Service + Solidarity Spotlight: As Holiday Shopping Gets Underway, RWDSU-UFCW Reaffirms Need to Treat Workers with Respect
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
With holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) released two statements on the need to treat workers fairly, especially this time of year. RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum is urging holiday shoppers to treat workers with dignity and respect as they return to shopping in stores amid supply chain issues. “Our members are eager to welcome customers back to stores this holiday season, but as incidents of harassment, violence and hate continue to rise in stores, workers are worried about their physical and mental safety,” he said. “Shoppers need to remember what this season is supposed to be all about—kindness.”
Appelbaum also took aim at Amazon, which notoriously mistreats and dehumanizes its workers. He called on the retail giant to stop union-busting and allow its workers to freely come together to form unions. “The company has continued to repress workers’ voices and prevent their ability to make effective change at work—which can only happen when workers are able to join together through a union,” he said.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/29/2021 - 10:10Strikesgiving: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Pronouns Matter. How to Respect Transgender, Non-Binary People in the Workplace: “Pronouns are how we address each other outside of our name. We refer to friends, colleagues, children, family members, strangers, even our pets with their pronouns—they identify us. Transitioning in the workplace can be one of the most challenging endeavors a transgender person can experience. Organizations that are interested in a gender diverse environment seem to understand that embracing all of their employees is good for the organization and its corporate social responsibility. Bess Watts (she/her/hers) is the president of the Pride at Work, AFL-CIO, Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter. She said that often when someone transitions at work, we think about ourselves and the relationship we have with that person instead of what the person is going through and how we can support their transition.”
Winning at Kaiser: “Coming off of ‘Striketober’ and heading straight into ‘Strikesgiving’ has gripped the nation with constant headlines, growing momentum, and a sense of long overdue wind at the backs of working people. Here in Oregon, Nabisco workers had just come off of a months-long strike against their multinational, publicly traded employer as the Striketober hashtag was beginning to make the rounds. And a strike database from Cornell University shows that more than 250 strikes have taken place since the start of this year. As AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler put it recently, this rise in strike activity and worker action is ‘a healthy response to imbalances of power created by employers who believe they should be able to squeeze more and more out of the workers who make their companies profitable.”
Deere & Co. Workers Approve the Latest Contract Offer and Will End Their Strike: “Deere & Co. workers approved a new contract Wednesday that will deliver 10% raises immediately and end a monthlong strike for more than 10,000 employees. The United Auto Workers union says 61% of the members approved the deal with the tractor maker on their third vote, even though this offer was strikingly similar to one that 55% of workers rejected two weeks ago. ‘UAW John Deere members did not just unite themselves, they seemed to unite the nation in a struggle for fairness in the workplace,’ UAW President Ray Curry said in a statement Wednesday night.”
The Factors Driving 'Striketober': “NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Jasmine Kerrissey, professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, about the recent wave of strikes and what it says about labor in America.”
Alabama Miners Are Still on Strike After 8 Months: “Last week, more than 500 coal mine workers picketed in New York City, joined by a diverse army of other labor movement members and supporters. The mine workers, who extract coal for steel production, are now in the eighth month of their strike against Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama. Their aim is to force Warrior Met to restore the pay, benefits, and schedules they had before their previous employer, Walter Energy, declared bankruptcy and auctioned off its assets in 2016.”
Union Busting: 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver': “John Oliver discusses the mechanics of union busting, why the companies who do it face so few consequences, and what it really means when your manager wants to talk to you about ‘your attendance.’”
AFL-CIO President Shuler Discusses Worker Power and Leverage on Bloomberg TV: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined 'Balance of Power' to discuss how workers are standing up for change across the country.”
Liz Shuler: Seeing a Bigger Role for Women in the Labor Movement: “When you’re the only woman in a room full of power linemen and older men, it’s challenging to have your voice heard and respected. I had to get creative in how I got things done. I also built a bench of mentors that I could lean on. All my mentors were men. I was always kind of assimilating back then. I have been passionate about women’s issues at work throughout my career, but it wasn’t until I came to the AFL-CIO, frankly, that I opened up and really stepped into what it’s like to be a woman leader.”
A Chance for More Worker Power: “Workers across the country are unsatisfied with their subpar employment arrangements and many feel empowered to do something about it. While some are quitting their jobs, others are using collective power to create lasting change. Last month, which came to be known as ‘Striketober,’ workers across the country joined picket lines and threatened to walk off the job in response to stagnant wages, long hours and poor working conditions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 14:05Strikes Work: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
@UMWA on 'Goat Hill' to protestq @GovernorKayIvey use of @aleaprotects to buss in out-of-state #scabs to suppress coal miners in Brookwood #1u pic.twitter.com/CyM7xNL2g5
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) November 18, 2021Alaska AFL-CIO:
Last week, President Joelle Hall joined members of the Alaska @unionveterans in dropping off a letter in support of the #PROAct to Sen. @lisamurkowski. #UnionVeterans #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/Gjx1f8EQgv
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
When working people have the power to form a union and bargain collectively for better wages and benefits, ALL workers benefit. Hear Arizona business owner Nick Klenner's powerful story on why he supports the PRO Act. ? pic.twitter.com/zsyd7oMKJa
— Arizona AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 18, 2021California Labor Federation:
Organizing workers leads to greater worker power. It’s the only way to stand up to exploitative greedy corporations who see workers as disposable and not people. #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/EH8hXl1zBi
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) November 18, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
New CT AFL-CIO leaders made their first public appearance by standing in solidarity with our sisters and brothers on strike at Sunrise. The members of @SEIU1199_NE are fighting for dignity, respect & a fair contract. We’ll fight one day longer and one day stronger. #1u pic.twitter.com/E0IxqqVokf
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) November 11, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
Union apprenticeships prepare working people for good-paying, in-demand jobs. IBEW 915 apprentice Nicole Wright-Kocher was recently interviewed about the opportunities apprenticeships provide. https://t.co/deZBS32Ltu
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to the John Deere workers! #StrikesWork https://t.co/9UYFHYZ2qT
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 18, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/p8LV51lemZ Thanks to @MachinistsUnion @SEIU @AFSCME #unionvets #veteransday
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 12, 2021Maine AFL-CIO:
New Maine Labor News!
✊ Congress Passes Historic Investment in Infrastructure & Jobs
✊ WMLC President Calls on Collins to Support Build Back Better
✊ United Farmworkers Co-Founder Dolores Huerta Supports Bates Workers & more!https://t.co/ZgG45KVXV6 #mepolitics
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
With President Biden’s official signature on the bipartisan bill, Infrastructure Week is finally here. But we need to finish the job by also passing the Build Back Better Act. Will you add your name to call on Congress to pass it immediately? https://t.co/5DRzxQg8CN
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 16, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Mass. AFL-CIO was proud to stand with and support our @MineWorkers sisters and brothers today. #1u #bospoli #mapoli #onedaylongeronedaystronger https://t.co/1gsmPOGkzv pic.twitter.com/iw6YonMG8t
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // #Strikesgiving (@massaflcio) November 18, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
Of the @BCTGM Local 3G members on strike in Battle Creek since October 5, well over two dozen of them have served their country in the armed services and returned to civilian life with a union job. It's time to stand with them in their fight for a fair contract! #KelloggStrike pic.twitter.com/tiTfpj8RAN
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 12, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
How did your legislator vote on the issues important to working Minnesotans this year? Find out in the Minnesota AFL-CIO's 2021 Legislative Report. https://t.co/97kGdNUcAc #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/oEmHwpm8w4
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 15, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Merri Berry joined the picket line at Sunset Ford today. @MachinistsUnion Lodge 777 are on strike due to management attempts to gut their pension, cut overtime pay, and force them to accept no raises for the next 3 years. #Solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/E8YxREvp21
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 16, 2021Montana AFL-CIO:
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) November 11, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) November 7, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Workers’ rights and voting rights cannot be separated.
The #FreedomToVoteAct is just one step that working Nevadans need to ensure that they can make their voices heard in our elections! ✊ ✔️ ??
FULL STATEMENT ⤵️https://t.co/yRfW8Xi5O0
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
ICYMI pic.twitter.com/1RPtUiwGXU
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 11, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 4, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
— NMFL ✊ #Strikesgiving ? ✊ (@NMFLaflcio) November 11, 2021New York State AFL-CIO:
Discussing unions & social justice in relation to cannabis with stakeholders in the Capital Region. Creating good union jobs in this emerging industry is a top priority for the labor movement. This meeting is part of the New York State Cannabis Workforce Initiative. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/0yqz0DpdFt
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 16, 2021North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
This track is???! Check out Tom Morello (feat. grandson) - Hold the Line: Union Strong Edit https://t.co/s04LseS57A via @aflcio ✊✊✊ #Strikesgiving #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct! (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 15, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
Always bet on the @MachoMan! https://t.co/H3s3AHb7hW
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 17, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Take a look at our Labor Union Video from the 33rd Biennial General Convention!https://t.co/aFosimVOl4
— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 16, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
"The lesson of the #KaiserStrike is that when you take one of us on, you take all of us on."
Read more from @graham_oregon in the latest @nwlaborpress: https://t.co/2rQzYJTJCh@OFNHP @AFTunion @AFLCIO #Strikesgiving
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Last month we had #Striketober , this month we have #Strikesgiving! We will stand up for all of our rights. All union members are cheering for your victory! @sftlocal1147 @AFTPA pic.twitter.com/kKfV8UUATH
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 10, 2021Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Prevailing wage laws boost worker productivity, reduce injury rates, and increase apprenticeship training, which helps combat the shortage of skilled labor in construction!
