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Updated: 1 hour 9 min ago

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Members of Rockford United Labor Help Build a ‘Strong Neighborhood House’

Tue, 07/28/2020 - 10:55
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Members of Rockford United Labor Help Build a ‘Strong Neighborhood House’ Rockford United Labor

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Members of Rockford United Labor, led by President Bill Corey (UBC), are working with contractors to build a new United Way “Strong Neighborhood House” in Rockford, Illinois. The Strong Neighborhood House is being built to create a safe place for residents of the area to interact with law enforcement, obtain human service resources they may not be directly connected to and to provide children with learning experiences that may not otherwise be readily available. Contractors are donating the supplies and union members are providing the labor.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/28/2020 - 11:55

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Manufacturing, Union Dues and More

Mon, 07/27/2020 - 11:28
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Manufacturing, Union Dues and More Labor Radio-Podcast Weekly

The latest episode of the "Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly" features manufacturing, union dues and more.

On the latest Activate LIVE podcast, Owen Herrnstadt, chief of staff at the Machinists (IAM), takes a look at presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's new manufacturing proposal: "We are tired of hearing about all the jobs that are being re-shored. When we know our members are out of work, when we know their jobs are still going to China, when we know their jobs are still going to Mexico and what we really need are real solutions that are going to put U.S. workers back to work and put our economy back together."

On the Firefighter Kingdom podcast, arson investigator Capt. Ramon Martinez: "Our specialty is fire. We don't go out and look for pulling people over for DUI’s. We don't look for domestic violence, but when we do show up on scene, it's, it's incredible because we have the knowledge of being a fireman and we're able to see the fire for what it is."

Labor Express Radio host Jerry Mead-Lucero highlights reports from the Work Week podcast on the West Coast, the Heartland Labor Forum in Kansas City and the Building Bridges radio show in New York City: "I've been mentioning on our recent programs how excited I am that Labor Express Radio is now a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network, a network of now over 50, and it keeps growing labor movement orientated radio programs or podcasts from across the USA. I never knew that there were so many of us out there, and that is one of the network's goals; to make all of us more visible to all of you out there. So to celebrate this new partnership, I thought I would provide you a small sample of what the network has to offer, a sort of coast-to-coast tour."

On The Break Time Breakdown podcast, Mark and Jeremy talk union dues: "You're paying $120 a month to make $2,000. I said, 'Go to any nonunion company and get that $2,000 from him and have health insurance and have a pension.'"

On America’s Work Force Radio, Labor lawyer Joyce Goldstein, on the Trump National Labor Relations Board: "This board has overturned well over a dozen precedents. And in every single case—every single case—it's been in favor of an employer and against workers in their unions."

Plus, Labor History in 2: Chicago Stockyards Workers Kick Off Historic 1919 Strike.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/27/2020 - 12:28

Tags: Podcast

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Apprentices Help Conserve Marine Life in the Chesapeake Bay

Mon, 07/27/2020 - 10:55
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Apprentices Help Conserve Marine Life in the Chesapeake Bay Union Sportsmen's Alliance

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Earlier this month, apprentices at the Plasterers and Cement Masons (OPCMIA) Local 592 training center in New Jersey finished constructing 60 reef balls that were loaded up and sent off to their new home in the Chesapeake Bay. The Coastal Conservation Association will place them there to provide an improved aquatic habitat for a wide range of marine life. The reef balls were built as part of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Work Boots on the Ground program, putting union members’ skills to work and fulfilling the mission of the program by uniting the labor movement through conservation.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/27/2020 - 11:55

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service, Union Sportsmen's Alliance

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Fire Fighters Rack Up Organizing Wins Across the South

Fri, 07/24/2020 - 09:18
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Fire Fighters Rack Up Organizing Wins Across the South IAFF

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

The Fire Fighters (IAFF) union has organized four new bargaining units in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia over the past few weeks. These are significant organizing wins for the union and part of its strategy to increase membership within the IAFF across the South. The IAFF has been organizing firefighters in large- and medium-sized cities to help bring the power of collective bargaining to unrepresented workers. “We decided to organize not only to formalize our relationship with the fire board, but also to develop a health and wellness program,” said David Silva, president of the newly formed IAFF Local 5271 in Irmo, South Carolina. “Our members want to focus on cancer prevention and to protect their overall health.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 10:18

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

On the Passing of the Rev. C.T. Vivian and the Hon. John Lewis

Thu, 07/23/2020 - 11:04
On the Passing of the Rev. C.T. Vivian and the Hon. John Lewis AFL-CIO

Over the weekend, the civil rights community suffered the loss of two giants in the movement—the Rev. C.T. Vivian (95) and Rep. John Lewis (80). As the nation grapples with protests and demands for racial equality, we remember their unwavering commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Both friends to labor and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their lives were the embodiment of “good trouble, necessary trouble.”

AFL-CIO

John Lewis, a revered member of Congress serving in Georgia’s 5th District for more than three decades—and the longest-serving member of the Congressional Black Caucus—carried his passion for equal rights throughout his career. He began his fight for civil rights by using his young voice to dismantle the Jim Crow South. At age 23, Lewis was the youngest person to speak at the historic 1963 March on Washington. He also participated in lunch counter sit-ins, joined the Freedom Riders in their quest to register Black voters, and helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Most notably, Lewis was on the front lines of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to demand African Americans’ constitutional right to vote.

C.T. Vivian was a minister, civil rights leader and key adviser to King, organizing critical civil rights campaigns that shaped our country. His work spans more than six decades beginning with sit-in demonstrations in Peoria, Illinois, in the 1940s—more than a dozen years before the momentous lunch counter protests made national news. Referred to by King as "the greatest preacher to ever live," Vivian was a national director of affiliates for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and an active participant in the Freedom Rides in Mississippi, which made headlines across the South.

President Obama honored both Vivian and Lewis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, noting their lifelong work and commitment to the movement for equal rights.

The labor and civil rights communities mourn their deaths and take this moment to celebrate the incredible work they led. In remembrance of their legacies, we will continue to carry the torch for social justice and equality for all.

