Service + Solidarity Spotlight: College Students Campaign in Runoff Election with Support from Georgia AFL-CIO
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.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s reign of power over the U.S. Senate may be coming to an end soon if voters in Georgia manage to flip two seats in runoff elections early in the new year. Working people are campaigning in support of pro-labor candidates Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock. Students at Clark Atlanta University, with support from the HBCU Green Fund and the Georgia State AFL-CIO, led voter registration drives this weekend targeted at registering new voters. Students and volunteers also participated in door-to-door literature drops in Clayton County to remind voters about the runoff election on Jan. 5 and that early voting starts on Dec. 14.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/02/2020 - 09:53Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Amtrak to Give Horn Salute to Honor Legacy of TTD President Larry Willis
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Amtrak will honor the legacy of Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Larry Willis with a horn salute. Larry died Sunday from injuries he sustained in a cycling accident near Great Falls Park in Maryland. He was 53.
“Larry was a true champion of the nation’s transportation network and the workers who make it possible,” said Amtrak CEO William Flynn. “Larry was a strong advocate for Amtrak and believed in the need for a robust, modern, well-funded national passenger rail network for the nation. Our thoughts are with Larry’s family, his TTD and labor colleagues, and all of those in the transportation industry that were touched by Larry’s deep passion and fierce advocacy for transportation workers during this difficult time.”
Amtrak engineers across the country will simultaneously blow one long whistle at noon ET on Wednesday, Dec. 2, to honor Larry’s life work in support of passenger rail and his deep passion and fierce advocacy for transportation workers.
“The collective hearts of America’s labor movement, particularly transportation unions, are broken by the tragic death of our brother. Larry brought a love of workers and a deep understanding of transportation issues to his leadership of TTD,” AFL-CIO President RIchard Trumka said. “He paid incredible attention to detail, always looking for opportunities to win more power and prosperity for the working people who move America.”
“For more than 20 years, Larry dedicated his life to the labor movement, working tirelessly to enhance the rights and livelihoods of those who work on the front lines of our transportation system,” TTD Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan said. “His mastery of complex legal and regulatory issues set the foundation for TTD’s policy leadership, and raised the bar for demanding and enforcing worker protections throughout our nation’s transportation system.”
Willis leaves behind his wife, Amy, and daughter, Samantha.
“Larry’s passing is a reminder that we cannot take a single day for granted, and the AFL-CIO will honor his memory by fighting for the issues he championed and the people he loved,” said Trumka. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s wife and daughter, along with the entire TTD family, during this difficult time.”
Dennis Loney Tue, 12/01/2020 - 14:05Working People Plan Diverse Activities for Thanksgiving
For Thanksgiving weekend, many working families will take time off to share a meal, either virtually or in person. Many others have to work over the weekend. And still others will be helping out their friends and neighbors during these tough times. Here is a sampling of the activities various unions will be participating in for Thanksgiving:
- Maine: The 18th annual Solidarity Harvest, co-sponsored by the Eastern, Southern and Western Maine labor councils, is made possible by the efforts of more than 50 unions, faith groups and other organizations. This year, the project is expected to provide 1,400 Thanksgiving meals to union and community members who are experiencing hard times.
- Indianapolis: The annual Circle of Lights event, presented by Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 481, this year will be a special made-for-TV-only affair, featuring Santa, musical acts from the Tom Wood Talent Search and the lighting up of Monument Circle to kick off the holiday season.
- Kansas: Machinists District Lodge 70, in association with the Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation, has launched its Salvation Army Angel Tree program to collect gifts for children in the community.
- San Diego, California: The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, in association with the San Diego Food Bank, distributed 500 turkeys and 600 meal kits to local families. The labor council also began collecting for its annual toy drive, which continues through Dec. 17.
- Washington: The Washington State Labor Council is calling on members and supporters to stay home, stay safe and give to union-organized charitable efforts, including the Foundation for Working Families, the Southwest Washington Central Labor Council’s Presents from Partners and the Teamsters (IBT) Local 117 Toy Drive.
- Chicago: The Chicago Federation of Labor teamed up with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, IBEW Local 134 and McCormick Place to distribute holiday meals to more than 2,000 union members and their families. Most of the meals were given to workers at McCormick Place, which has been shut down since March.
- Atlantic City, New Jersey: Thousands of laid-off workers were assisted through Operation Feed Atlantic City’s Special Holiday Food Distribution. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey delivered turkey dinners, homemade treats and other groceries to ease the food insecurity that has gripped this resort region throughout the pandemic.
- Oklahoma: The Central Oklahoma Labor Federation is once again partnering with the emergency assistance group Upward Transitions to distribute holiday baskets for union members and their families. Supplies such as canned food, hot chocolate mix and paper goods are needed this year more than ever.
- Texas: Local unions, including AFGE Local 1920 and AFGE District 10 worked with Star Group—Veterans Helping Veterans to give away more than 500 turkeys and bags of fixings to local families.
- Air Line Pilots: Members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) across the country are participating in various holiday activities, including Pilots for Kids, which helps hospitalized children.
