Black History Month Profiles: Tryshanda Moton
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Tryshanda Moton of the Goddard Engineers, Scientists and Technicians Association (GESTA/IFPTE Local 29).
Tryshanda Moton currently serves as president of GESTA. She is a senior aerospace systems engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She has 25 years of proven technical expertise in various systems. Moton attended college at the University of Alabama, where she became the first African American to graduate with a bachelor's degree in physics. She completed graduate research in nuclear thermal propulsion concepts for human spaceflight missions to Mars. In 2012, Tryshanda joined GESTA and later was elected to the executive council, where she served two terms as area vice president and two terms as executive vice president.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/25/2025 - 09:54SOLIDARITY ALERT: NO to Dismantling the U.S. Postal Service
Here is a critical message from the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), which represents hundreds of thousands of dedicated letter carriers who deliver our mail six days a week.
Please make a call now to protect U.S. Postal Service workers’ jobs: 202-224-3121
The jobs of 640,000 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees are under attack. In a reported executive order, President Trump plans to fire the Postal Board of Governors and place the agency under the control of the Department of Commerce.
This is a direct attack on USPS employees, the unmatched universal service they provide and every citizen who relies on the Postal Service.
Please stand with letter carriers and all postal workers and make a call to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
202-224-3121
Please tell Speaker Johnson to put a stop to this. HELL NO to dismantling the Postal Service!
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/24/2025 - 15:04Black History Month Profiles: Tamua Newton
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Tamua Newton of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
OPEIU Local 30 member Tamua Newton has worked at City of Hope—a nonprofit cancer treatment and research center in Duarte, California—for more than 20 years. She serves as a steward and is a member of Local 30’s executive board.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/24/2025 - 08:58Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Aviation Unions Sign on to Letter Urging Modernization of Air Traffic Control System
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
A coalition of labor unions representing workers across the aviation and aerospace industries signed on to a letter on Wednesday urging Congress to support efforts to modernize the United States air traffic control system in the wake of recent accidents.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Transportation Trades Department (TTD) all endorsed the message to lawmakers. They stressed the importance of emergency funding for air traffic control technology and staffing, directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize its airspace technology, excepting the FAA from government shutdowns and other critical priorities to ensure the safety of everyone.
“The FAA’s primary mission has been, and should continue to be, ensuring the operational safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS),” the joint letter said. “Everything the FAA does must be directly tied to, and in support of, that mission. Our organizations are ready to work with you to ensure the FAA is more capable and prepared to deliver economic growth, foster American innovation, adapt to challenges, and continue to be the safest, largest, and most complex air traffic control system in the world.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/24/2025 - 08:58Black History Month Profiles: Jeffrey Michael Betts
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Jeffrey Michael Betts of the Machinists (IAM).
Jeffrey Michael Betts is a radar operator at Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Arizona, where he established the Range Operations Control Center and the Central Scheduling Program. Betts has been a member of the IAM since 2002. A retired U.S. Navy air traffic controller, he served in key training, operational and leadership roles throughout his naval career, including facility watch supervisor at NAS North Island, Alameda and Key West, and air operations supervisor aboard the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Kitty Hawk. Betts earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin, two Navy Achievement Medals, five letters of commendation and three letters of appreciation.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/23/2025 - 09:38Black History Month Profiles: Clint Walker
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Clint Walker of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Clint Walker has been a dedicated member of the insulation industry for more than 40 years, bringing a wealth of experience and craftsmanship to the trade. Before entering the field, he served five years in the U.S. Air Force, learning a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Walker remains an active tradesman, continuing to contribute his skills and knowledge to the industry. His family holds a proud legacy in the trade, as his brother was the first African American member of the local. With decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the craft, Walker continues to set a high standard in his field.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/22/2025 - 09:38Black History Month Profiles: Lesa Terry
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Lesa Terry of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Straddling genres has given Lesa Terry a deeper appreciation of her own culture, as a woman of color. “When I was learning the violin, there was something of my heritage that I was leaving behind,” she said. “Focusing on what was missing made me a much stronger player, and it made me a better teacher.” Terry joined AFM when she was in her 20s. She served on AFM Local 47's board in the early 2000s. “It was an opportunity to have a voice in my own way, and to develop an ability to express myself with a strong conviction of what I believed in and how I could help.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/21/2025 - 09:21Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Workers Finalize New Labor Agreement with Lane Transit District; Secure Raises
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 secured a new labor contract this week with the Lane Transit District (LTD) in Oregon. ATU and LTD both approved the contract unanimously. The agreement covers LTD's Facilities Department, which helps maintain LTD’s transportation infrastructure. The new contract includes immediate wage increases, annual wage increases on a step-based progression system, and a comprehensive benefits package for LTD Facilities Department workers and their dependents.