As we face a new wave of vicious attacks aimed at dismantling the voting rights for which these brothers so valiantly fought, we must be more resolved than ever to restore the Voting Rights Act, combat voter suppression and ensure every eligible voter in our nation is registered. As Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy." It is our duty to protect and defend this tool, and may the passing of these civil rights giants renew our commitment to the fight for fairness, equity and justice.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/23/2020 - 12:04

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council Fights for Workplace Safety Enforcement

Thu, 07/23/2020 - 09:35
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council Fights for Workplace Safety Enforcement Tennessee AFL-CIO

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Too many front-line workers across the country are working in fear for their health and safety. As the federal government fails to intervene by mandating safety and health guidelines, many states are not acting, either. Despite hundreds of complaints to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the state agency has no legally binding safety standards related to COVID-19, and therefore cannot issue citations when employers fail to protect their workers from infection. Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council President Billy Dycus (USW) told the Tennessean, “Probably one of the best things they could have done is [gotten] ahead of it when this started and started looking at implementing some workplace safety standards that would have given employers guidelines and allowed them to have some more enforceable rules.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/23/2020 - 10:35

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego’s Labor Movement Holds Food Distribution Event

Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:27
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego’s Labor Movement Holds Food Distribution Event San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

On Saturday, members of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, led by Executive Secretary-Treasurer Keith Maddox (IAM), held a food relief drive-through at Palomar College. More than 400 families were served at the labor council’s North County food distribution event. The labor council said on social media it plans to hold a similar event at the same location in San Marcos, California, on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:27

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Women’s Committee Raises Money for Dubuque Area Labor Harvest

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 10:15
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Women’s Committee Raises Money for Dubuque Area Labor Harvest Iowa Starting Line

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

The Women’s Committee of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) 11th District, made up of IBEW women from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, has been raising money to help support workers in need during this time of crises by collecting bottles and cans and through private donations from its members. The committee was able to raise $2,325 for the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest, a food pantry affiliated with the Dubuque Federation of Labor, led by President Tom Townsend (IBEW), that is staffed and run by retired and active union members. The Dubuque Area Labor Harvest will use the money to support its Sunday breakfasts and monthly food giveaway programs. This past Saturday, the organization was able to give away 264 boxes of food to people who came to the food pantry, and delivered another 72 boxes to those who are shut in.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/21/2020 - 11:15

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

An Unstoppable Force For Change: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 14:57
An Unstoppable Force For Change: What Working People Are Doing This Week AFL-CIO

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:

There have been 241,033 new coronavirus cases in Florida since Actors' Equity called on @Disney to offer regular testing for our members. No masks and no testing for performers puts workers and guests at risk. $DIShttps://t.co/SJikn2GyVE pic.twitter.com/jNqu6b4s71

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 20, 2020

AFGE:

Federal prisons have become a hotspot for COVID-19. #1u https://t.co/YvFg3ImutU

— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 17, 2020

AFSCME:

AFSCME President Lee Saunders, paying tribute to civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis: “He was a man of great personal gentility and modesty, but that did not stop him from being an agitator, disruptor and unstoppable force for change.” #GoodTrouble https://t.co/chn60OESGY

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 20, 2020

Air Line Pilots Association:

Pilot Pioneer Emily Howell Warner Flies West: https://t.co/oW6Qmupafb #womeninaviation pic.twitter.com/EHFWIi3qmp

— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) July 15, 2020

Alliance for Retired Americans:

If you have lost your health insurance during the pandemic, there are some options to get coverage: https://t.co/3flQg1l8up #MedicaidMatters pic.twitter.com/r4AuHPDSDD

— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) July 20, 2020

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Mandatory masks for riders is critical to help protect #transit workers and stop the spread of coronavirus. https://t.co/qiOF2EFbnm #Labour #1u #COVID19 #FrontLineHeroes

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 20, 2020

American Federation of Musicians:

#UnionMusicians stand with 4,300 @MachinistsUnion families in Maine! Time to negotiate a fair contract, @GDBIW. #1uhttps://t.co/1CU6qk74SV

— AFM (@The_AFM) July 15, 2020

American Federation of Teachers:

Randi Weingarten: Teachers want to be in a classroom — Congress must make it safe https://t.co/LlyCwDEoEi via @usatoday @rweingarten #ReopenSafely

— AFT (@AFTunion) July 19, 2020

American Postal Workers Union:

The HEROES Act requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease within 7 days! #PasstheHEROESACT #1u #1usafety pic.twitter.com/Cg5QZoNV8R

— APWU National (@APWUnational) July 20, 2020

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:

Evan's father Harry, contracted COVID-19 and died just two weeks after he was hired at an Amazon warehouse.

This is heartbreaking and happening to so many of our community members.

We need to adequately protect workers in the next COVID-19 relief bill! #HEROESAct (Thread 1/5) pic.twitter.com/r0ASefDiUp

— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) July 13, 2020

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

"Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask Rep/Sen to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in Oct. Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare" https://t.co/ZhNflKNeIk

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 20, 2020

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

The clock is ticking. The virus is surging. The economy is sinking. And the Senate is still sitting on its hands. #HeroesAct pic.twitter.com/vU8dETSJAK

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 20, 2020

Boilermakers:

Hey #Boilermakers: Ready for your close up? ? The Comms Dept is looking for short videos about what it means to be a #Union Boilermaker and how organizing with the Boilermakers has been beneficial. See details and submit your video here: ➡️ https://t.co/GJjLY8Xm3Y

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 14, 2020

Bricklayers:

BAC Local 2 Michigan members gave @DrBiden & @GovWhitmer a virtual tour of @imiweb’s training center in Warren today. Members told their stories about how they discovered their trade and learned how @JoeBiden’s plan will create more union jobs #RebuildAmerica pic.twitter.com/1qV4q6nqK1

— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) July 17, 2020

California School Employees Association:

CSEA supports @GavinNewsom's new @CAPublicHealth guidelines on schools reopening. Read our statement:https://t.co/P4Xjvg8bmV

— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) July 18, 2020

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:

We are devastated by the passing of John Lewis. No one believed deeper or marched longer than our beloved brother. He was always on the frontlines with working people across America and around the world. Lewis is irreplaceable. CBTU extends our sincerest condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/f2PfTaTBeb

— CBTU (@CBTU72) July 18, 2020

Coalition of Labor Union Women:

Survivors of #domesticviolence & #sexualassault are particularly vulnerable during this #COVID19 crisis. @SenateGOP & @SenateDems must build on the #HEROESAct to address the needs of ALL survivors of violence.

— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 16, 2020

Communications Workers of America:

Action Alert! Send a message to @ATT telling them you stand with workers in Memphis fighting for racial justice and COVID-19 protections. #CWAforBlackLives #WeAreMemphis

Sign the petition: https://t.co/7R10bJnTGE pic.twitter.com/6bSDmwigOi

— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 20, 2020

Department for Professional Employees:

“All government employees, including our own legislative staff, should be able to voluntarily organize and bargain collectively for safe working conditions and better pay.”✊✊✊ #1u https://t.co/nE6B00yBlw

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 20, 2020

Electrical Workers:

It might not be a household name, but the Council on Industrial Relations has been keeping the labor peace in the construction industry for 100 years. Here's how. pic.twitter.com/uNwzxykrY3

— IBEW (@IBEW) July 20, 2020

Fire Fighters:

Please review the IAFF’s website for information and guidance on the #Coronavirus. https://t.co/jT90b2KKO5

— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) July 20, 2020

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Thank you to all of our members who have updated their information.
The listing that can be found on our website of the members who have served our countries has been updated.
If you do not see your name listed, contact your Business Manager. Thank you!https://t.co/vxC5xyh6TF

— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) July 20, 2020

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

A renowned civil rights org running to the Trump administration to save them from their own workers? Yea, that sounds bad to us too. https://t.co/jdYQrN32QY

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 14, 2020

Ironworkers:

Statistics are indicating construction work may be approaching pre-coronavirus numbers. https://t.co/02QZYSNFcm #coronoavirus

— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) July 17, 2020

Jobs With Justice:

Yessss - @jwjsf brought the PAINT ??