For a full list of or 2021 Resolutions visit our website: https://t.co/Sg7NuWSHHj#BuildBackBetter pic.twitter.com/OtbosGvEEt
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
As detailed by the @TNLookout, Eddie Bryan leaves behind an unparalleled legacy. #1u https://t.co/NRDl2BHbm0
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) November 16, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
Texan and member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Salvador Herrera, shared his thoughts on organizing in the South with the Department of Labor.https://t.co/wAIxFym21e pic.twitter.com/wPOnzawGza
— Texas AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@TexasAFLCIO) November 17, 2021Washington State Labor Council:
When Van’s employer tried to use his immigration status as an excuse to fire him, his coworkers & union @teamsters117 fought back. When we fight for immigrant workers, we can win; against a boss and against the racist, xenophobic policies & institutions that harm all workers. #1u pic.twitter.com/0JHmAPjY2m
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 10, 2021West Virginia AFL-CIO:
WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword: “It creates national standards across the spectrum on how different facets of our democratic process work ….” https://t.co/ab5oKtLBUr
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) November 10, 2021Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Governor Evers uses veto pen to stand up for democracy. Voters derserve fair maps. https://t.co/Gm9Ize8hnN
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 18, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 10:17Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UMWA Holds International Day of Action for Striking Miners
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Mine Workers (UMWA) continued to ramp up the pressure by holding an international day of action earlier today in support of its members at Warrior Met Coal in Alabama. Since April, miners at Warrior have been on strike, determined to win a fair contract that recognizes their contributions to the company. At today’s protests, UMWA targeted Warrior’s investors to urge management to come back to the table and bargain in good faith.
“Today showed that this isn’t just our fight. This is everyone’s fight,” said UMWA International President Cecil Roberts. “We had labor leaders across the nation standing up today demanding justice for working families. Warrior Met and the corporations backing them now know we are not stopping until these families get what they deserve.”
Rallies were held in Washington, D.C.; New York City; Denver; Boston; Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Montgomery, Alabama; Newport Beach, California; and Melbourne, Australia. President Shuler helped lead the rally in Washington.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/19/2021 - 09:35Pass the Freedom to Vote Act Now! What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Equity Weekly comes out each Wednesday to update the membership on everything happening across the union. Subscribe today to stay in the loop - https://t.co/oa33DA5A1C pic.twitter.com/Ih38trdiNW
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) November 16, 2021AFGE:
In memory of our beloved sister Fredna White -- gone too soon, but never forgotten. You were a fierce advocate, a loyal friend, a wise elder, and a trailblazing leader inside the labor movement and out. Thank you for sharing your unique talent and energy with us. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/xVsfBigJv6
— AFGE (@AFGENational) November 17, 2021AFSCME:
“We beat back a two-tier wage package which would have negatively impacted our ability to hire, recruit and retain during a severe shortage of nurses, health care workers and professionals.” – @unacuhcp President Denise Duncan. #Strikesgiving #1u https://t.co/oxHGAuIr7P
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 16, 2021Alliance for Retired Americans:
Seniors have had to put up with greed from wealthy pharmaceutical corporations for far too long.
It's time to get #BuildBackBetter passed and require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices. https://t.co/BLrr2w3M7N
Amalgamated Transit Union:
#Covid_19 #1u #Labour pic.twitter.com/IBJPGR9wmB
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 17, 2021American Federation of Musicians:
This #VeteransDay, we’re proud to honor the incredible #musicians who have served our country. Our nation wouldn’t be what is today without the service and sacrifice of our #veterans. Honoring #USMilitary musicians: current, past, and future. #thankyouforyourservice pic.twitter.com/89RYIRb0zm
— AFM (@The_AFM) November 11, 2021American Federation of Teachers:
Talking with grieving students about their loss helps them cope. Increasing all students’ awareness of the impact of loss can also help those who are grieving. Learn more this November, Children’s Grief Awareness month: https://t.co/4SS3OwuVLU pic.twitter.com/8RvZXiDEyL
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 16, 2021American Postal Workers Union:
Yesterday, @JoeBiden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. APWU applauds this historic investment in our nation's infrastructure, and urges congress to pass the pro-worker Build Back Better Act. https://t.co/XqEJkuVeUT
— APWU National (@APWUnational) November 16, 2021Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
When it comes to our family’s health, we can't get distracted by false health information by extremists seeking to cause harm. One of the ways they do this is by repeating claims to make incidental side effects seem significant when they’re not. #NotInMyFeed pic.twitter.com/F9HeVYZ60r
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) November 16, 2021Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
The attack on voting rights is a direct attack on Flight Attendant voting rights. Most Election Days we are flying and away from home. That's why we rely on early voting and mail ballots for local, state, & national elections. The Freedom to Vote Act must be passed by the Senate! pic.twitter.com/ZyeO3S3T1w
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 17, 2021Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
What’s that saying about a Sleeping Giant? ?#kelloggstrike #1u #contractconcessions101 #twotiertravesty pic.twitter.com/sf5LE7mIVq
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) November 12, 2021Boilermakers:
Here's a #NAW2021 fact thanks to @NABTU
As a #Boilermaker apprentice you will be trained for your craft and set up for a better life which leads to a family-sustaining career ??#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/5oBGK0aLSw
Bricklayers:
Apprentices are the lifeblood of our #Union and the industry. This #NAW2021, as we celebrate our quality training programs, let's remember that we're developing a skilled workforce for tomorrow. #1u #apprenticeships https://t.co/F0pgwafLjz
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) November 15, 2021Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Congratulations to Elise Bryant on being re-elected President of CLUW. #CLUWCon2021 pic.twitter.com/WwjuIGmDpm
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) November 16, 2021Communications Workers of America:
Happening now in DC: CWAers and friends demand #VotingRightsNow! pic.twitter.com/k8rmqAiwwF
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 17, 2021Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Union Busting on @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver #1u https://t.co/TZWZF1dG0R
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 16, 2021Electrical Workers:
This #IBEW local is welcoming back its members in the tastiest way imaginable. https://t.co/0b995jH1vZ
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 16, 2021Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
It takes a long journey to win justice for farmworkers. We need your support as we continue to fight together. Take action by joining for our annual Songs for Justice concert on Nov. 20th with the Aguila Negra Band and GRAMMY-nominated Joe Troop. #UniteForFarmworkers
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) November 12, 2021Fire Fighters:
Former @PFFPNC President David Anders presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the state convention Tuesday. It is the most prestigious award presented by the Governor of North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/SsGjPq9YWI
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 16, 2021Heat and Frost Insulators:
Did you know that you are able to receive a post-high school education without accumulating student related debt? A career in the trades beginning with a registered apprenticeship puts you right on the path to the middle-class debt free! Find out more here https://t.co/CIRF8Cr8RC
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) November 17, 2021International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Local 195's Tim Rudolph and Sherry Thomas, Local 561's Mike Arendt and IFPTE Pres. Matt Biggs are at the White House for the signing of @JoeBiden's historic bipartisan infrastructure plan. #bidendelivers #buildbackbetter #bipartisaninfrastructuredeal pic.twitter.com/j18ymYrq1Y
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) November 15, 2021International Labor Communications Association:
Registration is now open for our Dec. 9 virtual convention https://t.co/QOqQcy84si pic.twitter.com/PmyLXevF5F
— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) November 15, 2021Ironworkers:
President Joe Biden signed his landmark $1 trillion infrastructure bill into law Monday. The bill will inject $550 billion of new funds into transportation, broadband and utilities over the next five years. https://t.co/WISQScTcBH
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) November 15, 2021Jobs With Justice:
ICYMI: A few weeks ago, Jobs With Justice joined with @Teamsters, @onefairwage, and members of Congress to call on the Senate to pass the #PROAct. Our full event wrap-up here. ??https://t.co/FgtR5Fk8Au
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) November 16, 2021Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers on strike ✊? https://t.co/0f0usBwC8f
— LCLAA Los Angeles (@lclaalosangeles) November 16, 2021Laborers:
The skilled Building Trades registered apprenticeship programs have been a path to the Middle Class for generations of Americans. #NAW21 #ApprenticeshipWorks
Learn more about LIUNA's apprenticeship: https://t.co/0hGdbD4c6X pic.twitter.com/7rGYU2jbu5
Machinists:
We will not sit by and watch the exploitation of U.S. workers continue.
Thanks for having our back, Rep. @BennieGThompson.https://t.co/1CqhqVhPwC
Maritime Trades Department:
— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) November 16, 2021Metal Trades Department:
In 2020 there was an increase in the number of completed apprenticeship programs and active apprenticeships. There were 222,243 who became active apprentices during the year and 82,379 who completed their programs. #NAW21 pic.twitter.com/aFtoQu6THD
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 17, 2021Mine Workers:
Johnny Murphy from UMWA Local Union 2397 wants to give a shout-out to @unitehere for their INCREDIBLE donation to the UMWA 2021 Strike Fund!
