A Win for Nurses and Patients: Worker Wins
Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with nurses banding together to make patients' lives better and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. The end of 2019 saw a flurry of wins for working people, so this is the first in several posts over the next week that will cover the victories of the last quarter of the year.
California Nurses Win New Master Contract: Nearly 4,000 registered nurses at eight Tenet hospitals in California approved a new master contract. The nurses are members of California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). The new agreement enhances recruitment and retention, assures eight-hour rest periods between shifts, adequate breaks, scheduling improvements, better health and safety, wage increases, and protections for the nurses' health care. “We are very proud of what we’ve achieved with this new contract. It is a testament to what registered nurses can accomplish collectively when we stand together as committed patient advocates,” said Ginny Gary, an registered nurse at the Los Alamitos Medical Center. “This new agreement is a win for the nurses and our patients, for our families and for the communities we serve across the state.”
University of Chicago Nurses Avert Strike with Tentative Deal: The nurses, members of National Nurses United (NNU), planned for a one-day strike and the hospital said it would lock out the nurses in response. The strike was canceled when the the agreement was reached. “Both sides have been working since March on a contract that not only recognizes the valuable contributions our nurses make to our organization, but also ensures [the University of Chicago Medical Center] remains at the forefront of medical care and scientific research for years to come,” said Debra Albert, the hospital’s chief nursing officer.
Last of the Big Three Detroit Auto Makers Reaches Agreement with UAW: UAW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) reached a tentative four-year agreement that would cover hourly workers at the company. The deal secures $9 billion of company investments that will create nearly 8,000 jobs. "FCA has been a great American success story thanks to the hard work of our members. We have achieved substantial gains and job security provisions for the fastest growing auto company in the United States," said Rory Gamble, the acting president of the UAW.
Philadelphia Public Defenders to Become UAW Members: A majority of the 200 lawyers at the Defender Association of Philadelphia voted to be represented by the UAW. The lawyers represent some 70% of those arrested for criminal offenses or probation violations in the city. In a petition to management, the attorneys said: “We have all chosen this work because we are passionate about protecting the constitutional rights of our clients and giving them a voice in a system that otherwise does not. We believe that by collectively improving our workplace, we will better serve our clients.”
New Mexico Faculty Vote to be Represented by AFT: More than 70% of faculty at the University of New Mexico (UNM) voted to be represented by AFT. More than 1,600 full- and part-time faculty across five campuses will also be members of the American Association of University Professors. The new unit, United Academics of the University of New Mexico, will begin bargaining with the university on its first contract. Hilary Lipka, a temporary part-time faculty member in religious studies, said: "This is a historic moment for faculty at UNM. Our victory reflects how important it is that the university treats faculty with dignity and respect. We look forward to sitting down with the administration and negotiating a contract that acknowledges the work and value that part-time faculty contribute to the university."
Zoellner Arts Center Stagehands Join IATSE: In a unanimous vote, stagehands who work at the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania voted unanimously to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 200. The workers support the 200-plus annual events held at the arts center. The new unit will meet with Lehigh to begin negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement.
Los Angeles Times Newsroom Employees Reach Tentative Agreement: Nearly 500 members of the Los Angeles Times newsroom will now be represented by the L.A. Times Guild, an affiliate of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). The contract is more than a year in the making and will provide raises and other benefits over the life of the three-year contract. “We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Carolina A. Miranda, co-chair of the L.A. Times Guild. “It’s a difficult time in the industry, but we’ve landed significant pay increases and a broad safety net of job protections that are some of the best in the industry. We’re grateful that Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is actively reinvesting in The Times. This is a win for journalism and a win for L.A.”
Hormel Workers Across the Country Approve New Contract: Thousands of Hormel workers nationwide approved a new contract that strengthens wages, expands health care and increases pension security. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), which represents the Hormel workers, said: “By strongly voting for a new contract that improves wages and benefits, thousands of our hardworking members sent a powerful message this week about the power that comes from workers standing together."
Houston Mayor Signs $12 Minimum Wage for Airport Workers: After months of workers demanding that city leaders raise the minimum wage at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner signed an executive order raising the minimum wage for all airport workers in Houston to $12 an hour. The rate is a first step in pursuit of $15 an hour minimum wage at the airports in Houston. “We are excited that Mayor Turner met with airport workers and listened to their struggles, and thankful that he took action to raise wages," said Willy Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 23. "This is a great step forward for Houston’s airport workers. For many of our members, this will make the difference between whether or not they can pay rent at the end of the month.
Actors' Equity Reaches Agreement with The Broadway League: An overwhelming 95% of Actors' Equity (AEA) members voted to approve the new production contract with The Broadway League. "This negotiation resulted in not only great compensation increases for our members but created new terms and conditions that provide further protections for stage managers and swings," said Mary McColl, executive director of AEA. "This is the third negotiation we have completed with The Broadway League this year. Thanks to the solidarity and support of our members, all three have been successful."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/17/2020 - 10:52Tags: Organizing
Greater Boston Labor Council Makes History with Latest Election
The Greater Boston Labor Council (GBLC), AFL-CIO, made history last week with the election of the first woman of color to its top office. Darlene Lombos takes over as executive secretary-treasurer, replacing Richard Rogers, who officially retired after leading the GBLC for the past 16 years.
Lombos brings more than 20 years of community and youth organizing experience in the labor movement to the position. She served as vice president of the GBLC and has been the executive director of Community Labor United since 2011. A vital asset to the greater Boston community, her work continues to protect and promote the interests of working-class families and communities of color in greater Boston and throughout the commonwealth.
“I am honored to lead such an amazing group of dedicated workers in the Boston area,” said Lombos. “Rich was a true mentor and I look forward to continuing his legacy of empowering working families for years to come.”
Rogers, a member of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 391, leaves behind an impressive legacy in the labor movement. Prior to leading the GBLC, Rogers served on the staff of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO for 21 years, 12 of those as the state federation’s political director. He was the chief organizer for several influential political campaigns, including Ted Kennedy’s 1994 U.S. Senate race and the elections of Jim McGovern and John Tierney to the U.S. House of Representatives. He played an integral role during his four terms as GBLC executive secretary-treasurer in growing and strengthening the Boston-area labor movement.
In recognition of his lifetime of hard work and dedication to the movement, The Labor Guild awarded the prestigious Cushing-Gavin Award to Rogers in December 2019.
Dennis Loney Mon, 01/13/2020 - 08:26Economy Gains 145,000 Jobs in December; Unemployment Unchanged at 3.5%
The U.S. economy gained 145,000 jobs in December, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 3.5%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Preliminary data from BLS also shows, for the first time since 2010, the majority of workers on U.S. payrolls are women, underscoring the importance of addressing the gender wage gap.
In response to the December job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
@BLS_gov continues to show modest wage gains, up only 2.9 percent over the year. Combined with modest employment growth, clearly the @federalreserve was correct to reverse course on interest rate hikes it had planned beginning back in 2018. @AFLCIO #JobsReport
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) January 10, 2020The industries with the lowest wages (moving down the graph below the dotted horizontal line) and the greatest job gains (moving to the right from the dotted vertical line). This composition effect helps to slow overall wage growth. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/QFrHWlT2M7
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) January 10, 2020At 3.1% for Leisure & hospitality (mostly food service workers) and 4.2% for Retail trade, both industries where the minimum wage increases have been important, saw higher year-over-year wage growth than the average. @ernietedeschi @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/D6XgCROogR
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) January 10, 2020The weakness in wage growth, and the deceleration in job growth contribute to this sad statistic: Employment in motor vehicle production fell from 1.005 million in December 2018 to 986,900 last month. At 3.5% unemployment selling cars should be easy. @UAW @AFLCIO @bencasselman
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) January 10, 2020State government (on left) and local government employment continue their climbs back to restoring the needed public investment for sustained growth. But, in December state government employment took a small dip, losing 8,000 while local employment grew 14,000. @AFSCME @AFTunion pic.twitter.com/YgVBb1QB9d
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) January 10, 2020Last month's biggest job gains were in retail trade (41,000), leisure and hospitality (40,000), and health care (28,000). Mining lost jobs (-8,000). Employment in other major industries—including construction, manufacturing, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, wholesale trade, information, professional and business services, and government—showed little change over the month.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.6%), blacks (5.9%), Hispanics (4.2%), adult men (3.1%), whites (3.2%), adult women (3.2%) and Asians (2.5%) showed little or no change in December.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was unchanged in December and accounted for 20.5% of the unemployed.
Dennis Loney Fri, 01/10/2020 - 13:11‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Collective Heroism
On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” AFL-CIO podcast co-hosts Julie Greene Collier and Tim Schlittner talk to Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold Schaitberger about the union’s one-of-a-kind behavioral health treatment facility in Maryland dedicated to treating IAFF members struggling with addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and other related behavioral challenges. They discuss the toll of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on firefighters and their families, the response of the IAFF in its wake, and the life of a firefighter.
Listen to our previous episodes:
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A chat with the podcast team on their favorite episodes of 2019.
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A discussion with Cas Mudde, a political scientist at the University of Georgia, on the resurgence of right-wing politicians and activists across the globe, much of it cloaked in populist, worker-friendly rhetoric.
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Talking with Guy Ryder, the director-general of the International Labor Organization, about the international labor movement, the idea of “decent labor” and the future of work.
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A discussion with Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig about his work connecting the labor movement and the veterans community.
