HCA hospitals in Florida and North Carolina.
Whitney Museum Workers Vote for Representation with UAW: Workers at New York's Whitney Museum voted to join UAW Local 2110 in a 96-1 vote. The nearly 200 workers covered by the union launched their drive in May, citing a lack of job security. The Whitney agreed to voluntarily recognized the union in June, but the workers claim that management refused to recognize more than 50 workers as part of the union. In a message on Instagram, the union said: "We are looking forward to sitting down with Whitney Museum leadership to start the bargaining process. Celebrations ahead!"
Wyoming Democratic Party Voluntarily Recognizes New Staff Union: Leadership of the Wyoming Democratic Party voted to voluntarily recognize a new staff union, becoming the 17th state Democratic Party to unionize in recent years. The new union is affiliated with the Electrical Workers (IBEW), which represents other state party workers across the country. The state party chair, Joe Barbuto, said: "To have our staff take this additional step and unionize is really terrific. So, I’m not only voluntarily recognizing the union, I’m proudly recognizing it, too."
Texas AFL-CIO Celebrates Pilgrim’s Pride Workers Voting Union YES: On Thursday, July 22, working families in Texas celebrated workers at Pilgrim’s Pride, a poultry plant in Waco, Texas, voting overwhelmingly to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 540. There are some 400 workers at the plant. Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar (UA), who provided hands-on help in the closing days of the union drive, stated the following in a news release: “Congratulations also to UFCW. Polling shows tens of millions more workers in this country would join a union if they could, and UFCW organizers are making it possible for thousands of workers to do just that through their commitment to organizing in Texas. They are engaged in some of the toughest union organizing in some of the toughest places, and this victory shows that when workers fight anywhere, workers can win anywhere. It is especially appropriate this hard-won victory arrives in the middle of a national action week in which organized labor is working to pass the PRO Act,” said Aguilar.
USW Tech Workers Ratify Historic First Contract at HCL: The United Steelworkers (USW) on Thursday said that workers have ratified a first contract with Google contractor HCL America Inc., covering about 65 employees who are based in Pittsburgh. USW International President Tom Conway (not pictured) said the three-year contract improves wages, job security and working conditions. “After close to two years of hard work, patience and solidarity from our members at HCL, we are proud of what we achieved in this agreement,” Conway said. “More than ever, our struggle with HCL shows that all workers deserve the protections and benefits of a union contract.” Members of the USW bargaining committee said that HCL’s treatment of workers illustrates why unions are more important than ever and pointed out the consolidated complaint issued against the company by the National Labor Relations Board over unfair labor practices.
AFGE, VA Reach Historic Settlement, Resetting Contract Negotiations: The AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have reached a historic settlement to restore workplace rights and overturn anti-worker policies implemented by the Trump administration during the past four years. The July 20 settlement also resolves pending litigation and outlines the parameters for the upcoming negotiations of the new collective bargaining agreement—the largest union contract in the federal government. “I’m proud to share that all of your work—and that of our union as a whole—has paid off in historic fashion,” said NVAC President Alma Lee (not pictured). “After four years of bad-faith negotiations and anti-worker behavior at the bargaining table, the VA has agreed to a global settlement with AFGE. We’re essentially creating a clean slate for future negotiations between the VA and AFGE, restoring Title 38 official time, and remedying the damage done by the Trump Executive Orders.”
Jobs to Move America Staff Sign First Contract: Workers at Jobs to Move America (JMA), represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), IFPTE Local 70, signed their first collective bargaining agreement, a year after JMA voluntarily recognized the union. The contract includes salary increases, guaranteed leave, formalized career advancement pathways, a robust grievance procedure and other gains. Mo-Yain Them, a union representative, said: "We are excited our first contract had every single member—from current to former staffers—contributing their insights to ensure that JMA has a thorough onboarding process, a supportive probationary period, and a strong work-life balance to help all JMA staffers achieve our mission for the long term."
Workers Win Fair Contract at Frito-Lay: For 20 days, members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 218 in Topeka, Kansas, were on strike, demanding a fair contract from Frito-Lay. The union members saw an outpouring of support from the community. And this past weekend, the union secured a new contract that made significant gains for its members. Members of the local were striking over forced overtime, which the new contract addresses. BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton (not pictured) said: “BCTGM Local 218 members employed at Frito Lay in Topeka, Kansas, have shown the world that union working people can stand up against the largest food companies in the world and claim victory for themselves, their families and their communities. More than 600 BCTGM members hit the streets in a fight for a better quality of life and to have a voice over how many hours in a week they can be forced to work.”
Members of AEMTC Win Historic Contract: For two weeks, the members of the Air Engineering Metal Trades Council (AEMTC) at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee went on strike over wages, health care, long-term disability benefits and dignity in the workplace. These members stood together in solidarity, fighting for a fair contract. After days of tough negotiations, management and the union reached a three-year agreement that includes cumulative wage increases of 9.25%, while maintaining health care coverage and the long-term disability program. The union celebrated what it said is the largest wage package in the council’s history, and this is the first time in more than 40 years that it didn’t have any givebacks. “They tell us that membership in the South has to operate smartly,” said Metal Trades Department President James Hart (UA). “The members of the AEMTC in Tennessee not only acted smart, but stood their ground, fought for what was right, and they won in their struggle for fair wages, good health care and dignity on the job.” The contract was ratified last Friday.
EcoTarium Employees Vote for Union, Despite Museum Opposition: The Worcester science museum, The EcoTarium, announced on July 8 that its workers have voted to join AFSCME Council 93, over the objections of the museum board, reported the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The union vote was covered in a recent article in the Worcester Business Journal. “We have voted for a voice in how our museum is run and how employees are treated,” said Catrina Vear, an EcoTarium employee, in the museum’s press release. “I am proud that my teammates and I worked so hard to secure this place at the table, and we hope this will afford us safety and respect as we continue to give our very best to this museum and to the community we love. We are hopeful that the board and leadership will collaborate with staff in good faith, and realize that investing in the staff helps ensure that we carry out our mission fairly and sustainably for years to come.”
Governor’s Signing of Unemployment Reform Bill Huge Win for Working Mainers: The Maine AFL-CIO applauded Gov. Janet Mills for signing the legislation, LD 1564, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Unemployment Compensation, into law on Tuesday. The bill will help fix the state unemployment system and strengthen our workforce training programs. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring and summer, thousands of Mainers struggled to receive unemployment benefits due to understaffing, a flood of claims and an urgent need to modernize Maine’s unemployment system. Several of those Mainers testified in support of LD 1564 during the public hearing for the bill. “This is one of the most significant and meaningful pro-worker reforms to Maine’s unemployment insurance system in decades,” said Cynthia Phinney (IBEW), president of the Maine AFL-CIO. “LD 1564 was developed with input from hundreds of Mainers we assisted during the pandemic. It will modernize Maine’s unemployment insurance program to ensure that Maine workers will receive timely and adequate unemployment benefits and that our system runs smoothly to help people get back into good-paying jobs and high-quality apprenticeship and training programs. We applaud House Speaker [Ryan] Fecteau, Sen. Eloise Vitelli and Gov. Mills for recognizing the urgent need for reform and passing this important legislation.”