If you would like to support the Brothers and Sisters on strike at Warrior Met visit:https://t.co/GLkH79H9sL pic.twitter.com/KmJRjVbzFG
Musical Artists:
AGMAzine has earned a Gold Award in the 2021 MarCom Awards! AGMA was recognized for its 2021 Winter issue “The New Frontier”. Continue reading: https://t.co/a37LbHurLy pic.twitter.com/YEMrTJZ2oD
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 16, 2021National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Executive Vice President Andrew LeBovidge represented NATCA at the recent World ATM Congress in Madrid. The event’s return after two years signaled a key step in the global aviation recovery. https://t.co/E21KK36hTd pic.twitter.com/G2IvLs7EAM
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 17, 2021National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:
Honoring those who served. Thank you. ??#VeteransDay2021 pic.twitter.com/5oAgZbx6SX
— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) November 11, 2021National Association of Letter Carriers:
Members of Jacksonville, FL Branch 53 participated in a Veterans Day parade last week. Thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/StdL8bDrwv
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) November 17, 2021National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
BREAKING: Senate Hearing Raises Expectations For Biden Administration on Immigrant Worker Rights: Senator Booker and Secretary Mayorkas Make Case for Deferred Action Status [video and statement]: https://t.co/bm1zpgw39u #dale
— NDLON (@NDLON) November 16, 2021National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Care workers do so much to support our loved ones. It’s time for Congress to support care workers, too. By passing the #BuildBackBetter bill, Congress can ensure everyone who needs care can receive the attention they need. #TimeToDeliver #CareCantWait pic.twitter.com/sD6h4mOZRj
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 17, 2021National Federation of Federal Employees:
Veterans Day Message from NFFE National President Randy Erwin - https://t.co/7MVJpqI4Ke pic.twitter.com/nQ9MuIr8JD
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) November 11, 2021National Nurses United:
Workers in male-dominated fields (police, firefighters) get "presumptive eligibility" for workers' comp.
But nurses suffer some of the highest rates of injury at work of any profession. Why are we left without this benefit? #CarePenalty #NurseTwitter pic.twitter.com/lHgh7s0RgX
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
16 workers killed on the job.
The work of #LosDeliveristas - some of the best we've seen - is going to save lives. It's deep and moving. And @SenSchumer using his power to deliver to grassroots workers is changing the game. #DeliveristasHUBs Now! Power to @workersjusticep! https://t.co/pzCxVJ5xf9
NWSL Players Association:
A true leader.
Thank you @clubelevenmag for highlighting the tireless work of @torihuster and the PA! https://t.co/DNQaxdSBg5
NFL Players Association:
??? @megatronnie continuing to make an impact in his community. https://t.co/v9bOENoEvQ
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 17, 2021North America's Building Trades Unions:
What’d I tell you... BIF is a BFD.
Thank you, @POTUS, for getting the job done ?#BidenDelivers // #1u // @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/6qftPeeCPQ
Office and Professional Employees:
Wesleyan university students and physical plant employees unionized with @OPEIU Local 153 stand in solidarity with unionizing workers at @BatesCollege #1u pic.twitter.com/bl3kiwCgDy
— OPEIU Local 153 (@153Local) November 10, 2021Painters and Allied Trades:
Union apprenticeships like ours in the building trades:
✅World-class education, free of charge.
✅Earn while you learn.
✅Robust benefits on day one.
✅Begin pension on day one.
✅Starting salary above national median salary.
✅Flexibility to work anywhere in the country. pic.twitter.com/nA7LQqoDFC
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Kudos to @POTUS for signing the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Monday, creating millions of new, good union jobs. Now Congress must finish the job by passing the Build Back Better Act to secure America’s middle class! https://t.co/dzNXcnlzcI
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 16, 2021Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS is proud to represent thousands of veterans @FAANews & @MCASCPPA. They continue to serve their country as federal employees, working 24/7/365 for the American public. #VeteransDay2021 #publicservice #aviationsafety #unionsolidarity @FAA_Steve pic.twitter.com/4GHb7b00M7
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 11, 2021Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
STATEMENT on Blue Origin subsidy in #NDAA: “Until Jeff Bezos changes the way his employees are mistreated and dehumanized at Amazon and elsewhere, no elected official should support the passage of subsidies for him or any of his projects” -@sappelbaum https://t.co/LOppvCfXdc pic.twitter.com/t30afGKQzc
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 17, 2021Roofers and Waterproofers:
Working with a nail gun? Choose the safest trigger option – a full sequential trigger. It can prevent serious, even fatal, injuries. For more tips on using nail guns safely, visit: https://t.co/Qfr0592fUs #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/fIGOJ1aXe8
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 17, 2021SAG-AFTRA:
#KnowHerName: Learn about lawyer, activist, and former presidential advisor Kimberly Teehee, the first Cherokee Nation delegate in the House
of Representatives.
Thank you to @womenshistory for this moment in history.#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/U96PRDHhft
Seafarers:
To expand the Navy isn’t enough. We need a bigger commercial fleet. https://t.co/FKdImpuqwa via @BrookingsInst #Maritime #USA #1u #Jobs
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 12, 2021Solidarity Center:
With just 1 yr to go until the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup time is running out for #Qatar to deliver on its promise to abolish the kafala sponsorship system & better protect #migrantworkers, per new @amnesty report. @GAATW_IS @FES_Migration https://t.co/VsQKik9SNq
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 17, 2021TCU/IAM:
The signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill yesterday was a historic moment for our country and our union as the bill makes massive investments in our crafts. We were proud and honored to attend the bill signing ceremony. #1u #InfrastructureBill #InfrastructureWeek pic.twitter.com/06GrVrourL
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) November 16, 2021The NewsGuild-CWA:
Members of three New York Times unions joined forces on Tuesday to deliver a message to management: Stop union busting. Respect our union.https://t.co/2p5oUdNYXP pic.twitter.com/kj16y481W8
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) November 17, 2021Theatrical Stage Employees:
What does it mean to be Sober Curious?
Join us on Friday, 11/19 for a webinar with Rosalyn Gilbert, LCSW, and Joshua Snow, LCSW, from the @TheActorsFund Addiction and Recovery Services.
Register here: https://t.co/4gSoX0Yd0U pic.twitter.com/Z2WsBmc5I5
Transport Workers Union:
“If there’s not a no-fly list, people are going to continue to assault plane crews and gate agents. Its an absolute must that this list be established.” - @TWUSamuelsen #EnoughIsEnough pic.twitter.com/W6zETLMncZ
— TWU (@transportworker) November 17, 2021Transportation Trades Department:
TTD Pres. Greg Regan to @TransportDems: We do not believe that a shortage of employees in the supply chain is a factor in current conditions. pic.twitter.com/BTJ3Vp2FWI
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 17, 2021UAW:
Jeff is a Vietnam vet and activist who’s heard a lot of talk about supporting our vets over the years. #TheBuildBackBetterAct addresses the needs of vets including support for the VA & workforce & building improvements to streamline care for our nation’s veterans. #UAWVeterans pic.twitter.com/XTfNS2SMo3
— UAW (@UAW) November 11, 2021Union Veterans Council:
In the words of @JasonIsbell “What have we done to Help” today? #1u https://t.co/s9PVmt7HmO
— Union Veterans Council?✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) November 17, 2021UNITE HERE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:@HelloFresh Workers Allege Frequent Injuries, Dangerous Working Conditions Inside America’s #1 Meal Kit Company’s CA & CO Factories
Workers & union ask gov't to investigate occupational hazards as new data reveal higher-than-average injury rates pic.twitter.com/KkRppt60t7
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Did you know that the @UFCW Free College Benefit is now offering a free online #Cannabis Business Certificate program for its members and their families?
Sign up today to take advantage of this benefit! For more details, visit: https://t.co/U0bR5c9pf4#1u #CannabisUnion pic.twitter.com/GPqluTcsMS
United Steelworkers:
. @exxonmobilbmt @exxonmobil put our @USWLu13_243 families on the streets in a #ULPLockOut & now it’s personal! We’re fighting not just for us, but all of us for SAFETY, SECURITY & SENIORITY of our community @CityofBmt too! #FairContract pic.twitter.com/YtJdc4bsdx
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) November 16, 2021United Students Against Sweatshops:
Drumroll please..... the 25th USAS National Convention will be March 18-19, 2022 at Fresno State University - YOU'RE INVITED!! Register now at https://t.co/KODD1FshEy pic.twitter.com/75A415iK80
— USAS (@USAS) November 8, 2021Utility Workers:
November is National Native American Heritage Month! Pay tribute by learning more about the rich ancestry and traditions of native peoples by visiting https://t.co/9F5JxE1E2P
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 16, 2021Working America:
It's time for @generalelectric to believe in America and restore its commitment to service members.
Find out more from @CWAUnion at https://t.co/V0Yx95lIB1 #VeteransDay #1u pic.twitter.com/S8J1y2OsgA
Writers Guild of America, East:
This week on OnWriting: A Podcast of the Writers Guild of America, East....
JON SPAIHTS & DENIS VILLENEUVE
Co-writers of @DUNEmovie
They discuss the challenges of writing a story that serves 2 audiences, focusing on the human element in sci-fi, & more.https://t.co/2uMHA9uUhi
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NNU, AFT Urge Implementation of Presidential COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Recommendations
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
National Nurses United (NNU) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) praised President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, which last week released its final report to the president addressing the deep structural inequities in our country that led to the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on people of color. The task force is recommending that the administration create a permanent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases; improve health care access for communities of color and underserved communities; address environmental factors that contribute to health disparities; and enforce anti-discrimination protections for Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian health care workers.
“The pandemic’s devastating impact on communities of color laid bare the stark inequities of our nation’s health care system—inequities that existed long before COVID-19 and prevented millions of people of color, rural and low-income Americans from accessing hospitals, medication and more,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “This task force took critical steps to address those inequities, including assessing rural hospital closures and implementing important standards to make sure health care workers are protected on the job, which in turn creates safer environments for patients to receive care, regardless of where they live.”