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Demands Action in Face of Shocking COVID-19 Failures
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 Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tyson Foods after at least five meatpackers died and more than 1,000 others were infected with coronavirus at the company’s plant in Waterloo, Iowa. The lawsuit alleges that employees were ordered to report to work even if they were sick. Supervisors allegedly bet money on how many workers would be infected.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone demanded that action be taken: “These stunning safety failures make clear that the Trump administration and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds care more about industry profits than protecting America’s front-line workers. Protecting our country’s meatpacking workers is essential to keeping our food supply secure. We are continuing to call on elected leaders to implement an enforceable national safety standard, increased access to PPE and COVID-19 testing, and rigorous proactive inspections. Without immediate action, deadly outbreaks like this will quickly spread across the Midwest and cause COVID-19 cases to spike even higher. Our country’s meatpacking workers, and the millions of American they serve, deserve and expect better from those sworn to protect us.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/25/2020 - 10:14Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Breakthrough for Organized Labor and Clean Energy
Her goal was to go beyond good intentions and rhetoric. So Liz Shuler, as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, the second-highest position in the labor movement and, as it happens, highest-ranking woman in the federation’s history, went to Scandinavia in 2019. She leveraged AFL-CIO’s relationships with their sister union federations to talk directly with top management at some of the largest renewable energy companies in the world.
The big idea was to make an example of offshore wind—a template for how union labor will build the clean energy future.
Over the next year, she worked to bring leading renewable energy project developers from Norway and Denmark to the table with building trades unions. She connected state labor federations along the East Coast of the U.S. in a working group on offshore wind. She quietly talked with elected leaders. This is her forte. She comes from a building trades union; she’s adept at building bridges. And through months of crises, amid a pandemic, she kept the conversation alive.
But Shuler isn’t one for self-promotion. She lets results speak for themselves.
Here they are: a game-changing partnership that sets the standard for the entire offshore wind industry. And with it, an example for solar and other emerging technologies.
It’s based on a model the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council pioneered for the Block Island Wind Farm project—the first offshore wind project in the U.S. Now, Danish renewable energy group Ørsted and North America’s Building Trade Unions (NABTU) have a deal to use union labor to build multiple offshore wind projects up and down the East Coast.
Pick your adjective. Breakthrough. Landmark. The Danish fantastiske. However you want to say it, this is a big deal. It’s a framework for an emerging, high-growth industry. It involves a company ranked most sustainable in the world, and as NABTU President Sean McGarvey put it, “Our highly trained men and women professionals have the best craft skills in the world.” Now they’ll have a path to offshore wind work up and down the Atlantic coast.
Development of 15 active commercial leases in the U.S. will support $25 billion in annual economic output and about 83,000 jobs in the next decade. This, and 30 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1 gigawatt can power about 110 million LED bulbs. Multiply that by 30, and you’ve got a lot of power.
Plus proof of concept. Thinking of adapting to climate change as a matter of either-or when it comes to jobs is a false choice. President-elect Joe Biden made that argument when announcing his climate policy: “When I think about climate change, the word I think of is ‘jobs.’” And if you’re wondering what kind of jobs, in Biden’s 15-page plan, the word union appears 32 times.
The announcement is progress on two fronts: clean energy for a sustainable future and jobs for economic recovery. With the future uncertain for sectors like hospitality, where workers are disproportionately women of color, an equitable economic recovery depends on pathways to good-paying jobs in high-demand growth industries.
A little-known fact everyone should know: After the U.S. military, NABTU and its employer partners run the largest workforce training network in the country. And NABTU-registered apprenticeships are the gold standard for construction craft training. Offshore wind offers another accessible path to family-supporting construction careers.
There is more work ahead to bring low-road employers in the renewable sector up to union standards. But the agreement between Ørsted and NABTU shows results—the promise of good union jobs. NABTU crafted the agreement language, and throughout the process, their leadership brought credibility and consistency. Ultimately, the agreement is a hopeful paradigm in workforce-development and labor-management cooperation.
It was possible thanks, in part, to leaders building bridges with eyes on the horizon and a vision to move labor forward. As Shuler said, “This is the first big step toward the vision we share with President-elect Biden of a growing clean-energy economy powered by union jobs, and the AFL-CIO is pleased to be part of this growing energy market and looks forward to the future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/24/2020 - 10:46Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Iowa Federation of Labor Joins Legal Fight Over State OSHA Protections
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 Iowa Federation of Labor joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa and a number of other unions and advocacy groups in filing a federal complaint against the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Nov. 13, asserting that regulators failed to protect people from COVID-19 outbreaks during the pandemic.
President Charlie Wishman (AFT) of the Iowa Federation of Labor said his labor federation joined the suit because there seems to be a lack of concern for the health and safety of working Iowans.
“Iowa OSHA is supposed to protect workers, not corporations. Now with COVID-19, we’re seeing more of the same, but with a new and terrible twist,” Wishman said. “When Iowa workers are exposed to COVID-19, it doesn’t threaten just their health and the health of their co-workers. It also threatens the health of their families, their friends and everyone they come into contact with. Worker health is community health.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/23/2020 - 13:44Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: RSVP: FLOC Benefit Concert ‘Songs for Justice’
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) and the Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice, FLOC’s education and training partner, are hosting their annual Songs for Justice benefit concert virtually on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. ET. This event is the only annual fundraising campaign, and it serves as a night of community and celebration. FLOC President and founder Baldemar Velasquez and the Aguila Negra Band will perform a mix of traditional Mexican folk music. Suggested donations are $10 per person and the event will be streamed live. Click here to RSVP.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/20/2020 - 12:04Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
Voluntary Recognition: 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 several groups of organizers who won voluntary recognition of their new unions.