If they won't hear our demands, we'll make them see our demands ?#StrikeForBlackLives #DefundThePolice https://t.co/OZbtN3JrH1

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 20, 2020

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

Trump might issue an executive order that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from participating in the census. We are committed to continue defending our right to partake in the #2020Census as it is crucial in the process of uplifting our communities! #TodosContamos

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 20, 2020

Laborers:

#LIUNA on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis...

Read full statement here: https://t.co/nbPEsLjLvC pic.twitter.com/47DCKd03Ia

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 18, 2020

Longshoremen:

@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp ILA Supports ILWU @ILWU and Condemns #SewardAlaska Company.https://t.co/QgFqZPKbZB pic.twitter.com/VoyHLb6vJL

— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) July 11, 2020

Machinists:

#OTD in 1969, a Machinists Union-built spacecraft allowed for @TheRealBuzz and the #Apollo11 team to take humankind's first steps on the Moon.

We are incredibly proud of our place in the past, present and future of @NASA. pic.twitter.com/DntTkZrt1R

— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) July 20, 2020

Maritime Trades Department:

State and local govts are laying off public service workers b/c of decimated budgets. The job losses are piling up. The Senate must pass IMMEDIATE aid to states, cities & towns. Our communities can’t afford to see a decline in essential public services. #FundtheFrontLines

— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) June 11, 2020

Metal Trades Department:

More than 1,000 TSA employees have tested positive for coronavirus - The Washington Post https://t.co/H7TPBTnYiF

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 15, 2020

Mine Workers:

We just called my U.S. Senator and urged them to pass the #HEROESAct w/ the @AFLCIO #1u Take action here: https://t.co/fve6PMRNnB

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 20, 2020

Musical Artists:

From @OPERAAmerica: Discover pathways to a successful career beyond the main stage in this session on creating a portfolio of work as a performing artist. https://t.co/jb7AckDHzf pic.twitter.com/xZ5KL7bK5B

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 17, 2020

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)’s Spirit of Aviation Week will take place virtually this year, July 21-25, to showcase the whole spectrum of flight and celebrate the aviation community.

Learn more and register at: https://t.co/1iviMmP4fW

— NATCA (@NATCA) July 20, 2020

National Association of Letter Carriers:

When he heard loud cries coming from a house, carrier Seth Sims rushed to help. After looking around, the carrier saw a toddler banging on the back door. Seth also knocked on the door, but when no one responded, he called 911 and stayed until responders arrived. #HeroesDelivering pic.twitter.com/tZGuQ7X7pv

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 20, 2020

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

Immigrant day laborers were essential before the pandemic, we are essential now, and we will continue to be essential. Across New York State we are demanding that @NYGovCuomo accept that and act accordingly. #FundExcludedWorkers #EsencialesYExcluidos #EssentialAndExcluded pic.twitter.com/vwdFZe8AOk

— NDLON (@NDLON) July 17, 2020

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Black home care workers risk their lives without hazard pay or #PPE to provide essential care. Enough is enough — we’re walking off of the job today for 8 minutes and 46 seconds for respect, and security, and our lives. #StrikeForBlackLives https://t.co/4JX7I9djqU

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 20, 2020

National Nurses United:

“We’re in full surge mode. The hospitals are completely full. It feels like Covid’s everywhere," warns Kim Smith, an NNU intensive care nurse at an HCA Healthcare Inc. facility in Corpus Christi, Texas.https://t.co/WPpkO7FFcc

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 20, 2020

National Taxi Workers Alliance:

Check out this beautiful sea of cabs lined up to join the March against Cuomo’s Billionaires! pic.twitter.com/Kk8xs3oW9s

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 17, 2020

NFL Players Association:

Our Executive Director, @DeSmithNFLPA, penned a guest column for @theMMQB–touching on the passing of Congressman John Lewis and how Covid-19 is reminding us that we're all in this together. https://t.co/YYFWAAvEsE

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 20, 2020

North America's Building Trades Unions:

Energy sector jobs provide Americans without a college education a VITAL pathway to a career with family-sustaining wages and benefits.

REPORT: https://t.co/hSpY4dGHre pic.twitter.com/JhfEIPyh3N

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 20, 2020

Office and Professional Employees:

One job should be enough. #FightFor15 #1job https://t.co/5zsHrpFBup

— OPEIU (@OPEIU) July 16, 2020

Painters and Allied Trades:

Great work @IUPATDC711 Our members, the country needs to know how we have to keep our families safe without an @OSHA_DOL guidance that holds contractors responsible for our safety. @AFLCIO @NABTU @chuckschumer https://t.co/VXc6mk9T0w

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 17, 2020

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“Extreme economic inequality...is pernicious. It threatens to transform us from a democracy into a plutocracy, and it makes a mockery of the ideal of equal citizenship.” In the current crisis, we must “rethink our conception of ourselves as a society.” https://t.co/As4oyOLsxd

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 20, 2020

Pride At Work:

Congress has failed to deliver ANY relief to millions of immigrant workers who’ve been on the front lines but thus far excluded from government support. The House took action. @SenMajLdr, when will the Senate? #FundExcludedWorkers

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 16, 2020

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

Public service comes in many forms; none greater than that embodied by @repjohnlewis On behalf of dedicated men & women PASS represents at FAA & DoD; we send our condolences to the family of Rep. Lewis & people of Georgia he represented w such passion. Thank you, sir. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/2U8Bc6yJZC

— PASS (@PASSNational) July 18, 2020

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

Together we are united for fairness in our workplaces. What does that look like where you work? RT and tell us! #1U #Union pic.twitter.com/4TGraCHfat

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 20, 2020

SAG-AFTRA:

Want to know why you should vote “YES” for the 2020 TV/Theatrical Contract? Join @AlecBaldwin and SAG-AFTRA President @thegabrielle_c TODAY to learn more. #sagaftramembers #streamingforward #contracts2020 pic.twitter.com/g3hYpqijfj

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 20, 2020

School Administrators:

#ReopeningSchools 3 indisputable facts:
Safety of students, school district employees and the community must be paramount. Parents must play a prominent role. A safe reopening will cost a great deal of money. #education #ReopenSchools #schoolsreopening #SchoolReopening

— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) July 14, 2020

Seafarers:

300,000 Seafarers Trapped at Sea: Mounting crew change crisis demands faster action from governments https://t.co/xGCY0fPXPl

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) July 17, 2020

Solidarity Center:

How we do we eliminate violence in the workplace? With union organizing, creating new collective bargaining clauses that educate & protect our members w/ what is in C190 (1st global treaty on #GBVH at work)—Nolvia Suyapa, union president, #Honduras. @AWIDhttps://t.co/E4MrvdL0nN

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 19, 2020

Theatrical Stage Employees:

