Fighting for Working Families: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Such a wonderful story! https://t.co/Rc93Kn8EHR
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) October 26, 2020California Labor Federation:
Don’t let corporate greed rob our students of a quality education and our communities of their public transportation, health, and safety. Say YES to putting our schools & communities first! #VOTE:
✅ YES on Prop 15! #YesOn15 #FundOurFuture pic.twitter.com/FxUe0KKTuA
Colorado AFL-CIO:
In the absence of any Senate Republican leadership leading to another stimulus bill, we applaud Governor Polis for stepping up and helping unemployed Coloradans during these challenging times! @GovofCO #copolitics #Coleghttps://t.co/OcC4bNp2AX
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 29, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@AFSCMECT4 Exec. Director Jody Barr: "The facts are on our side. I hope district leadership will do the right thing by the employees we represent, the school community and local taxpayers. It’s unwise to privatize." https://t.co/cjsm3SzBEx
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 26, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
The Florida AFL-CIO recommends voting “yes” on Amendment 2, which would gradually raise Florida’s minimum wage. We’re also recommending Union members to vote “no” on Amendments 3,4, and 5.
Find out more here: https://t.co/4EfzvpkXIR pic.twitter.com/z8PCd3gbJc
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
74,741,250 have already voted. Have you? Make your plan, find endorsed candidates and more here:https://t.co/yJiKhwOC56 pic.twitter.com/zyh56JFTer
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 28, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Unions representing hundreds of thousands of nurses and healthcare workers filed a lawsuit against OSHA on Thursday, alleging that the agency is violating its duties to keep workers safe. https://t.co/DptCNp4yWj
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 30, 2020Iowa Federation of Labor:
They don’t want you to vote. They don’t want you to have a say. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stand up and be counted—and let them know your vote must be counted, too! https://t.co/wWeLKvk7HE
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 30, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
Sorry, @SenatorCollins! Working class Mainers aren't buying it anymore. BIW shipbuilder Matthew Anderson of @MachinistsUnion Local S6 knows @SaraGideon will stand up for those with dirty jeans and work boots. #mepolitics @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/OO6F3v3Ob9
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 28, 2020Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
It's time to #GOTUV! Calling all MD/DC union members to sign up for a shift today to Get Out The Union Vote! https://t.co/rrO2AuRWCf
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) October 30, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the staff at @massdems and their union @IBEWLocal2321 for standing together and fighting for better pay and working conditions.
Welcome brothers and sisters. ✊?✊?✊?#1u https://t.co/VD8SHSsPf0
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
.@C79th is running to bring a fresh perspective to the #MILeg. He's committed to stand with labor & working families, and will push for affordable health care, reforming the criminal justice system and creating a stronger middle class.
MORE >> https://t.co/pWjzepMSih pic.twitter.com/jV8qtIsBpn
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Federal judges order post-Election Day ballots to be held. https://t.co/TXkff4k6q0 If you have an absentee ballot return it in person. If not, vote early in person or on Election Day. https://t.co/xGcSVV3nHf #1u #Labor2020
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 30, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
It is time for a Governor that will actually work to protect working families not the corporate interests. That woman is Nicole Galloway. Please vote for Galloway for Governor! pic.twitter.com/UlchlKNc19
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 29, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
THIS IS GIANFORTE’S MONTANA.
Insolvent pensions, eradicating prevailing wage laws, "Right-to-Work" legislation, and sending public money to private schools. This why we endorsed Mike Cooney for governor. #mtpol #vote https://t.co/lAXjlshf9e
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
While the @realDonaldTrump administration waves the white flag on the coronavirus, @JoeBiden has a plan to mitigate the spread, find a vaccine, trust the experts and science, while making sure the economy remains open so we can continue to #BuildBackBetter. https://t.co/RUgbIqcvCs
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) October 26, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 29, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
#UnionStrong Podcast Ep 52: In Solidarity with @transportworker and @MachinistsUnion Airline Mechanics - Airline industry workers, like so many others during this unprecedented health and economic crisis, are teetering on the edge. https://t.co/d4ioAPtiMd
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) October 29, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
During the pandemic, we’ve been called essential workers. And we think that means we’re essential voters, too. Are you ready to vote? https://t.co/T5wSc9cJbe #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/TStmdmUKEk
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 30, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
.@robdorans: “As a union member myself, a third-generation union member, this has been personally my experience: when folks have a meaningful voice in the workplace it’s a better workplace." Columbus-area ReStore workers forming union @AFLCIO #1u https://t.co/KFks3HSzwg
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 27, 2020Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
OKC's Public Transit is Free on Election Day, November 3rd.
The free fares include EMBARK, OKC Streetcar, and Zone 1 ADA Paratransit.
You may visit https://t.co/4GfFWpxKHO or https://t.co/1iB8VtcsXE for more details.
Oregon AFL-CIO:
As cases continue to skyrocket, #OregonOSHA must ensure that working people are safe on the job. #MakeWorkSafe #ORPol https://t.co/CZcI9vHjtX
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 29, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
“We cannot delay until Wednesday, the work that should begin on Tuesday, November 3." Every Vote Counts. #Labor2020 #EveryVoteCounts https://t.co/L75OHcqk9i
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 30, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Opinion by Michael Sabitoni Pres. of the RI Bldg & Construction Trades Council; Lawrence Purtill Pres. of the Nat. Education Association RI; and, Frank Flynn, Pres. of the RI Federation of Teacher & Healthcare Professionals, contributed to this commentary. https://t.co/kX2JspCBUL
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 30, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"The result this week threatens to be the most significant assault on the nonpartisan civil service in its 137-year history: a sweeping executive order that strips job protections from employees in policy roles across the government."https://t.co/UqePBHJHiq
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 30, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
PRESS RELEASE: Labor Unions, Progressives Mourn Former Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick https://t.co/DwDCUwuAWX
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 29, 2020Virginia AFL-CIO:
VIRGINIA: Just a reminder to return those ballots ASAP! pic.twitter.com/BDNiq9dw5q
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) October 29, 2020Washington State Labor Council:
Congratulations! When we fight, we win! #1u https://t.co/J7BLrTzaIQ
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 29, 2020West Virginia AFL-CIO:
And @BenSalango has always been clear on his opposition of Right to Work - one of many reasons why we want him to be our next governor !! #wvpol #VOTE https://t.co/Tgd9wxCHf2
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 27, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Vote Biden and Harris on November 3 for good jobs and strong unions. #BidenHarris2020 #WIunion #WIvote #1u #vote2020 pic.twitter.com/bL2yr216sk
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 29, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/30/2020 - 14:24Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NATCA’s Disaster Response Committee Raises Funds for Union Relief Efforts
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
With so many severe storms and wildfires having struck parts of our country over the past several months, unions are stepping up to provide relief for our members and our communities that have been impacted. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) established a fund for disaster relief in 1992, in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Louisiana. Following the devastating 2017 hurricane season, NATCA formed its own Disaster Response Committee to manage the union’s Disaster Relief Fund and organize the relief process for NATCA members affected by a disaster. Due to the generosity of its membership, NATCA’s Disaster Relief Fund has continued to grow. Click here to donate.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/30/2020 - 09:21Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Make a Plan to Vote: 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:
THANK YOU to all of the Equity members who volunteered for last Thursday's Phone Bank for Biden/Harris.