Kentucky Democratic Party Staff Join IBEW: Staff at the Kentucky Democratic Party have joined Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 369, gained voluntary recognition from management and secured their first collective bargaining agreement. In a statement, the Kentucky Democratic Party staffers said, “We asked for support and recognition of our right to organize. Our leadership stepped up to bargain in good faith and ensure that, as Kentucky Democrats, we live up to our values. We believe deeply in the importance of building and maintaining long-term organizing infrastructure as a means for achieving an equitable and inclusive Kentucky Democratic Party. We came together and organized with a single, common purpose: to make the Kentucky Democratic Party the best possible workplace for everyone, now and in the future.”
WGAE Wins Voluntary Recognition for 200 New Members at Bustle Digital Group: Bustle Digital Group (BDG) today voluntarily recognized the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) for the purpose of collective bargaining after an overwhelming majority of employees in that unit signed authorization cards. BDG’s bargaining unit will include some 200 editorial, video, design and social staffers from its various sites. Lowell Peterson, executive director of WGAE, said, “We welcome Bustle Digital Group employees to the Writers Guild of America, East. Like thousands of their colleagues in the industry, they recognize the value and power of collective bargaining. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard about the vital issues affecting their work and their workplace.”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Journalists Win Voluntary Recognition of Union: Management at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram voluntarily recognized a new union at the request of journalists who will be represented by the NewsGuild-CWA. The organizing committee said, “We look forward to the start of negotiations, and we hope to form a strong working relationship that will allow us to protect local journalism here in Fort Worth for years to come.”
Milwaukee Art Museum Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Join Machinists: A group of more than 140 employees of the Milwaukee Art Museum voted by 72% to join the Machinists (IAM). The new IAM members work in every capacity at the Milwaukee Art Museum, including visitor services, food and beverage, education and programs, information systems, facilities, and more. “I want to welcome these members to the Machinists union family,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “I’m so proud of them for educating themselves about the benefits of the IAM and working so hard for union representation and a voice in their workplace. Unions aren’t just for manufacturing workers; they have a place in every working environment.”
L.A. Union Members Win the Right to Form Public Health Councils: Workers in the Los Angeles area have reason to be proud after the L.A. County Board of Supervisors passed its ordinance to establish labor-led public health councils at worksites. The new policy was pushed by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and allows workers to set up their own health and safety enforcement committees on the job. Labor Council President Ron Herrera (IBT) explained that the policy’s passage is an important step forward to stemming the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. “Public health councils address the problem at the source by utilizing our most powerful and extensive resource—our workers—as our eyes and ears in the workplace, ensuring that public health orders are followed to prevent new outbreaks,” he said. The county’s Department of Public Health also will be charged under the ordinance with educating front-line workers on their rights to report unsafe working conditions.
UFCW Members at Kroger Agree to Tentative Contract: After months of negotiations, workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) at Kroger's have reached a tentative deal on a new contract that will address pay raises, fully fund health care for associates and reduce drug costs for associates with diabetes. Carolyn Devitt, who has worked at Kroger's for 42 years, said, “We stood up to corporate and won. After months on the front lines of a pandemic, after already taking away our hero pay, they wanted to gut our health care, too. We weren’t having any of it. We stuck together, and they knew they had to back down. I’m proud of my union.”
Massachusetts Cannabis Cultivation Employees in Massachusetts Join UFCW: Workers at Cresco Labs in Massachusetts have voted to be represented by UFCW Local 328. Timothy Melia, president of UFCW Local 328, said, “We applaud cannabis workers for forming unions to make sure that, as this industry grows, workers are able to share in the success. The cannabis industry should be a place where workers earn a living wage [and] have access to affordable health care and protection from unfair discipline and discrimination.”
UFCW Local 152 Members Ratify New Contract at ShopRite: More than 2,100 members of UFCW Local 152 who are employed as retail clerks at ShopRite stores in New Jersey ratified a new contract on Oct. 20 that protects health care benefits and raises wages. The four-year contract maintains no cost sharing of medical benefits for the lifetime of the contract. The contract also establishes paid sick days for members, a new benefit made possible with the introduction of the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law.
SAG-AFTRA Agrees to Two-Year Extension to Video Game Contract: SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement with nine of the video game industry's largest companies to extend their Interactive Media Agreement for two years. The deal covers voice-over and performance-capture performers and will provide increased wages and employer contributions to health care and retirement. About the new agreement, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the employers. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the entertainment industry, but work on video games, much of which can be done remotely, has continued. This extension allows members to keep working and have some certainty during an uncertain time.”
Michigan Nurses Association Affiliates With NNU: Earlier this week, National Nurses United (NNU) announced that the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) board of directors voted to join as an affiliate of NNU. “Solidarity is more important now than ever before,” explained Jamie Brown, RN, MNA president. “Health care executives and D.C. politicians continue to ignore the voice of those of us on the front lines while the pandemic only gets worse. It is time for nurses to unite and fight back.” The 13,000-member union of Michigan nurses will combine forces with more than 150,000 members of NNU nationwide. NNU leaders also highlighted the need for a strong federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been lacking up to now.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/20/2020 - 11:58Tags: Organizing
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: MM&P Members Rescue Downed Pilots in the Pacific
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 crew of the Horizon Reliance rescued two pilots who had been forced to land their plane on the ocean and debark to a life raft about 1,000 nautical miles from Honolulu. The ship received an alert by satellite call from the Coast Guard on Nov. 6 and quickly began steaming toward position 80 nautical miles to the southwest. Aboard the Horizon Reliance were Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) members Capt. Mark Tuck, Chief Mate Steve Itson, Second Mate Joseph Comerford II and Third Mate William Laprade. Within two hours of spotting the downed pilots in their life raft, the rescue mission was successfully completed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/20/2020 - 10:00Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Boilermakers Boost EPRI Certification Across the Country
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.