USW Reaches Tentative Agreement with ATI to End Three-Month Unfair Labor Practice Strike: The USW announced on July 2 that the union has reached a tentative agreement with Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI) on a four-year contract covering 1,300 workers at nine facilities who have been on strike against unfair labor practices since March 30, 2021. USW International Vice President David McCall, who chairs negotiations with ATI, said that the union was able to keep pressure on management to engage at the table, thanks to the solidarity and support of the membership at all locations for the duration of six months of bargaining and three months on the picket lines. “The unity of USW members at ATI has proven that we can accomplish great things when we stand together to fight for the respect and dignity of a fair contract,” McCall said. “Despite management’s repeated attempts to divide and conquer its workers, we showed once again that our solidarity is a tremendously powerful force.” In the coming days, USW members will review the details of the proposed new contract and return-to-work agreement with their negotiating committee before a ratification vote, which will be scheduled as soon as possible. Broadly, the proposed agreement provides lump-sum payments and meaningful wage increases and maintains a premium-free health insurance plan for union members without establishing a permanent lower tier of benefits for new hires. If the proposed agreement is ratified, the recall process would begin immediately, and USW members are expected to return to work shortly after the ratification process is complete.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/16/2021 - 12:44An Unequaled Voice for Workers: 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.
The Future of The Labor Movement After Richard Trumka: "NPR's Don Gonyea speaks with author and former New York Times labor reporter, Steven Greenhouse, about the labor movement's direction after the death of Richard Trumka, the former head of the AFL-CIO."
I Was a Journalist from Coal Country. This Is the Rich Trumka I Knew: "It was quite a journey for Richard Trumka, who was born in the coal fields of Pennsylvania and made his way to the halls of power in our nation’s capital. The son of a coal miner, Trumka grew up in Nemacolin, an isolated, rural hamlet in southwestern Pennsylvania with about 1,000 people. From those humble origins, Trumka became president of the United Mine Workers of America and later the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members. Trumka died last week, and many labor and political leaders praised him as one of the best labor leaders in the nation’s history."
In Final Speech, Trumka Said Labor’s Fighting for Democracy Under Siege: "In what turned out to be his final address to a union crowd, the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka declared organized labor is fighting not just for itself, but for 'democracy, which has been under siege.' 'Give us back our power, and we’ll pull our country back from the brink,' he declared. Trumka used those phrases in a six-minute August 4 Zoom address to convention delegates of Labor’s Council for Latin American Advancement, meeting in Las Vegas. He died the next morning of a heart attack at age 72. 'We need this Congress to pass the PRO Act, to rewrite years of laws that are hurting working people, not helping them,' Trumka said. The PRO (Protect the Right to Organize) Act, labor’s number one legislative priority, is the most pro-worker wide-ranging labor law reform bill since the original 1935 National Labor Relations Act."
American Workers Just Lost Their Biggest Champion: "Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, recently died at 72 years old. He spent much of his life in unions, rising from mineworker to labor attorney to confidant for politicians like President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who gave a tearful tribute to Trumka on the floor last week. Trumka was such an icon that, when crafting policy, officials like these had to confer with him; after all, Trumka had worked at AFL-CIO for 26 years and was a beloved leader who constantly pushed to expand the union tent and include all kinds of workers."
City-County Building Lights Honor Richard Trumka: "Pittsburgh's City-County Building was lit up in the colors of the AFL-CIO in honor of the late Richard Trumka."
Labor Lost a Great One in Richard Trumka: "Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, died Thursday at 72. I knew him well. Throughout Rich’s 12 years as the head of organized labor in Washington, I worked two blocks away as head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Our causes were often in fierce opposition, but Rich and I never were. I won’t get carried away and call us friends. But we were cut from the same cloth—raised by modest families, patriots to our core, committed to our Catholic faith, our families and our members. In a town full of fakes, I appreciated how Rich would say it straight to your face and expect the same from you. His words had meaning, all of them. He had a loyalty to his cause that bordered on zeal, as did I, as do many, yet it never dissolved into hatred or contempt for the other side."
Rich Trumka Lived in Solidarity: "Solidarity is a virtue we neither discuss nor practice enough. We hear a lot about compassion and empathy, and certainly need more of both. But solidarity is a deeper commitment, rooted in equality and mutuality. Pope John Paul II saw solidarity not as a feeling of 'shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people' but as 'a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to...the good of all and of each individual because we are all really responsible for all.' I don’t think Richard Trumka, the descendant of Polish immigrants, would mind my quoting the Polish pontiff to explain why I will miss his voice. The president of the AFL-CIO, who died on Thursday at age 72, lived the idea of solidarity when he took the side of reformers in his own mineworkers union and when he stood up to racism."
Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President and ‘Unequaled Voice’ for Workers, Dies at 72: "Longtime AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka died from a reported heart attack Aug. 5. He was 72. A third-generation coal miner who was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America early in his career, Trumka had served as AFL-CIO president since his election in 2009. He was elected secretary-treasurer of the nation’s largest labor union in 1995. 'He was always there,' President Joe Biden said of Trumka, whom he called a close friend. 'He was an American worker, always fighting for working people, protecting their wages, their safety, their pensions and their ability to build a middle-class life.' AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner touted Trumka’s 'unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement' while offering his sentiments in a press release. 'Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action,' Schlittner added."
Biden Honors 'Close Friend' Richard Trumka After Hearing of His Passing: "President Biden began remarks by remembering his close friend AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka."
Richard Trumka, Head of the AFL-CIO, Dies at 72: "AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders and an influential voice in many Washington debates, died unexpectedly at 72, according to the federation. Trumka died on a camping trip with his family after suffering a heart attack, President Biden told reporters, saying Trumka was a close friend of his. A third-generation coal miner who rose to power through the United Mine Workers, Trumka had become one of the most powerful labor leaders in the country and a key ally of Democrats in Washington, having worked in some capacity with every Democratic White House the last 30 years."
Richard Trumka, 1949–2021: "In one of his early moves as the new president of the United Mine Workers of America, Richard Trumka established a solidarity program with Black mine workers in South Africa. It was the mid-1980s. The apartheid regime was tightening its brutal grip on South Africa, and then-President Ronald Reagan was refusing to align the United States with the global movement to put economic pressure on the racist regime. As the thirtysomething leader of a union that was fighting plenty of its own battles at home, Trumka responded to the call from the National Union of Mineworkers in South Africa for a boycott of Royal Dutch Shell, a multinational oil conglomerate that had invested heavily in mining and other South African industries."