"Securing this first union contract is a significant victory for our new members,” said Bill Bradley, ATU Local 757’s executive board officer. “Over the next three years, this agreement will provide improved wages and the job security that comes with a strong ATU union contract. When labor and management work together in good faith, we create a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/21/2025 - 09:20An Attack on Public Service: 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.
TWU Local 100’s New Union President Vows to ‘Take No Crap’ from MTA Management: “John Chiarello—the new president of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, which represents over 40,000 transit workers in NYC—bluntly warned the MTA that he wouldn’t be pushed around in fighting for his workers’ best interests.”
‘It’s an Attack on Public Service’ | Union Representing Postal Workers Fires Back After Trump Hints at Taking Control of USPS: “At Friday’s swearing in of Howard Lutnick, President Trump hinted at handing the United States Postal Service over to the new Secretary of Commerce. ‘He’s going to look at it,’ said President Trump of Lutnick. ‘He’s got a great business instinct which is what we need, and he’ll be looking at it and we think we can turn it around.’ Brian Renfroe is the president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, the largest postal union that represents more than 200,000 letter carriers. ‘It’s an attack on working people, it’s an attack on public service. It’s literally an attack on the Constitution.’”
271,500 Workers Went on Strike in 2024: “Hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States went on strike in 2024—from health care workers in California to public school teachers in Massachusetts to telecommunications workers in the South. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that 271,500 workers were involved in ‘major work stoppages’ in 2024. The number of workers involved in these stoppages decreased by 41% compared with 2023 but remained elevated compared with strike activity in the early 2000s and 2010s.”
It’s (Past) Time for Oregon to Level the Playing Field: “When talk of the world’s first trillionaire takes center stage in our nation’s news cycles, you know there’s something wrong in our society. When the world’s five richest men have more than doubled their fortunes since 2020 while five billion people around the world have become poorer, it’s clear that there’s an imbalance in the economy. Even when workers use their most powerful—yet risky—tool to fight for fairness by withholding their labor in a strike, corporations often intentionally prolong the strike, starve them out, and cancel healthcare coverage to force them to accept an unfair contract settlement. Unfortunately, this can often perpetuate the ills of our society at large: corporate greed, unsafe jobs, and a culture where we are not respecting working people for their labor; the glue that makes our communities run.”
Federal Workers to Hold Public Actions in Multiple U.S. Cities on Wednesday: “Three weeks after a January 28 memo titled ‘Fork in the Road’ encouraged federal workers to accept ‘deferred resignation’ and leave their positions—and one week after a union-backed demonstration held at the Capitol—federal government union members are gearing up to hold demonstrations in cities across the country on Wednesday, February 19. Organizers are calling the coordinated events Save Our Services Day of Action.”
New DNC chair: Union Workers, Labor Leaders Will Be ‘Core to My Decision-Making’: “New Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin said Tuesday that union workers and labor leaders will be ‘core to my decision-making.’ ‘As Trump wages his war on working families, Democrats will fiercely answer the call to my favorite old union song, "Which Side Are You On?" I’ll tell you what: Democrats are on the side of the worker,’ he said. ‘We will show Americans every day that workers in fact do have more power than any billionaire.’”