Mary Turner, RN, who is president of the Minnesota Nurses Association, which is an affiliate of NNU, and a member of the task force, said: “As an ICU nurse on a COVID unit since the start of the pandemic, I am thrilled that the task force is calling for a permanent OSHA COVID-19 standard that includes protections against aerosol and airborne transmission for nurses and other workers. I’ve seen too many workers die during this pandemic, and nurses of color have become infected and died at alarming rates. Nurses should never again have to fight for respiratory and other occupational health and safety protections. I am also proud of our recommendation to assess clinical practice guidelines and health-related algorithms for racial and other types of bias.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/18/2021 - 09:36Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBB Members Help Rebuild Seattle Zoo’s Playground
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Union members always work together when we have a chance to improve our communities. Members of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 104 recently took part in a special community service project to rebuild and upgrade the playground at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. The project was completed with volunteers giving a couple hours of their evenings over a few months to work.
Local 104 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Steve Behling said he’s proud of the volunteer work the local has completed for their community. “I would like to thank Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo for giving Local 104 membership the opportunity to be of service to our community. We are proud to have been a part [of the project] by making the upgraded bamboo scramble installation much safer for the children of Seattle, and we hope that many generations to come are able to enjoy their visit to one of the best zoos in our area.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/17/2021 - 09:58Workers Rise Up: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
U.S. Workers Have Been Striking in Startling Numbers. Will That Continue?: “U.S. workers are doing something we haven’t seen much of in the last three decades: striking. Roughly 25,000 workers have recently walked off their jobs and joined picket lines, earning October 2021 the nickname #striketober. Are these strikes likely to spread? Our research on union activity over the past century has identified several major factors affecting union and strike dynamics. How today’s strikes develop will likely depend on these factors.”
Infrastructure Bill Includes Billions for Broadband: “The infrastructure bill heading to President Biden's desk includes $65 billion to improve high-speed internet access and affordability. Why it matters: The pandemic proved the necessity of connectivity to participate in daily American life, and Biden's administration acknowledged that by including this funding in the infrastructure package. By the numbers: The funding is aimed towards building high-speed internet networks, helping low-income families pay for service and digital equity programs.”
Meet the 18-Year Kellogg's Veteran Who's Leading Workers in a Monthlong Strike That's Still Going: 'What's at Stake Here Is the American Middle Class': “Dan Osborn has worked at Kellogg's for 18 years and he's on strike for the first time. Not only is he one of the 1,400 workers who have been on strike since October 5, he's president of the local union branch in Omaha, Nebraska. They're the latest group opting to stay on the picket line and demand equitable wages as thousands of workers across the country walk out, turning what the labor movement called #Striketober into #Strikesgiving. Just this week, John Deere union members voted down a tentative agreement, meaning that more than 10,000 workers will stay on strike. At Kellogg's, workers are demanding an end to what they see as an unfair wage system.”
Yamashita: Working Families Go Beyond Negotiation Tables to Secure Democracy: “A strike database from Cornell University shows more than 250 strikes have taken place since the start of this year. All of these work stoppages are a testament to how critical of a time we are in to build a more equitable country. A country where our democracy is secured in the workplace, at the ballot box and where immigrants aren’t forced into the shadows but are given a clear path to citizenship. Workers cannot wait any longer.”
Starbucks Has Cultivated a Progressive Brand—but It’s Urging Buffalo Employees to Reject a Union in This Week’s Landmark Vote: “On Wednesday, the National Labor Relations Board will mail ballots to employees at three Starbucks Corp. coffee shops in and around Buffalo, New York, who will vote over the next four weeks on whether to establish the first-ever unionized locations among the chain’s thousands of corporate-run U.S. stores.”
Amid Wider Trends, Employers Should Expect More Worker-Led Movements for Better Benefits and Working Conditions: “With all of this attention on labor actions, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman emphasized strikes are considered a last resort for union members. ‘Nobody wants to go on strike,’ Tolman said. Tolman, who is in his 11th year as president of labor organization, which is a national federation of labor unions maintaining state federations and local labor councils, said he’s hopeful increased support for unions, as well as national legislative efforts to codify increased organizing protections, like the proposed Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 in Congress, which passed in the House earlier this year but not the Senate, will result in more workplaces organizing.”
Alabama Coal Miners Protest BlackRock in NYC: “Striking miners from Alabama protested outside BlackRock headquarters in New York on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.”
From Striketober to the Great Resignation: Pandemic Pushes Workers to Rise Up: “As the nation slowly recuperates from the brunt of the pandemic, American workers—many of whom were lauded as ‘essential’ only months ago—are making it clearer than ever that enough is enough. Corrina A. Christensen, Director of Public Relations & Communications of the BCTGM International Union, which represents workers at Frito-Lay, Kellogg, and Nabisco, told Salon that workers are capitalizing on a ‘newfound sense of leverage’ as the employers reckon with the consequences of the pandemic.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:30Biden Signs Massive Infrastructure Investment Into Law
After decades of neglect and decline, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on Monday, marking a historic $1.2 trillion investment in the country's infrastructure. The legislation invests in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, resilient transmission lines and more, and is centered around the creation of good union jobs. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond and other advocates for working families were in attendance, representing the years of hard work that was put into the passage of this important bill and the importance of infrastructure investments for working people.
In addition to the economic investments that will boost the economy, make work and traveling to and from work safer and create jobs, the legislation does a lot to help make the economy more fair and equal for women and communities of color. The legislation addresses racial justice and gender equity through improving economic opportunity and providing pathways to increased equality. In addition to investments in closing the digital divide, expanding public transit, cleaning up hazardous waste sites, making infrastructure more resilient to climate change and extreme weather and clean drinking water, the legislation ensures that women and people of color will have access to the high-quality jobs the bill creates. People of color and women were disproportionately affected by the pandemic and the act would help mediate those effects while working to shrink the persistent racial wealth gap and cycles of poverty that affect communities of color.
The investments also will allow for activists and leaders like Judaline Cassidy, a member of United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 1, to pursue programs that benefit women and people of color in the workforce. Cassidy hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has more than 25 years as a tradeswoman under her belt. When she's not continuing to perfect her craft, she focuses on efforts to inspire women to join the building trades. Among her other projects is a podcast, "Tradeswomen Talk," that spotlights women in the building trades, "Tools and Tiaras," which introduces young girls to the building trades, and "Lean In Women in Trades," a partnership with author Sheryl Sandberg that helps women navigate the trades.
This historic investment is a good starting point, but there is still work to be done. The next step is for Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will knock down barriers and help so many workers, especially women and people of color, find high-quality sustainable jobs. Activists like Cassidy are working hard to improve the lives of those around them, and it's up to Congress to provide them with the support they need to not only succeed, but to expand their efforts to benefit even more working families.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 09:44Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week, and the labor movement is celebrating the drive and success of thousands of union apprentices across the country. Apprenticeships offer workers the chance to earn while they learn, opening doors to the middle class as an alternative to traditional higher education. Click here to watch a new video from the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) about the value of union apprenticeships.
“Our robust labor-management commitment to and private multi-billion dollar investment in craft training ensure workers of all backgrounds, including veterans, women and minority communities, can meet the demands of our competitive industry,” said Sean McGarvey (IUPAT), president of North America’s Building Trades Unions. “Every year, tens of thousands of the most highly-skilled construction workers complete our state-of-the-art Registered Apprenticeship programs not only meeting the demands of industry, but also fully equipped with portable skills for rewarding middle-class careers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/16/2021 - 09:43‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Meeting the Moment for Working Families
Tim and Carolyn sit down with Jimmy Williams Jr., general president of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), to discuss the ongoing membership work of the IUPAT. They also talk about the positive impact the Build Back Better legislative agenda, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act will have on working people across the country.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/15/2021 - 10:00Tags: Podcast
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Beats Back Anti-Union Tactics at Two Air Force Bases
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
During the previous administration, federal government agencies felt empowered to pursue anti-union strategies that stripped federal workers of their right to bargain collectively. Management at March Air Reserve Base in California and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona showed their animus when they imposed contracts that took away grievance procedures and did not recognize union leaders. AFGE District 12 subsequently filed unfair labor practice complaints with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) on behalf of its members and won.
The judges who adjudicated the union’s complaints recently ordered the Air Force to immediately stop implementing the illegal contracts and return to the status quo. They also ordered the agency to go back to the bargaining table with the union and notify all employees regarding the violations.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/15/2021 - 09:32Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Pennsylvania Labor Movement Hosts Community Service Campaign in Honor of Richard Trumka
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Throughout Richard Trumka’s (UMWA) life, he inspired and encouraged us to be active leaders in our communities. We’re proud to see his legacy continue in his home state of Pennsylvania, where the labor movement is holding a series of community service events in memory of our departed friend and brother who served as president of the AFL-CIO for nearly 12 years.
Members of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, under the leadership of President Darrin Kelly (IAFF), held a litter cleanup Monday morning in Pittsburgh. The Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council held a Labor Day of Action with different opportunities for volunteers, including writing thank you cards to veterans and helping out at a local food bank. The Montgomery County AFL-CIO Union Council held a food drive and the United Labor Council of Reading & Berks County fundraised $700 to tackle hunger
There are further events planned in the coming weeks in Erie, Allentown, York, Johnstown, the Northern Tier region and Scranton. The labor movement salutes the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and its central labor councils for their dedication to their neighbors and for honoring the legacy of Brother Trumka.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/12/2021 - 10:35President Liz Shuler Honors the Service and Dedication of Our Nation’s Veterans
This Veterans Day, I join the entire country in thanking and recognizing America's servicemembers and their families.
Coast to coast, from the mountains to the plains to small towns and major cities, our own labor family includes more than 1 million veterans. They’ve served our country and continue to serve so much more than themselves by raising their voices on the picket lines, leading negotiations at the collective bargaining table and defending democracy in America’s workplaces.