Megan Gaddini of Local 488 is featured in this piece and is just one of 25 million who will be impacted if congress does not act to extend UI in the next 5 days. Call your reps at 866-832-1560 and remind them that working families are watching, and will vote accordingly come Nov. https://t.co/JSwPlBnu57

— IATSE (@IATSE) July 20, 2020

Transportation Trades Department:

This kind of revenue problem doesn’t just impact our roads, bridges, & transit systems: it has serious consequences for the people who build, operate, & maintain these systems. More than ever we need to ensure working families have access to good jobs. https://t.co/MSYrRMCjsX

— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) July 20, 2020

UAW:

COVID-19 has spurred a groundswell of union activity among healthcare workers. https://t.co/MsXboUXWUG

— UAW (@UAW) July 20, 2020

Union Label and Service Trades Department:

'Attempted Murder of Your Post Office': Outrage as Trump Crony Now Heading USPS Moves to Slow Mail Delivery | Common Dreams News https://t.co/0DVR0kxEak

— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) July 15, 2020

Union Veterans Council:

While this administration slashed protections for military families, @TammyforIL stands tall with the #VSO community fighting?to protect our service members and their families.#LeadershipWeNeedhttps://t.co/qyZvYKkZ8G

— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) July 16, 2020

UNITE HERE:

“Who the hell can live off of $300 per week unemployment? Extend the HEROES Act to the end! My plea is to the Senate to pass the HEROES Act now. Do your damn job!”

@local24nia, President, @UHMWJB #MitchBetterHaveMyMoney #SenateActNOW https://t.co/3dSRMorbQu

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 20, 2020

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Our families have the food they need thanks to the brave grocery and meatpacking workers putting themselves in harm's way during #COVID19.

Thanks to @GovWhitmer for standing with #Michigan workers and keeping families safe during this crisis. https://t.co/Ix9My5QfYV

— UFCW (@UFCW) July 13, 2020

United Steelworkers:

Inside the fight for denied compensation for healthcare workers https://t.co/mO2wMwSJR5

— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) July 20, 2020

United Students Against Sweatshops:

USAS staff is committed to the following proposals addressing anti-Blackness, structure, and transparency within our organization. https://t.co/77G3tlDWcB pic.twitter.com/GR6rqCl5b2

— USAS (@USAS) July 15, 2020

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers:

These are just some of our members featured in the latest issue of The Journeyman Roofer & Waterproofer magazine. Check out the spread, then send your best hi-res photos of Union Roofers to roofers@unionroofers.com --you might see them next quarter! https://t.co/NKgdlrUe5C pic.twitter.com/c709ni0zj9

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 17, 2020

Utility Workers:

Ready to get up and get moving?

UWUA’s Women's Caucus is organizing a Virtual #5K Run/Walk to assist those that have been impacted by #COVID19. EVERYONE IS WELCOME, so invite your family and friends!

Register by THIS FRIDAY, July 24th to participate.https://t.co/QwhKzHzSFt pic.twitter.com/NbHEqvlxCR

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 20, 2020

Working America:

Call 1-888-981-9704 to tell your senator to provide immediate aid to states, cities, counties and schools. As cases spike across the country, our communities can’t afford any more delays. We need to save our public services. #FundtheFrontLines pic.twitter.com/RrVd6zhl1I

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) July 16, 2020

Writers Guild of America, East:

We're thrilled to welcome the newest members of our ever-growing union family. Congratulations, @JCurrents_Union! #1u https://t.co/fw1ZusQGW6

— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) July 15, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/20/2020 - 15:57

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Keeping Kids Safe Never Stops

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 08:47
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Keeping Kids Safe Never Stops

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Colorado AFL-CIO President Josette Jaramillo (AFSCME) is a lead caseworker for the Department of Social Services in Pueblo County, Colorado. For Jaramillo, work never stopped when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic only makes it harder to protect the foster children she helps. “We really try hard to meet the kids where they’re at,” she said. “Caseworkers all around the country are on the front lines.” Learn more about how foster care children and social services have been affected during these dangerous times.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/20/2020 - 09:47

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Laborers Step Up to Provide Food Relief to Other Union Members

Thu, 07/16/2020 - 08:47
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Laborers Step Up to Provide Food Relief to Other Union Members LIUNA

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Members of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 773 delivered fresh produce and dairy products to their union brothers, sisters and friends in Madison County, Illinois. Local 773 set up shop in the bus lot at two local school districts, where members gave out 200 boxes of produce and 250 boxes of dairy products to union families in need. “Our strength comes from the willingness to stand together as a united front,” Local 773 Business Manager Jerry Womick told the Labor Tribune. “It is this commitment to each other that has allowed us to prosper through good times and preserve through bad.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/16/2020 - 09:47

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Museum Workers, Mimes, Nurses and More

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 14:22
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Museum Workers, Mimes, Nurses and More Labor Radio-Podcast Weekly

The latest episode of the "Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly" features Museum Workers, mimes, nurses and more.

Gabi DiDonna of the United Museum Workers union, on the Belabored podcast: "We really just felt like our voices weren't being heard and worse, sort of actually being told to be quiet.”

WorkWeek Radio talks with playwright and actor Michael Sullivan about the new San Francisco Mime Troupe production "Tales of Resistance": “Normally, we tour all over the world doing shows, but now that’s too difficult. So we decided instead it was like, well, what can we do? And so I was like, well, why don't we do radio plays?”

On The Valley Labor Report, a nurse talks about unionizing her hospital and the process of bargaining the first contract: “We don't need hospital employers to help us ‘poor little nurses,’ help us learn how to vote.”

On The SAG-AFTRA Podcast, actors Michelle Hurd and Jason George continue the discussion of race and media in a time of social transformation and cultural reform: “Back in the day, I didn't see myself, you know, a little beige curly-haired girl on television, and I needed to make sure that I put myself on TV so that other kids that look like me would see themselves represented.”

On We Do The Work, an interview—and songs—from singer George Mann.

Plus: Labor History in 2, and sneak previews of The Gig and Labor History Today.