Boilermakers (IBB) are ramping up Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) training and testing for advanced rigging at various sites across the United States, making the union even more attractive to contractors and owners in the construction sector. EPRI conducts research, development and demonstration projects across the United States and is an independent nonprofit focused on research in electricity generation, delivery and use. “Offering testing for this certification saves contractors and owners money so our members can get right in there and start working,” said Matt Wertz, the Boilermakers’ National Apprenticeship Program coordinator. “It makes our contractors more aggressive to get work and gain work.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/19/2020 - 09:34Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
#FundTheFrontLines: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Equity members now have an additional way to access the online harassment hotline. Lighthouse now offers an anonymous reporting app available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
Read more in the member portal - https://t.co/y7dZhCza27 pic.twitter.com/lKrChmRlNH
AFGE:
We ? the AFGE #BlackLivesMatter shirt. Thank you for supporting government workers! #1u https://t.co/z3xRn9fcwQ
— AFGE (@AFGENational) November 17, 2020AFSCME:
At a virtual meeting with President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris on an economic recovery agenda, AFSCME President Lee Saunders reiterated the need for Congress and the president to act now to #FundTheFrontLines. https://t.co/KkOLKUecXY
— AFSCME // #VotersDecided (@AFSCME) November 17, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Plan on flying a #drone? Individuals who fly a #drone for recreation must adhere to @FAANews guidelines, including minimum age requirements, maintaining line of sight, and flying under 400 feet. Learn more about how to #flysafe at https://t.co/Ern6cRnwRs pic.twitter.com/AWhV5N5tXI
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) November 18, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
We don't need more federal judge confirmations, we need #COVIDrelief. Sign our petition to demand action from the Senate: https://t.co/OKVUhJmSEm pic.twitter.com/FfGxuRvrJS
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) November 12, 2020Amalgamated Transit Union:
This week, Int. Pres. John Costa met with FHE Health’s Janet Gerhard and Susan Roy at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center to discuss the impact of the #COVID19 pandemic and the importance of mental health during these stressful times for frontline ATU members. #fhehealth pic.twitter.com/LrV2j3haAM
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 18, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
Ask the @csphilharmonic to reinstate its contract with the Musicians - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/0Zxn7FcRrO Colorado Springs deserves great musicians playing concerts, teaching future artists, and bringing live music back when possible! #ClassicalMusic #orchestra #arts
— AFM (@The_AFM) November 13, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
Today four #UnionStrong frontline workers will be joining President-elect Biden and the co-chair of his COVID advisory board today. Very happy to see @JoeBiden working with frontline workers! https://t.co/W0aeHM3aj8
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 18, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
Postal workers standing united with all of our union siblings at @TCCLC_AFLCIO #Solidarity #SaveThePostOffice https://t.co/OVxWysbXxt
— APWU National (@APWUnational) November 17, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
During an unprecedented election, postal workers
✅ Worked long hours
✅ Prioritized ballots
✅ Swept USPS facilities
✅ Made special deliveries to election boards
To make sure our democracy was safe. Now, we need to #SaveThePostOffice. https://t.co/uNZ9KgGxmV pic.twitter.com/VoG4v6zYVg
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
“We’ve got to get relief in place now,” @FlyingWithSara says, especially for Flight Attendants and aviation workers who have already been furloughed. “You can’t retroactively restore lives, you can’t make people whole again.” #ExtendPSP #ReliefNow #EveryDayCounts pic.twitter.com/SucBue5nK3
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 14, 2020Boilermakers:
#Boilermakers are boosting EPRI training and testing for advanced rigging across the U.S. Find out what this means for the #BoilermakersUnion here ➡️ https://t.co/HUxvOqc6Gf pic.twitter.com/dmPcRmjJTs
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) November 18, 2020Bricklayers:
Great collaboration between our apprentices, coordinators, instructors, and business reps in Michigan. #BuildingCommunities #BuildingLives pic.twitter.com/DwnIxMKw4H
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) November 16, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
With joy and pride, CBTU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who have crossed the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes to win the 2020 presidential election. Our statement: https://t.co/jNo5YXXaTk
— CBTU (@CBTU72) November 7, 2020Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Congratulations to @CLUWNational President Elise Bryant and @APWUnational Secretary-Treasurer Liz Power for receiving American Labor Museum's Sol Stein Awards tomorrow. Well-deserved!
Please click the following link for more details: https://t.co/HgH0nUUKfz pic.twitter.com/YBtTmfLiLs
Communications Workers of America:
Today, we honor those who served. pic.twitter.com/3orW7KaVBe
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 11, 2020Department for Professional Employees:
"The triple punch is not just pushing women out of jobs they held, but also preventing many from seeking new ones." https://t.co/dcX4sUqmvw
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 18, 2020Electrical Workers:
Why #IBEW members who love the great outdoors should check out the @UnionSportsmen Alliance https://t.co/DDnXKhGE14
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 18, 2020Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
FLOC and the Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice are hosting our annual benefit concert virtually on December 4th at 7pm EST. FLOC Pres. Velasquez will perform traditional Mexican folk music with the Aguila Negra Band. This event is our only fundraising campaign of the year. pic.twitter.com/ZI1TyXvATw
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) November 16, 2020Fire Fighters:
Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely During COVID-19 https://t.co/tmkca9Caj2
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 18, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
Did you know that you are able to receive a post-high school education without accumulating student related debt? A career in the trades beginning with a registered apprenticeship puts you right on the path to the middle-class debt free! Find out more here https://t.co/CIRF8Cr8RC
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) November 18, 2020Ironworkers:
IMPACT has built a reputation over the past two decades of creating job opportunities and providing a support structure for its participants. @BICMagazine #drivingsuccess https://t.co/JfkBCNG5kZ
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) November 17, 2020Jobs With Justice:
Outlined in this new report by @IPS_DC, @forrespect + @bcgproject are the 12 companies who profited the most off this pandemic.