>1,200 calls made
>97 hours of conversations
Thursday 10/29 is your last chance to make a difference as we hit the home stretch of the 2020 election.https://t.co/q6kMQD2ZOn
AFGE:
Trump's new executive order is a direct assault on federal scientists. #1u https://t.co/6GduSB4lNH
— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 28, 2020AFSCME:
AFSCME President Lee Saunders: By rushing through the nomination of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, the @SenateGOP “willfully turned their backs on relief for our communities, allowing more than 1 million front-line heroes to be laid off.” https://t.co/8jCeUyNcxD
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 27, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt across Canada, the Canadian aviation sector continues to struggle to survive. @ALPACanada pilots, sign the petition by 10/28 calling on the Prime Minister and his government to support our jobs, our future: https://t.co/kOvq4Vl4sT pic.twitter.com/ihxp7M0vOc
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) October 23, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
Have you mailed your ballot yet? If not, you should plan on voting in person or dropping it off in a designated dropbox so your vote is counted.
Visit https://t.co/bsxrGohd0z to come up with your plan now! https://t.co/AGKmIF6GAy
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Vote for the candidate who has a plan to help #transit workers. #ATURidinWithBidenHarris #1u #UnionStrong @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/mxvfIuGEeq
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 28, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
Viola Smith: @The_AFM member, drummer, and trailblazer. Billed as the “fastest girl drummer in the world,” playing for big bands in an era when few professional musicians were women. She passed away Oct. 21, at age 107. ? ? #Drummer #DrummerGirl https://t.co/F3iVXEmReN
— AFM (@The_AFM) October 28, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
.@sharemylesson has a #SpookySeason collection for a safe and informative #Halloween as well as #ElDiaDeLosMuertos! https://t.co/oj7HTxqVyk pic.twitter.com/v3D3ykNK8x
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 28, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
“The workers reporting back to us are not going to whitewash anything. What we’ve seen is generally it’s working smoothly, and where there are problems, they’re being resolved.” -President Dimondstein https://t.co/8sB0kEOER4 #VoteByMail
— APWU National (@APWUnational) October 28, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Fight the model minority myth with us by registering https://t.co/fqS7tc1NcM. We are so glad to be with @CAAsanfrancisco in this fight to say #yeson16! ✊ https://t.co/c5Xw8yoQio
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) October 27, 2020Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Furlough Day 28. Flight Attendants, aviation workers, & all working ppl are suffering due to Congress' inaction. Every day w/o relief means more lives, jobs, healthcare, & homes lost. American people can't wait. Pass #ReliefNow! #ExtendPSP #EveryDayCounts https://t.co/QUhCsGIXtG pic.twitter.com/NXZcAW57HR
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 28, 2020Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Congratulations to the Bridgeton Danone workers on their Organizing victory! https://t.co/oS5N785T1x #UNIONYES
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) October 22, 2020Boilermakers:
Cold weather ❄️ + increasing COVID-19 cases ? = more hunkering down at home. Need some new movie recommendations to keep you entertained? ? Try these, from @labornotes https://t.co/zSDphB7JtM
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 28, 2020Bricklayers:
.@Bac1Oregon keeping the pressure on Portland Public Schools at Lincoln High School. Solidarity in your fight for family-wage jobs and good apprenticeship opportunities. pic.twitter.com/sqK9qDXFLA
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) October 27, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Black men: step up. #justvote pic.twitter.com/b9UHt0ltF3
— CBTU (@CBTU72) October 23, 2020Communications Workers of America:
Sen. Thom Tillis has failed workers in North Carolina and shown a complete lack of leadership during this pandemic and economic downturn. Next week, let's make sure he gets the message. Make a plan, go to https://t.co/gYe5nDDvWa #CWAVotes #CWAStrong pic.twitter.com/xsYmuporyg
— CWA Political Action (@cwa_political) October 28, 2020Department for Professional Employees:
We're less than a week out from the 2020 general election. If you haven't voted already, make a plan to vote. #1u ?️✉️ https://t.co/mR8XnxaMBu pic.twitter.com/i730GPmTgG
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 28, 2020Electrical Workers:
“I wouldn’t be standing here today, fighting for this seat, fighting for you, if it were not for Social Security and hard-earned union benefits" : @GreenfieldIowa https://t.co/bv0ajTq9Fu
— IBEW (@IBEW) October 28, 2020Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
We're asking our supporters to stand with us and sign-on to our letter demanding the DOL do something about corrupt and abusive labor contractors. https://t.co/um4HUTn0zT
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) October 26, 2020Fire Fighters:
#IAFF Pink T-Shirt Contest for Breast Cancer Awareness Now Accepting Submissionshttps://t.co/kqKA2km6oR
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) October 28, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
Insulators Union take care of our former military members. You will receive livable pay, health benefits and a peace of mind when you take this career path. Watch this video to see some of our current members share their stories: https://t.co/wQ3owc5ZpW
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) October 28, 2020International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
We should always remember that it’s the WORKERS who make our organizations run!! Check out the work these amazing #union nonprofit professionals have been doing!! https://t.co/2LHGkrvxeL
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 24, 2020Ironworkers:
Watch the webinar "Resiliency during challenging times" about mental health awareness for leaders. #mentalhealthawareness
Click here to see the presentation slides: https://t.co/mZzMfR9HfAhttps://t.co/eegKpnod7M
Jobs With Justice:
Despite rising profits, corporate landlords are sending eviction notices to their tenants — bypassing the CDC's #COVID19 eviction moratorium ??