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A conversation with Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.), a union member and Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair, about strikes, trade, health care, LGBTQ equality and the freedom to form a union.
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A chat with Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (IUPAT, IAM) about his path to power and the experiences that have shaped his life and career.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Dennis Loney Wed, 01/08/2020 - 14:20A Future That Works for Workers
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the AFL-CIO is partnering with SAG-AFTRA to host the second annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit. The summit, led by AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and UNITE HERE International President D. Taylor, brings together union, technology, entertainment and media leaders to explore how these industries intersect and the potential impact for America’s workers and for the country’s creative culture.
As the voice of working Americans, unions play a critical role in ensuring that rapidly evolving technology, which will bring so many great things to humanity, doesn’t roll over humans in the process. Recognizing that this can only be accomplished by partnering with the tech industry, the second annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit brings together diverse voices for a frank conversation about where we are, where we’re going and the critical milestones along the way.
About the AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and UnionsFor the better part of four decades, workers have been more productive than ever, creating massive amounts of wealth—but rigged economic rules, unmitigated corporate greed and unrelenting political attacks have weakened our voices, stifled our wages and eroded our economic security. Yet, as we write this report, a wave of collective action is sweeping the nation. Working people across industries and demographics are joining together for a better life. This uprising comes at a critical moment, as the astounding technologies of the digital revolution have the potential to improve workers’ lives but also threaten to degrade or eliminate millions of jobs.
The AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, formed by a unanimous vote of the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention, is putting working people where we belong—at the center of shaping the economy, work, unions and the AFL-CIO.
Report AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions September 13, 2019 A report of the AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, an initiative focused on bringing workers’ voices into the future of work debate and rebuilding worker bargaining power in an economy that is leaving too many people behind. Related ArticlesAn Open Letter to Game Developers from America's Largest Labor Organization
Kotaku
By Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
Now it’s time for industry bosses to start treating you with hard-earned dignity and respect. While you’re putting in crunch time, your bosses are ringing the opening bell on Wall Street. While you’re creating some of the most groundbreaking products of our time, they’re pocketing billions. While you’re fighting through exhaustion and putting your soul into a game, Bobby Kotick and Andrew Wilson are toasting to “their” success.
America’s Biggest Labor Federation Asks Game Developers to Unionize
Variety
By Emily Gera
A leading figure from America’s biggest labor organization penned an open letter to game developers encouraging unionization across the games industry. AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Liz Shuler took to Kotaku with a post that asks workers in the games industry to fight for adequate pay, sensible work hours, and against toxic work conditions.
Amid Game Industry Layoffs, AFL-CIO Says It’s Time for Workers to Organize
Polygon
By Charlie Hall
On Feb. 15, just days after massive layoffs at Activision Blizzard, the AFL-CIO issued a powerful public statement of support to game developers in the United States. Also known as the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, the AFL-CIO represents more than 12 million workers in 50 different labor unions, including a unit here within Vox Media. Its message, published in an open letter at Kotaku, was both simple and profound.
Activision Blizzard CEO's $30M Pay Under Fire from Labor Union: 'Like Legal Highway Robbery'
Hollywood Reporter
By Patrick Shanley
The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of unions, has taken aim at Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and his annual compensation in 2018 following a massive round of layoffs earlier this year which saw nearly 800 employees lose their jobs. AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Liz Shuler, in a statement published Tuesday, highlighted Kotick's financial compensation in 2018—which was $30.8 million, the majority of which came from stock options ($19 million)—saying, "This is like legal highway robbery."
Dennis Loney Mon, 01/06/2020 - 11:22Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: OPEIU
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Office and Professional Employees.
Name of Union: Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU)
Mission: "To improve the lives of working families by bringing economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our communities. Acting as a strong and united voice in the workplace and in the communities in which we live, OPEIU seeks to bring the benefits of representation to all working people and their families."
Current Leadership of Union: Richard Lanigan serves as president of OPEIU. He was first appointed president by the OPEIU executive board in 2015 and was elected to the position in 2016. Lanigan worked his way through college as a union member before joining OPEIU Local 153 in 1980. After law school, he served as assistant to the OPEIU general counsel. In 1994, he was elected both as secretary-treasurer of Local 153 and joined the international executive board as vice president. Mary Mahoney has served as secretary-treasurer since 2010. OPEIU has 17 vice presidents.
Number of Members: 103,000.
Members Work As: Healthcare employees, including registered nurses and podiatrists, clerical workers, credit union employees, nonprofit employees, teachers, Minor League Baseball umpires and helicopter pilots.
Industries Represented: OPEIU members work at credit unions, hospitals and medical clinics, insurance companies, higher education, nonprofits, transportation, shipping, utilities, hotels, administrative offices and more.
History: The American Federation of Labor granted the first clerical federal charter to Local 1 of the Stenographers, Typists, Bookkeepers and Assistants Union in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1906. Membership grew slowly until the passage of the Wagner Act in 1935. The legislation granted collective bargaining rights to working people and propelled thousands of clerical employees to form dozens of clerical unions. In 1936, Mollie Levitas called for a resolution recognizing an international union of office workers. Nine years later, AFL granted a charter to the Office Employees International Union (OEIU), which had 22,000 members. In 1965, after the AFL merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations, the OEIU rebranded as the Office and Professional Employees International Union. In the following decades, the union grew at a fast rate, reaching 110,000 members by 2010.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: White Collar Magazine provides news and information for office workers. The OPEIU Nurses Council brings together members of the union who work in nursing to address mutual concerns. OPEIU members have access to a free college assistance program and national 401(k) and health plans for local unions to negotiate into their employer contracts. The Rising Stars initiative seeks to create and network OPEIU youth programs across the country. The OPEIU Store sells merchandise branded with the union's name and logo.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/30/2019 - 08:32Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: NFL Players Association
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the NFL Players Association.
Name of Union: NFL Players Association (NFLPA)
Mission: "To pay homage to our predecessors for their courage, sacrifice and vision; [to] pledge to preserve and enhance the democratic involvement of our members; [to] confirm our willingness to do whatever is necessary for the betterment of our membership—to preserve our gains and achieve those goals not yet attained."
Current Leadership of Union: DeMaurice Smith serves as executive director of the NFLPA. He was elected unanimously in 2009 and re-elected in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Prior to serving the NFLPA, Smith was an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and counsel to former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder. Eric Winston is currently serving his third term as NFLPA president. Mark Herzlich serves as treasurer and the NFLPA has nine vice presidents: Sam Acho, Lorenzo Alexander, Zak DeOssie, Thomas Morstead, Russell Okung, Richard Sherman, Michael Thomas, Adam Vinatieri and Benjamin Watson.
Number of Members: More than 2,000.
Members Work As: Active or retired members of the National Football League (NFL).
Industries Represented: Players in the National Football League and retirees.
History: The NFLPA began in the mid-1950s, when disgruntled players asked Creighton Miller, the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, to help them form a players' association. Miller was reluctant at first, but soon began working with key players across the league and by November, the majority of players had signed authorizations to allow the new NFLPA to represent them. They met that month and came up with a few proposals–among them: a minimum salary of $5,000, a requirement for teams to pay for players' equipment and the continued payment of salaries for injured players.
The NFL refused to respond to the early proposals until the 1957 Supreme Court ruling in the case Radovich v. NFL, which found that the league was subject to antitrust laws. As a result, the owners quickly and quietly granted many of the NFLPA's demands out of fear that the players would file another antitrust suit if the owners didn't start to cooperate. Still, the owners continued to drag their feet on implementing the new proposals and player frustration grew again. Owners also ignored new proposals from the NFLPA, such as the creation of a pension plan, hospitalization and other benefits. The NFLPA threatened another antitrust suit and the owners again responded immediately, establishing hospitalization benefits, medical and life insurance and a retirement plan.
In the 1960s, labor relations between players and the NFL became strained because of the new American Football League (AFL). The owners attempted to prevent players from using the AFL as leverage by adding a clause that revoked pensions for players who went to other leagues. Another threatened lawsuit forced pension coverage to be provided to all 110 players who were in the league when benefits were introduced. When the NFL and AFL merged in 1966, the former AFL players weren't represented by the NFLPA. The next time the NFL rejected pension demands, the players were locked out and then went on strike. That strike led to the first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for NFL players, although the former AFL players were still not included in the agreement. The two players associations joined together in 1970 and filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to become a recognized union.
The ensuing decades saw a continuous back and forth as players looked to build more leverage in the growing sport where their play on the field drove the massive financial gains of the owners. In 1971, the NFLPA hired its first executive director and established a headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1976, the NFLPA won a court case that eliminated the Rozelle Rule, which prevented player movement from team to team, even when contracts expired. Beginning in the late 1970s, the CBAs were often surrounded by strife, with players engaging in several strikes and owners responding in 1987 by fielding teams of replacement players while the NFLPA was on strike.
A shift occurred when Gene Upshaw was elected as the NFLPA’s executive director in 1983. The future of the organization was now driven by the players, who finally were gaining the full voice they had long asked for. Free agency was a top issue, particularly during the 1987 strike and afterward. In another antitrust suit filed in the wake of the strike, the courts ruled that if players were in a union and using their right to strike, they didn't have the right to pursue antitrust lawsuits as individuals. In response, the NFLPA de-certified in 1989 and re-formed as a professional association. This allowed various antitrust lawsuits to go forward and, after years of conflict, a compromise settlement was finally reached in 1993. As a result, the players finally won meaningful free agency and a guaranteed percentage of gross NFL revenue.