Want to Defeat Trump? Support Unions: “But there’s no need to despair. A powerful force in our society has the legitimacy, resources and leverage to turn things around: organized labor. Unions can beat back Donald Trump’s attacks, expose his sham populism, and—by uniting workers around their shared economic interests—help isolate his xenophobic scapegoating. Rather than hibernate for the next four years, or limit ourselves to posting online about the president’s latest outrages, each of us can lend support to workers organizing at federal agencies, schools, Starbucks, Amazon, auto plants and beyond. Just as importantly, we can expand the labor movement’s reach by unionizing our own workplaces. It won’t be easy to counter Trump’s shock-and-awe offensive, or to fill the void left by the Democrats’ disarray. But it’s both necessary and possible.”
Delaware State AFL-CIO Announces New President: “The Delaware State AFL-CIO recently announced Nelson Hill has been elected as its new president. A dedicated labor leader with 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of working families, Hill will now lead the state federation in its mission to protect and empower union members across Delaware. Hill also serves as vice president and executive assistant to the president of UFCW Local 27, one of the largest and most influential unions in the region. His extensive experience in organizing, collective bargaining and worker advocacy has made a profound impact on the labor movement, improving conditions and securing stronger protections for thousands of workers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/20/2025 - 13:19Black History Month Profiles: Ralphe Armstrong
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Ralphe Armstrong of American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Ralphe Armstrong started playing in Detroit clubs at the age of 13. One of his first gigs was at a now-demolished jazz club called the Latin Quarter Theater. “I had no idea it was a union house,” he said. And that was when his mom stepped in. “Detroit is and always was a union town. My dad was in the UAW. I come from the era when if you wanted to be in the big time, you had to join the AFM....I’ve had so many good things happen to me because I was a union member, especially doing so much TV work and recordings. But the federation looks after my interests just as much as it looks after those who have other jobs and maybe just play music for fun, or gig to make some extra money.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/20/2025 - 09:35Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Keystone Ski Resort
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the United Professional Ski Patrols of America (UPSPA), Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, who work at Keystone Resort have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on their first contract with Vail Resorts.
Organized under the name Keystone Ski Patrol (KSP) Union, workers have been in negotiations with the largest resort operator in North America since September 2024. Over the course of bargaining, patrollers have staged a protest and filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.
“Keystone Resort and the Keystone Ski Patrol Union are pleased to announce that they have reached a new tentative agreement through May 31, 2027,” the union and management said in a joint statement. “Together, the resort and union are looking forward to a great rest of the season.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/20/2025 - 09:27We Proudly Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month. And while we celebrate Black labor leaders and union members, both past and present, who have advanced real change, we won’t ignore the moment we find ourselves in right now.
It already has been an extraordinarily difficult year for people of color, as the White House rolls back critical initiatives to protect diversity and inclusion, erases hard-fought civil rights protections, and fires Black federal workers who keep our country running. These attacks on our families and communities place an even heavier weight on the ongoing fight to end systemic racism and achieve economic justice.
But there is a reason that the civil rights movement and labor movement rose together at the same time a generation ago. Together, we will not despair—we will stand in our power and our agency.
As the renowned labor leader Bayard Rustin once said, “To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.” And we know our truth.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), the first Black labor union in America to become part of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). We recall BSCP members’ courage, and use it as we work to build a country that ensures dignity for all working people.
We’re proudly highlighting Black workers this month who continue to stand in the tradition of activism in the labor movement. See our Black History Month profiles we’ve featured on our blog so far.
Together, we will advance the march toward progress.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:04Tags: Black History Month
Making Their Voices Heard Loud and Clear: 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:
Final Equity #StageManagerDay fact drop! No.3 pic.twitter.com/8OhDnZb8mq
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 16, 2025
AFGE:
Congrats, AFGE! We passed 325,000 members on our Drive to 325 campaign! It's up to all of us to keep growing our union, growing our voice, and growing our power! pic.twitter.com/GzZyyZVOVi
— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 15, 2025
AFSCME:
State workers in Alaska are making their voices heard loud and clear in their fight to shore up staffing. https://t.co/HCtTLFkMdV
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 18, 2025
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Our statement on DOGE at SSA: pic.twitter.com/Y5VIg3EfaU
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 19, 2025
Amalgamated Transit Union:
In the wake of the tragic stabbing death of our Local 587 Brother Yim, senseless gun violence on a Seattle bus. More needs to be done to protect our members and riders. #NotOneMore https://t.co/AL59SZsVuJ
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 19, 2025
American Federation of Teachers:
On March 4, we're mobilizing to Protect our kids from the Trump administration’s plans to gut the U.S. Department of Education and slash federal funding.