We can't let them get away with making the pandemic worse ? sign the petition ? https://t.co/cyOyTVTntmhttps://t.co/W8fpuup2fO
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
On #LatinaEqualPay Day - Thursday, October 29th, join the national social media storm at 2:00 pm ET/11am PT to demand equal pay for Latinas in all occupations. ?️?@LCLAA @AlianzaNacionaldeCampesinas #LatinaEqualPay#Trabajadoras#Campesinas#OwnYourPower2020
♀️✊ pic.twitter.com/mto9aa49ye
Laborers:
.@JoeBiden is one of us; he knows, first hand, the trials and tribulations faced by working men and women across this country. We can count on him to stand with us on issues of critical importance to LIUNA members and their families! #LIUNAForBiden #LIUNAVotes #1U #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/xvLkhPtuXe
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 27, 2020Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp @ILWU ILA President Harold Daggett and Union Applaud ILWU President Willie Adams On His Selection As "15 Black Union Leaders Making Their Marks on the Labor Movement." https://t.co/L3QGmJFBPk pic.twitter.com/tkxpv92epC
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) October 22, 2020Machinists:
BROKEN PROMISE: President Trump's corporate tax break gave the green light for Electrolux in St. Cloud, Minnesota to close its doors after 70 years, putting 900 IAM Local 623 members out of a job. pic.twitter.com/kLETkHbvIL
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) October 28, 2020Maritime Trades Department:
US NAVY LEAGUE REPORT CALLS FOR STRONGER COMMITMENT TO US-FLAG FLEET https://t.co/8Vu9qx1fUb
— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) October 23, 2020Metal Trades Department:
Union, lawmakers attempt to block Schedule F executive order through new lawsuit, legislation | Federal News Network https://t.co/9jRmRt0zCN
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 27, 2020Mine Workers:
Members of UMWA Local Union 717 and their families took their fight for fairness to the streets of Ilion, NY today! Old Remington management must live up to its obligations! pic.twitter.com/f77lsLC6Be
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 28, 2020Musical Artists:
A video message from AGMA President Ray Menard: To our friends and colleagues at Lyric Opera, please be assured that AGMA has your back. https://t.co/DZAWyJtP1G
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 27, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Hundreds of NATCA members live in affected regions of the 2020 Gulf Coast hurricane season. But NATCA members again rose to the occasion, keeping operations safe in the storms’ aftermath, showing their dedication to professionalism as essential employees. https://t.co/m3mYHtsN14 pic.twitter.com/k2GdK4wU5Q
— NATCA (@NATCA) October 25, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
Carrier Stefanie Sibley is not only a #HorseRiding enthusiast--she also competes with them! From the groundwork of basic handling, teaching them to respond to commands and lunging, to developing a basic comfort level w/ her horses, Stefanie does it all. https://t.co/rGhtILXZQ4 pic.twitter.com/Q5HnGnomG0
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 28, 2020National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
There's too much at stake, we must all take action and spread the word: Those who can, vote and vote early. #VoteAgainstHate #VotaContraElOdio #AltoAlFascismo #StopFascism pic.twitter.com/fbnF4IYZTh
— NDLON (@NDLON) October 23, 2020National Domestic Workers Alliance:
These are the final days to guarantee your mail-in ballot gets counted. Return your ballot today if you haven’t already. If it’s already signed and sealed, track your ballot here: https://t.co/3bGc9i7d2F pic.twitter.com/RBzOXIxyYb
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 28, 2020National Federation of Federal Employees:
“On behalf of #VA employees and the VA medical staff that cares for our nation’s veterans, we thank Senators Brian Schatz and Elizabeth Warren for their support to press GAO into action,” said NFFE National President Erwin. https://t.co/j5CFhEEBb0
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 23, 2020National Nurses United:
Have you made a plan to vote?#NurseTwitter #VoteNursesValues pic.twitter.com/FhWHuFxRmh
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 28, 2020National Taxi Workers Alliance:
..in the midst of a pandemic that is disproportionately hurting Black Americans, Uber, Lyft & other gig companies like DoorDash & Instacart are trying to roll back labor rights for app-based workers through a ballot measure called Proposition 22. That’s bad news for Black workers https://t.co/q0E0fhAT08
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 23, 2020NFL Players Association:
Players ? showed ? up.
Here's from our joint release on voting initiatives with the @NFL: pic.twitter.com/4XUThOiYDt
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Today, NABTU proudly endorses @JoeBiden for President of the United States.
Read more from @SeanMcGarvey_: https://t.co/k9Z9o53BtY pic.twitter.com/LSa1V63LJs
Office and Professional Employees:
There's only one candidate in this race who will protect the right to unionize: @JoeBiden. #BuildBackBetter https://t.co/laYgGtiS6A pic.twitter.com/zPhn2vIQ8c
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) October 27, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
With 6 days until the election, we must remember the cause of organized labor is the struggle of 365 days a year.
We must work just as hard after the election to make sure the profound changes we so desperately need as workers are made.
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
President Trump presents a clear and present danger to your health. He’s given up fighting COVID-19, he’s trying to take away your preexisting condition protections, he wants to take away health coverage from 20 million Americans, & he’s let OSHA go AWOL. https://t.co/QHG3ZPmjw6
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 27, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
I’m Mary Oaks, PASS Leg Committee chair & dedicated public servant at the FAA. Yesterday, I mailed in my ballot! I urge PASS members to exercise their right to vote! #ExerciseYourRight #publicservice #PASSVotes @VCClerkRecorder pic.twitter.com/85ZqpGo6ls
— PASS (@PASSNational) October 28, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@RWDSU members in Pennsylvania are pumped to #GetOutTheVote for #BidenHarris2020!
Let’s keep this energy up through #ElectionDay!
Want to make a difference in the crucial final days of the election? Sign up for a phone bank shift: https://t.co/mAFz1LBGXM pic.twitter.com/WKOUjOZQ5E
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Watch this video to learn how to work safely on a ladder and how the free National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ladder safety app can help. https://t.co/pGsESiUjGL #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/9qRPKwrFVS
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 28, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
#sagaftramembers! It’s not JUST a vote—it’s YOUR vote and it matters. https://t.co/Bh8usvp1mF #vote #sagaftravotes pic.twitter.com/oeDyW8LbFp
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 28, 2020Seafarers:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Reintroduces Legislation to Support American Manufacturers and Shipbuilders https://t.co/GQyLdk7878
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) October 28, 2020Solidarity Center:
Gig workers in #Colombia are not covered by the country's safety and health laws, even as 63.2% say they suffered accidents at work & 66.7% from job-related illnesses, per study by @SolidarityCntr & others. @cutcolombia @colombiareportshttps://t.co/TvmR6MYF1Y
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 28, 2020TCU/IAM:
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the only team that will deliver for working people. Here's how Joe and Kamala will fight for rail workers. Learn more: https://t.co/1tZCYSYjfJ pic.twitter.com/TVpPTbOBMb
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) October 28, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
Congratulations and welcome to the NewsGuild @CWAUnion family! We stand with you in the fight for racial justice, holding politicians and corporations accountable, and standing for workers' power! https://t.co/cSDxMBmhoi
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 28, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
.@Strathmore workers continue to fight back as management chooses to pay BIG $$$ to union-busting attorneys rather than honor their agreements with workers. SHAME! pic.twitter.com/5K6MAWMSvS
— IATSE (@IATSE) October 28, 2020Transport Workers Union:
Members of the @fl_twu #GOTV for @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris
With 6 days left until #ElectionDay, please sign up to phone bank Thursday at 7pm ET https://t.co/7OGvgLB5fC#Vote2020 #Labor2020 pic.twitter.com/iMVqLtAnUB
Transportation Trades Department:
TTD President Larry Willis is looking forward to joining transportation workers at @transportworker's Biden/Harris phone bank. Have you registered yet? https://t.co/Yo8jqorXcX https://t.co/cWfw1M5o4w
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) October 28, 2020UAW:
Our country’s future is at stake November 3. Vote now and sign this petition to promise you’ll encourage 20 other members to vote.#womenarevoting #UAWWomenAreVoting #UAWvoter https://t.co/UZSQaEgGwV
— UAW (@UAW) October 27, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Steelworkers Had Hope; Then Trump Broke His Promises | Workers First Vote Union https://t.co/3awB0jjdQy
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) October 26, 2020Union Veterans Council:
A pilot, astronaut, and dedicated public servant. That’s who @CaptMarkKelly is.