That’s what the labor movement is all about. Unions put power behind workers' voices and having a say in our economic future is a cornerstone of American democracy. It’s patriotic.
It’s why the labor movement will keep fighting for the rights of all working people, especially the freedom to stand together in unions without the fear of getting fired.
I come from a union veteran family. My dad was a member of the electrical workers union, IBEW Local 125 and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He grew up poor, working in the orchards of Hood River Oregon where his family lived in a one room fruit picking shack. He and his four siblings often worried about keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. To help make ends meet, he started working at age 12, sandblasting tombstones. He signed up to join the Marine Corps right out of high school, and was deployed straight to Vietnam.
When he returned, he faced the question most veterans do: now what? A union lineman apprenticeship program put him on the path to a good job at Portland General Electric. And that job put our family on the path to the middle class.
Unions are transformational. In one generation, the union difference meant my sister and I didn’t have to worry about secure housing or having enough to eat.
That’s what drives me every single day: Every working person in this country, especially our veterans and their families, should have the life-changing power of a good, union job.
The labor movement has always engaged and supported veterans. And as we build a bold, dynamic and inclusive movement, our Union Veterans Council is taking it to the next level to shape the future of work and expand workplace democracy. Today, the council will launch a far-reaching campaign to engage, educate and mobilize our veteran community because veteran voices in our unions are powerful, persuasive and unifying.
As the nation honors their service, we want every veteran and family to know that they can have a place in our movement
Please be sure to join the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO for a special Operation Union Veterans Day event today at noon ET. You can join here.
Featured speakers include Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO; Cecil Roberts, international president of the Mine Workers; Will Attig, executive director of the Union Veterans Council; and James Rodriguez, Department of Labor's principal deputy assistant secretary for policy for Veterans' Employment and Training Service.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/11/2021 - 00:21Service + Solidarity Spotlight: BAC Plays Key Role in Expansion Efforts for New York’s Iconic Penn Station
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Moynihan Train Hall in New York City opened earlier this year, thanks in large part to the skilled work of members of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Some 90 members of BAC locals 1 NY and 7 NY/NJ installed 26,563 pieces of marble, setting the stage for Penn Station’s beautiful new train terminal. “The contractors wanted every deadline hit, so that’s what we did,” said Local 7 member Joe Bond (pictured above kneeling, second from the right). “Everything and everyone followed us, so we had to stay on schedule. It was a lot to keep up with, especially when you factor in a pandemic. Some may have decided to stay home, but not my crew.” BAC members performed some 70,000 hours of work on the project. Click here to read more.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/10/2021 - 09:33Build It Union: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Veterans deserve the right to join a union. It's time for @lisamurkowski and @SenDanSullivan to #PassThePROAct and open up meaningful employment opportunities for veterans! #1u pic.twitter.com/3fPls4UuvX
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Arizona AFL-CIO:
"Since 2020, employees have unionized or are attempting to do so everywhere from Printed Matter in New York City to Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle and Bookshop Santa Cruz in California." https://t.co/wuJytDJL1I
— Arizona AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 9, 2021California Labor Federation:
Planning your #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday shopping?
READ THIS FIRST!!#UnionStrong #1u #Solidarity https://t.co/AZuM67Be72
Colorado AFL-CIO:
#coleg #copolitics #1u #Strikesgiving #Striketober #hellofresh @unitehere23 https://t.co/X2WE0uzp7w
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 3, 2021Connecticut AFL-CIO:
CT @AFLCIO delegates elected Ed Hawthorne (@AFSCME) and Shellye Davis (@AFTunion) as their new leaders today! Congratulations! #CTAFL21 https://t.co/Yt7HKK7zIJ
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 29, 2021Florida AFL-CIO:
Happening Now: Florida AFL-CIO Director of Politics and Public Policy Dr. Rich Templin joins Rep. Anna Eskamani, Rep. Angie Nixon, and Dr. Esteban Leonardo Santis to discuss tax fairness in Florida.https://t.co/idsXuX9Loq
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Indiana State AFL-CIO:
City councils in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Evansville have all passed resolutions supporting the PRO Act! https://t.co/zmSxpALG2P
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Iowa Federation of Labor:
The next postal vehicle: Tell them to Build It Union https://t.co/kGzY0JIsLD
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 9, 2021Maine AFL-CIO:
NEW MAINE LABOR NEWS:
✊ IBEW 567 Has Largest Class of First-Year Apprentices Ever!
✊ Maine AFL-CIO Tells Hilton to Save Union Hotel Jobs
✊ Support MDI Teachers Fighting for a Fair Contract
✊ Voting is Open for Next Labor Reading Group Selectionhttps://t.co/NvTtQ8JIzD
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
President Edwards and @ValderramaforMD at the @NCSLorg 2021 Conference. pic.twitter.com/0sbjhrOL1O
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 4, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
As we continue to #BuildBackBetter we must #PassBothBills #1u https://t.co/6uUh4besh3
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // #Strikesgiving (@massaflcio) November 5, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
On day 30 of the #KelloggStrike, the Kellogg Company released their Q3 Profit Report showing adjusted earnings for this quarter up 19.8% per share from the same period last year and a third quarter increase of 9% in operating profits totaling $447,000,000.
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 4, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
We're treating essential workers like they're expendable, again https://t.co/Ct6vIZOZGG (via @mnreformer's @jpcoolican) #1u #mnleg #MakeItRight #EssentialWorkers pic.twitter.com/7RyEB0iQTu
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
We know that corporations want to break up unions. Why? Because it is a money grab for the greedy CEOs, millionaires, and stockholders. We need strong unions to reverse this trend. https://t.co/1UTh21rCo5
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Montana AFL-CIO:
This is a very good day for Montana. The bipartisan infrastructure package will help support good paying jobs in Montana for the next decade. #unionstrong #mtpol https://t.co/rgEK7QmQQM
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) November 6, 2021Nebraska AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) November 7, 2021Nevada State AFL-CIO:
From @Culinary226:
"Union workers at the Mirage Casino are protected by a strong union contract, which means Mirage workers are retained and their jobs are protected, even if owners or operators change."
READ MORE ⤵️https://t.co/dmd4Inmc6N
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 5, 2021New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 4, 2021New Mexico Federation of Labor:
Our @UAPipeTrades local 412 Brothers and Sisters helped Albuquerque’s seniors stay warm in the cold months to come.
Thank you ✊✊ #Solidarity #1u @AFLCIO https://t.co/RhxeruiHex
New York State AFL-CIO:
Congrats this is amazing news! https://t.co/oQ7QvZZbHF
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks @SenSherrodBrown for visiting the striking @steelworkers in Shelby, #Ohio today. @RepTimRyan was there Saturday. Next year we can elect @TimRyan and have the two most pro-#Union Senators in the country. #strikegiving pic.twitter.com/CBIT65UhPA
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Thanks @SenSherrodBrown for visiting the striking @steelworkers in Shelby, #Ohio today. @RepTimRyan was there Saturday. Next year we can elect @TimRyan and have the two most pro-#Union Senators in the country. #strikegiving pic.twitter.com/CBIT65UhPA
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
"It’s time for Kaiser to put patients over profits and to bargain a fair contract with their workers instead of putting cash into the pockets of a CEO." https://t.co/jFGY0EldRh
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) November 5, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Stand in solidarity with @sftlocal1147 ✊ #SchoolsOurKidsDeservehttps://t.co/GJO7htNfXx@PFTLocal3 @AFTPA @PFT400
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 8, 2021Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
"working people have a right to have a say everywhere decisions are being made in the state of Rhode Island"
RI AFL-CIO President George Nee's acceptance speech for the 2021 Dante Mollo Labor United Award, presented by United Way RI @liveunitedri https://t.co/sqPKw5Iaqp pic.twitter.com/oKYUjltvia
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"This will be my first time ever going on a strike. It's a good and a bad feeling. Because you're standing up for what you believe in, for your future." #kelloggsstrike #Strikesgiving #1u https://t.co/kTtUwo7OBK
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) November 8, 2021Texas AFL-CIO:
Last week, United Mine Workers of America (@MineWorkers) workers sent a message to greedy corporations that #Strikesgiving is underway. We're standing in solidarity with our striking brothers and sisters across the country. #TXUnionStrong pic.twitter.com/58QufqXMdO
— Texas AFL-CIO ?? #Strikesgiving (@TexasAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Virginia AFL-CIO:
Official statement from @Virginia_AFLCIO President Doris Crouse-Mays on Virginia 2021 election results:
Virginia's labor movement is truly disheartened by the election of anti-labor, anti-worker gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin.
Washington State Labor Council:
Official statement from @Virginia_AFLCIO President Doris Crouse-Mays on Virginia 2021 election results:
Virginia's labor movement is truly disheartened by the election of anti-labor, anti-worker gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin.
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
1,000 SEIU 1199 union members employed at Cabell Huntington Hospital walked out on strike today at noon.
We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of SEIU 1199 in their fight against corporate greed! #wvpol pic.twitter.com/zK0SGa4mRq
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
The next postal vehicle: Tell them to Build It Union. Take action w/ the @AFLCIO and @UAW here: https://t.co/MVqirRX0aG
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 9, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/09/2021 - 13:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New York Taxi Workers Secure Historic Debt Relief
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After 3 years of direct action, 6 weeks of 24/7 mobilization starting in September and a 15-day hunger strike that ended on November 3, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) reached an agreement with the city and Marblegate Asset Management (the holder of many of the relevant loans) for significant debt relief for the city's taxi drivers.
When drivers first acquire the medallion that allows them to drive in the city, many are forced to go into such deep debt that paying it off becomes a challenge. Under the agreement, total principal and monthly payments will be capped at more reasonable levels and drivers will no longer risk having liens placed on their homes or bank accounts.