Want to learn more? Join our call tonight! Register here: https://t.co/ZVd6xOtTJv pic.twitter.com/iTmNpVOepH
— AFT (@AFTunion) February 19, 2025
American Postal Workers Union:
Postmaster General (PMG) Louis DeJoy has informed the Postal Board of Governors that he will soon depart the Postal Service. The Board of Governors, who by law is solely responsible for hiring the PMG, will begin the process of identifying DeJoy’s successor and DeJoy has… pic.twitter.com/5skPTyloPG
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 18, 2025
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Aviation’s first responders save lives. Listen to your Flight Attendants. pic.twitter.com/CueAIMcaLB
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 18, 2025
Boilermakers:
🎓There are ONLY two weeks left until the 2025 Boilermaker International Scholarship Program applications close. Don't miss it! Submit by March 1, 2025 to qualify. https://t.co/XDMQa14ddo pic.twitter.com/wluhXZ2yTB
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 15, 2025
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday!
This week, we’re working in the @Local1BAC training center upgrading their skills with the Historic Masonry Preservation certification!
Want to see your worksite featured? DM us your worksite pictures!#SkilledTrades #BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/kq81bM3rzJ
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) February 19, 2025
Communications Workers of America:
On Feb 3, 47 workers at the Alamo Drafthouse in Colorado were illegally laid off with little to no warning or severance.
In response to these illegal layoffs, the workers have walked off the job in an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. https://t.co/xGTzgmX51v
— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 18, 2025
Department for Professional Employees:
"We can expand the labor movement’s reach by unionizing our own workplaces." https://t.co/i2MnoLJzyI
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 18, 2025
Electrical Workers:
"Trade careers aren’t always what people think of when they hear about high school education, but that’s exactly what Ritenour School District is hoping to provide through a new program supported by green energy companies and local unions." https://t.co/ottJ0Eb0yz
— IBEW (@IBEW) February 18, 2025
Fire Fighters:
🚒 A monopoly of fire truck and ambulance manufacturing in the U.S. is driving costs higher, said @iaffpresident in the @nytimes.
“At the end of the day, absent competition, monopoly capitalism is a shakedown.” https://t.co/lEmnGoWTBl
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) February 18, 2025
Heat and Frost Insulators:
One Union. ✅
Hear from International Representative, Jaime André on the power of organizing.
Andre joined Local 95 out of Cornwall, Ontario, in 1997. He credits his success in joining the Union to his late father Réo André, & uncle Ernest André, who were proud Local 95 members.… pic.twitter.com/OppVE2MXtK
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 17, 2025
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
On Monday, the LCLAA Sacramento Chapter took action today, standing in solidarity with workers and immigrants who help build this nation. Together, we fight for dignity, justice, and fair labor rights for all! ✊🏽 #LCLAA #DayOfAction #ImmigrantsBuildNations pic.twitter.com/xyxAcYE66R
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) February 18, 2025
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Sara Nelson confirmed for “Gonna Take Us All”
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, joining us at the ball!https://t.co/F47NWGNSi9 pic.twitter.com/YXJBYvPUpu
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) February 18, 2025
Laborers:
Real skills. Real training. Real money. 🎯
LIUNA’s hands-on training programs don’t just teach the trade—they set you up for a career that pays what you’re worth!
Find #LIUNA training near you: https://t.co/P9a5gAf51l pic.twitter.com/vPeLCE3iuc
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 19, 2025
Machinists:
Right now we’re outside of Amtrak Auto Train to let the public know that Drummac is dragging their feet in negotiations, stalling @TCUnionHQ’s members first contract. pic.twitter.com/wtbo0K37dS
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) February 19, 2025
Metal Trades Department:
This is why we need people who know what they are doing in office. You can't fire all the experts and then wing it when it comes to national security.