Check out all the shows on Labor Radio/Podcast Network.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/15/2020 - 15:22

Tags: Podcast

Going Above and Beyond for Working People: In the States Roundup

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 10:35
Going Above and Beyond for Working People: In the States Roundup AFL-CIO

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 State AFL-CIO:

House Committee hearing today in #akleg on worker safety in a pandemic. Thanks to @UNITEHERE_AK member Rashan Perry for his testimony. https://t.co/Xf3Ed1KPB9

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 8, 2020

Arizona AFL-CIO:

With early ballots out, we’ll be featuring some of our endorsed candidates that have gone above and beyond for Arizona’s working families! Visit our website for our full endorsement list: https://t.co/5Rq7A9Mc9T

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

California Labor Federation:

Across the country, @UAW members are standing up for immigrant student-workers against Trump's xenophobic executive order. We echo our union siblings in their call to reverse the suspension of these crucial visa programs. #Solidarity #1u #ProtectALLWorkers https://t.co/6SY4XssJwR

— California Labor Federation #BlackLivesMatter (@CaliforniaLabor) July 13, 2020

Florida AFL-CIO:

OSHA continues to fail working people at a time when they’re needed most. The AFL-CIO and Organized Labor are fighting back.https://t.co/R9qCQWfaLb

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

#COVID19 is decimating state and local budgets. Teacher, EMT, and public employee layoffs are inevitable without federal help. That’s why the Senate needs to pass the #HEROESAct. ☎️ 1-833-868-8109 https://t.co/Gro4FXkq1I

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) July 8, 2020

Idaho State AFL-CIO:

Stand in #Solidarity with Pie Hole Broadway employees fighting for fair wages and safer working conditions!✊ #FairWages #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/CyvPne9CtE

— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) July 10, 2020

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Solidarity! All workers deserve a union! https://t.co/PGRoVLEptq

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 14, 2020

Indiana State AFL-CIO:

It’s not to late to fill out your census online or by mail! Be counted! https://t.co/rlHwCVahCx https://t.co/Dw0E9VWyu5

— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Iowa Federation of Labor:

Part Four in an Iowa AFL-CIO Series: The Role of Unions in the COVID-19 Crisis https://t.co/iHKSnDaI7t

— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) July 14, 2020

Maine AFL-CIO:

At our recent COPE Convention, the Maine AFL-CIO passed this resolution pledging to work for racial justice in the Maine Labor Movement. https://t.co/fRENUBBZCx #mepolitics #BlackLivesMatter

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

The time to take action for Emergency Paid Sick Time is NOW! There is a hearing tomorrow. Click here and sign the petition and then RT! #solidarity #1u #mapoli https://t.co/uDjkv8Emh8

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) July 7, 2020

Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:

UMD failing to protect workers, union says https://t.co/ObyvdNR7A7

— streetheat@dclabor.org (@DCLabor) July 13, 2020

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

You know what to do. #MaskUpMichigan pic.twitter.com/lCuI0w3d5Y

— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) July 10, 2020

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

How Trump Is Helping Tycoons Exploit the Pandemic https://t.co/82mV1i4Bd4 #1u

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 14, 2020

Missouri AFL-CIO:

The labor-endorsed candidate @nicolergalloway is within striking distance! She is in a statistical tie in the race for Governor. The time is now to tell your neighbors about her vision for Missouri. Also sign up to do some virtually volunteering! #MOGov https://t.co/UEA4uahMVA

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Montana State AFL-CIO:

Teachers are heroes. Teachers should not have to give their lives for their jobs. Both can be true. #1u https://t.co/aBF3y6BGWg

— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) July 13, 2020

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Nevadans want to get back to work. Help us by supporting new jobs and more investment. #JobsNow #NVLeg@LisaKrasner4NV @Assemblywoman27 @EdgarFloresNV @Cohen4AD29 @AssmSkipDaly @alexishansenNV @EllisonAD33 @sbilbray @MichelleGorelow @GHafenII@sheabackusEsq @drrobintitus

— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) July 10, 2020

New Jersey State AFL-CIO:

https://t.co/DiceUKN6iY
Trump's judges serve for life. They will shape America long after he is out of office. Workers do not need more of them.

— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) July 10, 2020

New York State AFL-CIO:

Introducing the #UnionStrong App, a smartphone app for the Labor Movement. Research shows many of us are looking at our phone more than 80 times a day so it only makes sense to communicate, active & educate our members where they are, on their phones. Text nysaflcio to 555888 #1u pic.twitter.com/hvClI1rI0O

— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Sherita McCullers is an essential worker, who puts her health at risk every time she goes into work. @SenThomTillis & @senatemajldr, Sherita is risking her life to do her job. It’s time for you to #DoYourJob and pass the #HEROESAct NOW! #1u #ncpol @ATUComm pic.twitter.com/weyopitYnY

— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 14, 2020

North Dakota AFL-CIO:

Don't feel safe at work?
Know your rights: https://t.co/23Ur4DntIq
Then check out https://t.co/u9pt3W5RMC and tell us how your workplace rates!#1u #ndpol #solidarity pic.twitter.com/hMHWF25Qc2

— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) June 11, 2020

Ohio AFL-CIO:

While the @POTUS tweets he’s tough on China, his actions always seem to kowtow to them. https://t.co/wSnMnIENNB

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 14, 2020

Oregon AFL-CIO:

This summer, LERC and the Oregon AFL-CIO are using Zoom to bring national experts and labor leaders to Oregon union members. All talks will start at 5 pm and go for one hour, with time for questions and comments from the audience.

Read more here: https://t.co/tKZ0xk75Xt

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 14, 2020

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

"We really get one chance to make it right. And that's over these next few weeks. Because we cannot run the risk of gambling with anyone's health," @jerrytjordan President @PFTLocal3 #FundOurFacilities @AFTPA @PFT400 https://t.co/4S5fCERJ4X

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 14, 2020

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

#1U #FrontLineHeroes #FrontLineWorkers #EssentialWorkers https://t.co/smZKq3VESG

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) July 14, 2020

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

A strong supporter of public schools and expanding Medicaid to ensure that Tennesseans can access the care that they need, Representative @vincentdixie54 has done an outstanding job representing the people of House District 54. We are proud to endorse him for re-election! pic.twitter.com/Lo0bPVaTOv

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) July 14, 2020

Texas AFL-CIO:

As advocated by the TX AFL-CIO, the @TXWorkforce has suspended the work-search requirement. The suspension, however, should be automatic (not temporary) as long as the pandemic continues unabated. This is part of our plan to reform UI. Sign our petition: https://t.co/6eruvdcaqw pic.twitter.com/Eja7Ctjel4

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Virginia AFL-CIO:

Workers need your voice. We need a state OSHA Standard. Call @GovernorVA now! Have you made a call today? #PutWorkersFirst #ProtectOurCommunities #SafetyFirstWorkersFirst pic.twitter.com/YpiMZmvWFy

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 13, 2020

Washington State Labor Council:

One day longer. One day stronger! #UnionStrong @MachinistsUnion https://t.co/JxRGafocwl

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 10, 2020

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

America is running short on masks, gowns and gloves. Again. https://t.co/NJivyScaDI

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 11, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/15/2020 - 11:35

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Railroad Signalmen Remain on the Front Lines Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 08:47
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Railroad Signalmen Remain on the Front Lines Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

BRS

Despite the pandemic, members of the Railroad Signalmen (BRS) continue to show up to work each day to ensure the safety of the railroad for trains and the traveling public. BRS President Jerry Boles has provided an update to members on the union’s response to the health crisis. In a recent newsletter from BRS, he called the CARES Act “a step in the right direction,” but said that the federal government must do more to help railroad workers. Boles highlighted the need to fund the Railroad Retirement Board so that it can continue to operate fully. The union, he said, is advocating for parity for all railroad unemployment benefits. “It is my belief that infrastructure is the best way to recover, and BRS will continue to be at the table whenever it is discussed,” Boles said.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/15/2020 - 09:47

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

CBTU Holds ‘Black Lives Matter to Labor’ Event

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 13:53
CBTU Holds ‘Black Lives Matter to Labor’ Event CBTU

On a hot and drizzly summer morning, dozens of union members and civil rights activists turned out for the Black Lives Matter to Labor event by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in Rochester, New York. The rally showcased the unity of the local labor movement as members of the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation and many others gathered as a community to speak out against racial injustice.