That year, the NFLPA re-certified as a union and things were relatively calm for nearly two decades until the collective bargaining agreement expired in 2011. Once again, the NFL rejected player requests, the NFLPA de-certified and filed another antitrust lawsuit against the league. The owners proceeded to lock out the players. When the 2011 CBA was agreed upon, the re-certification of the NFLPA was a part of the agreement.
The current CBA, which expires in 2020, features a major shift toward player health and safety. The NFLPA also established the Trust as a separate organization dedicated to helping former players and the NFL created the Legacy Benefit, which will pay $620 million to former players for their contributions to the NFL.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The NFLPA offers a variety of programs to help players with continuing education, personal finance, healthy lifestyles, maximizing on-field performance, career development and business opportunities. The NFLPA also sponsors programs for former players.
The NFLPA highlights the many charitable efforts by NFL players through its Community MVP season, honoring one player per week for his off-the-field outreach while donating $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/19/2019 - 08:10The Backbone of This Country: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Our ferry workers aren't waiting around to get a lay-off notice. They are taking early retirement or leaving our beautiful state entirely to escape @GovDunleavy's self-imposed budgetary instability. This is NOT leadership.
Read the story —> https://t.co/yOH5HVsn1P#akleg #akgov pic.twitter.com/Q5rJsIrZi3
California Labor Federation:
Our *NEW* legislative scorecard is up! Congratulations to all those legislators who stood with working people ?% of the time to build a stronger middle class & protect workers from corporate greed. How does your legislator measure up? ?? https://t.co/wVrf3lJBNv #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/4cqOcMUdRS
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) December 10, 2019Colorado AFL-CIO:
#ThrowbackThursday Colorado AFL-CIO President @Josapagosa wears her grandfather’s 25 years-of-service CF&I Steel pin, lovingly transformed into a ring for Henry Jaramillo by his brothers and sisters. #1u #solidarity #hardwork #PuebloSteel pic.twitter.com/g1RbbHQROd
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) December 5, 2019Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Important anecdote about the struggles of one low-wage worker who works 40 hours a week, but must commute 4 hours a day for work, has no health insurance, and receives no public assistance. https://t.co/LUSTKnNNoZ #FightFor15
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) December 9, 2019Florida AFL-CIO:
Life in the Magic Kingdom isn’t so magical after all. The Orlando area has some of the lowest wages in the country, and combined with a lack of affordable housing, many workers are struggling to make ends meet. https://t.co/TunvtWmjAc?
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) December 9, 2019Indiana State AFL-CIO:
As they should! Working people are the backbone of this country. #1u https://t.co/d5xEqttN03
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) December 16, 2019Iowa Federation of Labor:
TAX MARCH IOWA RELEASES REPORT
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is NOT Working for Us!
Events to be held in Des Moines (Monday, 12/16) and Cedar Rapids (Tuesday, 12/17)
The bottom fifth of Iowa taxpayers gained on average... https://t.co/sIvWV6Yd0z
Maine AFL-CIO:
Check out this week's newsletter for updates from the Waterville Firefighters, an Racial Justice & Labor Workshop and more! https://t.co/cQoc8OHIIm #1U #UnionStrong #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) December 6, 2019Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The MA AFL-CIO is proud to endorse @johnmahoneyply for State Senate. For more information and to contribute to the Mahoney campaign, visit https://t.co/BCTXYFwt8I. #mapoli #vote #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/iVnmlUCxwI
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) December 13, 2019Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
Free at last! @Janefonda welcomes Metro Council Union Cities Coordinator Chris Garlock after release from arrest at #firedrillfriday pic.twitter.com/Q7rmP661DY
— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) December 13, 2019Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Gov. Tim Walz to Trump on refugees: 'The inn is not full in Minnesota'. https://t.co/fjfexcIMJ2 True Minnesota values and leadership from @GovTimWalz. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/uu9tiMahdD
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) December 14, 2019Missouri AFL-CIO:
World's largest #Amoco sign and #STL landmark brought to you by @GoIUPAT Local 774! I'm sure if you have ever driven Highway 40 (as people in St. Louis call it) or Interstate 64 (as everyone else calls it) you have seen this iconic sign. It got a facelift! https://t.co/MV7lg8R49Y
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) December 14, 2019Montana AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the @MTDems staff on their new union! #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/q5q7BPOneM
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) December 11, 2019New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
This year’s Linda Horan Scholarship Awards Winners! https://t.co/4oFaupmwAr pic.twitter.com/NlUbyByz76
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) December 5, 2019New Mexico Federation of Labor:
We offer our deepest condolences for the family, friends and colleagues of the UPS driver shot yesterday.#1u#Solidarity https://t.co/F82Rdaiwl0
— NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) December 6, 2019New York State AFL-CIO:
For App Workers, the #GigEconomy is not a hobby, it's how they pay their bills. App workers deserve respect and the same rights and protections as all other workers. Visit https://t.co/V9xWXc32kr to take action! #EqualRights #Respect #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/NaqXLgV1PX
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) December 9, 2019North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
.@JessicaHolmesNC is the Fighter We Need as NC Labor Commissioner! #1u #ncpol https://t.co/TgbIqUS44x pic.twitter.com/er8iASZsT0
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) December 11, 2019North Dakota AFL-CIO:
#LegacyFund #UniversalSchoolLunch @NBCNightlyNews @LesterHoltNBC https://t.co/YF2NQ3HRh4
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) November 17, 2019Ohio AFL-CIO:
We know thousands of #Ohio workers face the same issues. If you do, #Organize your #Union today! https://t.co/jl9wYpG4st
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) December 14, 2019Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Check out our December Newsletter with union made Christmas, COLA update, New Voter Portal, and more!
Check it out here: https://t.co/P3nYny11qw
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor issued a statement today regarding the Oregon State Senate’s negotiations on a cap and invest policy: https://t.co/z7rdyvn6gk #ORPOL #ORLEG pic.twitter.com/XuUdGmhuMC
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) December 13, 2019Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
When workers have a voice at the table, we all win @FSnyderAFLCIO @AFLCIO #USMCA ✊ pic.twitter.com/oBvHBYHghK
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) December 10, 2019Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
If you are a RI union member who is considering running for municipal or state elective office in 2020, or who might want to serve as a campaign manager, or campaign worker, you are invited to an Open House on Wed., Jan 22, 2020. More info.-->https://t.co/6N41edMHXQ #1u pic.twitter.com/OeZTRXwiQc
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) December 10, 2019Texas AFL-CIO:
Pauline Mims is ready to engage her union and community on the #Census2020 Congrats on becoming a Texas AFL-CIO Census Ambassador #1u @UAW @CLUWNational pic.twitter.com/xciuqoW6Dz
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) December 15, 2019Virginia AFL-CIO:
Wonderfully written article on the debate around repealing right to work in the Commonwealth by @nedoliver . Read it here: https://t.co/qyyCjLzQu7
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) December 11, 2019Washington State Labor Council:
Call Willapa Valley administrators (360-942-5855) Tell them: Settle a fair contract with striking educators! Pickets are up 7:30a-3p at 22 Viking Way, Raymond, WA. Donate to the strike fund: Willapa Valley EA c/o WEA Chinook, 5220 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 #RedForEd #1u pic.twitter.com/TLAA5fZ3Ns
— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) December 12, 2019West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“The hospital had a policy where they bought us all a box of Russell Stover candies … Instead of doing that this year, we decided it would be better if we took all of that money and donated to charities that we pick out every year.” https://t.co/gOlKBO8iB7
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) December 9, 2019Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Find the perfect gift that carries the union label at https://t.co/EXDjYMljEX pic.twitter.com/njgqc2IXH4
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) December 13, 2019 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 12/17/2019 - 11:25Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: National Association of Letter Carriers
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Name of Union: National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
Mission: To unite fraternally all city letter carriers employed by the U.S. Postal Service for their mutual benefit; to obtain and secure rights as employees of the USPS and to strive at all times to promote the safety and the welfare of every member; to strive for the constant improvement of the Postal Service; and for other purposes. NALC is a single-craft union and is the sole collective-bargaining agent for city letter carriers.
Current Leadership of Union: Fredric V. Rolando serves as president of NALC, after being sworn in as the union's 18th president in 2009. Rolando began his career as a letter carrier in 1978 in South Miami before moving to Sarasota in 1984. He was elected president of Branch 2148 in 1988 and served in that role until 1999. In the ensuing years, he worked in various roles for NALC before winning his election as a national officer in 2002, when he was elected director of city delivery. In 2006, he won election as executive vice president. Rolando was re-elected as NALC president in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Brian Renfroe serves as executive vice president, Lew Drass as vice president, Nicole Rhine as secretary-treasurer, Paul Barner as assistant secretary-treasurer, Christopher Jackson as director of city delivery, Manuel L. Peralta Jr. as director of safety and health, Dan Toth as director of retired members, Stephanie Stewart as director of the Health Benefit Plan and James W. “Jim” Yates as director of life insurance.
Number of Members: 291,000 active and retired letter carriers.
Members Work As: City letter carriers.
Industries Represented: The United States Postal Service.
History: In 1794, the first letter carriers were appointed by Congress as the implementation of the new U.S. Constitution was being put into effect. By the time of the Civil War, free delivery of city mail was established and letter carriers successfully concluded a campaign for the eight-hour workday in 1888. The next year, letter carriers came together in Milwaukee and the National Association of Letter Carriers was formed.