This #DelinquentDozen is spearheaded by @Walmart + @amazon — both saw their profits soar during covid, yet conditions for their workers hit new lows ? pic.twitter.com/yhp6HmvsUT
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
PODCAST: El Desvío: Sí se pudo!… And now what? We went, we voted, we raised our voices! Now what? Union leaders speak about civic engagement and the future of our nation. Plus a timely analysis of our nation’s political climate.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
Laborers:
‘There’s a war on organizing, collective bargaining, unions and workers’: Biden wants to undo Trump executive orders on federal workers https://t.co/8y221GE00j
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) November 18, 2020Machinists:
?WORKING PEOPLE WIN!?
We are so proud to welcome 141 new Machinists Union members to the @iammam_union! https://t.co/ZcmVjbbWtz
Metal Trades Department:
This ? right here says it all. President-elect Biden understands what the trades mean to a functioning America. pic.twitter.com/UNZniRv3mF
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 17, 2020Mine Workers:
"On Thursday, a powerful voice joined the chorus of Remington Arms workers, rallying to convince the plant’s former owners to give them benefits they say are provided to them in their contract."https://t.co/5kt1Cv3zyI pic.twitter.com/OXVsgLtvJV
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 17, 2020Musical Artists:
AGMA’s Constitutional Referendum begins now. The Board of Governors Revision will make AGMA more efficient, more inclusive & more just. 2 of its themes are in this video! AGMA’s Board recommends members vote FOR the BOG Revision & AGAINST the dues proposalhttps://t.co/WMx2wHtk98
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 16, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, NATCA has had to change how it trains its members.NATCA Reloaded Committee member Chrissy Padgett explained the benefits for members of the Union’s virtual classes. https://t.co/j0oIK7Xt6O pic.twitter.com/hLnK4lAAvo
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 18, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
St. Louis, MO Branch 343 member La'Tecse Litteken noticed fellow letter carrier, Rebecca Pearl, swaying as she stood in front of her postal vehicle. Shortly afterward, the carrier recalled, "[Pearl] started seizing."Litteken called 911, & Pearl was taken to the hospital. #Heroes pic.twitter.com/XlQF7ZCy3F
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) November 18, 2020National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
#News: Groups across California ask Gov @GavinNewsom, will you appoint a woman of color, immigrant workers rights champion to the US Senate?
Read the letter signed by groups across California: https://t.co/Wpq9OAHWSn #ICEoutofCalifornia #WorkerMigrantJustice
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Domestic workers have kept our communities safe during this crisis. @NYCSpeakerCoJo needs to pass Intro 339 and extend the NYC Human Rights Law to everyone. pic.twitter.com/9lfOGfKkiz
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 18, 2020National Nurses United:
"Our hospitals are overflowing with #Covid19 patients and are not prepared. Nurses know the right way to battle this virus, but employers and the government are not supporting us."
-Mary Turner, RN and President of @mnnurses, an NNU affiliate #ProtectNurses pic.twitter.com/7dk0haAW1O
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Without action 6K+ will be left without jobs and in bankruptcy, after losing their retirement. @NYCComptroller says our plan is fiscally sound.
The @NewYorkStateAG investigating the crisis says our plan is just.
Lets go, @NYCMayor!
NFL Players Association:
Don't want to return to campus to finish your degree? @PSUWorldCampus allows you to transfer your credits and finish your degree online. Find out how TONIGHT @ 8pm ET: https://t.co/RQlW3pwjRS. pic.twitter.com/ztbhRJittF
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 18, 2020North America's Building Trades Unions:
Congratulations, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on your HISTORIC campaign and election ?
Statement from NABTU President @SeanMcGarvey_: https://t.co/sSsGqugPZ7 pic.twitter.com/jbYu5yKAf3
Office and Professional Employees:
Our friends at @UnionPlus are helping 100 union members this holiday season. Visit the following link to nominate a union member for the #UnionPlusGiveAGrand contest: https://t.co/2RB11jIi15 #1u
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) November 18, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
Our anti-union opponents like the Associated Builders and Contractors and The National Right to Work Committee have been sounding nervous about the PRO Act.
They know it will ban right-to-work nationwide and would dramatically grow workers’ power on the job.
Let's do it.