Shelly Clements (NYSUT/AFT-NEA), second vice president of the CBTU Rochester chapter, told those in attendance that the removal of Confederate statues and other symbolic changes are not enough. “Protest is vital, but we’ve got to have action,” she said. “It’s time to take the steps to be on the right side of history. It’s time to dismantle the oppression in our workplaces, our health care systems, our housing systems, our environment, our voting laws and our education system.”

Local elected officials and endorsed candidates also spoke at the rally. Among them was Demond Meeks, an organizer for 1199SEIU, who recently won a primary election for the New York State Assembly, with strong support from the labor council.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/14/2020 - 14:53

Tags: CBTU

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Maine AFL-CIO Calls on Senate to Extend $600 Lifeline to Unemployed Workers

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 09:50
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Maine AFL-CIO Calls on Senate to Extend $600 Lifeline to Unemployed Workers

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

The Maine AFL-CIO, led by President Cynthia Phinney (IBEW), is publicly pushing its senators to support renewing the federal $600 weekly unemployment payment for those who are out of work as a result of the pandemic. This weekly payment was included in the CARES Act and is set to expire at the end of July. “With double-digit unemployment, it is appalling and morally repugnant that the U.S. Senate would even consider cutting this critical lifeline to Maine families,” Andy O’Brien (UFCW), the state federation’s communications director, told the Beacon. The Maine Department of Labor announced last week that it will extend the maximum length of time workers can remain on unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/14/2020 - 10:50

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Tucson Demands Freedom for Mexican Labor Attorney

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 12:50
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Tucson Demands Freedom for Mexican Labor Attorney

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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Susana Prieto Terrazas, a Mexican attorney and activist who organizes workers in the maquiladora factories along the southern border, was arrested by Mexican authorities last month on trumped-up charges. On June 10, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) called her arrest “an outrage” and demanded her immediate and unconditional release from prison.

Members of the Pima Area Labor Federation and Jobs With Justice took direct action. They delivered a joint letter to the Mexican Consulate in Tucson, Arizona, along with a letter from the UAW and a copy of Trumka’s statement. The members met with Consul Enrique Alfonso Gómez Montiel, who assured them he would send the letters and statement to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Prior to the meeting, the members had a constructive conversation with the consul's staff explaining the details of the situation and the desire of America’s labor movement to see the release of Prieto Terrazas.

It was announced after the meeting at the consulate on July 1 that a judge had ordered her release from prison just hours after the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade went into effect. However, the criminal charges against Prieto Terrazas still remain. The Pima Area Labor Federation, under the leadership of Chair Trish Muir (IBT), posted an update on Facebook: “We will continue to push for her to be absolved of these erroneous claims, and stand with workers everywhere.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2020 - 13:50

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

Save the News: The Working People Weekly List

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 09:51
Save the News: The Working People Weekly List AFL-CIO

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.

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids: "Members of the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association-IAFF Local 385 in Nebraska donated dozens of bikes and helmets to local children."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Raises $2.5 Million to Support Members Impacted by COVID-19: "UNITE HERE announced on Monday that it had raised $2.5 million for the union’s Education and Support Fund to provide direct relief to its members and their families who have been impacted by COVID-19."

Safety and Security: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins features important victories for safety and security during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rally to Save the News Held in Chicago: "The Chicago Federation of Labor helped host a 'Save the News' rally in downtown Chicago. Union members were joined by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, as well as other community leaders."

Protect Working Families: 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."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: School Leaders Issue Guide to Reopen Schools Safely: "School supervisory personnel who were among the first to call for closing schools at the start of the pandemic have released a new, comprehensive guide for reopening schools safely. 'School leaders want to reopen their schools, on time and in person,' said Ernest Logan, president of the School Administrators (AFSA), which represents principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and school directors and managers."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: 'Airline Workers Are Doing Everything That We Can to Make the Flights Safe': "What does the future hold for air travel? Safety must be the first and highest priority for both workers and passengers, according to Transport Workers Union (TWU) President John Samuelsen. 'It is safe to fly, but also, passengers on planes have a level of responsibility,' he said in a recent video from HuffPost."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Shares Stories of Members Facing Down COVID-19: "Whether they are an academic researcher looking for a drug to fight the deadly virus, an autoworker making a quick pivot to manufacture ventilators, masks or shields, a maintenance worker disinfecting the plant, or a health care worker making sure the sick can receive treatment, UAW members are courageously doing what they can to battle COVID-19."

Economy Gains 4.8 Million Jobs in June; Unemployment Declines to 11.1%: "The U.S. economy gained 4.8 million jobs in June, and the unemployment rate declined to 11.1%, according to figures released Thursday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Pass the HEROES Act: 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."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Milwaukee Area Labor Council Hosts Rallies to Thank Front-Line Workers: "The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, under the leadership of President Pam Fendt (LIUNA), has been hosting weekly events on Wednesdays for union members to thank front-line workers."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Fights to Save Members' Lives, Help Those on the Front Lines: "In a press conference on Thursday, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) announced that 238 UFCW members have died from COVID-19 and nearly 29,000 workers have been infected or exposed to the coronavirus over the past 100 days."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Paramedic Says, ‘The Anger Is Blinding’: "The Washington Post interviewed Anthony Almojera, a paramedic for the New York City Fire Department and vice president of AFSCME Local 3621, DC 37. He illustrated how the words of gratitude for workers like him are not matched by their meager paychecks."

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:51

Demand Economic, Social and Racial Justice: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Fri, 07/10/2020 - 12:01
Demand Economic, Social and Racial Justice: 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:

There have been 114,769 new coronavirus cases in Florida since Actors' Equity called on @Disney to delay opening until regular testing is available to our members. $DIS https://t.co/SJikn2GyVE pic.twitter.com/TJKETzXyWo

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 9, 2020

AFGE:

Here are some of the hard-fought victories included in the House 2021 Defense bill → https://t.co/GH5z0Jb6hZ pic.twitter.com/2BZG5CMdyF

— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 8, 2020

AFSCME:

Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, subways, and other public transit systems. Make sure your community gets the funding it needs by taking the #2020census today: https://t.co/NH7hA8LWm9 pic.twitter.com/RHoq6zA6IE

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 9, 2020

Air Line Pilots Association:

.@ALPAPresident Capt. Joe DePete on potential airline furloughs: “The economic impact #COVID19 has had on the #airline industry has been profound for the workers who keep our skies safe and our world connected. (1/2)

— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) July 9, 2020

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Could you afford $3,120 for a 5-day course of a lifesaving #COVID19 treatment? Gilead Sciences seems to think so -- they just increased the price for their Remdesivir drug. Sign our petition to tell Congress to take action and say #NoPandemicProfiteering: https://t.co/ZacYStoUEY pic.twitter.com/yGFMJwHjav

— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) July 8, 2020

Amalgamated Transit Union:

As states and provinces reopen and #publictransit ridership increases, employers must provide proper personal protections for workers and riders to ensure their safety during the pandemic. #1u #PPE #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/PCrjn81Itk

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 8, 2020

American Federation of Musicians:

More than 25 million working people will lose the $600 per week unemployment supplement because the Senate has refused to pass the #HeroesAct. Tell your senators to do something NOW! #SenateFail #1u #GOPVacation https://t.co/Rq0Actiujz

— AFM (@The_AFM) July 9, 2020

American Federation of Teachers:

ICYMI: In a new member survey, AFT found that 76% of educators want to return to the classroom if key safety precautions are met. Read this and more findings in the new report: https://t.co/7wpD8XQo8K pic.twitter.com/sVXDg9Dc1i

— AFT (@AFTunion) July 9, 2020

American Postal Workers Union:

The APWU and the USPS have agreed to the work year list for the term of the 2018-2021 National Agreement. https://t.co/6jnGLSCvdi

— APWU National (@APWUnational) July 8, 2020

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:

A #FaithfulCensus means everyone in the AAPI community is counted! Did you know the #2020Census is offered in six Asian languages? Visit https://t.co/dO1maMSZ6J to find language guides and fill out your census. #AAPI2020 @FaithPublicLife pic.twitter.com/5FHYj5Chkj

— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) July 8, 2020

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

.@FlyingwithSara on why we need to take action today, and every day, to call our members of Congress and ask them to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program to save our jobs.

?House - 1-888-907-9365
?Senate - 1-888-848-4824 pic.twitter.com/0VL4MVCwY0

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 9, 2020

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

"We must organize to make our union stronger so that we are better able to demand economic, social and racial justice beginning in our workplaces." #organize
Pres. Shelton's full message: https://t.co/TBjCDwIDck

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 6, 2020

Boilermakers:

Check out the latest on #Boilermakers LEAP and why it's imperative that our work includes advocating for political decisions that protect our #union, our members and our work ➡️ https://t.co/Z7MCyffzHk pic.twitter.com/BcAOAhOTrv

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 9, 2020

Bricklayers:

“Analysis suggests that gaining union membership between 2010 and 2016 reduced racial resentment among white workers.” #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/EXZsZ7V9ZX

— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) July 8, 2020

Coalition of Labor Union Women:

As we prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of #WomensSuffrage on August 26, check out Linda Allen's website for a collection of songs, both traditional and newly composed, available to commemorate this epic struggle for justice. https://t.co/LnsLmNO7CN #19thAmendment pic.twitter.com/Y9LtMSSRbg

— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 6, 2020

Communications Workers of America:

??? @senatemajldr instead of #GOPVacation could you #DoYourJob and help the millions of people suffering from Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis? #SenateFAIL #ProtectEssentialWorkers
Tell your senators to pass the HEROES Act: https://t.co/zLhSAIefSm

— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 8, 2020

Department for Professional Employees:

Actors & their union @ActorsEquity have been clear w/ @WaltDisneyCo for weeks that testing needed to be part of their safety plan. The very nature of performing makes social distancing impossible & Disney won't allow performers to wear masks on stage. #ProtectTheMagicMakers #1u

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 8, 2020

Electrical Workers:

BREAKING: Atlanta Gas Light workers approve their first-ever contract! #IBEW pic.twitter.com/iiY1mlKY5S

— IBEW (@IBEW) July 8, 2020

Fire Fighters:

Baltimore City #Firefighters Say Budget Cuts Would ‘Put Citizens In Harms Way’ https://t.co/8mCO8340Dc @BCFDL734

— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) July 9, 2020

Heat and Frost Insulators:

After many efforts and years of campaigning, mechanical insulation tax credits are included in a new infrastructure bill recently passed by the House of Representatives. Learn about the legislation and what it could mean for us: https://t.co/FkPqW47igM

— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) July 8, 2020

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

ZOOM UNION ACTIONS! You love to see it!! Hey @SSNScholars clock is ticking to look good by recognizing your employees union. Its a forgone conclusion! Stop wasting everyones time! #1u https://t.co/pa2M5z0Vp2

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 8, 2020

International Labor Communications Association:

A #WednesdayWisdom crisis communications case study: @APWUnational and @NALC_National wage robust campaigns to build power for the postal people. https://t.co/VGDe319jBE

— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) July 8, 2020

Jobs With Justice:

On July 1, millions of out-of-work Americans weren't able to pay #rent ?

On July 1, we sent letters to the 43 largest corporate landlords DEMANDING they finally act ?

If they don't, millions will be thrown into the streets during a pandemic — and that will be on their hands. pic.twitter.com/CjCXUYhhNp

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 2, 2020

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

Click on the link below to apply: https://t.co/ugcsRFTonr pic.twitter.com/FARmuQXFeh

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 9, 2020

Laborers:

Terry O’Sullivan, GP of #LIUNA made the following statement on the passage of #MovingForwardAct - $1.5 trillion #infrastructure investment will provide needed funding for transportation, drinking water systems, schools, hospitals, etc.

Read Statement: https://t.co/1ZYQdYN79L pic.twitter.com/QaiBS2iQFs

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 2, 2020

Longshoremen:

@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp ILA President Harold Daggett, in July 4th message, says Union Salutes America While It Champions #BlackLivesMatter Nation Needs to Do Better To Insure Equality For All https://t.co/see7zuRokN pic.twitter.com/mKKYTeSCEw

— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) July 3, 2020

Machinists:

It pays to be union. Well done, @IAM751. https://t.co/DBZC5PDE8E

— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) July 8, 2020

Metal Trades Department:

U.S. Labor Board Reconsiders Legal Obstacle to Ousting Unions | The board is seeking public input on whether or not it should modify the "contract bar" doctrine. Make your voice heard. https://t.co/il3HwBEEqG

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 8, 2020

Mine Workers:

UMWA International President, @CecilRoberts is asking everyone to reach out to their Representative and ask them to #SaveThePostOffice. https://t.co/m14t27LoZR

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 7, 2020

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

ICYMI NATCA is celebrating #Pride2020 by offering NATCA logo Pride masks in the NATCA Store. Proceeds will benefit @TheTrevorProject, a nonprofit that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people. https://t.co/gts7EWYRu5 #HappyPride pic.twitter.com/FZN1qaXuJQ

— NATCA (@NATCA) July 8, 2020

National Association of Letter Carriers:

Letter carrier Ellen Olson got a pleasant surprise from the customers she serves! People in the neighborhood placed balloons and small gifts on their mailboxes to show their support for their mail carrier. https://t.co/6DeDX66Eba #HeroesDelivering

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 9, 2020

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

“These workers take care of us in different ways, and it took a pandemic for the nation to recognize they are the critical engine of our economy.” —@aijenpoo, @palaknshah

Time to take care of the workers who have helped our country navigate this crisis. https://t.co/T1ZnVWU2lm

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 8, 2020

National Nurses United:

Nurses demand the President immediately exercise the full powers under the Defense Production Act to ramp up production of N95 respirators and other critical personal protective equipment for frontline health care workers.#ProtectNurseshttps://t.co/kuUwDw8Wav

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 8, 2020

NFL Players Association:

The Hall of Famers will be playing for @yourPAF which was founded by NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw.