The first NALC convention took place in Boston in 1889. At this point, NALC had more than 50 branches, representing 4,600 letter carriers. In 1905, the National Ladies Auxiliary was founded, allowing women to participate in the union for the first time. In the early 1900s, postal workers won the right to organize and affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. Women were first allowed to work as temporary letter carriers as many men went off to fight in World War II.
In the postwar years, NALC has focused on wages and benefits for members. In 1950, NALC began its health benefit plan. In 1964, the Nalcrest retirement community for retired letter carriers opened in Florida. The Great Postal Strike of 1970, which led to the Postal Reorganization Act, brought collective-bargaining rights to letter carriers and other postal employees. In recent decades, NALC has focused in part on legislation and on seeking commonsense legislative and regulatory reform, including the unfair 2006 congressional mandate to pre-fund future retiree health benefits decades in advance, which threatens the viability of USPS by posing an unsustainable—and unique—financial burden. NALC also has continued to regularly negotiate national agreements between letter carriers and the USPS while working to protect the safety, jobs and well-being of letter carriers. Broadly put, NALC is very active in the federal legislative and political arena to protect the interests of its members and to secure the long-term future of the Postal Service.
Read Carriers in a Common Cause, the official history of NALC.
Current Campaigns: NALC stays in regular touch with its members through The Postal Record, the monthly membership magazine; the semi-regular NALC Bulletin and the NALC Activist. The union also sends out regular notifications to members via the NALC Member App for smartphones. NALC members have access to a number of members-only benefits, such as the NALC Health Benefit Plan (though other federal employees also can join the plan), the Mutual Benefit Association insurance company, the NALC Auxiliary and the letter carrier retirement community known as Nalcrest. Union-made clothes bearing the NALC logo and other items can be purchased through the online NALC store.
Community Efforts: The NALC Disaster Relief Foundation helps those in need after disasters. The Letter Carriers' Food Drive, held the second Saturday each May, is the largest one-day food drive in the country. Letter Carrier Heroes recognize the acts of bravery and compassion that letter carriers engage in on a daily basis. NALC’s official charity is the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with letter carriers raising funds to Deliver the Cure. Carrier Alert is a community service program to monitor the well-being of elderly and disabled mail patrons. The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund helps active and retired postal employees, both management and craft, whose home, as a result of a major natural disaster was completely destroyed or left uninhabitable. The Combined Federal Campaign allows federal employees to donate to community service groups of their choice through paycheck deduction.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/16/2019 - 13:24A 'Vast Improvement' on Trade: 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.
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: The Far Right Today: "On the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' podcast co-host Tim Schlittner and guest host AFL-CIO International Director Cathy Feingold talk to Cas Mudde, a political scientist from the University of Georgia. Mudde has a new book, The Far Right Today, which takes a look at the resurgence of right-wing politicians and activists across the globe, much of it cloaked in populist, worker-friendly rhetoric."
Economy Gains 266,000 Jobs in November; Unemployment Down Slightly to 3.5%: "The U.S. economy gained 266,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 3.5%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics."
5 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Our Birthday with Us: "You said it's our birthday! And it is. If you've always wondered what you'd do with the AFL-CIO when we're 64, now's your chance! On this day in 1955, the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations came together after a long and winding road."
A Matter of Life and Death: Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup: "In addition to the AFL-CIO's own 'State of the Unions,' there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States."
Solidarity Forever: 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."
How Labor Beat Mexico on Trade: "For AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to declare victory on the North American trade agreement reached this week, Mexico had to lose. The point of contention was whether the AFL-CIO could send American inspectors into Mexican factories where workers weren’t being given their full union rights. Mexico hated that idea, saying it would violate Mexican sovereignty. But in the end, Mexico agreed to a small tweak: multinational three-person inspection teams that would include Mexican and American independent labor experts."
Bipartisan Support for New NAFTA Is Rare Achievement in Trade Policy: "'We have secured an agreement that working people can proudly support,' the AFL-CIO’s Trumka said a statement giving his blessing to USMCA, a contrast with his withering attacks on prior free-trade proposals. 'The trade rules in American will now be fairer.'"
AFL-CIO Endorses USMCA as 'Vast Improvement' Over NAFTA: "The AFL-CIO gave a ringing endorsement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement on Tuesday when House Democrats announced they were satisfied with the trade deal. 'I am grateful to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her allies on the USMCA working group, along with Senate champions like Sherrod Brown and Ron Wyden, for standing strong with us throughout this process as we demanded a truly enforceable agreement,' AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.'"
Low Unemployment Rate Contradicts the Truth: No ‘Good Jobs’ and Low Wages: "The latest jobs report showed a robust 266,000 workers were hired last month, an impressive figure that kept the country’s unemployment rate at 3.2%, the lowest it's been in decades. Likewise, black unemployment was hovering around its lowest levels ever, with November’s 5.5% unemployment rate inflating by just one-tenth of a percentage point from the month prior."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/13/2019 - 13:13Tags: Podcast
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: The Far Right Today
On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-host Tim Schlittner and guest host AFL-CIO International Director Cathy Feingold talk to Cas Mudde, a political scientist from the University of Georgia. Mudde has a new book, The Far Right Today, which takes a look at the resurgence of right-wing politicians and activists across the globe, much of it cloaked in populist, worker-friendly rhetoric.
Listen to our previous episodes:
- Talking with Guy Ryder, the director-general of the International Labor Organization, about the international labor movement, the idea of "decent labor" and the future of work.
- A discussion with Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig about his work connecting the labor movement and the veterans community.
- A conversation with union member and Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.) about strikes, trade, health care, LGBTQ equality and the freedom to form a union.
- A chat with Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (IUPAT, IAM) about his path to power and the experiences that have shaped his life and career.
- Talking to Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) about worker power, automation, trade and his decision to stay in the U.S. Senate.
- Checking in with AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council Executive Director Brad Markell about the UAW strike at General Motors and interviewing Veena Dubal, an associate law professor at UC Hastings College of the Law, whose work helped pave the way for passage of A.B. 5, the landmark pro-worker legislation in California.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/11/2019 - 10:47Tags: Podcast
Economy Gains 266,000 Jobs in November; Unemployment Down Slightly to 3.5%
The U.S. economy gained 266,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 3.5%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In response to the November job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
A large part of the job growth (15.4%) came from the returning @UAW workers from their strike against GM. So, motor vehicle employment was up 41,000, but remains 2,000 lower than the month before the strike. @AFLCIO #JobsDay #NumbersDay
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019
Once again, big gains (moving to the right) in lower wage industries (moving down). Leisure & Hospitality gained 45,000 last month (219,000 in the last four months). The 25,300 in food services puts that industry at 12.33 million compared to manufacturing's 12.87 @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/YIyFDCnadQ
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019
Why is full employment important? Again the unemployment rate for Latino men (over age 20) at 3.0% in November equaled white men's unemployment rate. Economists insisted the unemployment gaps reflected skill gaps; @federalreserve must realize its impact on inequality @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019
Another reason for concern about Retail: average weekly hours and average weekly payrolls fell in November. Amidst negligible job gains, this isn't a good sign for the month that includes Black Friday. @UFCW @AFLCIO #JobsDay #NumbersDay pic.twitter.com/iAn7v2GdYA
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019
Thanks to all the states marching to a $15 an hour minimum wage, wages in leisure and hospitality were up 4.3% over the year. @BobbyScott led the House in passing a federal minimum wage hike, but from silent Mitch and Republican Senate crickets. @AFLCIO #FightFor15
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019
In addition to tepid Retail numbers, gains in transportation for package delivery related work was good, but not great, up 8,000 for warehousing (logistics centers), 5,100 for couriers and messengers, 1,800 for support activities. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/J3yXuvDHso
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019With tepid wage growth, this puzzle of lingering long term unemployment with low overall unemployment lingers. And, NO the long term unemployed are not a homogenous group of low skilled workers. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/GrF7Rqm1KH
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) December 6, 2019Last month's biggest job gains were in manufacturing (54,000), health care (45,000), leisure and hospitality (45,000), professional and technical services (31,000), transportation and warehousing (16,000) and financial activities (13,000). Mining lost jobs (-7,000). Employment in other major industries—including retail trade, construction, wholesale trade, information and government—showed little change over the month.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.0%), blacks (5.5%), Hispanics (4.2%), adult men (3.2%), whites (3.2%), adult women (3.2%) and Asians (2.6%) showed little or no change in November.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) declined in November and accounted for 20.8% of the unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 12/10/2019 - 15:435 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Our Birthday With Us
You said it's our birthday! And it is. If you've always wondered what you'd do with the AFL-CIO when we're 64, now's your chance! On this day in 1955, the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations came together after a long and winding road.
You said you wanted a labor revolution, and we all still want to change the world. And over those 64 years, together, we have achieved something to be proud of. Under the leadership of the fab five presidents, we've refused to let it be and championed critical fights for workplace safety, trade fairness, fair wages, secure retirement and equal pay!
A wise person once said "all you need is love," but we know that working people also need a way to express their voices on the job. From the beginning, that's been our goal, and here's how you can help us celebrate our 64th birthday!
1. Sign our petition supporting pro-worker legislation: You should let your mother (and everyone else) know about bills like the PRO Act, which would help level the playing field between mean Mr. Mustard and his friends on Wall Street!
2. Subscribe to our podcast: In my life, I haven't found a better way to dig deeper about the stories important to working people than to listen to State of the Unions, the podcast of the AFL-CIO!
3. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Money can't buy me love, but the good news is you won't need money to get the latest video content from the crew aboard our yellow submarine!
4. Follow us on social media: A great day in the life would include you following us on our social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to keep up with the latest news and information!
5. Sign up for text messages: While you're twisting and shouting, text WORK to 235246 to receive periodic text alerts from the AFL-CIO (message and data rates may apply) to know when your fellow working people need your solidarity!
We've accomplished a lot from yesterday to today and I've got a feeling the future is bright for working people. Whatever challenges we face, we can work it out as long as we work all together now!
(With apologies to the Beatles!)
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/05/2019 - 13:55A Matter of Life and Death: Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup
In addition to the AFL-CIO's own "State of the Unions," there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States.
AFT in Action: "AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel is joined by our state federation's vice president for this second of three episodes addressing rising levels of workplace violence. John Brady, RN, brings his years of experience in the healthcare industry to a conversation focused on the risks in hospitals, medical clinics and social work settings. Their guest is U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, who for years has led congressional efforts to require employers report incidents of assault on health professionals to federal workplace regulators. He answers' members questions about the current lack of protections in place and proposed legislation that would establish enforcement standards for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration."
America’s Work Force: High Tech Training: "John Kearney, CEO of Advanced Training Systems, spoke with America’s Work Force on Nov. 18 about his company and the training that they provide. Mike Polensek, city council member for the city of Cleveland, discussed getting more people involved in vocational education and the trades. America's Work Force host Ed 'Flash' Ferenc spoke about nurses and how the dangers that they may face from patients on the job."
Building Bridges: It’s a Matter of Life and Death: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind: "Harriet Washington (#MedicalApartheid) speaking about her new book A Terrible Thing to Waste." Listen to Part 1 and Part 2.
CTU Speaks!: 11-Time to Ratify?: "Co-hosts Andrea Parker and Jim Staros talk with bargaining team members Quentin Washington and Kirstin Roberts about what it was like to spend weeks (and even months!) at the negotiating table with Chicago Public Schools, how the wins in the contract came to be there, and what some of the strategic considerations are when striking to increase leverage at the bargaining table."
Heartland Labor Forum: "Do you think the Supreme Court’s 2018 anti-worker Janus Decision killed public sector unions? Nope. They have survived and the show talks about how unions fought back. This special Thanksgiving show is a replay of the August 30, 2018 show, which won first prize for radio from the International Labor Communications Association. Kudos to it’s producer, Cris Mann. Thursday at 6 p.m., rebroadcast Friday at 5 a.m. on KKFI 90.1 FM or streaming....Also: More on 'disappearing' the poor and the Tenants Bill of Rights hits the City Council."
Labor History Today: Making the Woman Worker: "Eileen Boris on 'Making the Woman Worker: Precarious Labor and the Fight for Global Standards' from the Working History podcast. Plus this week’s labor history highlights!"
State of Working America: "Native Americans Too Often Left Out of Economic Debate."
UCOMM Live: "National Save Apprenticeship week for the IBEW; Steelworkers are on strike in Minnesota, 25k are organizing at Delta, and we look at what a bad place Alabama is to live in. The Huffpost wrote a 5,000 word story about how the word scab is becoming mainstream, Kaepernick is getting a tryout, and Mets win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. Listen to UCOMM Live Thursdays at 4 on Facebook,Twitter and YouTube."
Union City Radio: "Weekdays 7:15 a.m. on WPFW 89.3 FM. Recent shows: Airline workers sit-in, grocery workers picket today; 'When We Fight, We Win' say fed-up workers; the Thanksgiving Dirty Dozen; Black Friday union shopping guide."
Union Strong: Treatment of Gig Economy Workers: "How will New York State treat workers in the gigeconomy? It is a question that will be the subject of debate in the upcoming legislative session. In this episode, we take a look at what is at stake and hear from the legislative director of the New York State AFL-CIO on the federation’s position on gig economy workers."
Your Rights At Work: "Labor news headlines: House Votes Today on H.R. 1309—Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act; Hearst staffers decide to unionize; 'Newsies' onstage at Arena Stage...; Popeyes’ employees report being forced to stand until their legs go numb for 10-hour shifts; Google hires firm known for anti-union efforts. Guests: Jackie Jeter, Metro Washington Council: live report from the ATU demonstration at WMATA headquarters; Joyce Gibson, SEIU 1199: Nearly 1,000 nurses vote union in West Virginia; Al Neal: U.S. Women’s Soccer Team's discrimination lawsuit granted class status; Daoud Kuttab: produces Jordan radio show Workers of the Country; Case Closed: David Schloss."
Tags: Podcast
Solidarity Forever: 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:
Happy #GivingTuesday! While everyone is getting ready to find gifts for loved ones, we ask that you consider donating to our friends whose work supports the theatre community! (1/4)
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) December 3, 2019AFGE:
Protecting TSOs in the workplace is one of our top priorities, and we need your help. #ThankATSO
Call (833) 710-2924 today and ask your representative and senators to cosponsor H.R. 1140 and S. 944. pic.twitter.com/kZQGsalF4A
AFSCME:
The Marciano family fired their workers who were earning minimum wage after they filed to form a union. Meanwhile, their private jet has cost an est. $1 million on flights this year ALONE. Join us TOMORROW to demand they reinstate their workers: https://t.co/RBafLWwv16#MAFUnion pic.twitter.com/u4uw72nDQK
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 28, 2019AFT:
Q: Do you have an endorsement process?
.@rweingarten: Yes! After 2016, the bottom line became engagement. We’ve had #AFTvotes town halls that are an 1-2 hours where members can grab a microphone and ask the candidate any question. pic.twitter.com/gPlqklHwZm
Air Line Pilots Association:
The FAA blew past an Oct. 5 deadline set by Congress last year to fully implement #SecondaryBarriers on all newly-manufactured commercial aircraft to prevent another 9/11-style terrorist attack. Tell @FAANews to secure the flight deck to #keepflyingsafe: https://t.co/tXi74VQyrL pic.twitter.com/GUQP5431ND
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) November 25, 2019Alliance for Retired Americans:
High drug prices are so pervasive that many Americans have either struggled to afford lifesaving medicine themselves, or know someone else who has. The system can be fixed. Congress just needs to step up and take action. https://t.co/ZCGAu8Iy5b #HR3 #LetMedicareNegotiate pic.twitter.com/G1r26padoy
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) December 2, 2019Amalgamated Transit Union:
International President John Costa and JIC Locals with @TransdevNA contracts hold a spirited and raucous rally at the picket line of striking @ATULocal689 Transdev workers at @WMATA's Cinder Bed Road Bus Garage. #1 #UnionStrong #TogetherWeFightTogetherWeWin! pic.twitter.com/za3S4kcOHg
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 29, 2019American Federation of Musicians:
Big radio gets away without fairly paying artists for playing our music on the radio. The #AMFM Act introduced by @RepJerryNadler & @MarshaBlackburn would fix this by allowing artists to control their own work & finally get paid. https://t.co/VCEbn3e0Eo pic.twitter.com/8D3JvgPVXJ
— AFM (@The_AFM) November 22, 2019American Postal Workers Union:
Can you name the two states in the United States that have laws to establish public banking? #postalbanking #justeconomy #PeoplesPostOffice @bankpostal #popquiz https://t.co/hFCReMQIg3
— APWU National (@APWUnational) November 26, 2019Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
While @AmericanAir pulls in billions in profits, airline catering workers who provide food & beverages served aboard AA flights face poverty wages & unaffordable health insurance. https://t.co/1NawXVA8Gt | #1job | #1u pic.twitter.com/wLtDx8SrZy
— APALA (@APALAnational) November 26, 2019Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
When tragedy strikes, the @afa_cwa Disaster Relief Fund strives to have an immediate, positive impact on as many active and retired Flight Attendants as possible. On this #GivingTuesday, make your donation matter: https://t.co/YGYcmrWkP0 pic.twitter.com/xx5DXjU6Z3
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 26, 2019Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
BCTGM Intl. Pres. @DavidBDurkee is a member of the AFL-CIO Retirement Security Working Group and has worked tirelessly to push legislation that will provide retirees with their hard-earned benefits and help stabilize the multiemployer pension system. #SaveOurPension
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) December 2, 2019Boilermakers:
IBB stands with UMWA against Grassley-Alexander multi-employer pension plan proposal. With UMWA, we urge the House and Senate to put partisanship aside and pass the Bipartisan American Miners Act. Read UMWA IP Cecil E. Roberts' statement ➡️ https://t.co/4xu1Zw72OP
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) November 30, 2019Bricklayers:
It looks like our two members 112 years ago wanted to make sure that people knew this building was built #Union.https://t.co/r30VIGKGVU#MondayMood #mondaythoughts #UnionStrong#1u
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) December 2, 2019California School Employees Association:
13% of students enrolled in our nation's public schools receive special education services. Dedicated classified employees work alongside teachers and other educators to help provide these essential services on a daily basis. #EveryChild pic.twitter.com/PCjdQ9Yr5k
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) December 2, 2019Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
It’s with great sadness that we inform the CBTU family and trade unionists around the world of the death of Harold Rogers, who transitioned at his Chicago home on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, with his loving wife at his side. More information will be provided soon. #1u #Chicago #Unions pic.twitter.com/As1YRv0Vns
— CBTU (@CBTU72) December 3, 2019Coalition of Labor Union Women:
?️@AmericanAir: You have the power to FIX a labor dispute affecting thousands of airline food workers who cater flights at your hubs. Why haven’t you? It's a SHAME that working ppl who help generate your BILLIONS in annual profit live in poverty w/o access to medical care! #1job pic.twitter.com/aHNYS7zpuU
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) November 26, 2019Communications Workers of America:
We need a trade agreement that benefits everyone - not just corporations & the global 1%.