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 17, 2025
Mine Workers:
Today, February 19, 2025, marks 35 years since rank-and-file miners at the Pittston Coal Company ratified a new contract, putting a victorious exclamation point on one of the most historic strikes in American history. pic.twitter.com/yL4hF9fTDm
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 19, 2025
Musical Artists:
😎 The Choristers of Handel and Haydn Society Unionize with AGMA Following Voluntary Recognition: https://t.co/n7Ayo9d5I2 pic.twitter.com/THqHS2a5Uq
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 11, 2025
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The business of Convention starts early. Delegates should plan to be in their seats and ready for the first gavel at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Friday, May 9. Don’t miss any part of the discussion that will shape our Union’s future.https://t.co/lu7JgBqxQQ pic.twitter.com/Mq785ECUqh
— NATCA (@NATCA) February 17, 2025
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Thank you to everyone who showed up and stood with us today for the #FightLikeHell kick-off. NALC members have never backed down from a fight—and we won’t start now. Together, we keep moving forward! pic.twitter.com/3eDoQVxVG0
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 13, 2025
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We're fighting for a future where everyone—not only the ultra wealthy—can live, work, and care with dignity.
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 19, 2025
National Federation of Federal Employees:
NFFE Local 2189 member Doug Allen has been spotlighted for excellent work in his position as chief steward at the Red River Army Depot! Congratulations and thank you for the hard work, Doug. NFFE strong! pic.twitter.com/Ti5KlIBuJq
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) February 18, 2025
National Nurses United:
The federal government just destroyed @OSHA’s publications on preventing #WorkplaceViolence in health care, along with 17 other safety resources!
This is critical information to keep health care workers and our patients safe. https://t.co/CI5aDT1JXy
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 18, 2025
NFL Players Association:
Statement On College Group Licensing pic.twitter.com/TiBjB8TEOt
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 15, 2025
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Join us at the John P. Murtha Reception to honor the Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program! Secure your tickets today and be part of this special evening at the Washington Hilton on April 7, 2025.
🎟️ Get your tickets & learn more: https://t.co/jILA5ZVvm6 pic.twitter.com/CBIKt49Z1S
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 18, 2025
Office and Professional Employees:
As an @OPEIULocal8 shop steward at Kaiser Permanente in Tacoma, Charles Anthony Floyd advocates for patients and co-workers alike. We’re proud to spotlight him and his contributions to the labor movement this #BlackHistoryMonth. pic.twitter.com/GuCkqWMVJF
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) February 17, 2025
Painters and Allied Trades:
Our union apprentices are the most skilled at what they do!
We’d like to welcome @DC50Hawaii’s Painter and Taper apprentices back for the Spring semester. We're excited for you to take advantage of the hands-on training and valuable insights shared by our experienced… pic.twitter.com/NZ9y5U2ntA
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 17, 2025
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
One of many interviews @PASSprezdc conducted today on behalf of the mission critical @FAANews probationary employees terminated on Friday night. Thank you @InsideWithPsaki for the opportunity. #publicservice #federalemployees #aviatonsafety. https://t.co/9WsIEWTuNr
— PASS (@PASSNational) February 18, 2025
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Today, the @RWDSU announces our endorsement of @MarkLevineNYC for NYC Comptroller! “We know Mark Levine has always put New York’s working people first and he will continue to do that as Comptroller, which is why we are proud to endorse him today,” says RWDSU President @sappelbaum pic.twitter.com/DEWm2mizUW
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 18, 2025
Roofers 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/wW5nSvc55h #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/2imDYdk5XN
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) February 18, 2025
SAG-AFTRA:
Tune into the SAG-AFTRA podcast as #SagAftraMember leaders highlight and unpack key moments from the 6th Annual #LITSummit. A.I. contract negotiations and worker protections, international union solidarity and more! 🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/tZxZXr4ckV pic.twitter.com/6BQL0LYmfU
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 18, 2025
Service Employees International Union (SEIU):
When workers unite, our voices can’t be ignored. Keep pushing for the schools, wages, and resources students & staff are owed! https://t.co/CJI7v1GZD4
— SEIU (@SEIU) February 19, 2025
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Working in theater production is physically demanding, and accidents can happen. That’s why striking workers at Atlantic Theater Company are fighting for guaranteed health benefits—because no one should have to put their body on the line without protections pic.twitter.com/2IvAkJhyCm
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) February 18, 2025
Transport Workers Union:
“Dispatchers @SunCountryAir approved a new contract that immediately raises pay by at least 36%. The TWU is the largest union for Air Dispatchers. We will always fight to advance our members.”@TwuSamuelsen
Read more below!