Mark is going to fight for families, veterans, unions in the Senate with the same focus it took to fly the Space Shuttle. That’s why we’re working to send him to DC. #VetsVote #1u @ArizonaAFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Ji2sJJ3FSy
UNITE HERE:
Over 1,000 UNITE HERE members are out in key battleground states, doing the most important job of their lives: removing Trump from office.
Democracy *IS* Essential Work — & our courageous members are on the front lines in Arizona, Florida, Nevada & Pennsylvania to #TakeBack2020. pic.twitter.com/7M5exFwMQk
United Food and Commercial Workers:
.@TopsMarkets grocery workers in Pennsylvania are still on frontlines of #COVID19 putting themselves in harm's way to feed our families as the pandemic continues.@UFCW is fighting to restore #HazardPay for these brave workers and make masks mandatory to keep stores safe. pic.twitter.com/IetsnXCG7W
— UFCW (@UFCW) October 23, 2020United Steelworkers:
VP @Mike_Pence has been working w/@realDonaldTrump backers to develop a comprehensive strategy to weaken labor unions through @NLRB & #RightToWork. WHY WE BACK @Joebiden @KamalaHarris! #VoteWorkers'Rights#USWVotes pic.twitter.com/r8q6LGJleO
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) October 28, 2020Utility Workers:
Voting is important, and we’re making it easy! Check your voter registration status and get the information you need to vote, including polling place locations and resources to vote by mail safely, securely and on time. https://t.co/NBziEi1Bd1
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 26, 2020Working America:
The deadline to request your mail-in ballot in Pennsylvania has passed, but you can still make sure that others have the best experience voting. Sign up to be a poll worker here: https://t.co/gMspw57DF1
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 28, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
Today, @NowThis and the Writers Guild of America, East released a joint statement after the newsroom formed a union, which NowThis voluntarily recognized. @NowThisUnion #1u pic.twitter.com/50Q0jXQ0Ky
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) October 27, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/29/2020 - 10:18Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IUPAT Video Shows Union Strength This Election Season
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is celebrating 133 years of union strength. Like the members of all our affiliates, the workers who are part of IUPAT built America and remain committed to her success. “Joe Biden has supported the IUPAT’s post-election organizing push for robust federal infrastructure spending matched with the passage of pro-worker labor law reform that could level the playing field for labor unions in the United States. The IUPAT is aiming to fortify the power of workers in both union membership and market share, as well as a demand to fund jobs throughout the country that rebuild and repair our infrastructure for years to come,” said IUPAT General President Kenneth Rigmaiden. Click here to watch this inspiring video of why this election is so important to union members.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/29/2020 - 09:31Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Organizing in the Time of COVID-19: Worker Wins
Despite the challenges of organizing during a deadly pandemic, working people across the country (and beyond) continue organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
TWU Reaches First Tentative Agreement with JetBlue: The Transport Workers Union (TWU) announced another historic milestone for its members, with a tentative agreement for in-flight crew members’ first contract at JetBlue Airways. The union called it an “epic contract” that was no easy feat, as the airline industry and the country are in the midst of a global pandemic and economic downturn. “Our negotiating team recognized the importance of bargaining this inaugural agreement, prioritizing our members’ long-term job security, codification of work rules and quality of life issues into this agreement. Bringing over 5,000 crew members under the protection of a trade union contract, right smack in the middle of COVID-19 is a Herculean achievement,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. The union’s negotiating team and JetBlue management are currently reviewing the final document before sending it to members for a ratification vote in the near future.
SAG-AFTRA Celebrates Organizing Win at WBGO: Content creators at Newark Public Radio (WBGO) officially formed a union, following an agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the radio station for a card-check agreement to count the signatures of content creators wishing to organize. The new 22-member bargaining unit of content creators includes producers, hosts, anchors and reporters. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said: “This is an exciting time for WBGO and SAG-AFTRA. We fully support them in their mission to fight for a fair contract, and we look forward to building this new relationship with WBGO content creators and their listening community. Our strength is in our unity.” WBGO is a legendary jazz station in Newark, New Jersey, and a National Public Radio member station with a national and international listening audience. Content creators first announced their organizing drive with SAG-AFTRA last month, with more than 70% signing a petition presented to management.
Danone North America Workers in New Jersey Join BCTGM: To many workers at the Danone North America plant in Bridgeton, New Jersey, a vote to become a member of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) was a decision based on worker dignity. The 100 workers at the plant, which produces Silk almond milk products, voted overwhelmingly this week to become members of BCTGM Local 6. The largely Hispanic workforce said that while the company is continually upgrading and expanding the facility, workers have faced issues with scheduling, health insurance and benefits, and pandemic hazard pay. “It has been a difficult year for so many workers and concerns about workplace safety and respect on the job are at an all-time high. Workers are learning about the BCTGM, and plant by plant, despite anti-union employers and broken labor laws, they are reaching out to local union leaders and organizers and voting to join the BCTGM,” noted BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton.
Michigan Nursing Home Workers Win Contract Agreements: Earlier this week, nursing home workers who are members of SEIU Healthcare Michigan scored significant wins after a difficult contract fight. The Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, under the leadership of President Daryl Newman (AFT), was instrumental in supporting the members of SEIU in their fight. Some 1,600 workers had been set to strike across three major nursing home chains. However, the two largest chains settled agreements with SEIU. Workers at the Charles Dunn chain continued their strike, and they won a major contract victory that includes safety protections, access to personal protective equipment, site access for union representatives and fair wage increases. Angela Duncan, an SEIU member and worker at Four Seasons Rehabilitation and Nursing center, said: “I've been here for 10 years, and I’m making nearly the same as I was when I started. We need more wages.”
Blue State Staff Join CWA Local 1101: The 75 employees at creative agency Blue State will be represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) after the majority signed union authorization cards. The workers include campaign strategists, analysts, designers, account managers, finance specialists, office managers and developers. "We believe that in any workplace, people come first,” said Kendra Ijeoma, a member of the union organizing committee. “That’s why we’re so excited to form our Blue State Union and join CODE-CWA. This isn’t just about us—we stand in solidarity with workers around the world who deserve a seat at the table!"
DC Holistic Wellness Workers Become First Cannabis Dispensary Workers in D.C. to Ratify Contract: The workers, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400, approved the five-year contract with salary increases and mandates for health care and retirement benefits. “I am extremely proud to be a part of this historic moment,” said Robert Pizzi, a metric analyst at DC Holistic Wellness. “This, in many ways, is one small step for the cannabis industry and a giant leap for workers everywhere.”