Trump's NAFTA 2.0 is not good enough - especially for workers & the environment. Congress must NOT say yes to NAFTA 2.0 until we get it right. #ReplaceNAFTA
? @ShaneLarsonCWA explains: pic.twitter.com/pi72rPXPy5
Department for Professional Employees:
Wow @Hearst, you’re that afraid of your employees having a voice in their workplace?
Solidarity with @HearstUnion! #1u https://t.co/ORQzSYibyT
Electrical Workers:
The Henry Miller Museum is all about preserving #IBEW history. And it needs your support. https://t.co/0y74wwUduf
— IBEW (@IBEW) December 3, 2019Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
Support FLOC by giving to us this Tuesday and during the holidays. Our farm worker members and friends like you support the work we do.https://t.co/fnyWEaJBEA pic.twitter.com/oDfdcqWH46
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) December 2, 2019Fire Fighters:
See the Worcester 6 tribute that preserved the photos, signs and letters 20 years after 6 #firefighters were killed https://t.co/0CfW7XFg8f
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) December 3, 2019Heat and Frost Insulators:
In September, HFIAW Local 53 New Orleans opened a brand-new state-of-the-art training center. Read the article from the Winter Journal and see additional pictures here: https://t.co/ubWIE146wu
— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) December 3, 2019International Labor Communications Association:
Our #ILCA2019 convention may be over, but the conversation continues on our new labor comms listserv #1u https://t.co/XNh9WK1gzf
— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) November 21, 2019Ironworkers:
Cincinnati ironworkers lead the way in recruitment and process improvement. pic.twitter.com/BUksbculIY
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) November 25, 2019Jobs With Justice:
STRIKE! Join Jobs With Justice and the @TESACollective for a game of worker rebellion. We are excited to partner with TESA on this groundbreaking cooperative game. Click the link to support the campaign and learn more! https://t.co/oanRCt5szb pic.twitter.com/oOZtv470w5
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 21, 2019Laborers:
#LIUNA Local 348 in the news: “I wanted to represent where my father Doug has worked for the last 19 years. I am very grateful for his hard work and dedication while supporting our family through hard times.” #FeelThePower https://t.co/7aV2Ve9vTZ
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) December 2, 2019LCLAA:
Since its beginnings, in 1972, LCLAA has focused on improving workers' rights & increasing the influence of Latinos in the political process. Help us start celebrating the season of giving by making a contribution. To donate please follow this link: https://t.co/QdpJgkQrQF pic.twitter.com/N23UaDHWHk
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) December 3, 2019Machinists:
A special thanks to the thousands of IAM members working for several U.S. airlines, @Amtrak and other commuter railroads. They are making sure everyone gets home safely to spend #Thanksgiving with their families. pic.twitter.com/ggRLQBPRQu
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 27, 2019Metal Trades Department:
As income inequality soars, languishing labor unions make a return - ABC News https://t.co/4nleANF7jm
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 26, 2019Mine Workers:
Congress needs to #actnow! #TheyEarnedIt https://t.co/8UQX2CI33k
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 20, 2019Musical Artists:
AGMA proudly stands with our sister union, @The_AFM (American Federation of Musicians), as they fight to secure a fair contract with major Hollywood film and TV companies. Visit the link below to support musicians who score TV & Films! https://t.co/QSioXIH1K0
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 26, 2019National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
#GivingTuesday is a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. NATCA members can join the movement and give through @NATCACharitable. Through NCF, NATCA members and their family and friends give and volunteer to make a big impact. https://t.co/mItjZYcPsY pic.twitter.com/aJJ7goG3DG
— NATCA (@NATCA) December 3, 2019National Association of Letter Carriers:
Member Jose Martin is featured in a spotlight by CBS4 News, demonstrating his day-to-day routine and the community he loves to serve!https://t.co/i1exdlTYJu #NALC #PostalProud #Dedication
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) December 2, 2019National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Talkin familycareve unity and human rights to US Senators standing in the way of #TPSJustice to #ResidencyNow! pic.twitter.com/PkBPooNoOw
— NDLON (@NDLON) December 3, 2019National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Raising the minimum wage has not led to significant job loss in any state. We have no excuse, let’s #RaiseTheWage in all 50 states. https://t.co/bUxm4ZiyQG
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) December 3, 2019National Nurses United:
Today, the Registered Nurse Response Network is deploying 17 RNs & nurse practitioners from across the U.S. for a medical mission in Guatemala.
Help send RN volunteers like Monica Ramos where they're needed most. Make a #GivingTuesday gift to RNRN --> https://t.co/6CjG1cNtAX #1u pic.twitter.com/BIEva6eE3k
The NewsGuild-CWA:
The entire @news_guild @CWAUnion stand with you! Can't wait until it's official! https://t.co/llLmJ5c1nl
— NewsGuild (@news_guild) December 3, 2019NFL Players Association:
The work doesn’t end when these real-life superheros take off their uniforms. On this #GivingTuesday, we’re celebrating the 2019 #CommunityMVP winners who have come to the rescue when their community was in need.
Help them make a difference: https://t.co/8AtNDL8UDz pic.twitter.com/nUBkQg7f2c
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Eight women, eight stories.
Read and learn about the perspectives of each of these tradeswomen making their way in the construction industry ?
“I’m here because I SHOULD be.”
https://t.co/TIo9UiY8kT
Office and Professional Employees:
To the clerks who stock the shelves with cranberry sauce, to the drivers who deliver the stuffing mix, to the farm workers who grow and pick our potatoes, to the meat packers who package our turkey, and to the transit workers who help us get to where we need to be: THANK YOU. #1u pic.twitter.com/6nFMksei5n
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) November 28, 2019Painters and Allied Trades:
The fight against worker exploitation is an international one. Our allies at @unitetheunion are standing up against Skanska in the UK today - we are proud to stand in solidarity with them! #StopUnionBusting #HS2rights #HS2 pic.twitter.com/BcQQ8cvmD7
— GoIUPAT✊? (@GoIUPAT) November 20, 2019Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Lawrence VanDyke “led a lawsuit against a Department of Labor rule that would have entitled 4.2 million more workers to become eligible for overtime pay...” We join @AFLCIO in opposing his nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. https://t.co/0hWcRvJrUO
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 30, 2019Printing, Publishing and Media Workers:
ACADEMIC WORKERS UNITE! @IFPTE stands with these workers!! (and they are workers, regardless of what the Trump administration says.) https://t.co/qg8P2NJhA7
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) December 3, 2019Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
"But critics, including federal unions, argue that it gives away too much control" PASS has fought expansion of program & urges FAA to wait for outcome of 737 Max investigations. Dedicated public servants we represent at FAA should have greater oversight.https://t.co/DKKrQjILZS
— PASS (@PASSNational) December 3, 2019Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Life in retail as told by our members of @RWDSU, a Local 1-S @Macys worker & @Local1102 @ZARA worker, and a @RetailAction member. This #Thanksgiving be nice to a retail worker. @mcorkery5 for The @nytimesbusiness @nytimes reports: https://t.co/MQ3W9d0Xlo #1u @CentralLaborNYC
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 28, 2019United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
Please consider supporting the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention today. This org is leading the way in the movement to educate members and prevent suicide in the construction industry--one of the industries where it hits hardest. https://t.co/9BaCETFjEM pic.twitter.com/EH2gCrDiHa
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) December 3, 2019SAG-AFTRA:
On this #sagaftramember Monday, check out the new digital issue of SAG-AFTRA to see members who are proudly showing off their card (and find out how you can too)! https://t.co/XujUHGsCuP pic.twitter.com/nnzaOwBO20
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 2, 2019Seafarers:
Fantastic remarks from @MrSethHarris about career pathways, workforce development - and how unions play vital roles. Worth the read: https://t.co/BtRUAdARJ9 #1u #maritime #jobs #seafarers
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 19, 2019Solidarity Center:
90%+ women working in tea growing/processing have experienced or witnessed sexual or physical abuse at their workplace. We can change that. Find out how. #16DaysCampaign https://t.co/cm0rajuUWf @cleanclothes @Fash_RevSg @AWID @GLJhub @etuc_ces pic.twitter.com/QyZ875u6Iw
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) December 3, 2019Theatrical Stage Employees:
Be sure to check out this month’s issue of #ICGMagazine featuring @LittleWomen, @bombshellmovie, #Serberg (@AmazonStudios) and our 2019 Generation Next spotlighting ten rising Local 600 filmmakers. The issue is now available at https://t.co/0LPVlna1CH. pic.twitter.com/qXTBO8nxLw
— IATSE Local 600 (@ICGLocal600) December 2, 2019Transport Workers:
The NYS Taylor prohibiting public sector strikes is antiquated and skewed in favor of the employer. The law prevents good faith bargaining by the bosses and could actually trigger a strike by backing workers into a corner. @transportworker https://t.co/jhAUXk6jIj
— TWU (@transportworker) November 23, 2019Transportation Trades Department:
We've said it before & we'll say it again: Precision Scheduled Railroading doesn't make our railroads more efficient. It leads to dangerous understaffing & workers stretched to the breaking point.https://t.co/TonwbkCx7p
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) December 2, 2019UAW:
UAW Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry announced a series of audits and stringent changes to the UAW’s financial procedures and processes on Monday. These reforms come on the heels of Acting President Rory Gambles’ series of ethics reforms announced last month. https://t.co/E345YZaTAV
— UAW (@UAW) December 2, 2019United Food and Commercial Workers:
Amazon's ruthless business model is making Jeff Bezos billions while squeezing workers across the country.