"We won a campaign to win back our lives and honor the memory of the brothers we lost to the despair of debt," said Bhairavi Desai, executive director of NYTWA. "After years of pain and loss, we want to celebrate our triumph, the strength of driver unity and the dawning of our new days. We still also have a lot of work ahead of us—especially in getting all the lenders to the table, negotiating temporary payments before this program is up and running, securing tax exemption on forgiven debt and making sure absolutely no driver—including those foreclosed on or in bankruptcy court—is left behind. Today, while we build our momentum for the next stage, we celebrate the victory and we thank the leaders who walked the walk to make it possible."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/09/2021 - 09:39Winning Public Support: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Why Unions Are Striking—and Winning More Public Support Than in 50 Years: “The U.S. is experiencing an unusual surge of strikes—10,000 John Deere workers went on strike in October, and so did 1,400 Kellogg workers, and now 35,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers are threatening to walk out. Workplace experts generally point to two reasons for this surge. First, after working so hard and often risking their lives during the pandemic, many workers believe that they deserve better pay and treatment. Second, American workers—especially long-underappreciated essential and low-wage workers—are suddenly feeling empowered because of today’s labor shortage.”
Alabama Coal Miners Protest BlackRock in NYC: “Striking miners from Alabama protested outside BlackRock headquarters in New York on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.”
The Working Class Is on Strike: “Across the country we are witnessing a historic strike wave, with over 22,000 US union members on strike right now. From our BCTGM Local 374G right here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on strike against the greed of Kellogg’s, to the 10,000 UAW workers at John Deere plants walking off the factory floor, the Ironworkers Regional Shop Local 851 on strike against Erie Strayer Company in northwestern Pennsylvania, or the 24,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente on the west coast who have overwhelmingly authorized a strike, workers have had enough, and they are taking action. For years the working class in this country [has] been pushed to the brink, while corporate bosses and shareholders have reaped nearly all the benefits of their labor.”
The Labor Shortage Is Reshaping the Economy, and How People Talk About Work. Here's a Glossary of All the New Phrases That Sum Up Workers' Frustration with Their Deal: “Importantly, there's a mismatch between businesses saying they're eager to hire and who's still out of work. For instance, in August, the Black unemployment rate went up, even as businesses said they were scrambling to hire. It's what Dr. William Spriggs—an economics professor at Howard University and the chief economist for the AFL-CIO—said was ‘the self-evident discrimination in the labor market revealing itself.’ The Black unemployment rate ticked a bit in September, but still remains elevated.”
Labor Is Having a Moment in Colorado and Beyond, but Will That Lead to More Unionized Workers?: “A vote on a union at an Aurora HelloFresh site is seen as a test of labor’s ability to flex its muscles at a time when workers are hard to find and union members who’ve been on the front lines in the pandemic are now on the picket line, seeking better conditions and pay. The mail-in vote at the HelloFresh facility in Aurora, where about 350 employees are eligible to cast ballots, started Oct. 28 and will run through Nov. 22. About 900 HelloFresh employees in Richmond, California, will start voting Nov. 18. The number of worksites, both in Colorado and across the county, wanting to organize seems to be growing by the week. ‘I know it’s a moment for labor, but it’s actually a moment for workers,’ said Robert Lindgren, Colorado AFL-CIO political and organizing director. ‘I’m seeing people reexamining why they work at a given place and trying to find the best possible opportunity for them and their families.’”
Local Labor Union Helps Albuquerque Seniors with Heating: “It's that time of year when people start cranking up the heat in their homes, but that can be hard for seniors and people with disabilities. Members of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union 412 got ready Saturday morning to head out and help the community. ‘All the folks here—there's about one hundred hands here today, and it's a volunteer day for them. This is 100% out of the kindness of their heart. They chose to show up this morning. They'll go out all day, work their butts off and help the community,’ said Courtenay Eichhorst, union business manager.”
AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Marks 100 Minnesota Projects: “The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) announced today it reached the milestone of investing $1.6 billion in 100 construction projects in Minnesota. This achievement has contributed to the HIT’s track record of producing competitive returns for its investors since its inception in 1984, while generating important social impacts. In Minnesota, these have included about 22.8 million hours of well-paying union construction work; 13,142 new units of sorely needed housing that is 47% affordable; and transformative growth with total economic impacts of $4.8 billion.”
‘Striketober’ Isn’t a Sign of Chaos—It’s a Healthy Development for the Country: “The picket line has been crowded lately. Tens of thousands of workers are on strike, including nurses in Massachusetts, United Auto Workers at John Deere, coal miners in Alabama, metal workers in West Virginia, hospital workers in New York, ironworkers in Pennsylvania and Kellogg’s workers in four states. I recently walked the picket line with Keith Bragg, Darlene Carpenter and other members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 358 in Richmond. They saw Nabisco making record profits while trying to weaken health coverage for new hires. Bragg and Carpenter told me they refused to sell out their younger colleagues through a two-tiered system—and after a five-week strike, they won a contract that preserved good benefits for all.”
Survey Shows Broad Public Support for Worker Strikes: “Workers at companies like Kellogg’s, Nabisco and John Deere have hit the picket lines in recent weeks hoping to get a better deal from their employers. A new survey suggests the public by and large supports them. The AFL-CIO labor federation commissioned the progressive pollster Data for Progress to take the public’s temperature on the strikes that have made headlines this summer and fall. The online survey of nearly 1,300 likely voters asked if they ‘approve or disapprove of employees going on strike in support of better wages, benefits, and working conditions.’ Seventy-four percent of respondents either strongly approved or somewhat approved of the strikes, while just 20% strongly disapproved or somewhat disapproved of them. Six percent did not have an opinion.”
What the Labor Movement Needs to Keep 'Striketober' Going, According to New AFL-CIO Leader Liz Shuler: “‘They’ve had enough,’ Shuler says of the season, which many have dubbed ‘Striketober.’ But as ripe as the current labor market conditions are for successful strikes, the current moment is also a critical juncture for the future existence of the very labor unions that make such revolts possible. Private sector union membership has fallen from roughly 32% in 1960 to 6% today, and stands to decline even more as older generations—who are more likely than younger ones to be in unions—near retirement age. ‘This is the challenge of our time. Something like 10,000 people a day are retiring,’ Shuler says, ‘and that silver tsunami is about to hit us.’ Shuler spoke with TIME about what the workers participating in this historic wave of strikes are fighting for, how union membership can help them get it, and what the AFL-CIO is doing to bolster its ranks—especially with young people—to preserve its collective bargaining power in the decades to come.”
Outside Hotlines for Athletes Are a Sign of Strained Trust in Sports: “The NWSL players’ union, for instance, is paying about $50 a month, said Meghann Burke, its executive director. Burke said the association, a new affiliate of the AFL-CIO, had initially asked the league to include an anonymous third-party hotline in its anti-harassment policy, adopted earlier this year, because of ‘the lack of trust the players have in the league handling these complaints.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 13:11Working People Respond to Passage of Historic Infrastructure Legislation
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the legislation now goes to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. Working people across the country applauded the legislation as a breakthrough victory for working families. Here are responses from advocates for working families to the bill's passage:
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler:
Victories like this are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden. Finally, at long last, infrastructure week is really here. Today’s final passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, resilient transmission lines and more is centered around the creation of good union jobs.
Yet there is still more work to be done. The Build Back Better Act will knock down the barriers that have prevented so many workers, especially women and people of color, from finding high-quality sustainable jobs. It will make quality child care and elder care available to relieve the burden families face in getting back to work. Investments in good, clean union energy jobs will help us fight climate change and protect our communities. Improvements to our immigration system will ease the burden for those who want to call America home. Wealthy individuals and corporations finally will pay their fair share in taxes. And for the first time, employers will be hit with real financial penalties for union-busting, making this the most significant advancement for the right to organize since passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935.
President Biden promised to be the most pro-union president in history—and today is another down payment on that promise. We are so close to making our economy fairer and safer for working people, and we can’t stop now. With the bipartisan infrastructure bill set to become law, the House and Senate must finish the job by sending the Build Back Better Act to President Biden’s desk.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders:
The passage of this bill is a watershed moment that is a long time coming. It will create good union jobs, providing the shot in the arm our economy and our communities need. It will improve quality of life for all of us—everyone who drives on our roads, who rides public transit, who buys goods that pass through our ports, who depends on clean drinking water and a reliable power grid.
Today’s vote in the House comes on the immediate heels of a very strong jobs report this morning, with more than half a million jobs created in October, as the virus continues to recede. After more than a year and a half of struggle and challenge, we are starting to turn the corner, and the passage of the infrastructure bill will further accelerate progress.
But Congress’ work isn’t done. The House and the Senate both must move immediately to also pass the Build Back Better Act, which will make unprecedented and urgently needed investments in our human infrastructure.
Build Back Better would be life-changing for millions upon millions of people. It includes the robust support many of our neighbors need to live with greater security and dignity. If you rely on prescription drugs to stay alive, if the affordable housing crisis is devastating your family, if you need access to child care for your kids or home care for your elderly parents, you can’t wait any longer.
Jobs are coming back. We are getting closer to ending this pandemic. Resources are coming into our communities. We are heading in the right direction—not just a return to normalcy in America, but profound change that leaves everyone better off than before. Now, it’s time to finish the job.
International President John A. Costa, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU):
This legislation is a game changer for public transit, workers, riders, and our country. It's a down payment on our future. With record funding for public transit, the bill provides a historic investment in fixing and modernizing our nation's crumbling transit infrastructure. It will help fight climate change with funding to replace thousands of gas-powered buses with clean, zero-emission vehicles, and provides critical workforce development to ensure frontline transit workers are trained to safely repair, maintain, and operate vehicles with this new technology.