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS thanks @TransportDems @RepPeterDeFazio & @RepRickLarsen for their leadership on this issue. Aviation safety inspectors PASS represents at FAA want their oversight strengthened & stand ready to implement these changes when bill becomes law. #aviationsafety #publicservice https://t.co/NvjRb4FqCo
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 17, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Sharing a turkey dinner with your loved ones over Zoom? Make sure to buy #UnionMade products for your #Thanksgiving table! #1u
Check out the full @AFLCIO list: https://t.co/BekKqye4g4 pic.twitter.com/9nMciXLTwC
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Interested in evaluating and improving your job site safety climate? The Safety Climate Assessment Tool for Small Contractors (S-CATSC) can help! https://t.co/2iXoxPKHuN #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/nzPbveya9Z
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 18, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
Join us Thurs @ 6pm PT on https://t.co/nMfGNpcL8n as we honor those who have holistically portrayed individuals w/ disabilities & advanced representation for the disability community on-screen & off. #mediaaccessawards #sagaftramembers #representationmatters #inclusion #diversity pic.twitter.com/POvQ6Serv1
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) November 18, 2020Solidarity Center:
Garment workers in #India are forced to stay overnight to complete orders, sometimes sleeping on the factory floor. "We're made to work continuously, often through the night, sleeping at 3am then waking up by 5am for another full day," one woman said. https://t.co/GaBYHiLWLZ
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 18, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
Maybe @LATimes wants to spend another $3million settling more #EqualPay complaints. https://t.co/ak5kNszvCv
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) November 16, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
IATSE's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Hold Elections for New Executive Committee https://t.co/zM5Zy8Sf2e
— IATSE (@IATSE) November 18, 2020Transport Workers Union:
TWU flight attendants, pilot instructors, aircraft mechanics & our many other members who work each day to ensure that the flying public and our aircraft are safe are grateful to @RepPeterDeFazio & @RepSamGraves dedication to air safety at every level. https://t.co/3h3H1KDuNe
— TWU (@transportworker) November 17, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
.@JoeBiden Fills Economic Posts With Experts on Systemic Racism https://t.co/mbhJZoZopI
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 18, 2020UAW:
UAW President Rory L. Gamble met remotely with leaders from other unions, businesses and President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris earlier today. https://t.co/SxS7tTEpqN
— UAW (@UAW) November 16, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Join the APWU/ US Mail Not For Sale day of action! Call your senators to save the Post Office. Call (833) 924-0085 or reply and we will connect you automatically. pic.twitter.com/JmNnUM0Epu
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) November 17, 2020UNITE HERE:
UNITE HERE'S #TAKEBACK2020 FIELD PROGRAM BY THE NUMBERS:
? 3,000,000: Total doors of voters knocked nationwide
? 440,000: Infrequent voters ID'd for Biden/Harris
☑️ 125,000: Voters that sat out 2016
?? 287,613: People of Color ID'd for Biden/Harris#unitehere pic.twitter.com/P9JgYjSVOj
United Food and Commercial Workers:
America's grocery workers bravely stepped up when our communities needed them most and they're still on the frontlines as the #COVID19 pandemic continues.
Thanks to @JohnFetterman and everyone standing with the courageous @UFCW members keeping our families fed during the crisis. https://t.co/ARIv2AEnVG
United Steelworkers:
With COVID-19 spiking again, we wanted to remind you of our USW resources designed just for you by your union: https://t.co/LdhPY9cy3i. pic.twitter.com/qZOipQF3me
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) November 17, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
I just signed onto the @ucsdusas petition to demand CEO @pattymaysent rescind the racist layoffs of Tammy & Ashley @UCSDHealth! Sign and share the petition now: https://t.co/mXDZpKHE1R #UCSDisracist #StoptheLayoffs
— USAS (@USAS) November 16, 2020Utility Workers:
Yesterday, in a speech about the economy President-Elect Biden made one thing very clear as he prepares to take office: he unequivocally stands with unions and supports expanding workers protections in the immediate term. pic.twitter.com/Vu338xBYUe
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 17, 2020Working America:
"In CA, one of the world’s wealthiest economies, I should be able to afford rent and pay my bills as a driver. I shouldn’t be forced to scour for public bathrooms or work 70-hour weeks to do this job. But that’s what these companies have forced upon us." https://t.co/oZqH5cHurT
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) November 17, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
Discussed at tonight will be a series of research-driven factsheets by @WriteInclusion to help guide writers rooms, writers, and all content creators toward better representation in their stories.https://t.co/D0hlKwYnUv
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) November 18, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/18/2020 - 16:08Service + Solidarity Spotlight: APWU Launches Day of Action
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.
Members and allies of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), led by President Mark Dimondstein, are holding a day of action today to save the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). In particular, the APWU is making three demands: invest at least $25 billion in immediate COVID-19 relief for the USPS; stop and reverse the mail slowdown policies introduced by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy; and expand the role of the post office to provide vital services in every community. Click here to call your senators and ask them to save the Postal Service.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/18/2020 - 09:45Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Ten 2020 Election Wins for Working People That You Should Know About, Part 2
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in this free and fair election is a win for America’s labor movement. Everywhere in every way, working people are heroically and resiliently fighting back against this pandemic, its economic fall out, chronic income inequality and systemic racism. Union voters delivered this election for President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris. Their message and commitment to create “the most significant pro-labor, pro-worker administration” resonated with our 12.5 million members and 55 affiliated unions who are hungry for a bigger voice in our economy and our politics.
Working people also spoke loudly in electing union-friendly candidates at all levels of government. Here are 10 more victories you should know about:
1. Michigan State Supreme Court: The Michigan labor movement flipped the state Supreme Court as Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack won re-election and Elizabeth Welch gained a seat to give pro-worker justices a 4–3 majority.
2. Greg Thompson, Florida: The former Machinists (IAM) Local 57 president won his first election for city commission in Clewiston.
3. Elizabeth Weight, Utah: The teacher and member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) won re-election to the Utah state legislature.