— TWU (@transportworker) February 14, 2025
Transportation Trades Department:
We applaud the swift and heroic actions of the train crew who helped escort passengers to safety. https://t.co/ZnK6iTsZtE
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
UAW:
We back each other up. 100%. That's what union strong means — and that's what it will take to win a great first contract. #Solidarity #StandUpVW pic.twitter.com/Dkab2VMslp
— UAW (@UAW) February 12, 2025
UNITE HERE:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHTS ✨
Rayshone Austin, Delaware North at Boston Logan Airport—
"I decided to become a Shop Steward because I was tired of the bosses mistreating people...We need to enforce the contract to make sure the bosses stay in line & treat all workers fairly." pic.twitter.com/vSFw9Akksj
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) February 18, 2025
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Workers at the Gaylord Chemical plant in Tuscaloosa voted to join the ICWUC by an overwhelming margin!
In a right-to-work state like Alabama, this victory shows just how strong their push for better wages & conditions really is.
Let’s get to work!
➡️https://t.co/AobCdnc19p pic.twitter.com/wgjxgUdSjN
— UFCW (@UFCW) February 18, 2025
United Steelworkers:
We’re celebrating Black History Month by highlighting members like Earkiel Eaton Jr. He made history as the first Black president of Local 593 and helped launch Buffalo’s first Black Labor Week. In 2023, he was named District 4 Buffalo Activist of the Year! pic.twitter.com/q9hwRAK6zE
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) February 18, 2025
Utility Workers:
Thank you to the federal workers at OSHA who help enforce workplace safety regulations!
Hat tip: UWUA Local 304 pic.twitter.com/MlXbkSlEfo
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 19, 2025
Writers Guild of America East:
Congratulations to all the 77th Annual #WritersGuildAwards winners! View the full list: https://t.co/QVqrQWXmq7 pic.twitter.com/4e3aniKqow
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) February 16, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/19/2025 - 09:43Black History Month Profiles: Joe Diggs
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Joe Diggs of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and National Treasury Employees Union, AFGE.
Joe Diggs joined CWA Local 2300 in 1985 and went on to become a steward at Local 2300 and later CWA Local 2323. During his 12 years of working for the phone company, he earned his bachelor’s degree in labor relations from the University of Maryland. After 12 years, four strikes and two winning organizing campaigns, Diggs left to work for the National Treasury Employees Union. Then he joined AFGE, where he worked for 25 years. During that time, Diggs served CWA Local 2385 as a staff representative and contract negotiator. Diggs volunteered to start a chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute in Phoenix.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/19/2025 - 09:34Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Defeats Right to Work Legislation in New Hampshire
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a win for working people, the latest version of “right to work” legislation introduced in the New Hampshire Legislature last week has been indefinitely postponed, effectively killing the bill.
Different iterations of House Bill 238-FN have been introduced dozens of times since the 1980s, all seeking to undermine union negotiating power and make New Hampshire the region’s only right to work state.