Law Lab United Wins Voluntary Union Recognition: Staff at the Innovation Law Lab have won voluntary recognition of their new union, Law Lab United, an affiliate of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). “We're delighted that Law Lab’s management team has officially recognized our union,” said Law Lab United’s organizing committee. “We deeply appreciate the support and growing community of nonprofit unions. We look forward to the work ahead—at Law Lab and in our broader movements.”
Staff at Voces de la Frontera Join NPEU: Workers at Voces de la Frontera have formed Voces Unidxs, an affiliate of NPEU, and have asked management for voluntary recognition. Voces Unidxs said: “By unionizing, we hope to affirm Voces de la Frontera’s role both as a leader in the fight for worker, immigrant and student rights in our community and also as an organization that supports the collective voice of its workers. Voces Unidxs is excited for this opportunity and looks forward to collaborative negotiations with management that will accentuate our shared values and commitment to equality in all aspects.”
First Animation Studio In Canada to Unionize Represented by IATSE: After getting 98% of the vote, animators at Titmouse Vancouver have joined the Animation Guild, Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 938, becoming the first animation studio in Canada to unionize. The studio produces animated shows like "Black Panther," "Star Trek: Lower Decks" and "Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures." “Today, workers at Titmouse Vancouver sent a clear message; there is strength in the union,” IATSE International President Matt Loeb said. “Animation workers in Los Angeles have benefited from representation by the IATSE for years and we look forward to representing animation workers in Canada.”
Texas AFL-CIO Congratulates Dallas Morning News Workers on Vote to Form a Union: The Texas AFL-CIO, on Friday, congratulated the newsroom staff of The Dallas Morning News on their decision to form a union to advocate for better working conditions and job security. The 84–28 vote to gain recognition for the Dallas News Guild certified the first newspaper newsroom union in Texas since the closure of the San Antonio Light in 1993. “The Dallas Morning News is an important Texas institution whose success has always hinged on an amazing collection of newsroom talent,” Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA) said. “[Friday’s] vote result gives these working people a stronger voice in their future.”
Encore Boston Harbor Casino Workers Join IBEW: More than 120 workers at the Encore Boston Harbor casino have joined Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 after 95% voted in favor of unionization. The workers include technicians who work on casino machines and equipment, electricians and dispatchers at the casino's fire control center. The new IBEW members will begin contract negotiations with management. Hospitality workers at the casino are represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and have been in lengthy negotiations with Encore.
Workers Organize at Portland Museum of Art: Workers at the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) announced last week that they are organizing a union with UAW Local 2110 in New York City. “We are the workers of the Portland Museum of Art. We love the arts, this museum and our communities around Portland,” the new union members tweeted. “We are organizing for a seat at the table to ensure that our voices are collectively heard. Together we can build a stronger, democratic and sustainable PMA.” The organizing drive is part of a renewed drive among art workers to unionize for better wages and a voice on the job. Last year, art workers unionized at the New Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, the Frye Art Museum in Seattle and Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/28/2020 - 13:19Tags: Organizing
Working People Endorse Candidates Across the Country
Election Day is less than two weeks away and many states have already started early voting and vote-by-mail. If you aren't certain about who to vote for in races up and down the ballot, AFL-CIO's state federations and allies have done the work to identify pro-working family candidates. Check out who your state's labor movement has endorsed:
- Alabama AFL-CIO
- Alaska State AFL-CIO
- Arizona AFL-CIO
- Arkansas AFL-CIO: U.S. House of Representatives, Joyce Elliot; State Representative, Bill Monahan
- California Labor Federation
- Colorado AFL-CIO
- Connecticut AFL-CIO
- Delaware State AFL-CIO
- Florida AFL-CIO
- Georgia State AFL-CIO: U.S. Senate, Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock; U.S. House of Representatives District 5, Nikema Williams; U.S. House of Representatives District 7, Carolyn Bordeaux; state Senate endorsements
- Hawaii State AFL-CIO
- Idaho State AFL-CIO
- Illinois AFL-CIO
- Indiana State AFL-CIO
- Iowa Federation of Labor
- Kansas AFL-CIO
- Kentucky State AFL-CIO
- Louisiana AFL-CIO
- Maine AFL-CIO
- Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO
- Massachusetts AFL-CIO
- Michigan State AFL-CIO
- Minnesota AFL-CIO
- Mississippi AFL-CIO: U.S Senate, Mike Espy; U.S. House of Representatives District 2, Bennie Thompson; State Supreme Court: Latrice Westbrooks and Percy Lynchard
- Missouri AFL-CIO
- Montana State AFL-CIO
- Nebraska State AFL-CIO
- Nevada State AFL-CIO
- New Hampshire AFL-CIO
- New Jersey State AFL-CIO
- New Mexico Federation of Labor
- New York State AFL-CIO
- North Carolina State AFL-CIO
- North Dakota AFL-CIO
- Ohio AFL-CIO
- Oklahoma State AFL-CIO
- Oregon AFL-CIO
- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
- Rhode Island AFL-CIO: U.S. Senate, Sen. Jack Reed; U.S. House of Representatives District 1, David Cicilline; U.S. House of Representatives District, James Langevin; state House: Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (District 5), Raymond Hull (District 6), Anastasia Williams (District 9), Grace Diaz (District 11), Brandon Potter (District 16), Joseph McNamara (District 19), Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (District 21), Joseph Solomon (District 22), Jim Jackson (District 26), Scott Guthrie (District 28), Julie Casimiro (District 31), Edward Cardillo Jr. (District 42), Deborah Fellela (District 43), John Lyle Jr. (District 46), Leonela Felix (District 61), June Speakman (District 68), Susan Donovan (District 69), John Edwards (District 70), Michelle McGaw (District 71), Terri Cortvriend (District 72); state Senate: Sandra Cano (District 8), John Burke (District 9), Walter Felag (District 10), Valarie Lawson (District 14), Frank Lombardi (District 26), Hanna Gallo (District 27), Joshua Miller (District 28), Michael McCaffrey (District 29), Bridget Valverde (District 35), Alana DiMario (District 36), V. Susan Sosnowski (District 37)
- South Carolina AFL-CIO
- South Dakota State Federation of Labor
- Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council
- Texas AFL-CIO
- Utah State AFL-CIO
- Vermont State Labor Council
- Virginia AFL-CIO
- Washington State Labor Council
- West Virginia AFL-CIO
- Wisconsin State AFL-CIO
- Wyoming AFL-CIO
Tags: Labor 2020
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Releases Latest ‘Broken Promises’ Video
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In July 2019, Ingersoll Rand shut down its manufacturing plant in Cheektowaga, New York, affecting more than 300 members of Machinists (IAM) Local 330. In the latest “Broken Promises” video from IAM, the union shows how President Trump has failed to keep manufacturing jobs in the United States. Ingersoll Rand outsourced some of its production capability to its Italian facility and continued existing production in its facility in Wujiang, China. “The new facility in China hasn’t built a machine yet that was able to pass through the tests,” said Local 330 Chief Steward Frederick Fineour. “Until they do that, they’ll continue to struggle.” This plant is one of dozens of IAM-represented factories that have closed during the Trump administration.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/28/2020 - 09:17Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tradeswomen Lean In to Support Each Other
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Following a successful Tradeswomen Build Nations conference earlier this month, North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), its affiliates and Lean In have joined together to launch a virtual, structured mentorship program made for tradeswomen, by tradeswomen. “It’s important that tradeswomen have a space to talk about their experiences and to help each other,” said Aurora Bihler, a member of the Ironworkers. “I wanted to be a part of this program so that women all over can have this support system in place with researched advice and solutions that are specific to our unique careers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/27/2020 - 09:50Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Labor Radio Podcast Network Launches Interactive Network Map
To highlight the geographic reach of more than 70 members in four countries, the Labor Radio Network has created an interactive map.