‘Relentless Champion of Workers’: Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO Chief and Pittsburgh-Area Native, Dies: "Richard Trumka, the gruff union leader who rose from a Greene County coal patch to the highest echelon of the U.S. labor movement, died suddenly Thursday after a heart attack at age 72. Mr. Trumka was born in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania., led the United Mine Workers of America and spent the last nearly 12 years as president of the AFL-CIO, an organization composed of 56 unions representing more than 12 million workers across the country."
Longtime AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Dies: ‘He’s Always Stood Up for Labor’: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, a deeply influential voice in Washington who rose from the coal mines of Pennsylvania to preside over one of the largest labor organizations in the world, died Thursday. He was 72. News of his death was announced by President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and confirmed by the labor group. Trumka had been AFL-CIO president since 2009 after serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer for 14 years."
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Has Died at 72: "Longtime AFL-CIO Union President Richard Trumka has died at the age of 72. He was a close friend of President Biden and advocate for the labor movement in politics."
"We Will Not Accept Crumbs": A Last Conversation with Richard Trumka: "It took the wind out of me when I heard that Richard Trumka, president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O. federation of unions, had passed away. Just a few months ago, we had two different conversations—one an interview by me of him, the other a public conversation. He was sprightly and curious and full of the passion that has fueled him through decades of a bruising fight for working people. I know many of you join me in sending love and condolences not only to his family and friends, but to so many of the people around the world who called him their champion. In remembering him, I thought I’d share an excerpt of an unpublished transcript of that interview we did earlier this year, capturing his reflections on the new administration and the new political moment we found ourselves in."
Longtime AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Dies at 72: "Richard Trumka, the longtime president of the AFL-CIO and Democratic ally, died unexpectedly on Thursday, according to a union spokesperson. Trumka, 72, died while celebrating his grandson’s birthday, according to an email sent by his staff to labor unions. 'He was more than the head of the AFL-CIO, he was a good close personal friend,' President Joe Biden said Thursday at the White House before a meeting with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups. 'At least he was with people who adored him.' Trumka was elected AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer in 1995 and held that post until 2009, when he was elected president, according to the 12.5 million member labor union federation. He was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America at age 33 in 1982. 'The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today,' AFL-CIO communications director Tim Schlittner said in a statement. 'Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement.'"
Longtime AFL-CIO Labor Union President Richard Trumka Dies at 72: "Richard Trumka, the powerful president of the AFL-CIO labor union, has died at age 72, Democratic leaders said Thursday. News of his death was announced by President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Trumka had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer for 14 years. 'The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior at a time when we needed him most,' Schumer said from the Senate floor."
Richard Trumka, President of AFL-CIO, Dies at 72: "Richard Trumka, the longtime president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), has passed away at the age of 72."
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Passes Away at 72: "Richard Trumka, the powerful president of the AFL-CIO labor union, has died, Democratic leaders said Thursday. News of his death was announced by President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Trumka had been AFL-CIO president since 2009, after serving as the organization’s secretary-treasurer for 14 years. 'The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior at a time when we needed him most,' Schumer said from the Senate floor. Biden called Trumka 'a close friend' who was 'more than the head of AFL-CIO.' He apologized for showing up late to a meeting with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander civil rights leaders, saying he had just learned Trumka had died. Further details of Trumka’s death were not immediately available. The AFL-CIO did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Trumka oversaw a union with more than 12.5 million members, according to the AFL-CIO’s website."
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Dies At 72: "Labor leader Richard Trumka died suddenly on Thursday. He's remembered by colleagues and friends as a tireless champion of workers' rights. President Biden called Trumka a very close friend."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/16/2021 - 10:11Tags: Richard Trumka
Richard L. Trumka’s Lifelong Devotion to Family and Democracy
Richard Louis Trumka dedicated his entire life to making sure every institution he touched—the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), the AFL-CIO, the U.S. government and the world community—served working people and the public interest, comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable.
In that sense Trumka’s legacy above all was his fight for democracy, from the UMWA of his youth to the AFL-CIO to the United States in 2020 to the world that he influenced through the global labor movement. Every day of his career, Trumka fought for the right of working people to be heard everywhere it mattered—and the people he remembered were those who suffered in that cause—his friend the Colombian mine worker assassinated as he rode a bus to work, the miners he worked side by side with who gave life and breath to power our communities, the nurses, grocery workers, meatpackers, hotel workers, taxi drivers, steelworkers and autoworkers whose picket lines he joined and whose stories he heard through a lifetime of leading their fights.
But the fight he fought was about something more than the particular demands of any given organizing drive or bargaining session—it was always about democracy—about the only question that really mattered—who gets a say in what happens? It must be said that Trumka in 2020 was prepared to lead working people into battle to defend our democracy—and his leadership in 2020, together with the courage of union members, helped make sure that the votes were counted, the result was honored and democracy was saved.
And Trumka was devoted to his work. He passionately cared about what happened to people when they clocked in, when they picked up the tools and put on a helmet. From his chairmanship of the mine safety committee in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, to his fight for a COVID-19 workplace safety standard, his first question to anyone about any decision was always, “Will workers be safe?” His second question was, “Will workers be treated fairly and with dignity?” And his third question was, “Who will get the wealth workers create?” For Richard Trumka the labor movement was first, second and third about what happens to us when we go to work.
He saw the faces of the men who had worked by his side and had died in the mines until the end of his life. And yet he asked union members to go to Puerto Rico in 2017 and risk their lives to help our brothers, sisters and friends who were abandoned by the federal government. And they went.
Trumka leaves a lifelong legacy of understanding the labor movement as both a thing in itself—a place of solidarity—and as the most singular, powerful tool for economic justice. He believed the labor movement must be heard on the core direction of the economy. As president of the Mine Workers, he helped found the Economic Policy Institute, and as president of the AFL-CIO, he was an insistent voice in the ears of presidents of both parties and Federal Reserve chairs of all stripes, demanding economic policy that benefited working people—full employment, rising wages, economic security and, most of all, bargaining power. One of his proudest moments was that he was the sole dissenter on then-President Bill Clinton's Social Security commission when it voted to consider partial privatization. Another was the passage of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement—with labor rights enforcement language that he insisted on over then-President Donald Trump's initial opposition.
Trumka believed the labor movement had a responsibility to fight for all working people and to build an economically just society. He led one of the most substantial strikes in American history against the Pittston Coal Co. between 1989 and 1990. At stake was the health care of nearly 2,000 retirees, widows and miners with disabilities. It was a tactical masterpiece. In the course of the strike, Trumka went to jail. He saw judges in the pocket of the company try to take the UMWA’s treasury. The men and women of the Mine Workers risked their lives in the plant occupation that won the strike—facing down armed company guards and state police. The guards and the police waved machine guns and screamed insults at the strikers, trying to provoke violence. Yet Richard Trumka’s message at every moment was nonviolent civil disobedience. During the heart of the strike, which lasted nearly a year, Trumka would lay in bed at night and close his eyes. He’d see the faces. The union members. The widows. The retirees. And the kids. They kept him going. On the darkest of days, they were his guiding light. “One day longer. One day stronger,” he would say. Workers at Pittston achieved victory at a time when working people desperately needed a win, still reeling from then-President Ronald Reagan’s decision to fire America’s unionized air traffic controllers.