“For the fortieth consecutive time, so-called ‘Right-to-Work’ is dead,” said New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett in a joint statement with other labor leaders. “Once again, today, a bipartisan coalition of legislators did their job, listened to their constituents, and voted to kill House Bill 238-FN, this year’s version of the fraudulently titled ‘Right-to-Work.’ Every new legislature for the last 40 years has seen this attack on workers’ rights and every legislature, regardless of which party is in the majority, has rejected it.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/19/2025 - 09:28I Stand With Workers, Not Billionaires: 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the love and solidarity we share as a union family. Together, we fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity for all workers. Let’s continue to show the love by standing up for one another. Happy Valentine’s Day! pic.twitter.com/KtViEdM5yc
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) February 14, 2025
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Huge thanks to Sacramento Assemblymember @maggykrell for showing up today to join @CaliforniaLabor in standing in solidarity with #SiemensWorkersUnited in their fight for a union and better future for their families! @ibbunion @IBEWlocal1245 @sacramentolabor https://t.co/xCLCUoYQJh pic.twitter.com/sGaL5gXPyF
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 11, 2025
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Five Secretaries Of Labor Champion SB-5, the Worker Protection Act, Urge Governor, legislators to expand worker freedom to negotiate for better pay and safety. #coleg #copolitics https://t.co/SK1YLh7kDa
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 18, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
"Occupational cancer over the last 10 years has become the number one killer of firefighters and it currently accounts for nearly 75% of all line of duty deaths." –@UPFFA President Peter Brown on the need to create a dedicated funding source for the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund pic.twitter.com/SvIGKYf9ME
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
Florida AFL-CIO:
The Florida AFL-CIO and everyone in Florida's Labor community mourns the passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson. She was a true champion for Florida's working families and a defender of justice. pic.twitter.com/EPVybATDBS
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 14, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Markeisha is an up and coming organizer with @UFCW Local 881. In her eyes, #BlackHistoryMonth is a time to educate, agitate, organize and have the hard conversations that remind us why we're in the labor movement: to create an economy that works for all.#1u pic.twitter.com/vxSQz0Dfim
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Thank you to all the union workers who are out in the elements keeping us safe! You keep Iowa running! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/c7hgRWmBg6
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) February 12, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
Maine Republicans have submitted right-to-freeload bills every legislative session since 1948. Not a single Maine worker testified in support of this bill. Time for these national corporate lobbyists to pack it in & go home! pic.twitter.com/lI6DHSLGAT
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 14, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 25th to tell our elected officials that we oppose closing Pappas Rehab Hospital for Children & Pocasset Mental Health Center, reducing DMH Case Managers by 50%, & raising healthcare costs for state workers & retirees
RSVP here: https://t.co/4XUaEgvA2c pic.twitter.com/xkaNkbCdCX
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 18, 2025
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Elon Musk is putting hard-working people out of work, calling them parasites, and laughing while he does it. Interested in learning how you can fight back? Check it out 👇 pic.twitter.com/mVWrPr1L6i
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 15, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
HealthPartners is dragging their feet in bargaining & has committed several Unfair Labor Practices. Tell executives & the board that it's time to bargain in good faith with @OPEIULocal12 workers. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/5kOOeWaCxY
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Unelected and out-of-touch billionaires are threatening American Federal Workers. It’s time to stand up and say NO to the corporate greed that is trying to intimidate our #Union brothers and sisters. #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/JihlVl1UWo
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy Presidents’ Day to our President Liz Sorenson!
Liz has served as president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO since 2017. She began her career over 40 years ago and in 1990 transferred to Nevada Bell, where she served as a steward, organizer, lobbyist & officer for CWA Local 9413 pic.twitter.com/OOxO9bbq5C
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 17, 2025
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
'Right-to-work' bill voted down once again #NHPolitics https://t.co/5Am3FNR6PK
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) February 14, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
Thank you @RepNicole for your concerns, these vast proposed Medicaid cuts will have real world consequences. https://t.co/kVwdPuysDH
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 18, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
#FMLA turned 32 this week—used 500M times—but the U.S. is still one of only 6 countries without a national paid family leave program. Workers in NC lose $914M every year due to lack of #PaidLeave. Time to demand what we deserve! #WorkersRights #PaidLeaveForAll #Unionize pic.twitter.com/K7u8zLSowg
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 7, 2025
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Take action for ND Kids: Universal Free School Meals for All ND Students. Write your Rep. here: https://t.co/BYu7A9emvu
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) February 6, 2025
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Let them know, @RepEmiliaSykes https://t.co/szi0U0Jay5
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 11, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
In response to Elon Musk’s anti-worker actions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE), the AFL-CIO has created the Department of People Who Work for a Living (DPWL).