This #CyberMonday please help spread the word that #Amazon’s warehouse workers deserve better, fairer working conditions! #1u pic.twitter.com/ieFf76xppT
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Stand with musicians to help raise awareness about the studios’ refusal to negotiate a fair contract. #BandTogether with musicians and support their fight for a fair contract. https://t.co/vOYq8CXHHf
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) November 18, 2019Union Veterans Council:
. @WillAttig, “If you’re willing to stand next to me & fight for my fellow union veterans, I am going to stand right next to you. It’s about building power for our union veterans.” #NG2019 pic.twitter.com/M4ahvLqwCj
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) November 20, 2019UNITE HERE:
? TOMORROW! Thru marches, pickets, sit-downs & die-ins, airline catering workers & allies will call on @AmericanAir & @Delta to take urgent steps to ensure workers who cater flights can escape poverty & access health care.
Find a #1Job picket near you: https://t.co/YVbJf4ACox
United Steelworkers:
On #GivingTuesday or any day, Steelworkers have huge hearts! We're always giving back to the communities where we live and work like this day at @bgcwpa. Watch & share! #USWCares #1u #NG2019 https://t.co/TBsnoXNxwI
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) December 3, 2019United Students Against Sweatshops:
Local Spotlight! We want to spotlight a training on Anti-Oppression and a Collective Liberation hosted by USAS Local uscscale “We believe that oppression does not allow anyone to be a full human being whether they… https://t.co/9KT9Ywp0Wb
— USAS (@USAS) November 12, 2019Utility Workers:
Wherever there are individuals who want to organize, they will find a way. Worker power and solidarity lead the labor movement! Read more in @VICEUK’s @Motherboard by @LaurenKGurley: https://t.co/a5wcJxl3mX
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) December 2, 2019Working America:
Solidarity with @hgsuuaw in their fight for a fair contract! This strike is bigger than just Harvard — it's a part of a larger battle against exploitation & precarity throughout all of academia. Graduate students deserve better! #ContractNow https://t.co/wH2qRlV0UT
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) December 3, 2019Writers Guild of America, East:
The writers from TOMMY are members of the Writers Guild of America and support @HearstUnion joining the Guild! pic.twitter.com/KPwnaULj3L
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) November 26, 2019 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/02/2019 - 15:15Red for Ed: 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.
Red for Ed: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."
Trade Unions Demand Governments Address Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work: "This week marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and trade unions around the world are demanding governments ratify and implement International Labor Organization Convention 190 (C190), on ending violence and harassment in the world of work."
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: A Future Where People Will Have Jobs: "On the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to Guy Ryder, the director-general of the International Labor Organization, about the international labor movement, the idea of 'decent labor' and the future of work."
Native American Heritage Month Pathway to Progress: Ojibwe Women Transform Working Life in Minneapolis: "History has long been portrayed as a series of 'great men' taking great action to shape the world we live in. In recent decades, however, social historians have focused more on looking at history 'from the bottom up,' studying the vital role that working people played in our heritage. Working people built, and continue to build, the United States. In our series, Pathway to Progress, we'll take a look at various people, places and events where working people played a key role in the progress our country has made, including those who are making history right now. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we will take a look at a group of Ojibwe women who helped transform the world of work in Minneapolis-St. Paul throughout much of the 20th century."
Colombian Workers Launch General Strike: "Colombia's workers, students, and rural, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities [joined] together in a national general strike Nov. 21. Unlike the strikes many of America's workers have participated in increasingly in the past five years, Colombians are not striking against any single employer or industry."
Work Doesn't Hurt: Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup: "In addition to the AFL-CIO's own 'State of the Unions,' there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States."
Protect Survivors: 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."
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: National Nurses United: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is National Nurses United."
Building the Battleground Bench: Union Members Elected to Office Across the Great Lakes Region: "While the labor movement was busy helping to elect pro-worker candidates in important elections in Kentucky and Virginia this week, union members themselves were on the ballot, and they were elected to local offices across the country at an impressive rate. This result was especially pronounced in the battleground states in the Great Lakes region, where an energized union candidates program helped carry union members to victory."
Trump’s SEC Chairman Proposes to Disenfranchise Investors and Reduce Shareholder Democracy: "In a partisan 3-2 vote, the Trump administration’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed to curtail the rights of investors to file proposals for a vote at company annual meetings. If adopted, these changes will hinder shareholder proposals by union members and their pension plans to hold corporate management accountable."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/02/2019 - 15:07Trade Unions Demand Governments Address Gender-based Violence in the World of Work
This week marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and trade unions around the world are demanding governments ratify and implement International Labor Organization Convention 190 (C190), on ending violence and harassment in the world of work.
Read the statement from the International Trade Union Confederation in English, Spanish or French.
C190 was adopted last June at the International Labor Organization. The AFL-CIO and trade unions around the world campaigned for more than a decade to win this important new global standard, and now are leading the fight to see its framework adopted by governments and employers.
Gender-based violence and harassment is a particular threat to women, LGBTQ workers and other marginalized groups. Homicide is one of the leading causes of death on the job among women in the United States, accounting for almost a quarter of workplace deaths among women, while it accounts for only 8% of workplace deaths among men. It is also a particular threat to workers in low-wage, precarious working arrangements, as poverty and marginalization can prevent workers from escaping or challenging dangerous conditions.
The C190 framework emphasizes that everyone has the fundamental right to be free from violence and harassment at work, and requires governments adopt an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach to end it. C190 requires governments and employers address the root causes of gender-based violence at work, including discrimination and unequal power relationships. Violence is a tool that both reflects and reinforces a gendered power hierarchy at work and in society, and ending violence requires allowing women workers to take collective action to confront this hierarchy directly.
C190 also calls for investigating sectors and occupations that are more likely to experience violence and harassment. In the United States, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation to adopt specific violence protections for nurses, medical assistants, emergency responders and social workers. These workers are predominantly women, and they face extremely high rates of violence on the job. The law would require employers to develop an enforceable, comprehensive violence protection program in U.S. workplaces.
Learn more about the global C190 ratification campaign. Learn more about the law on workplace violence.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/27/2019 - 11:47‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: A Future Where People Will Have Jobs
On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to Guy Ryder, the director-general of the International Labor Organization, about the international labor movement, the idea of "decent labor" and the future of work.
Listen to our previous episodes:
- A discussion with Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig about his work connecting the labor movement and the veterans community.
- A conversation with union member and Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.) about strikes, trade, health care, LGBTQ equality and the freedom to form a union.
- A chat with Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (IUPAT, IAM) about his path to power and the experiences that have shaped his life and career.
- Talking to Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) about worker power, automation, trade and his decision to stay in the U.S. Senate.
- Checking in with AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council Executive Director Brad Markell about the UAW strike at General Motors and interviewing Veena Dubal, an associate law professor at UC Hastings College of the Law, whose work helped pave the way for passage of A.B. 5, the landmark pro-worker legislation in California.
- SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris discussing the future of work, sexual harassment and her journey from young actor to labor leader.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/27/2019 - 11:06Tags: Podcast
Native American Heritage Month Pathway to Progress: Ojibwe Women Transform Working Life in Minneapolis
History has long been portrayed as a series of "great men" taking great action to shape the world we live in. In recent decades, however, social historians have focused more on looking at history "from the bottom up," studying the vital role that working people played in our heritage. Working people built, and continue to build, the United States. In our series, Pathway to Progress, we'll take a look at various people, places and events where working people played a key role in the progress our country has made, including those who are making history right now. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we will take a look at a group of Ojibwe women who helped transform the world of work in Minneapolis-St. Paul throughout much of the 20th century.
In the early 1960s, activism among Native American populations was on the rise. The goal of federal "termination" policy was to integrate Native American tribe members into mainstream American culture with a heavy emphasis on assimilation. With little to no help coming from Washington, the struggle for Native American rights shifted to state and local fights. Those smaller fights would culminate in a wave of activism that stopped bad legislation, won legal protections and ended the termination policy. One of the key battlegrounds was Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The Ojibwe people lived in various places throughout the upper Midwest, but the combination of the termination policy, economic troubles and job opportunities opened up by American foreign policy led them to move in large numbers to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The twin cities were established in the Dakota homeland and tribal people from the prairies and northern lake country began moving into Minneapolis-St. Paul in large numbers, leading to the region housing one of the largest Indigenous populations in the U.S.
Ojibwe women generally arrived in the twin cities with families and friends although some came to search for employment on their own. Life in the city was drastically different than life on the reservation and there were intense pressures to reject their cultural ideas about work to fit in with the white population. In order to survive and prosper, they had to develop new ideas about labor, but they wanted to maintain their link to the values of the traditional Ojibwe economy.
Prior to moving to the city, many of the Ojibwe women, such as Gertrude Howard Buckanaga, worked in agriculture, such as blueberry picking or wild rice harvesting. In the early days, Howard Buckanaga and others would work in the city and travel home for the wild rice harvest. Ojibwe women, for the most part, only had high school degrees or a boarding school education. Neither prepared them for working in the city, but they found ways to transition skills they had used in agriculture to work in the city.