Launched in 2019, the Labor Radio Podcast Network focuses on working-class issues that are often overlooked in the corporate-controlled media. The goal of the network is to help raise the voices of working people and strengthen organized labor to demand and achieve better treatment from workplaces and elected officials.
If you are a journalist interested in learning more, or if you’re a labor radio or podcast producer and want to join the network, contact us at info@laborradionetwork.org.
Visit the Labor Radio Podcast Network.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/26/2020 - 14:04Tags: Podcast
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IFPTE Backs Members Running in Kansas
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) is throwing its support behind three of its own members running in Kansas: Matthew Joyce and Derek Milligan are running for the state House and Charity Kennedy is a candidate for Sedgwick County treasurer. Earlier this month, IFPTE sent out a series of mailers in support of the three members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace/IFPTE (SPEEA/IFPTE) Local 2001. The mailers, which were sent to nearly 2,700 members living in Kansas, highlighted not only the fact that fellow IFPTE members were seeking office, but that they would be strong voices for the rights of workers to collectively bargain. IFPTE International President Paul Shearon commented that, “IFPTE is a strong proponent of union members running for elected office, as they are the ones who become the strongest advocates for workers and unions in office. IFPTE is proud that Matthew, Charity and Derek are taking this step to run and are happy to support them.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/26/2020 - 09:32Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Workers' Rights Are on the Ballot: 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:
Austin Quinn-Davidson, we know that you will fulfill your duties as mayor with integrity. Thank you for taking on this challenge when Anchorage needs you the most.#ancassembly pic.twitter.com/TCx6EglP4t
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 17, 2020California Labor Federation:
“California voters must vote NO on Proposition 22, and say yes to a future with universal rights and good jobs for Black workers and for every worker in the state.” — Must read from @votingwhileblk @rashadrobinson & @NelpNews @RebeccaDNELP: https://t.co/t3gx09P2hH #NoOnProp22
— NO on Prop 22 (California Labor Federation) (@CaliforniaLabor) October 23, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
“If this initiative passes, only well-funded special interests will be able to afford to make changes to our Constitution, thus subverting the entire intent of the citizen initiative process, which is to give the people an independent voice.”https://t.co/iqQcSRqIsu
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 23, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
In the last month, we’ve made over 53,200 calls to our union family members in Georgia to turn out the #Labor2020 vote! ? Want to volunteer? Comment below and we’ll reach out. #1u #georgiaunions #gaaflcio pic.twitter.com/FAa6bEpUT5
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 19, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
The Trump administration’s failure to invoke the Defense Production Act to make PPE was a stunning act of nonfeasance.
And working people paid the price. https://t.co/N99zBrbzUv
Iowa Federation of Labor:
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 23, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
Another working class Mainer for @SaraGideon #mepolitics #Labor2020 #1u pic.twitter.com/TPVojczJ9B
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 23, 2020Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Are you a union member? Do you want to help union endorsed candidates win on November 3rd? Sign up now: https://t.co/RzC5ff0m37
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) October 21, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Vote for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO endorsed candidates for the State House of Representatives. We need these champions fighting for working people on Beacon Hill! pic.twitter.com/tUw4iqiW77
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 21, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Thanks for always supporting workers and for doing your part to flip the House! https://t.co/5zJXSE8H7U
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) October 18, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Great to see @GovTimWalz sign the local jobs & projects bill & supplemental budget today at @TheIronworkers 512! #1u #mnleg #OneMinnesota pic.twitter.com/5Eu5RG6Nec
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 21, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
?? There is so much we can do if we choose to take on problems and not each other. And choose a President who brings out our best. Joe Biden doesn't need everyone in this country to always agree. Just to agree we all love this country. Vote Biden/Harris! pic.twitter.com/HgXepWCaBx
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 23, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
Visit https://t.co/7n5V9j3fz6 to see all of our endorsed candidates! #voteunion #unionstrong #mtpol #VOTE pic.twitter.com/mlpSMje6Em
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) October 13, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
She will defend our right to collective bargain for better wages, safety, & healthcare. @KristeeWatson will improve our schools & has been working with a nonprofit to improve literacy in NV. She has financial sector & business experience that we need to lead Nevada to recovery! pic.twitter.com/dkoxv5w8le
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) October 17, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
It must be nice to have a governor who takes infrastructure seriously. @DanFeltesNH https://t.co/1sV1Bb5a7R
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 22, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 23, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
New York’s Labor Movement Stands with the #UnionStrong Hardworking Members of the Transport Workers and Machinist Unions Against a Cynical Raid Attempt by Rogue Labor Group @transportworker @MachinistsUnion https://t.co/uJ2Nw68UmV
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) October 23, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
This thread can be read here: https://t.co/uIhwVJK8qm
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 22, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
Greed is an ugly thing. https://t.co/ZQKzbHT14V
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 22, 2020Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
OKC's Public Transit is Free on Election Day, November 3rd.
The free fares include EMBARK, OKC Streetcar, and Zone 1 ADA Paratransit.
You may visit https://t.co/4GfFWpxKHO or https://t.co/1iB8VtcsXE for more details.