Trumka brought that vision to the world stage—from his youth organizing coal miners in Alabama to go on sympathy strike with South African miners protesting apartheid to, most recently, his fight for imprisoned Uyghurs in China. For the right of working people in the United Kingdom to have a voice in trade negotiations to his support for imprisoned trade unionists in Burma.
Trumka hated racism and sexism and other bigotry, something he referred to as the “isms.” He was the son of immigrants and when someone attacked immigrants he saw them attacking his mother, father and neighbors, and responded accordingly.
Trumka understood his mission was more than political, more than economic. That he was lifting up the moral value of solidarity that he learned from his parents, from his community, from his sisters and brothers in the Mine Workers, and from his Catholic parish in Nemacolin.
Trumka was a man in full. His private life was as big as his public persona. His love for his family—his parents, his wife and son, his sister and brothers-in-law, grandkids, and the many people for whom he was a surrogate parent and brother—shined through him. He was a magnificent hunter, a man whose football career, ended by injury, was transformed into a lifelong love of the game and a devotion to teaching it to young people. Watching his son, Richard, play linebacker at Cornell University gave him special joy and, despite the schedule of a global labor leader, he never missed a game. He was never happier than when he was with his grandchildren, Trey, Taylor and Ki. Trumka also had a devotion to craft—to how things are done and how things work. Trumka loved people, loved a fight, hated injustice and cruelty, and strived for self-knowledge. He was a student of history. And the history books will be sure to write about him. Trumka never stopped marveling at how much fortune had smiled on him by giving him the chance to fight for working people with every breath he had—from the darkness of the coal mines to the shining lights of the White House.
What is Richard Trumka’s legacy to the labor movement? The labor movement as a movement. An organizing movement. The labor movement as a force for racial and gender justice. The labor movement as a powerful voice in leading the direction of the American economy—the counterweight to Wall Street, big corporations and billionaires. The force for justice and a voice at work. The idea that the labor movement must be above all prepared to fight, to risk everything for working people. And above all, the embodiment of solidarity as a way of being—an antithesis to greed and selfishness. A path to hope and light and love. He lived it every moment of his life, and workers around the world are better for it.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/13/2021 - 10:25Tags: Richard Trumka
Labor Leaders Remember Richard Trumka, a Champion for Working People
Working people were shocked at the untimely passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. He was a vibrant and energetic leader who never stopped fighting for working people, doing everything he could to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act until his last moments. The loss of Richard Trumka is devastating to the many who loved him and fought along with him on behalf of working people everywhere.
Leaders across the country have spoken about their memories and admiration for President Trumka and his long and storied life. Here are their words:
Liz Shuler, Acting President and Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO:
Our brother and leader, Rich Trumka, passed away last week at the age of 72. He was doing what he loved: spending time with his family. Rich cared deeply about working people. He wanted to create a better life for every single working person. He dedicated himself to that mission, and he never stopped pushing forward. He is a legend in the labor movement and will be remembered in every fight to better the lives of working people. He gave the labor movement everything he had, and so will we.
I know what we’re capable of, and I’m hopeful for the future. We can grow, inspire and experiment, harnessing our collective power to reach into workplaces all across this country. I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single most powerful vehicle for progress, and this is a moment for us to lead societal and cultural transformations. It’s time to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center at work, in our unions and in our economy. And we need to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.
As we mourn the loss of Brother Rich, we must also come together to finish the work. We will pass the newly renamed Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. It’s what workers need and it’s what Rich would have wanted from us. We’ll take time to grieve, but we won’t slow down in our pursuit of a better future for all of America’s workers. We are going to get through this together.
Kate Shindle, President, Actors’ Equity Association:
Today we mourn the sudden loss of a remarkable leader. President Trumka lived his values and encouraged the entire labor movement to do the same. Every labor leader should aspire to champion the rights of workers as passionately as he did, while extending his hand in partnership to all who believe in our cause. In addition, he drew clear and important lines around associating with bigotry. The entirety of Actors’ Equity Association extends our sincere condolences to Rich’s loved ones, and we know his spirit will live on in our continued fight for the dignity and rights of all workers. Even as we digest this unexpected news, we must redouble our efforts to pass the PRO Act, which I hope will be a fitting way to honor President Trumka’s legacy.
Sara Nelson, International President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA):
Our hearts are with the Trumka family, Rich’s beloved Mine Workers, and all of Labor. What an incredible loss for our movement. I believe Rich would echo the words of UMWA’s angel, Mother Jones: “Don’t mourn, organize!” We must honor Rich by uniting around his lifelong fight.
Everett Kelley, National President, AFGE:
Richard Trumka was an inspirational labor leader and a friend to workers everywhere—but he was a special friend to federal and D.C. government workers. Through every major fight our union has waged in recent decades, Richard Trumka was standing beside AFGE members, defiantly raising his fist in solidarity. During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, he rallied all of labor to the steps of the White House to stand up for the 800,000 government workers who went weeks without a paycheck. And behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to help us end a political standoff that was hurting working people. Richard Trumka was a fearless and peerless leader of our movement. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of working people engaged in the struggle for dignity, fairness, and respect to which he dedicated his life. On behalf of the 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers we represent, I extend AFGE’s deepest condolences to his family, his union family, everyone at the AFL-CIO, and his many friends and admirers.
Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME:
We’ve lost one of the nation’s fiercest, most effective advocates for working people ever. From his earliest days working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, Rich has lived the values of the labor movement with the greatest passion and purpose. He has touched and improved so many lives.
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers (AFT):
Rich Trumka was our brother in the truest sense of the word. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the entire labor movement, and for working families across the country. From his first mining job in the late 60s, to joining the staff of the United Mine Workers of America and eventually becoming president, to his fierce and courageous leadership of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade, Rich fought his entire life for dignity and respect for American workers. He practiced what he preached, and he brought the voices of working people to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness with deep humility and an abiding belief in the power of collective action. President Trumka was a beloved colleague and friend, and his legacy will endure for generations. If you have to be in a war, you want to be in the trenches with Richard Trumka. Our hearts go out to Barbara, Richard Jr. and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.
Ray Hair, International President, American Federation of Musicians (AFM):
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is saddened to learn of the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka today. Throughout his entire life, Rich Trumka fought hard to improve the lives of working people, not only in the United States, but around the world. AFM sends its most sincere condolences to President Trumka’s family, his friends, and his extended AFL-CIO family. We will honor his legacy by continuing the fight for the dignity and justice professional musicians deserve, and for all working people, everywhere.
Capt. Joe DePete, President, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA):
On behalf of the over 59,000 professional airline pilots of the Air Line Pilots Association, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Trumka family as well as our AFL-CIO family. Rich was an incredible leader of the labor movement. He dedicated his life’s work to fiercely fighting for the rights of our nation’s workers and their families to ensure the dignity of their work and to improve their lives. We are proud to have worked alongside him, sharing his commitment to safety and protecting the rights of workers to collectively bargain. We will honor his memory by carrying on his legacy of union pride, solidarity and worker advocacy.