4. San Diego: With strong support from the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, three union members were elected to the nine-member San Diego City Council: Stephen Whitburn (AFTRA), Marni Von Wilpert (DCAA) and Raul Campillo (DCAA). Also of note, Terra Lawson-Remer, a former organizer with United Farm Workers, won a seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
5. Wisconsin: Thousands of volunteers across the state not only worked to help Biden and Harris win, but also were crucial in the victories of other union members: U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (IUPAT), state Rep. Tod Ohnstad (UAW) and state Sen. LaTonya Johnson (AFSCME).
6. Communications Workers of America (CWA) Members: Members contributed tens of thousands of volunteer hours to support pro-working family candidates.
7. Florida: With 60.8% of the vote, Floridians voted to raise the state's minimum wage to $10 next September and by an additional $1 per year until it reaches $15 in 2026.
8. Colorado: Voters approved a measure that will create a paid family and medical leave program with 57% of the vote. Starting in 2024, employers will be required to provide employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave each year.
9. UNITE HERE Members: Members knocked on the doors of 3 million voters, including 575,000 in Philadelphia, which contributed heavily to Biden-Harris winning Pennsylvania.
10. Demond Meeks, New York: Meeks, an organizer with SEIU1199 won and will now represent the 137th State Assembly District.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/17/2020 - 12:55Tags: Elections 2020
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Oregon OSHA Establishes Emergency Temporary Standard for Workplace Safety
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 Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) new emergency temporary standard (ETS) for workplace safety during the pandemic went into effect on Monday. For the first time since the pandemic started, Oregon workers will have clear, enforceable and consistent workplace protections from COVID-19. The new protocols provide rules around transparency and reporting, training, employee input and employer requirements to mitigate hazards, and ventilation. The Oregon AFL-CIO fought hard for the implementation of the ETS.
“The emergency temporary standard is a step forward for Oregon’s workers. Oregon is now only the third state in the nation to adopt workplace safety and health protections for workers against COVID-19,” said state federation President Graham Trainor (IBEW). “Oregon’s unions and worker advocates have fought for this standard since the beginning of the pandemic and have been closely engaged in the process to ensure it is suitable and reflects the risk workers face on the job….We owe it to the workers who risk their health and safety to provide for their families to get this right, and soon, to ensure workplace protection now and into the future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/17/2020 - 08:51Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NFLPA Names Corey Clement ‘Community MVP’ for Week 8
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Corey Clement has been named the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA’s) “Community MVP” for week 8 of the NFL season after he helped lead a writing contest in which students created books on how to resolve bullying. The winners earned a $500 prize, received a surprise Zoom visit from Clement and will have their book published. “It is a true honor to be named the NFLPA Community MVP,” the Philadelphia Eagles running back said. “As an NFL player, I have the opportunity to bring attention to the causes most important to me—literacy, anti-bullying and music education. I feel that it is important to support grassroots nonprofits that are led by Black leaders.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/16/2020 - 09:57Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rest in Peace, Scott Reynolds
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 AFL-CIO is mourning the passing of our dear former colleague, Scott Reynolds (TNG-CWA). Scott will be remembered for his strong trade unionism, dedicating his career to the labor movement and spending 24 of those years with the AFL-CIO. And, for those who had the pleasure of working with Scott, we will also miss him for his humor, his friendship and his stories of adventurous travel that brightened the workplace every day.
Damon Silvers, special counsel to AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA), called Scott a dear friend and mentor. “All his life Scott fought for working people. He was at every major protest for decades,” Silvers said. “He organized our movement for fight after fight—for financial reform and the Affordable Care Act, against one corporate trade deal after another. He was a kind generous colleague to all he encountered. And he never was OK with moral compromise. He might tell you that through a joke, but it was serious.”
Scott made our movement, our country and all of us better. We send our deepest condolences to all who cherish his memory.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/13/2020 - 09:41Biden Taps Working People Champions to Transition Teams
President-elect Joe Biden made sure that the voices of working people will be heard in the transition to his administration. He appointed more than two dozen leaders from the labor movement to the various agency review teams that will help make sure the Biden administration is ready to go on day one.