Oregon AFL-CIO:
"This election cycle needs that strength and attention from our movement to win for working families, perhaps more than ever... the choices working people make on Election Day will impact the direction of our nation..." -@graham_oregon via @nwlaborpress https://t.co/vvBAnk7aTx
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 22, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
We proudly stand with our @PFTLocal3 sisters and brothers as they fight to keep students educators and staff safe on the job. We’re with you always. #FairContractNow @AFTPA @AFTunion https://t.co/mzrewXV927
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 20, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Central Coventry firefighters sue, claiming district stiffed them on overtime https://t.co/h3ieZBeeWW via @projo @IAFFLocal3372 #1U #Unions #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity #Firefighters
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 23, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
On the ballot this fall: nothing less than safe jobs, economic security and freedom from systemic racism. Are you ready to protect your vote? Do you have a plan? https://t.co/jZGhbcVvdK
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 23, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
Labor LIVE at 5! https://t.co/suwyzA0rTu
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 19, 2020Washington State Labor Council:
Please share this information as widely as possible. Also, bilingual English/Spanish Hotline Volunteers are needed to help people apply! #Immigrant #EssentialWorkers #COVID19 https://t.co/XTGZqK8dJV
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 21, 2020West Virginia AFL-CIO:
Ben Salango has always been clear on his opposition of Right to Work - one of many reasons why we want him to be our next governor !! #wvpol https://t.co/Z56rMgDpyp
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 20, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
OSHA Criticized for Lax Regulation of Meatpacking in Pandemic https://t.co/EReuGGAZhb
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 23, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/23/2020 - 11:52Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Alliance for Retired Americans and NFLPA Team Up to Educate Older Pennsylvania Voters about Voting in 2020
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Former Players Services Department and the Alliance for Retired Americans released a public service announcement (PSA) on Tuesday to encourage all Pennsylvania seniors to vote and ensure they are aware of how to cast a ballot by mail. This year’s elections mark the first time that any Pennsylvania voter can get a mail ballot. The PSA features Robin Cole, vice president of the NFLPA Former Players Pittsburgh chapter and retired linebacker who won two Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in 1979 and 1980; his wife, Judith Cole; and Harriet Ellenberger, a member of the Pennsylvania Alliance. “Everyone needs to make a plan to vote this year,” Cole said. “I usually vote at the church, but this year Judith and I are going to vote by mail.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/23/2020 - 09:20Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Black Training Leaders in the Bricklayers Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Kay Whigan (BAC) stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall and carries a deep and booming voice. A welding instructor at the John J. Flynn Bricklayers (BAC)/IMI International Training Center in Maryland, he admits that one of his biggest fears about becoming an instructor was how his students would perceive him. As a Black man who grew up in Alabama, Whigan said he is no stranger to racism. So as an instructor, he worried that his appearance might be intimidating. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the job,” said Whigan, who said he was tapped some years ago for a foreman role. “They told me I’d be good at it because of how I carry myself and how I treat people. When I’m working with someone—whether it’s a student in the shop or a worker on the job—I want them to feel nourished and uplifted. We need to make a point to lend one another a helping hand.” Click here to read more about what Black training leaders are doing to build a more diverse and inclusive union.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/22/2020 - 09:37Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
#ReliefNow: 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:
ICYMI - @TheActorsFund can provide emergency financial assistance to help performing arts and entertainment professionals impacted by the California Wildfires or Hurricane Laura. To apply, visithttps://t.co/J5JH3ZClGu
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 20, 2020AFGE:
In a new op-ed in @TheHill, AFGE National President Everett Kelley, the head of the largest union representing federal and D.C. government employees, says American government must change leadership in November to restore trust, fight pandemic: https://t.co/SlCqkzNRkB
— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 20, 2020AFSCME:
“This is a clear attempt to harm workers and take away their power at the bargaining table. These kinds of anti-union, anti-worker policies only serve to hurt the people who keep this city and this country moving forward.” – Andrew Washington, AFSCME DC 20 https://t.co/R05b4H7vFc
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 20, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Closing Ranks: How ALPA Pilots are Helping Their Own https://t.co/hJg1cU8bjC pic.twitter.com/oBtcqBPUl7
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) October 21, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
The SSA confirms that Donald Trump’s promise to permanently “terminate” Social Security’s funding would destroy it by 2023.
Social Security is on the ballot—& a vote for Joe Biden is a vote to protect & expand it.
Sign here to stop Trump's plan: https://t.co/S0WWOA3ndH pic.twitter.com/8O8FLm2rLt
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Good news out of Toronto, now we need the #TTC to deal with overcrowding issue to ensure the safety of workers and riders.” https://t.co/1EhK83SsHp #Labour
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 21, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
Thank you @StephenAtHome for supporting nearly 6,000 musicians who perform every year on network TV!#RespectUs #tvmusicians deserve a fair deal! @ABCNetwork @CBS @nbc https://t.co/OfjpdWzAFu
— AFM (@The_AFM) October 21, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
For the price of a meal at a fast food restaurant, Cleveland could invest millions into the public schools and build on years of academic progress. @rweingarten & @CTU279 talked to voters about why they should vote YES on Issue 68. #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/uqrvfdBxWT
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 21, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
“We all must watch for violations and insist the contract be enforced. Grievances must continue to be filed and postal management, including the PMG, must be held accountable!” – DIR Vance Zimmerman https://t.co/X6QVtNdR82
— APWU National (@APWUnational) October 19, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
"A points-based visa system would discriminate against poor and working-class families and decimate opportunities for immigrants in the U.S. to reunite with their families.
These are the same poor and working immigrants who are America’s essential workers." @johanna_hester <3 https://t.co/7jDleyTigH
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
AFA, APFA, TWU 556 Flight Attendants & CWA members outside Representative Barbara Lee's office in the Bay Area yesterday demanding Congress extend the Payroll Support Program.
Sign up or host a #ReliefNow Event: https://t.co/z2njhTTovr#ExtendPSP #EveryDayCounts pic.twitter.com/GIo7kBcfQw
Boilermakers:
Our partners at @TSSAunion have a great "Going Beyond" program. Register to attend this important discussion on neurodiversity, and be part of the solution for better working and understanding together. https://t.co/x8IsYJ3OLq
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 20, 2020Bricklayers:
BAC Wisconsin ADC are standing up against the fat cats at Zirbel Masonry ✊ #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/fM7G9uFEkf
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) October 19, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
There are no “undecided” voters in our families. Do your part: get your people to vote -your brother, or nephew, or niece or play sister. This poster, “Activist in Black,” is the sequel to “Activist in Red.” Same message, but like this ugly election, in black & white. #justevote pic.twitter.com/hBKp8Ubvua
— CBTU (@CBTU72) October 14, 2020Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Get a head start by texting ORGANIZE to 22422, downloading OutVote, and watching the training video. Learn more about our text-a-thon here: https://t.co/e9Hw9dOKQQ pic.twitter.com/V518Q1kOZi
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 17, 2020Communications Workers of America:
It's time to elect a pro-labor senator for Maine!