John Costa, International President, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU):
We are devastated to hear the news of the loss of our brother, friend and legendary labor leader Richard Trumka. When our International President Larry Hanley passed away, Rich was one of the first people to reach out, and when I came into office, he welcomed and counseled me.
Rich was a fighter, who never backed down from any challenge or battle. Born in the mines, he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a coal miner, then rose to lead the United Mine Workers of America, eventually becoming the top officer of the AFL-CIO.
For decades, Rich fought tirelessly to improve the lives of working people all over the world, and his legacy will be one of profound love for workers and the labor movement. He spoke often about the power of solidarity. He knew that the only way to achieve justice was together. Under his leadership, we have seen a resurgence of the labor movement with his vision to push for a just economy for all, shared prosperity, equal pay, respect at work, safety on the job, and the freedom for workers to join a union and bargain collectively.
Rich Trumka will always be remembered as a force for moral good who knew that the greatest reward in life was the opportunity to serve others. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Barbara, children, grandchildren and everyone he touched through his remarkable life.
Timothy Driscoll, President, Bricklayers (BAC):
Throughout every major fight that labor has waged in recent decades, his strong voice and steadfast leadership encouraged and inspired millions of Americans. His leadership and vision have ensured that the AFL-CIO remains the leading voice in fighting for workers across our country. We must honor that legacy by continuing that fight.
Anthony Shelton, International President, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM):
The BCTGM is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our Brother and friend Rich Trumka. Brother Trumka was a visionary leader and powerful and highly effective voice for working men and women. He was tireless in the defense of workers’ rights and the advancement of economic, social and racial justice at home and around the world. Rich Trumka was a loyal and devoted friend to the BCTGM. Regardless of the cause or fight, Rich always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our Union and our members. The BCTGM is eternally grateful for his steadfast support and friendship. Our hearts and prayers are with Rich and his family at this difficult time.
Christopher Shelton, President, Communications Workers of America (CWA):
Rich Trumka dedicated his life to the labor movement. Rich cared deeply about improving the lives of all working people, and he never forgot what it was like to work in the mines of western Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the AFL-CIO fought every day for a more inclusive, just America. I was proud to call him my brother.
Gregory Revard, General President, Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU):
President Trumka was a dedicated labor leader that came from the United Mine Workers Union. He was elected to the AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer position in 1995 and served in that position for 14 years. In 2009, he was elected president where he served through his final days leading 12.5 million workers.
Robert Martinez Jr., International President, Machinists (IAM):
Today, workers across the world mourn the loss of a labor movement giant and working people’s champion, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rich revitalized the labor movement and stood toe-to-toe against any enemy standing in the way of dignity and justice on the job. He made life better for working people across our nation and the world. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire AFL-CIO. The IAM will forever be grateful to President Trumka for standing up for IAM members all across our different industries. Rich marched on our picket lines and helped lead efforts to improve the lives of working families. He was a fighter for change, and his work will never be forgotten. The IAM will honor Rich in a way he would want us to–fighting like hell to pass his legacy legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.
Paul Shearon, International President, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE):
The news of Rich Trumka’s passing is a terrible loss to the members of our union and for all workers. He was the leading voice for America’s workers, many of whom, despite their hard work, struggle day in and day out to provide for their families.
Rich was a mine worker who eventually became president of the United Mine Workers of America and later the top leader in the American labor movement. And, while his background was very different from many of IFPTE’s members, most of whom are professionals at companies like Boeing or government agencies like NASA, he understood the struggles and challenges that workers from all walks of life face each day.
Rich certainly was a friend and unapologetic advocate for this union. He walked with our members on their picket lines during a 40-day strike against the Boeing Company. It was Rich Trumka who negotiated the final deal on behalf of our affiliate SPEEA that resulted in huge gains that IFPTE members continue to benefit from two decades later.
Rich was scheduled to speak at our convention on August 9th. He won’t be there. But, make no mistake, Rich Trumka’s legacy lives on next week and for years to come."
Terry O’Sullivan, General President, Laborers (LIUNA):
I was shocked and saddened by the death of my friend and brother, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. The world has lost a true working-class warrior, a prophetic voice for justice, and a champion of the powerless and the dispossessed. A third-generation coal miner who became the youngest leader of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), Rich never forgot where he came from, never forgot the value of hard work and those who do it, and knew that working people, from mine workers to Laborers to everyone who toils for an hourly wage, are the greatest asset of our nation and our world. He will go down as one of the great leaders in labor history.
Working with Richard Trumka was one of the highlights of my career in the Labor Movement. Whether pushing for greater infrastructure funding, calling for greater workplace safety, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, standing up for racial justice, or turning out the vote to elect President Biden and Vice President Harris, Rich was always smart, strategic, tough, and tenacious. The impact of his career, his life, and his legacy will be felt for decades to come, not only by the countless working men and women whose lives he helped improve, but by the next generation of labor leaders for whom he served, and continues to serve, as a role model and inspiration.
On behalf of the 500,000 proud, strong, and united men and women of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), I offer my sympathy and condolences to the entire Trumka family. While Rich’s life ended far too soon, he will live on in the cherished memories of all those who knew and worked with him.
Paul Rinaldi, President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA):
The nation has lost a truly iconic figure. The labor movement and working people across this country have lost their passionate leader who fought for them with vigor and stood arm-in-arm with them every single day. And I have lost a friend who inspired me to not only fight for NATCA’s members, but to stand in solidarity with our Union brothers and sisters in their fights.
Our Union brother Rich Trumka woke up each morning as president of the AFL-CIO with his mission: To give every ounce of energy he had to not only standing up for workers and giving them a voice, but to growing and strengthening the labor movement. Last year, he was the voice of all workers, fighting for safer workplaces during the pandemic. This year re-energized him, as a labor-friendly administration took office and gave hope to workers everywhere that the time was now for a stronger, reinvigorated labor movement in our country.
Here at NATCA, we always knew Rich had our backs. It was unquestioned. Whether it was a high-profile issue such as the government shutdown of 2019 that he forcefully denounced, or at an opportunity to speak to our members—most recently at our 2018 convention in Philadelphia—Rich energized our membership to do more. He made you feel as if your fight was his fight, every time, because it was. He never let you forget that your voice mattered, and he cared deeply about fairness.
On behalf of the NATCA National Executive Board, I extend our deepest sympathies to Rich’s family, many friends, and all members and staff of the AFL-CIO. We grieve with you, and we stand with you. We pledge to continue the fight for working people everywhere in Rich’s memory.
DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director, NFL Players Association (NFLPA):
Richard Trumka was a fighter for working people, a leader for our labor community, a friend and confidant. He was a mentor to me when I joined the labor movement almost thirteen years ago and asked me to join the AFL-ClO Executive Council. There are no words to express the sadness all of us feel today at this sudden loss, but we need to carry on his legacy of coming together to fight for workers and their rights everywhere. He was always there for me and the NFLPA and I will miss him.
Bonnie Castillo, Executive Director, National Nurses United (NNU):
Nurses couldn’t have asked for a stronger ally than Richard Trumka. His most militant years as a mineworker prepared him for this once-in-100-years pandemic, and we were proud to have him by our side, fiercely leading workers to fight for protections and a voice on the job!
Mike Perrone, National President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS):
PASS was honored to have President Trumka address our national convention several years ago and he galvanized the crowd. PASS is certainly not one of the largest unions in the AFL-CIO, but Rich and his staff have always provided PASS and its members the strongest support possible. We have lost a fierce protector of workers’ rights. During the pandemic, nobody stood taller or spoke louder on behalf of working people, especially those on the front lines, than Rich Trumka. His leadership will be sorely missed.
Gabrielle Carteris, President, SAG-AFTRA:
I am devastated to learn of Rich’s passing today. SAG-AFTRA members and all workers have lost a true champion and ally. First and always, a working man, Rich was also an incredible labor leader and a deeply admired voice for the voiceless. He was more than a fellow labor advocate, activist and warrior for the working class; he was my friend and partner. An influential and inspirational leader, he gave his all for the betterment of workers and improved countless lives yet remained at heart, the coal miner from Nemacolin. He was a man of the people. This is not only a huge loss for union members, but for all workers. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all our brothers and sisters in the global fight for workers.
James Given, President, Seafarers (SIU):
On behalf of the Seafarers International Union of Canada Executive and Membership we send our deepest condolences to Rich’s family. It is a sad day for the labor movement. A true champion of the working class!
John Samuelsen, International President, Transport Workers Union (TWU):
The thoughts of TWU members today are with the family and loved ones of Richard Trumka. We all mourn his loss. Rich dedicated his life to making sure that America’s workers had a strong, unified, and just voice—both on the job and in our democracy. Throughout his decades-long career in the labor movement, he showed us how to fight fiercely for workers’ rights and how to hold the bosses accountable.
His memory should inspire all of us to never back down or lose faith, and to continue fighting so that every worker can have better opportunities for advancement, a safer and more economically secure job, and a better life for their family.
Ray Curry, President, UAW:
To his dying day, Richard Trumka understood working men and women in this country are indispensable and are the engine that drives our economy and our communities. It is with great sadness, having met with him as recently as Monday, to hear the news of this tragic loss of a great champion of the labor movement and social justice. Anyone who knew him, knew he was a tireless fighter of workers’ rights and human rights. The arc of history will remember this great man as a beacon of light during this trying time for working men and women. Our hearts go out to his family and the entire AFL-CIO on this tragic loss.
Marc Perrone, International President, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW):
We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. President Trumka was a powerful champion for workers his entire life, and a giant in the labor movement who always led the calls for justice, equality, and fairness across America.
President Trumka was a defining example of how one can lead a life that inspires the souls and spirits of others, no matter the struggles they have faced. Above all, President Trumka was a friend and a stalwart ally to me, our countless local union presidents, and the 1.3 million members of the UFCW, and was always there to help better the lives of our members and their families.
It is difficult to put into words what his loss has left across the labor movement. We only wish that his family and loved ones can find comfort and peace in the fact that he left an indelible mark on our nation and he will be remembered forever.
D. Taylor, International President, UNITE HERE:
Richard Trumka was a friend, a brother in arms for all workers, and believer that all workers deserve the American dream. He was our biggest ally in our 9 month strike at the Horseshoe and our 6 year, 4 month and 10 day strike at the Frontier. UNITE HERE! will be permanently indebted to Rich. What a fighter for us all. God bless you, Richard Trumka.
James Slevin, National President, Utility Workers (UWUA):
Today we have lost one of the strongest champions who never stopped advocating for working people ever. He always lived the for values of DIGNITY and RESPECT in the workplace. Rich was an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice, and the nation’s clearest voice on the critical need to ensure that all workers have a good job and the power to determine their wages and working conditions. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of the members of the UWUA, I am truly grateful for his leadership and his commitment in fighting for racial justice, workplace safety and making sure the voice of all workers is always heard. I am honored to have you as a leader, colleague, and most of all a friend. We send our deepest condolences to Barbara, Rich Jr., and his entire family. Rest in Peace My Brother.
Richard Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans:
Richard Trumka was a legendary labor leader and he was also my friend. Working people had no more committed advocate, and he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He was our Alliance founding Secretary-Treasurer and he helped build a retiree movement that will be an important part of his legacy. He also established a Retirement Security Working Group at the AFL-CIO devoted to protecting the pensions that have been promised to millions of workers and retirees across the country. He fought to make sure all workers have a voice on the job, a fair wage and a secure retirement—a mission we will continue to fulfill in his memory.
Richard Trumka had a special connection to the Alliance for Retired Americans and a deep commitment to retirement security for all. As a fellow western Pennsylvanian I first met President Trumka when he was a leader of the United Mine Workers of America, working tirelessly to make sure workers received the pension, health care and Social Security benefits they have earned. He inspired us all each and every day. We will miss him deeply.
Ai-jen Poo, Executive Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The domestic workers movement is devastated to hear of the loss of Rich Trumka. We send our love to his family & to our labor movement family AFL-CIO. As we work to build a world where all work has respect & dignity, we are deeply grateful for his life's work. Rest well.
Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association:
It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we learned about the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. He was a compassionate, caring and truly charismatic labor leader who fought for rights and justice, dignity and fairness for all working people across this country.
Rich and I started our careers in Pennsylvania, following in our families’ footsteps—he was a third-generation coal miner outside Pittsburgh when I followed in the path of my father by going into the classroom. Rich loved football, and we shared a friendly rivalry: he was an avid Steelers fan while I rooted for my Eagles. Years later, we both landed in Washington to advocate for working families when he came to the AFL-CIO and I became an officer of the National Education Association. Rich loved his family and was so proud of his son, Richard Trumka, Jr., for continuing the legacy of fighting for worker, social and economic justice. And when he passed, Rich was doing what he loved—spending time with his family and celebrating his grandson’s birthday.
Rich will be missed but he also will be remembered. We will honor his legacy by ensuring his mission—that our fundamental right to join together and form a union—is not just preserved but strengthened because everyone is better when we can collectively negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Rest in strength, President Trumka.
Scott Vance, CEO, Union Sportsmen's Alliance:
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn that our brother and leader Richard Trumka had passed away yesterday morning at the age of 72. He was doing what he loved, spending time outdoors with his family, celebrating his grandson’s birthday with a camping trip. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Rich was a legend in America’s labor movement. His leadership was unparalleled as the voice of America’s Union workers.