Ahead of DODGE’s first subcommittee, DPWL submitted testimony to chair Marjorie Taylor Green:…
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 13, 2025
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Geisinger nurses are standing up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the respect they deserve. When nurses win, we all win! 💪🏥https://t.co/YncQqkSQOq
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 8, 2025
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
🚨 REGISTRATION OPEN🚨
Now in its 13th year, the Tennessee Shoot for a Cure Charity Sporting Clay Shoot is set for April 28th at Lone Oaks Farm. Once again, this always-popular event benefits both the March of Dimes and the Tennessee Members’ Assistance Program - pic.twitter.com/Ale1sFBNR0
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) February 18, 2025
<>Texas AFL-CIO:
🗣️ “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions.”
This Presidents’ Day, we’re thinking of Texas workers, not out-of-touch oligarchs. #PresidentsDay pic.twitter.com/7fDQoBnHAk
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 17, 2025
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Congrats to our VP Dean Shelton! ✊ https://t.co/dUqF2XkFbk
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 14, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Governor Evers prepares to deliver biennial budget address https://t.co/7Z6bO69eBR
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 18, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 12:17Fighting Back Against DOGE Firings
Federal workers are the heart of our government, ensuring that critical services like Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits run smoothly. And with 85% of federal workers living outside the Washington, D.C., metro area, they’re also our friends, family members, and neighbors all across the country.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has put thousands of good, hardworking federal workers out of a job this week—jeopardizing the programs we all depend on.
The most powerful thing you can do right now is to put a face to the DOGE’s reckless cuts. If you are a worker, or the friend or family member of a worker affected by the DOGE, we want to hear more about who you are, how you’ve helped our country, and how the DOGE is impacting you.
You can share your story anonymously or connect with us to help get your story out for everyone to hear. Get started now: go.aflcio.org/worker-story.
Unions will fight for working people every step of the way, with every tool in our toolbox. But you have power, too. Thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with the hardworking Americans who make our country run.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 11:36Tags: Federal workers
Black History Month Profiles: Enika Blunt-McNair
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Enika Blunt-McNair of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Enika Blunt-McNair’s journey began during a conversation with her mother, who advised her to “get involved” if she wanted to understand the union. Blunt-McNair took that advice to heart, joining the negotiation team where she learned about collective bargaining and members' rights. Blunt-McNair served as co-chair and chairperson. Through her advocacy, Blunt-McNair defended members against unfair treatment and micromanagement, using union tools to protect jobs and ensure dignity for workers. Her leadership was especially impactful during the fight against Florida's S.B. 256, where she stood shoulder to shoulder with the union to push back against harmful legislation.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 09:57Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Children’s Theatre Company Public Facing Staff Ratify First-Ever Contract With IATSE Local 13
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13 workers ratified their first contract on Monday, February 3. The contract covers nearly 50 ushers, ticket takers, front of house associates, ticket office associates, performance supervisors and concessions leads. IATSE requested voluntary recognition and received it on January 15, 2024.
“While bargaining began slowly, we have appreciated the consistent attention to these negotiations from CTC throughout and since the company underwent a change in both the artistic and managing director roles last summer. We are pleased that our work together has produced meaningful gains for member employees and strengthened CTC’s workforce,” said an IATSE representative.
IATSE members focused on language protecting diversity and accessibility and the development of health and safety protections, which were agreed to in the contract.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 09:35Black History Month Profiles: Glenda Armstrong
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Glenda Armstrong of the General Association of Miramar Employees/OPEIU (GAME/OPEIU).
Glenda Armstrong is a member of GAME/OPEIU Local 101, working as a supervisor in the property and evidence unit of the city’s police department. A former president of the local, Armstrong’s career has spanned nearly three decades with the city of Miramar, Florida, and two decades with Local 101.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/17/2025 - 10:25