The longer they lived in urban areas, Ojibwe women began to attend community meetings, participate in activism and attend college to obtain higher degrees. The earliest work they found were office jobs, in the Indian Service or as teachers at government boarding schools. Those schools began training Ojibwe girls to be nurses, which led to other job opportunities. Outside that, employers often viewed Ojibwe women as only suited for domestic or factory work and discrimination against them was widespread. De facto segregation was the norm in Minneapolis-St. Paul at the time.
Low-paying jobs, discrimination and segregation put up significant road blocks and the Ojibwe women came in at the lowest rung of the economic ladder in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Social services were few and far between and often didn't serve Native Americans. This isolation forced Ojibwe women (and men) to create new patterns of participation in the workforce and other organizations and agencies to fill in where U.S. government services didn't.
One of the most important leaders to emerge from the community was Emily Peake. Peake's family included French, English and Ojibwe ancestry, and she moved to Minneapolis from the White Earth reservation. Peake signed up for the Works Projects Administration, leading her to jobs in the Minneapolis Public Library and making parachutes for Honeywell. After serving in the Women's Coast Guard, she moved back to Minneapolis and began working as a community organizer during the years of the federal termination policy.
As the Indian population in the Twin Cities grew, Peake worked together with a group of Ojibwe and Dakota sisters and brothers to create the Upper Midwest Indian Center, for which she would serve time as the executive director. The center provided social service programs for Indian workers and their families and would operate solely off of money Peake and her colleagues raised until War on Poverty grants were made available. The community center idea would soon spread to other cities and these centers not only provided social services, but they interwove Indian values and spiritual beliefs. Other community institutions would be created by Indian activists in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
These efforts would not only lead to increased community and more employment, it set the ground for larger activism as well. The Ojibwe and other Indian women active in the Twin Cities are credited as creating the opening for which the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act would be passed. Other legislation followed. Ojibwe women took leadership positions throughout Minneapolis' community life, and they pursued meaningful jobs, cared for family and children, mentored other women, and continued to grow the services that were offered. The Minneapolis American Indian Center, for example, has served more than 14,000 American Indians since it opened in 1975.
Women held the majority of the sustained leadership roles in in the Ojibwe community of Minneapolis and their visionary body of work can still be seen today in schools, Indian centers, academic curricula, social services and legislation. Their work not only increased well-being for the Ojibwe and other Indians in Minneapolis, it was instrumental in leading to greater sovereignty for Indian people across the country.
Women like Peake, Howard Buckanaga, Rose Robinson, Frances Fairbanks, Ona Kingbird, Norby Blake, Pat Bellanger, Vikki Howard and others laid a foundation for the institutions and laws that increased the quality of life for many Indians, not only in politics, but in the economy as well. As Bellanger said, "'Ojibwe women have been strong throughout everything' and 'we have kept our ways,' acknowledging the significance of the women’s work like harvesting wild rice, which 'has always gone through the women.'"
Source: Brenda J. Child, Politically Purposeful Work: Ojibwe Women’s Labor and Leadership in Postwar Minneapolis
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/26/2019 - 14:12Tags: Pathway to Progress
Red for Ed: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
0-3, @GovDunleavy.#akleg #akgov
Read more here —> https://t.co/4p4mZKBHaM pic.twitter.com/WuUDvVjr84
Arizona AFL-CIO:
We’re spending Veteran’s Day on the #ASARCOStrikeLine @UNITEHERE11 @UFCW99 @USWLocal937 @ibtlu104 #IUOE428 pic.twitter.com/FNuTIoGC94
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 11, 2019Arkansas AFL-CIO:
We love it when Union members run for public office! Brother Matthew Stallings is running for State House District 38. Check out his new… https://t.co/36BkVRXxRM
— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) November 7, 2019California Labor Federation:
*NEW* Report from @UCBLaborCenter --> California’s Steps to Expand Health Coverage and Improve Affordability: Who Gains and Who Will Be Uninsured? https://t.co/8zW35WivMu
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) November 19, 2019Connecticut AFL-CIO:
We were saddened to learn that Mel Olsson, former President of @UAW Local 571, passed away earlier this week. Even after he retired, he continued to fight every day for working people in Connecticut. You will be missed, brother. @UAWRegion9A https://t.co/f23kmZl1wN pic.twitter.com/jSnHdgstkg
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) November 15, 2019Florida AFL-CIO:
Last week, over a hundred new Union members were elected to public office. This website shows you what union members are currently serving and how you can get involved in helping elect more members of Organized Labor to represent working people.https://t.co/0p30RiAmbC
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 15, 2019Georgia AFL-CIO:
Today we also met UAW retiree George, who’s 94 years old, who started working in 1947, when the plant first opened, and retired in 1987. #1u pic.twitter.com/NBSzBRRgM2
— AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) November 19, 2019Idaho AFL-CIO:
I just added my name to stand with @The_AFM musicians! #1u #BandTogether Add your name and write one here: https://t.co/HhC6lOvenn
— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) November 19, 2019Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Thousands of teachers are at the Indiana Statehouse!
They’re joining together to demand the public schools our students deserve. #RedForEd pic.twitter.com/liCXdwxBb5
Iowa Federation of Labor:
Inside IBEW’s Efforts To Help Hotel Workers Unionize In Dubuque https://t.co/XUDGk4KavF pic.twitter.com/rRwerRICe2
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 19, 2019Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
“Hoover emphasized a concern that several legislators of both parties have about the bill — that it will likely diminish the retirement... https://t.co/sGobvVaB40
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) May 7, 2019Maine AFL-CIO:
Congrats to the operating technicians at @WABI_TV5 on their new contract! https://t.co/QgGvGZfb6H #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 19, 2019Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
‘MD/DC AFL-CIO president Donna Edwards: "We are at one moment in time"’ on #SoundCloud #np https://t.co/0auguUHwuM
— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) November 18, 2019Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Hennepin County’s first labor-trafficking case ends in guilty plea https://t.co/O3NvJSPr9J Welcome news for workers. #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 19, 2019Missouri AFL-CIO:
A more cooperative relationship between workers and management would result in a more sustainable system for supporting the middle class. https://t.co/oR7dzver4x
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 17, 2019Montana AFL-CIO:
Mary Munger was a nurse by trade and an activist by calling. Her advocacy gave nurses in Montana the right to collectively bargain and improved working conditions for the profession statewide. She will be missed. https://t.co/fJ1naQiZBC
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) November 18, 2019New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
From Pres. Glenn Brackett: Congratulations on a successful Election Day! video at https://t.co/CxERWrlKfN
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) November 7, 2019New Mexico Federation of Labor:
Wow! So surprising that fair wages don’t kill businesses!
Time for the excuses to stop, and #FightFor15 @INAFLCIO @AFLCIO https://t.co/J9PIA2M1qY
New York State AFL-CIO:
The #UnionStrong podcast Episode 23: The @wrkingTheater explores how plays about bus drivers and baristas, postal workers and police officers help amplify the voice of workers in NYC @IBEWLocal3 @DC37 @32BJ Episode 23: The Working Theater https://t.co/JefNpn3ik5
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) November 13, 2019North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
The GOP’s latest gerrymander ought to be the last straw for NC https://t.co/oMIum4Q1S8 #ncpol via @ncpolicywatch #ncpol #fairmaps
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 19, 2019North Dakota AFL-CIO:
#LegacyFund #UniversalSchoolLunch @NBCNightlyNews @LesterHoltNBC https://t.co/YF2NQ3HRh4
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) November 17, 2019Ohio AFL-CIO:
Take time to enjoy the huge win for working people! https://t.co/jlDLOUp5OS pic.twitter.com/6ONxuaahwU
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 18, 2019Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Great turnout for the OK Building and Construction Trades Apprenticeship open house! pic.twitter.com/4T8Gv9gDWZ
— Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 15, 2019Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor writes in the NW Labor Press about the importance of recognizing graduate employees’ work and why grads at universities around the state are fighting for a fair contract. #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/GV0icFeaRB
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 19, 2019Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Equal Pay is a central foundation of workers’ rights and we are proud to be joined by @RepSims and his legislation to support equal pay! pic.twitter.com/Ju8izeaHRD
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 19, 2019Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
#1U #Apprenticeship #apprenticeships #apprentices #Labor https://t.co/m9P8Rw11sS
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) November 19, 2019Texas AFL-CIO:
.@UAW sister Pauline sharing her story and how her union organized during the #UAWStrike in Dallas @AFLCIO @TexasAFLCIO #1u pic.twitter.com/qbkPMlC0Ez
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 16, 2019Virginia AFL-CIO:
Virginia Democrats could repeal right-to-work. It shows how America is changing. - The Washington Post https://t.co/EvdddLhHVN
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) November 19, 2019Washington State Labor Council:
"(This) is an egregious attack on one state’s employment law and states’ rights generally." https://t.co/OO9CWftV50
— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 11, 2019West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“W/1 of the biggest organizing victories since WV became a RTW state, nurses are sending a resounding message to working people across WV that forming a Union is the best way to shift the balance of power away from corporations & toward the people.” #wvpol https://t.co/vyertUROO4
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) November 14, 2019Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
What to know about the legal fight over who should be on Wisconsin's voter rolls, https://t.co/w2KlEGf7g6
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 19, 2019 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/22/2019 - 09:56