The PAF is the leading foundation assisting NFL Former Players through health & educational resources and the GU Player Assistance Trust Fund: https://t.co/vsgHOQ4xUD. pic.twitter.com/7clwOglwyt

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 9, 2020

North America's Building Trades Unions:

While the fight against #COVID19 isn’t over, we want to take a moment to look back at the amazing, selfless efforts of our membership these last few months.

Let’s keep pushing forward to continue making a difference in our respective communities ?https://t.co/E6olcYpZv3

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 8, 2020

Office and Professional Employees:

Many would-be voters are rightfully concerned about the impact of #COVID19 at in-person polling places.

Don’t let the virus stop you from exercising your right to vote. #Labor2020 #1u pic.twitter.com/QvRpiS7Z1A

— OPEIU (@OPEIU) July 8, 2020

Painters and Allied Trades:

Good paying jobs, whether in transportation, education, or new clean energy technologies, keep the bills paid and food on the table for our members and millions of Americans, especially today as we face an uncertain economic outlook. https://t.co/6slReef4eP #MovingForwardAct pic.twitter.com/1tjhLR5ckd

— GoIUPAT✊ (@GoIUPAT) July 2, 2020

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“Covid-19 has brought into sharp relief the contrast between...those who have the power to safeguard their health and their living standards and those who do not.” U.S. Workers Need More Power! #1u https://t.co/vdx5ZtuFrX

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 9, 2020

Pride At Work:

#StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation

SENATORS DO YOUR JOB AND PASS THE HEROES ACT NOW! #Senatefail #COVID19 #ProtectEssentialWorkers

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 8, 2020

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

PASS also thanks House Approps Committee chair @NitaLowey & Ranking Member @RepKayGranger for their leadership in ensuring FAA employees have the funding they need to protect the world's largest, safest & most complex air traffic control system. #publicservice #aviationsafety

— PASS (@PASSNational) July 8, 2020

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

#EssentialWorkers have and continue to be critical to our lives during #COVID19. Our #union stands with all of our essential workers & will continue to fight for critical health & safety standards to protect them, their loved ones & the communities they work in. #UnionStrong #1U pic.twitter.com/U8mgRGCqYo

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 9, 2020

SAG-AFTRA:

Streaming is the future - see why these @NextGenPerforms
voted YES to increased streaming residuals and the elimination of "Grandfathering" #streamingforward #contracts2020 #sagaftramembers pic.twitter.com/tIZULN2n5k

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 9, 2020

School Administrators:

School leaders were among the first to call for closing schools at the start of #COVIDー19 have guide for #ReopeningSchools safely. Experts available for interviews. @edu_post, @eduwonk, @PostSchools , @EdLaborCmte, @educationweek, @USNewsEducation

— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) July 8, 2020

Seafarers:

Expanded Cargo Preferences May Be The Easiest Way To Rebuild The U.S. Maritime Industry via @forbes https://t.co/Q41mokzeIM

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) July 8, 2020

Solidarity Center:

With schools closed since #COVID19 lockdown, Moses is among some 15 million Ugandan children at risk of #forcedlabor as families near extreme poverty. After 7 hrs hawking eggs, Moses says, "Business isn't good. We won't have enough food" @ChildLaborCLChttps://t.co/tdlcyCRDjR

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 9, 2020

The NewsGuild-CWA:

Another example of why we need help to #SaveTheNews. Tell your senators to get on the case! https://t.co/evMg5rA49M https://t.co/EDCyXP82On

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 9, 2020

Theatrical Stage Employees:

Let's remind @senatemajldr and the rest of congress of the dire situation working people are facing in the Entertainment industry. Click here to send a letter to your rep and don't forget to personalize it! https://t.co/SMGIxpkFUi

— IATSE (@IATSE) July 8, 2020

Transport Workers Union:

“Our members have sat by patiently through years of contract delays because of PATH. Now that PATH is finally willing to even offer a contract, they have a ‘take it or else attitude,’” said TWU Local 2001 President Patrick Howard @PATHTrain #ContractNow https://t.co/5edCEQKCs6

— TWU (@transportworker) July 7, 2020

Transportation Trades Department:

Black and Brown Americans are 3 times as likely to become infected w/ COVID-19 as their white counterparts. We must remember that racism extends far beyond police violence; Black and Brown communities experience inequity in every sector of life.https://t.co/LJTezO2B37

— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) July 9, 2020

UAW:

It's National Video Game Day! Did you know that @GameWorkers is helping workers in the video game industry organize their workplaces? Learn more on their website: https://t.co/DBp9vdH7tT

— UAW (@UAW) July 8, 2020

Union Label and Service Trades Department:

Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again | WTOP https://t.co/PekHiuYeyC

— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) July 8, 2020

UNITE HERE:

Safety is a top priority for hotel workers across North America. “Unite Here Local 26 President @Carlos_Aramayo said he is working with hotel managers to hammer out rules for cleaning, #COVID19 tests for workers, and exemptions for at-risk employees.”https://t.co/Lo8iMbDW3x pic.twitter.com/oN3VsZCw3d

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 9, 2020

United Steelworkers:

Many states have deadlines to register to vote. Check your status and get registered so you can cast your ballot in November at https://t.co/k0gygFb081. #USWVoices pic.twitter.com/Uxg1X0ZEU4

— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) July 9, 2020

United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:

Safety Pays. Falls Cost. Hear how the owner of this residential framing company designs safety into each of his job sites. https://t.co/mexi5F2WWm #roofersafety365

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 6, 2020

Utility Workers:

“Maybe these workers will start to understand the value they have for society, because for decades they've been told they have no value and that they’re replaceable."

Read more by @ShiaKapos in @POLITICO: https://t.co/NqyUakYsS0

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 9, 2020

Working America:

The House passed a bill to provide real relief to millions of people. The Senate needs to stop stalling and pass it now.

Call your Senator and tell them to pass the #HEROESActNow: ☎️ 1-833-868-8109 #SenateFAIL #ProtectEssentialWorkers #GOPVacation pic.twitter.com/amEKbVXgvi

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) July 8, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/10/2020 - 13:01

Tags: Racial Justice

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids

Fri, 07/10/2020 - 07:55
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids

During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.

Members of the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association-IAFF Local 385 in Nebraska donated dozens of bikes and helmets to local children. The community effort was a partnership among the union, the Black Votes Matter organization and churches in north Omaha, which came together to donate the bikes and helmets for kids to safely enjoy some outdoor time with their friends this summer.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/10/2020 - 08:55

Tags: COVID-19, Community Service

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