Rich served as the Chairman of the Board for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance for over 14 years. It was Rich and a small group of other Labor and conservation leaders who had the vision to start the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. He never forgot where he came from and he took a grassroots approach to conservation and uniting the Union community. His leadership and service to our organization will be sorely missed. Now more than ever, we must come together by uniting the Union community through conservation, to carry out the mission and vision Rich had for the USA. That’s how we honor his legacy. Rich was a friend, a mentor, and he was a foundational leader and supporter of our organization.
Rich would have wanted us to move forward with a stiff upper lip and a stalwart commitment to conservation, Unions, and the organization he loved. He would want us to honor his legacy by continuing to help this organization thrive, grow and unite unions in ways that preserve the outdoor heritage he so dearly loved. So that’s exactly what we will do. Rich always called me “pal” as a term of endearment. I’ve lost a great pal and the world has lost a tremendous leader. Godspeed my friend. Until we meet again.
Joe Biden, U.S. President:
I recently called Rich Trumka. It wasn’t scheduled. I just called to check in as old friends do. We started our conversation like always. He asked about Jill and the family and I asked about Barbara and theirs. And then we got to work.
For Rich, work was synonymous with a word that defined his life: dignity. In the more than thirty years of our friendship, he was a fierce and forceful champion for the dignity of the American worker.
Whenever you heard him speak, you understood why. He was the American worker.
A son of a Pennsylvania coal miner, he grew up to be one. He became president of the United Mine Workers at just 33, and nearly thirty years later, he was elected president of the AFL-CIO. Yet no matter how far his career took him, he never forgot where he came from and the people he started with.
For Rich, it was always about doing right by working people—fighting for and protecting their wages, their safety, their pensions, and their ability to build a good, decent, honorable middle-class life. It was about workers improving their own lives and building worker power together. And it was about America itself. It was about the American worker being the heart of our economic might and dynamism. I’ve always believed that the middle class built this country and unions built the middle class. There is no doubt that Rich Trumka helped build unions all across America.
Perhaps the most important trait I valued in Rich is that he was never afraid to speak truth to power, even if the power was held by people he helped elect—myself included. He was always honest and fair. He was always tough and trustworthy. He was as great a friend and powerful and reliable ally as anyone could have in their corner.
I will miss him as will the countless workers whose lives he made better and the labor movement he led with daring vision. But I know our pain is nothing compared to what Barbara and their son Rich Jr. and their grandchildren Richard and Taylor are feeling on this day. As I told you on the phone after we heard the news, Jill and I send you our love—today and always.
Rich Trumka was a dear friend, a great American, and a good man.
Barack Obama, Former U.S. President:
From the coal mines of Pennsylvania to the halls of Congress, Rich Trumka was a fierce advocate for working Americans. He loved this country, and he never missed an opportunity to remind us what we can be. Thinking of his family, friends and federation on this difficult day.
Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President:
Today, our nation lost a great leader. Richard L. Trumka was a champion of workers everywhere. He lived his beliefs. That work has dignity. That workers should be respected and have a voice. That justice and equality are hallmarks of a strong nation. My thoughts and prayers are with Rich’s wife Barbara, their son Rich Jr., and their grandchildren Richard and Taylor.
Al Gore, Former U.S. Vice President:
Richard Trumka was a tireless champion for the American worker and a powerful advocate for climate action. I am deeply grateful for his vision, leadership, and friendship over the years and will miss him dearly.
Hillary Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State:
What a loss. Whether you knew Richard Trumka or not, you likely benefited from his decades of leadership and labor organizing. Sending my deepest condolences to his family.
Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Majority Leader, New York:
The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior when we needed him most. We will remember Rich Trumka forever.
Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator, Ohio:
Rich Trumka embodied the soul of the labor movement—the dignity of work, the idea that hard work should pay off for everyone. We’ve walked picket lines together and we've rallied together on behalf of workers. Connie and I are proud to have called him a friend.
Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator, Minnesota:
Rich Trumka went from working in the mines of Pennsylvania to leading the AFL-CIO. He was one of our country's clearest voices for labor rights and a staunch advocate for workers everywhere. He never forgot where he came from. My condolences to his family & the AFL-CIO.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator, Vermont:
Richard Trumka was a son of the American working class, and he never forgot where he came from. Over the years he and I worked together on many issues. He was a friend and I am saddened by his passing. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to the Trumka family.
Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator, Massachusetts:
Rich is gone and that is a hard blow to you and to our whole nation. And this is the moment to honor Rich's legacy, not just with words but but by staying in the fights that Rich led us on. By staying in the fights relentlessly for workers rights. We're going to miss Rich.
Andy Levin, U.S. Representative, Michigan:
I am shocked by the sudden passing of Richard Trumka, whom I first met in 1995 when I ran the field operation of his campaign to become Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO along with President John Sweeney and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. From his days leading the United Mine Workers to his long run as AFL-CIO president, Rich never wavered in his support for the workers of this country and all around the world—and for their rights to organize and bargain.
On a personal note, as an AFL-CIO staffer for eleven years, Rich unfailingly supported me, from when we launched Union Summer to when we launched to Voice@Work campaign that led to the Employee Free Choice Act.
Richard Trumka was in his element with President Joe Biden, the most pro-worker leader our country has had in generations, poised to do whatever it takes to pass the PRO Act and open a new era of worker voice and power across the land.
Now that this lion of labor has fallen so unexpectedly, we will redouble our efforts in his honor. I send my sincere condolences to the Trumka family.
Marty Walsh, U.S. Secretary of Labor:
America’s workers lost one of their greatest champions in AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. He was a role model for me as a labor leader and a partner to me as a public servant. Most important, Rich was a dear friend and I will miss him.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/11/2021 - 11:35LCLAA Establishes the Richard Trumka Latino Fellowship Program to Honor Late Leader
With the unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the membership of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) moved an emergency resolution creating The Richard Trumka Latino Fellowship Program. This fellowship, designed to be a yearlong, paid fellowship, will offer participants an opportunity to gain insights into the complex political, social and economic forces that shape the operating environment of the labor movement. The fellowship will help build emerging labor leaders and unionists. Help us keep President Trumka's vision and legacy alive by donating to the Richard Trumka Latino Fellowship.
Richard Trumka was renowned for his commitment to economic justice, civic engagement, workers’ rights, community empowerment and equity for all. He understood that the backbone of the union movement was to organize all sectors of workers. He believed that the union movement must ensure opportunities for young people to develop and join leaders to educate, organize and agitate. For this reason, LCLAA will ensure that President Trumka's vision lives on through the creation of a Latino Fellowship Program to memorialize his work.
The Richard Trumka Latino Fellowship Program will introduce young Latinos to the value of being part of the labor movement.
Please make a donation to this program and help us keep President Trumka's vision and legacy alive!
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/11/2021 - 10:57Richard L. Trumka 1949-2021
We are heartbroken to inform you that our brother and leader Rich Trumka passed away last week at the age of 72. He was doing what he loved, spending time with his family, celebrating his grandson’s birthday.