There has been an epidemic of violent attacks on transit workers that has only gotten worse during the pandemic. The Infrastructure bill provides important protections and safety measures to help ensure transit workers are safe on the job.
The vision of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda is a comprehensive agenda for how we move forward as a nation for generations to come. So much is on the line. It's time to deliver what the American people voted for. By the House passing the infrastructure bill, we are one step closer to achieving real, transformative change.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten:
This bill is a triumph for working people, the economy and the nation. It will better the life of each and every American and stands as a breakthrough after years of talk and bluster about infrastructure, but precious little action.
Today, that changed: it shows what we can achieve when we bridge divides and work together to find solutions for the American people. This bill will get lead out of water and repair leaky tunnels. It will pipe broadband into millions of homes that sorely need it. And it’s going to restore our crumbling roads and create millions of new jobs.
Both progressive and moderates worked constructively with the speaker and the president to find a way to make this a reality. Now, we have the wind at our backs—we are dealing with COVID, adding jobs, and have a second page of history about to be written: child and elder care, pre-K, and climate action in the Build Back Better Act. Let’s celebrate tonight’s vote and continue to deliver for the American people who’ve been through so much and yearn to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Communications Workers of America (CWA):
The passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is welcome news for America’s working families.
The $65 billion in the IIJA to support the expansion and affordability of broadband will help close the digital divide. For the first time, the bill prioritizes broadband projects from employers who follow labor law. That means that the funding will create good, sustainable jobs in our communities. CWA members are eager to begin this buildout and to support the deployment. We are working with state legislators and regulators to make sure that the funds are distributed to projects that deliver the speed and reliability that customers need, and that the companies that receive the funds are held to high standards.
Additionally, to address the nation’s airports and air traffic control facilities, the IIJA allocates $25 billion for airport improvement projects, airport terminal development, and Federal Aviation Administration facilities and equipment. This will help make our airports safer for travelers and for the CWA passenger service agents and flight attendants who ensure that our air travel runs smoothly.
Finally, the inclusion of the Build America, Buy America Act in the IIJA will close the loopholes in and provide more transparency into our domestic procurement laws, helping to ensure that our tax dollars are supporting American jobs.
These investments are much needed but they are not enough. Congress must act quickly to pass the Build Back Better Act to ease the burdens of the pandemic and help working families and retirees build a better future.
Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Lonnie R. Stephenson:
Nearly one year ago, the American people voted in record numbers for a new president and majorities in Congress that would prioritize working families by making bold and visionary investments in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Today, our elected leaders made good on that promise. IBEW members and working people everywhere are celebrating the passage of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.
Making once-in-a-generation investments in our country, this legislation ushers in a new era of worker-centric prosperity—one characterized by good, union jobs that will put millions to work modernizing our electric grid, repairing and expanding the vital transportation services we all rely on, and creating the reduced-carbon energy solutions that will power our economy well into the 21st century and beyond.
IBEW members have long called for the kind of historic funding levels that will transform life in America and we are eager, willing, and able to get to work rebuilding this country and powering our economy. We will lead the way in building out the charging infrastructure needed for the wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles, buses, trains, and trucks. And we will continue our critical work as the power professionals who build and maintain the grid that makes life in America possible.
We commend President Biden’s leadership in addressing the climate crisis and encourage the Biden administration to continue supporting carbon-free nuclear energy. IBEW members also applaud the strong labor protections found in this legislation and will always push for the strongest labor standards possible across all infrastructure investments, including in the critical area of broadband expansion.
Restoring the middle class has always been at the heart of President Biden’s ambitious plan to Build Back Better, and the IBEW is proud to stand with President Biden, Vice President Harris and Congress in fighting for the union workers who built the middle class and our great nation.
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART):
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a significant achievement to create and protect good, union jobs in the construction and transportation industries that will be instrumental in rebuilding our nation. Its passage comes as our labor market demonstrates signs of progress and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent. The passage of this legislation will further aid our recovery.
However, there is still significant work ahead. Congress must immediately pass the Build Back Better Act. This legislation will make unprecedented investments in American families and further boost economic growth. The bill applies labor standards to clean energy tax credits, expands registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, invests in high-speed rail projects, addresses indoor air quality in schools and supports workers’ right to organize by making monumental reforms to the National Labor Relations Act.
Congress must fulfill their promise to the American people and deliver on the entirety of President Biden’s agenda by swiftly passing the Build Back Better Act.
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matthew Biggs:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a win for American workers and their communities. This bill fulfills an overdue promise that lawmakers have made to Americans and paves the way for 21st-century infrastructure projects and good-paying union jobs. IFPTE members, the work they do, and the neighborhoods they come home to, will be among the beneficiaries of this bill, which modernizes transit and transportation networks, roads and highways, ports and waterways, airports, water systems, and broadband. We now turn our attention to passing the Build Back Better Act and applaud the progress the House has made. We urge Congress to quickly follow up on this historic victory and send the Build Back Better Act to President Biden's desk that commits to childcare and early education, economic resiliency and clean energy, research and development infrastructure, affordable housing, and tax fairness. We applaud President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer for their vision in making this historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and in American workers.
Terry O’Sullivan, general president of LIUNA:
The bipartisan infrastructure deal announced by the White House is a bold and transformational investment in our nation’s infrastructure that will put Laborers to work and help union families build better lives. The $1.2 trillion package will add significantly to existing investment and create hundreds of thousands of good union jobs building our roads and bridges, upgrading our drinking water and power systems, and improving infrastructure resiliency. These investments will bolster our economic well-being and secure our infrastructure for years to come.
LIUNA commends the vision of the Biden Administration and the bipartisan group of legislators who have joined with the President to craft an infrastructure package that will build and restore our nation. The collaboration and cooperation from both parties on this historic legislation is both a testament to the importance of infrastructure and an encouraging sign that lawmakers can come together on issues vital to our way of life.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and members of Congress for passage of this legislation, and to ensure each and every job created through public spending has the strongest of labor protections.
Machinists (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr.:
Our union is relieved that our nation’s elected officials could agree on legislation impacting millions of working families. The IAM was instrumental in helping pass the American Rescue Plan and other rescue packages to help keep our members employed and their families secure. But these were temporary fixes to a problem that needs a permanent solution. The IAM applauds the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the framework agreement on the Build Back Better Act. Both pieces of legislation will provide historic investment for the airline, transit, aerospace, manufacturing and other critical industries.
Build Back Better is transformative for families, with the Child Tax Credit, lower child care costs, universal pre-K, workforce development, and more. Corporations have been on the receiving end of corporate tax cuts and other special giveaways for too long. We need legislation that will embrace a pro-worker, pro-democracy agenda that provides millions of working families the opportunity to better wages and benefits.
The infrastructure package will finally strengthen Buy American rules to help boost our domestic manufacturing sectors. Our union fought to include the most significant federal investment in public transit and passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak. Our transportation sector will benefit through the modernization projects created through the robust funding provided in this infrastructure package. This investment will help our vital manufacturing and transportation sectors build back better.
Our union is dedicated to reversing the trend of an economy that serves the wealthiest and most prominent corporations so that working families can live a better life with decent wages and benefits.
Rich Santa, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA):
This bipartisan infrastructure legislation is not only great news for the country, but also very significant for NATCA members. Once the president signs it into law, this legislation will provide $5 billion to help bring air traffic control facilities up to standard. Although this funding will not resolve every issue in every facility across the country, it is a major step in the right direction.
As our members know well based on their daily experiences in their facilities, and as we testified before Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) physical infrastructure needs immediate attention. Upgrading the FAA’s aging air traffic control facility infrastructure remains a top priority for NATCA. Many of our facilities have exceeded their life expectancy, while others need extensive repairs and/or replacement of critical physical infrastructure systems including roofs, windows, HVAC systems, elevators, and plumbing. We expect that the IIJA will address many of these issues.
NATCA thanks the members of Congress who supported this critical legislation, which will greatly improve the physical infrastructure of the National Airspace System (NAS), helping to ensure that it remains the safest, most efficient in the world.
James T. Callahan, general president of the Operating Engineers (IUOE):
The Operating Engineers applaud the hard work and resolve of President Biden and Speaker Pelosi to make passage of the bipartisan infrastructure framework a reality and to deliver for the American people.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will enable us to build world-class infrastructure that is safe, reliable, and more resilient. It will create hundreds of thousands of family wage jobs, build healthier communities, and reduce congestion and gridlock.
This historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure investment will help train and employ tens of thousands of skilled tradespeople, including thousands of Operating Engineers, in every corner of the country. It will rebuild the nation’s crumbling public works and solidify the foundation upon which America competes in the global economy.
The legislative process is not always easy, but bipartisanship and compromise are essential to move our country forward. Passing this historic infrastructure bill is a major step forward. We expect to see further progress in the days to come.
Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President Jimmy Williams Jr.:
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the House last night is a huge step forward for our country. IUPAT members from coast to coast are ready to go to work on the projects that will be funded through the bi-partisan infrastructure bill, and we thank those in Congress of both parties who put workers first and voted for the bill.
In order to truly move America forward, however, we need the additional investments of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill, which will make progress toward fixing labor laws that are rigged against workers; invest in our care economy; and make real inroads to tackle the climate crisis. We urge the House and Senate to immediately get to work to pass this historic investment in working people.
Together, these bills will help leverage the economic power of the United States to create quality, good paying jobs across sectors and allow our communities to grow and thrive. We cannot wait to act; the time is now to make the investments that will impact our country now and for generations to come.