Here is a list of the labor leaders appointed to Biden's transition teams:
- Transition Advisory Board: International President Lonnie Stephenson, Electrical Workers (IBEW); President Teresa Romero, United Farm Workers (UFW)
- Department of Education: Beth Antunez, American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Shital Shah, AFT; Marla Ucelli-Kashyap, AFT; Donna Harris-Aikens, National Education Association (NEA)
- Department of Energy: Brad Markell, Industrial Union Council, AFL-CIO
- Department of Health and Human Services: Sarah Nolan, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
- Department of Justice: Rocio Inclan-Rodriguez, NEA
- Department of Labor: Jennifer Abruzzo, Communications Workers of America (CWA); Jessica Chu, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Micheal Hazard, United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA); Nadia Marin-Molina, National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON); Shaun O’Brien, AFSCME; Patricia Smith, National Employment Law Project (NELP); Lynn Rhinehart, Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
- Department of State: Owen Herrnstadt, Machinists (IAM)
- Department of Treasury: Damon Silvers, AFL-CIO
- Department of Transportation: David Barnett, UA; Brendan Danaher, Transport Workers Union (TWU); David Cameron, Teamsters (IBT)
- Federal Reserve: Damon Silvers, AFL-CIO; Renaye Manley, SEIU
- NASA: David Weaver, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
- Office of Personnel Management: Melody Gonzales, NEA
- Office of the United States Trade Representative: Julie Greene Collier, AFL-CIO; Celeste Drake, Directors Guild of America
- Social Security Administration: Scott Frey, AFSCME
- Department of Agriculture: LaQuita Honeysucker, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
- United State Postal Service: Jim Sauber, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
Economy Gains 638,000 Jobs in October; Unemployment Declines to 6.9%
The U.S. economy gained 638,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate declined to 6.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the October job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
#JobsReport While the unemployment rate has been falling, further drops will be harder to achieve because of the scarring effect taking place. The rise in the share of long-term unemployment as a share of the unemployed is mirroring the rise during the Great Recession. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/igAzsnE6mh
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport The rise in those facing permanent layoffs is worrying, while the drop in temporary job losses is good. Permanent layoffs and rising long term unemployment will greet the New Year with a challenging labor market to keep this from being a drag on recovery. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/rU2x6uobrs
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport all private industries showed job gains over last month, with the lowest wage industries (going south on the graph) among the big gainers (going east on the graph): Retail Trade bouncing back from its big losses in March and April (down 471k from last year). @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/M2uJGVnAvZ
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport Only three major groups remain with double digit unemployment, teen agers, people age 20-24 and Blacks. Before you pull out your old "skills-gap" the unemployment rate for high school drop-outs is 9.8%, lower than for THE Black population (10.8%) @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/v6DjotCvG0
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport After falling to a new record low, the share of the Black population employed is showing improvement, now surpassing the previous record low set at the depths of the Great Recession. But, it has a long way to go to get back to the 57% range. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/5P6kAEQGOM
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport the more narrowly defined U-3 unemployment rate (today's topline number) and the broadest measure U-6 of labor market slack (including marginally attached workers and part-time workers who want full-time hours) are now below the peak of the Great Recession. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/eEqEGmhBiH
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020#JobsReport The other big challenge for a full recovery, over 2nd and 3rd Quarter GDP reports, state and local government has shrunk. In the labor market the drop is dramatic: levels below the depths of the Great Recession. This disproportionately hurts Blacks and women. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/EOwer2MCSO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 6, 2020Last month's biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (271,000), professional and business services (208,000), retail trade (104,000), construction (84,000), health care and social assistance (79,000), transportation and warehousing (63,000), other services (47,000), manufacturing (38,000) and financial activities (31,000). Government employment fell by 268,000. Employment in other major industries, including mining, wholesale trade, and information, changed little in October.
In October, the unemployment rates declined for all major worker groups: teenagers (-13.9%), Black Americans (-10.8%), Hispanics (-8.8%), Asians (-7.6%), adult men (-6.7%), adult women (-6.5%) and White Americans (-6.0%).
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose in October and accounted for 32.5% of the total unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:55Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NALC: Election and Pandemic Show the Importance of USPS
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Throughout the pandemic, members of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) have kept us connected as a country, delivering lifesaving medications and keeping our communities running. The workers at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) also have served our democracy by delivering millions of mail-in ballots as a safe and convenient alternative to voting in person. NALC, under the leadership of President Fredric Rolando, said: “This election and pandemic have shown the importance of the Postal Service network. For the last four years, we’ve had to play defense against attacks from the current administration. Now, it is time to go on the offense for letter carriers by providing COVID-19 relief to this agency, repealing the mandate to prefund retiree health care and utilizing the network to continue serving the nation.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/12/2020 - 10:14Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Ten 2020 Election Wins for Working People That You Should Know About, Part 1
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory in this free and fair election is a win for America’s labor movement. Everywhere in every way, working people are heroically and resiliently fighting back against this pandemic, its economic fall out, chronic income inequality and systemic racism. Union voters delivered this election for Biden and Harris. Their message and commitment to create “the most significant pro-labor, pro-worker administration” resonated with our 12.5 million members and 56 affiliated unions who are hungry for a bigger voice in our economy and our politics.
Working people also spoke loudly in electing union-friendly candidates at all levels of government. Here are 10 victories you should know about:
1. Union Voters Surge for Biden-Harris: Union members went 58% for Biden-Harris. While the general public supported Biden by 3%, our members favored him by 21%.
2. Members of American Postal Workers Union (APWU), National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU): For making sure that a record surge of mail ballots were delivered so the voices of all working people could be heard and counted.
3. Kai Kahele, Hawaii: The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) member won the election for U.S. representative and will represent Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District.
4. Debra Hixon, Florida: The longtime educator and member of the Broward Teachers Union (an affiliate of AFT) won election to the Broward County School Board.
5. Nikki Merritt, Georgia: The member of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 3204 won the election for Georgia state Senate District 9.
6. Brandon Chafee, Connecticut: The Electrical Workers (IBEW) member was elected state representative for District 33.
7. Fire Fighters: The IAFF affiliates notched victories in 23 local ballot measures, including "increased funding for our members’ fire departments, established binding arbitration, halted attacks on our members’ schedules and ended efforts to create a public safety officer (PSO) program."
8. Connie Chan, California: The former International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 member was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
9. Troy Jackson, Maine: Jackson, who is a member of both the Machinists (IAM) and Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), won re-election to the Maine state Senate.
10. Delaware IATSE Members: These members built the stage where Joe Biden and Kamala Harris accepted the victory delivered to them by the American people.
If you know of any additional wins for working people from the 2020 election we should include in this series, please email them to kquinnell@aflcio.org.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/10/2020 - 12:16Tags: Elections 2020