Words cannot describe the pain we are feeling today. Rich was a legend, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement. Rich loved workers. And he knew there was nothing more powerful than workers standing together for a better life.
If you ever watched Rich at a rally or on a picket line, his face would light up with excitement and hope. He never forgot who he was working for. He never forgot who he was fighting for. America’s working people were his constituents for more than 50 years.
This is an extremely difficult time for the AFL-CIO. We’ve had too many of those days lately. Rich was fond of saying: “Life is good. And then it’s not. And then it is again.”
So let’s grieve today and fight tomorrow. With everything we have. We will get through this together. For the man who gave all to the movement we love. Rest in peace, President Trumka.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/09/2021 - 10:44Economy Gains 943,000 Jobs in July; Unemployment Down to 5.4%
The U.S. economy gained 943,000 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate declined to 5.4%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In response to the July job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) decreased by 560,000 in July to 3.4 million but is 2.3 million higher than in February 2020. Labor Day will be a challenge, that number won't be cleared and extended benefits will still be needed. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 6, 2021The press refuses to cover workers. The numbers tell a different story of the labor market than the corporate dominated flood of jobs openings. The
number of discouraged workers, was 507,000 in July, down from the previous month but 106,000 higher
than in February 2020. @AFLCIO
Not in the labor force is the bigger problem. That problem won't go away until many of the governors who complain the most about worker shortages get their states' COVID caseloads under control. Many job postings are for part-time jobs. UI is to support full-time workers. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 6, 2021In July, unemployment rate fell for all educational attainment groups. Though the Black unemployment rate fell because of people dropping out of the labor force, the Black unemployment rate at 8.2% was less than the unemployment rate for High School dropouts 9.5% @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/OCDciuTvXS
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 6, 2021The challenge for many firms that relied on exploiting women in low-wage industries with part-time and irregular work is the growing share of women in construction, wholesale trade, and transportation and warehousing. These "better" jobs now compete for women's work. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 6, 2021A very good note in the @BLS_gov is that since last July, full-time employment is up 7.5 million, while part-time employment is up 1.4 million. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 6, 2021Last month’s biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+380,000), local government education (+221,000), professional and business services (+60,000), transportation and warehousing (+50,000), private education (+40,000), other services (+39,000), health care (+37,000), manufacturing (+27,000), information (+24,000), financial activities (+22,000) and mining (+7,000). Employment in retail trade (-6,000) declined over the month. In July, employment showed little change in construction and wholesale trade.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates declined in July for Black Americans (8.2%), Hispanics (6.6%), adult men (5.4%), adult women (5.0%), White Americans (4.8%). The jobless rates for teenagers (9.6%) and Asian Americans (5.3%) showed little change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) decreased in July and accounted for 39.3% of the total unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/09/2021 - 09:56Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas AFL-CIO Celebrates Pilgrim’s Pride Workers Voting Union YES
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 Thursday night, July 22, working families in Texas celebrated workers at Pilgrim’s Pride, a poultry plant in Waco, Texas, voting overwhelmingly to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 540. There are some 400 workers at the plant.
Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar (UA), who provided hands-on help in the closing days of the union drive, stated the following in a news release:
“Congratulations also to UFCW. Polling shows tens of millions more workers in this country would join a union if they could, and UFCW organizers are making it possible for thousands of workers to do just that through their commitment to organizing in Texas. They are engaged in some of the toughest union organizing in some of the toughest places, and this victory shows that when workers fight anywhere, workers can win anywhere. It is especially appropriate this hard-won victory arrives in the middle of a national action week in which organized labor is working to pass the PRO Act,” said Aguilar.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/06/2021 - 10:24Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: USW Tech Workers Ratify Historic First Contract at HCL
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 United Steelworkers (USW) on Thursday said that workers have ratified a first contract with Google contractor HCL America Inc., covering about 65 employees who are based in Pittsburgh. USW International President Tom Conway said the three-year contract improves wages, job security and working conditions. “After close to two years of hard work, patience and solidarity from our members at HCL, we are proud of what we achieved in this agreement,” Conway said. “More than ever, our struggle with HCL shows that all workers deserve the protections and benefits of a union contract.”
Members of the USW bargaining committee said that HCL’s treatment of workers illustrates why unions are more important than ever and pointed out the consolidated complaint issued against the company by the National Labor Relations Board over unfair labor practices. Click here to read more.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/05/2021 - 10:24Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Striking UMWA Workers Host Massive Rally in New York City
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.
Hundreds of members of the Mine Workers (UMWA) and other unions came together for a huge rally Wednesday in New York City. More than 1,000 members of the UMWA in Alabama have been on strike since April, demanding their employer, Warrior Met Coal, give them a fair contract. Many of the striking coal miners traveled to New York to picket outside the office of BlackRock, one of Warrior Met Coal’s largest investors. UMWA President Cecil Roberts told CoalZoom.com, “We’re in New York City because we are simply following the money, and demanding that those who created that wealth, the miners, get their fair share of it.” Workers at Warrior Met Coal made significant concessions several years ago to help the company out of bankruptcy. Now that Warrior Met Coal is profitable again, UMWA members are demanding a fair contract.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/04/2021 - 08:24Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey AFL-CIO: RWDSU Members Picket over Stalled Talks at Nursing Home
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO reports that members of the Retail, Warehouse and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 108, joined in solidarity by officers of the state federation and officers and members of allied unions, held an informational picket on Saturday, July 24, while contract talks are stalled with Complete Care Management, the new owner of several nursing homes in New Jersey.
RWDSU Local 108’s members, who deliver attentive and compassionate care to the ill and aged, picketed at Complete Care’s Burlington Woods nursing home in Burlington to explain how the new management aims to drastically reduce their future paid time off, wipe out the time off they accumulated during 16 months of tireless work during the pandemic, and provide them with substandard medical coverage.
Local 108 requests that contract talks resume promptly and that Complete Care Management bargains in good faith.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/03/2021 - 11:24Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas AFL-CIO Launches Groundbreaking Climate Jobs Project
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 Texas Climate Jobs Project, a major new program at the Texas AFL-CIO, launched Tuesday with the publication of a 55-page report that sets the goal to create more than 1.1 million solid middle-class jobs in the coming years in wind and solar generation while protecting the livelihoods of workers transitioning from fossil fuel work. The report offers proposals aimed at “intersecting crises” of the pandemic, income inequality and the worsening climate crisis. It is the work product of a proactive group of 27 unions representing a cross section of the labor movement in Texas, including unions that include a range of energy industry workers.
“Texans are facing several converging crises: a changing climate that is hurting working people first and worst, skyrocketing income inequality, and deep racial injustice,” said Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA), president of the Texas AFL-CIO. “Today, the Texas labor movement is coming together to endorse an historic proposal that would tackle these crises by creating good union jobs across our state and combating climate breakdown. As the unions that power the energy capital of America, we believe the Texas Climate Jobs Project can lead the way on transforming our economy….We must make sure that the workers who have powered this state for generations are not left behind.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/02/2021 - 09:32