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) General President Mark McManus:
For generations, our members have been promised good-paying jobs rebuilding American infrastructure by presidents of both parties. Now, President Biden is making good on that promise. This bipartisan infrastructure bill is a historic achievement that will create good-paying jobs for United Association members as we work to build back better. While this process was not easy, and was not without its roadblocks, Congress has finally shown our members that they are committed to create family-sustaining union jobs.”
The strong labor protections included in this bill, like prevailing wage provisions and the use of registered apprenticeships, mean that the jobs created will give every worker a fair shot at the middle class. Even more, these labor protections mean that United Association members, who are the best trained and most highly skilled craftspeople in our industry, can get to work providing clean and safe water to all our communities, delivering affordable and reliable energy to American consumers, and rebuilding critical pieces of our nation’s infrastructure—all with fair wages and benefits.
While there is still work left to do as the Senate considers the Build Back Better Act, today’s passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill is a truly historic moment. President Biden is making good on his promise to invest in infrastructure to create good-paying union jobs. Now, the entire United Association stands ready to get to work rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure.
Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a monumental victory for transportation workers and all workers in this country. This bill includes historic levels of much-needed federal investment that will repair, modernize, and grow our public transit and passenger rail systems. Not only will it create hundreds of thousands of new, good-paying, union jobs—it will improve job protection standards for workers nationwide.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will also ensure that workers will not be cast aside by new technology investments such as electric vehicles, prevent assaults onboard public transit and Amtrak, and raise safety standards in our transportation systems.
While no bill is perfect and the TWU will continue to fight against any increase in private activity bond (PAB) financing intended to undermine and diminish public transit service, the key infrastructure investments included in this bill will create and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs and improve the lives of our members.
The TWU recognizes the unwavering commitment of President Joe Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Sherrod Brown, and Representative Peter DeFazio to transportation workers. Together, we look forward to building the next generation of transportation infrastructure.
UAW President Ray Curry:
With today’s passage of a bi-partisan infrastructure bill, President Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats have fixed many of the core needs that every American relies on to live, work and succeed in the future.
For UAW members, this legislation brings reliability and job opportunities by improving the current state of our roads, bridges, water, electric vehicle infrastructure, internet capacity and electrical grid reliability.
We were also encouraged by passage of the procedural rules for the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). We now look forward to swift passage by the U.S. House of the BBBA, along with the Kildee/Stabenow Provision, that when paired with this infrastructure bill will ensure that consumer EV subsidies for new EV products will be made in the United States by workers who have good paying union jobs.
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway:
The USW applauds the U.S. House for passing this monumental bill, paving the way for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.
Robust investment, coupled with strong domestic procurement provisions, will help American workers, including hundreds of thousands of USW members, not only by making their communities safer but by promoting widespread job growth and economic opportunity.
Our members stand ready to produce the essential building blocks of a modern infrastructure, as we begin making long-overdue upgrades to the nation’s roads, bridges, broadband, public transit, ports, power grids and more.
Our elected leaders have long promised this kind of transformational infrastructure investment but ultimately failed to deliver. Now, thanks to President Biden’s vision and leadership, Congress has finally come together and passed bipartisan legislation that will directly benefit American workers and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
We now look forward to working with the administration and our congressional leaders as they address needed investments in our nation’s social infrastructure, making the rest of the president’s Build Back Better agenda a reality.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
BREAKING NEWS ?
The House PASSED the $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan!
Great for jobs and great for Alaska! Thank you @repdonyoung for voting YES ✅ #BIF pic.twitter.com/fdTreOeCJ9
California Labor Federation:
We applaud our legislators who fought hard to get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal passed ?? This critical investment in will help rebuild our country, while uplifting good, union jobs.
Now let’s get the job done and pass the #BuildBackBetterAct #NotDoneYet #1u https://t.co/58nSYJRmVJ
Indiana AFL-CIO:
Passage of the Infrastructure Bill is a huge win for Hoosier workers! #InfrastructureBill pic.twitter.com/wHvIce1RwW
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
This weekend, the House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Take a look and see what this could mean for Massachusetts #1u #mapoli ??? pic.twitter.com/K00S2YDpQB
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@massaflcio) November 8, 2021Michigan AFL-CIO:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has PASSED! Here’s what it means for Michigan: pic.twitter.com/QhFHVKQ40S
— Michigan AFL-CIO ?? (@MIAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Minnesota AFL-CIO:
What did Minnesota get in the #Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? A whole lot! #1u pic.twitter.com/QK7nU79aQZ
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 8, 2021Missouri AFL-CIO:
We did it! The bipartisan infrastructure bill is headed to the Presidents desk! You all made this possible. This bill will create jobs, build our cities and improve the quality of life for ALL Americans! #Infrastructure pic.twitter.com/X0SgbPZbbe
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary James Holbrook:
The Montana AFL-CIO and workers across our state thank Senator Jon Tester for his leadership in getting this bipartisan bill passed. Investments in good paying jobs and the infrastructure we need to keep our economy going shouldn’t be partisan. This bill pays for important investments in internet access for rural communities, clean water, fire prevention, and transportation infrastructure. All investments that Montana needs to keep our economy strong, keep our communities safe and healthy and live our daily lives.
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Every dollar invested in our state's #Infrastructure is an opportunity to put people to work in union jobs with higher pay, better benefits, and a louder voice in the workplace.
With this bill, @RepSusieLee, @repdinatitus and @RepHorsford stood by our union brothers and sisters! pic.twitter.com/5qyrnzSAMj
New York State AFL-CIO:
After decades of delay and decline, the infrastructure funding our country desperately needs has finally been approved. This investment will result in good union jobs, right here in New York. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5BTzPKGcbK
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Ohio AFL-CIO:
And a real investment in so many areas of #Ohio the @ohiogop like to claim they are helping but have been devastated by their policies the last 10 years. We look forward to seeing what rural Ohio looks like in 10 years after @POTUS @JoeBiden’s real commitment to #BuildBackBetter https://t.co/HuwnKyDDxL
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 7, 2021Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 8, 2021Oregon AFL-CIO:
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a big win for the Labor Movement. This federal funding will create good union jobs, right here in Oregon! pic.twitter.com/4QrJNK5KaJ
— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) November 6, 2021Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Thanks to all our Congress men and women who voted for the most significant jobs bill in a long time @RepBrianFitz @RepBrendanBoyle @RepDwightEvans @RepMGS @RepDean @RepSusanWild @RepCartwright @rep_doyle @RepConorLamb this is what #leadership looks like!! #Infrastructure Bill
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 6, 2021Tennessee AFL-CIO:
Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Tennessee roads and bridges will finally receive much-needed upgrades, high-speed internet will reach more homes, and much more.
This bill is an important first step in completing the work that still needs to be done. #1u pic.twitter.com/e8IQNx09NE
Texas AFL-CIO:
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act means:
? safer roads and bridges
?improved transportation options
? investment in electric vehicle charging stations for a cleaner, greener future
? expanded broadband access to connect us all.
✊ good-paying, UNION jobs in TX! pic.twitter.com/SO7DfUs9C6
Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans:
Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, is a significant victory for all Americans. It will make needed investments to improve public transit, repair our roads and bridges, ensure all Americans have clean drinking water, and combat climate change.
Investing $39 billion in public transit will make a difference in the lives of millions of older Americans who travel by bus and train.
Similarly, bringing broadband to every American, no matter where they live, will help the 22 million seniors who lack internet access in their homes today.
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Executive Director Jose Vargas:
This bill is a historic investment in Latino working people. It will allow so many in our community the opportunity to enjoy stable employment and rebuild their lives in the post pandemic era. It will also enhance the communities we live in, making them more accessible and connected to their surroundings and more resilient to climate change.
North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey:
The proud men and women of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are ready to go to work. After decades of delay and decay, we applaud last night’s passage of the historic Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act by a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives.
As it is now sent to the President‘s desk for signature, we commend committed leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who negotiated in good faith and delivered for the American people. We would also like to note our gratitude for Republicans who put the country first and joined with their colleagues in resisting threats and politics as usual by voting in the affirmative to tangibly strengthen the country we all love. The opportunities provided by this act will redound to the benefit of Americans from all walks of life, and NABTU is committed to making that a reality for those currently in and those seeking to enter the unionized construction industry.
Moreover, NABTU will remain eternally grateful to the President and for his entire Administration’s leadership on this generational accomplishment. President Biden’s ability to ultimately bring both sides together and deliver for working families ensures that his promise made, was truly a promise kept.
Transportation Trades Department:
Historic: By sending the #IIJA to @POTUS' desk for a signature, and advancing the rule on the #BuildBackBetter Act, Congress has taken serious steps towards answering our decades-long call to bring our infrastructure squarely into the 21st Century. https://t.co/wnIzJ56BeS
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) November 6, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 11:37Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Promotes Crash Responder Safety Week
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
This week has been designated Crash Responder Safety Week by the the Federal Highway Administration. The initiative was planned to increase public knowledge about the dangers that first responders encounter when they respond to traffic accidents. First responders, including members of the Fire Fighters (IAFF), are killed or suffer life-sustaining injuries every week. Using the best professional practices and training, they work tirelessly to save lives at traffic accidents, but motorists need to do their part by slowing down, moving to clear traffic lanes and staying alert when approaching traffic incidents.
Watch this video from IAFF General President Ed Kelly to learn more:
.@iaffpresident encourages the public to help keep first responders safe around traffic incidents #CrashResponderSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/7fbROO5GcI
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) November 8, 2021 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/08/2021 - 10:03