That's why we endorsed Sara Gideon. Make a plan to vote: https://t.co/gYe5nDDvWa #CWAVotes #CWAStrong pic.twitter.com/VpaFkcp3J5
Department for Professional Employees:
"The new influx of energy in the progressive labor movement is coming from people in their 20s and 30s; they’re young, with multiple jobs and workplaces ahead of them. You can bet they’ll try to organize wherever they end up working next." #1u https://t.co/q2yp2p9Wun
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 20, 2020Electrical Workers:
How has the #IBEW changed your life? pic.twitter.com/KN1MtrRRdQ
— IBEW (@IBEW) October 20, 2020Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
FLOC supporters, we have two URGENT actions this week in response to the growing corruption in the H2A program perpetrated by H2A Labor Contractors with the full support of the US Dept. of Labor and the corporate giants that control the agricultural industry. 1/ pic.twitter.com/8jigKv2zFc
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) October 19, 2020Fire Fighters:
#IAFF Pink T-Shirt Contest for Breast Cancer Awareness Now Accepting Submissionshttps://t.co/kqKA2km6oR
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) October 21, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
Our members are at the forefront of an increased focus on the importance of properly installing Firestopping materials through standardized and proper design, installation, inspection and maintenance. https://t.co/46VGA7p2OL
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) October 20, 2020Ironworkers:
Food insecurity has long been a problem in BC and it has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. The Iron Workers Local 97 and some of its contractors made donations to Food Banks in BC. #foodsecurity #givingbacktothecommunityhttps://t.co/bHCBYUmZdN
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) October 20, 2020Jobs With Justice:
California's #Prop22 was written by @Uber + @lyft lobbyists to legally deny drivers benefits and inflate their own profits.
CA voters should take #Prop22 and throw it in the ?#NoOnProp22 pic.twitter.com/xcYQYq8xPS
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Recovery for Latino and immigrant communities starts with ensuring equal pay today!
Click on the link to register! ✍?https://t.co/GoZZEEw4vs
#LatinaEqualPay #Trabajadoras #OwnYourPower2020
Laborers:
I’m a LOUD, PROUD & VOTING #LIUNA member #LIUNAVotes2020 #LIUNAForBiden #1U pic.twitter.com/OsFeurVBJ0
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 20, 2020Machinists:
Nearly 250 IAM Local 1580 members are wondering what happened to the president's promise to put U.S. workers before corporate greed. pic.twitter.com/9yQRYJjJNN
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) October 20, 2020Metal Trades Department:
Labor Movement Helping Families Impacted By Hurricane Delta | AFL-CIO https://t.co/zMcYVlO36B
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 12, 2020Musical Artists:
Our monthly newsletter was sent to membership on Friday. Didn't get it? Make sure we have your most up-to-date email on file by emailing communications@musicalartists.org. AGMA sends emails regularly to members in good standing, and we don't want you to miss any important updates pic.twitter.com/F4YF66hEOB
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 12, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Pensacola TRACON (P31) member Marcus Troyer joined in a search and rescue effort of a crashed Cessna 172 Skyhawk that was anything but ordinary and showcased the essential nature of his profession. #ArchieLeague https://t.co/ot2z11xXtk pic.twitter.com/AJ7dUpLTvt
— NATCA (@NATCA) October 21, 2020National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:
ABC-DISNEY UPDATEhttps://t.co/OtDHABlYIh#NABET
— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) October 20, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
Join Kevin Hart & his celebrity friends on Oct. 24 for the MDA Telethon! See how your donation helps affect the lives of those with neuromuscular diseases.
Help us reach our pre-telethon goal of $30K before Oct. 24. Make an impact by donating today: https://t.co/cYT8CTvNDq pic.twitter.com/m7ZCZRbpAc
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
#Breaking: A report about hate crimes, presented by an OC Supervisor that champions the hate circus? #UnmaskedHate #MichelleSteel
Read the full statement: https://t.co/bM2XnHIUv2@WeAreOneOC #hatecrimes #WeCelebrateSanctuaryHere #ICEoutofOC #BringHumanRightsHome
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
It’s great to see a full issue of @TheProspect committed to real solutions for working families and making care affordable at every stage of life. There is hope! Let’s do this! #UniversalFamilyCare https://t.co/JXXHHF6Q4V
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 21, 2020National Nurses United:
“One or two people with infections can really cause a large impact when you have one grocery store or gas station." #WearAMaskhttps://t.co/ZrX8Ycnyol
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 20, 2020National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Rain can’t stop us! Watch the hearing live and get ready for some amazing driver testimonies! We are making our voices heard. https://t.co/mWdacUP629 pic.twitter.com/6rEvkZyzBv
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 16, 2020NFL Players Association:
.@RealLoganRyan and his @RARF_official foundation partnered with @mypitisfamily to raise awareness against breed restrictions so that those dogs can find a home. pic.twitter.com/lpEqSZaYrp
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 20, 2020North America's Building Trades Unions:
“Stronger union membership MUST be a pillar of our nation’s recovery plan. When unions are strong, America is strong… When unions are weak, inequality skyrockets."
Great piece here on the importance of a worker-first recovery from #COVID19 ??https://t.co/yMnpocRtPw
Office and Professional Employees:
From blaming Beijing for his own mismanagement to muzzling OSHA’s already lackluster worker safety protections, one thing is clear for working people: Donald Trump has got to go on Nov. 3. #1u pic.twitter.com/AbHxGxuHLw
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) October 20, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
From fleecing IUPAT contractors and thousands of workers as a businessman to failing to deliver on his major campaign pledge of robust federal infrastructure funding, Donald Trump has sold American workers false promises. pic.twitter.com/nKPCeqi96k
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 20, 2020Plasterers and Cement Masons:
The #OPCMIA Steel Edge Women Caucus met virtually at the #TWBN Conference recently and had a positive, productive and important meeting about empowerment on the job and within their union. Learn more about what happened here: https://t.co/8Ds2Ikrcas
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 21, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
"I thank @ChrisVanHollen & colleagues for efforts to let federal workers decide for themselves if they want to defer some of their taxes. They are in best position to judge whether they are in need of what amounts to a temporary loan that needs to be paid back.” PASS Pres Perrone https://t.co/Kz8IpQ3hy9
— PASS (@PASSNational) October 13, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Wearing a mask keeps you and your community safe! Help #StopTheSpread of #COVID19 by properly removing your face mask when you return home. #WearAMask pic.twitter.com/NOFSU9nPET
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 20, 2020Roofers and Waterproofers:
Always inspect your fall protective equipment for damage. If it looks like the Fall Detention Team needs repair, remove it from the service and have an expert examine it. Learn more here: https://t.co/cQ5CjHNFPm #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/GV1NYNUNTD
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 15, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
ICYMI: Check out this week's PTEOE livestream, "Spotlight on Production: Insider Tips from Industry Pros" for a discussion on the dynamic Georgia production industry with @claytonlandey1, @RhavynnDrummer, @RicReitz, @GPierre722 and @MFincannon https://t.co/2XPWxVvjUk
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 18, 2020Solidarity Center:
The income of at least 1/3 of #Bangladesh garment workers interviewed for a study dropped 53% due to #COVID19, compared to 2019. 52%+ of respondents are in debt & so forced to cut expenses for food and education. @cleanclothes @GLJhub @BHRRC https://t.co/Ycpeduu1yU
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 21, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
This is the kind of coverage that will be missed the days the @CSTribune doesn’t print. This is the kind of paper we’re fighting to save. Whether you live in a booming metropolis or a quiet town, we all benefit from #LocalNews. Join our fight: https://t.co/pib8mrnvhc
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 21, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
Big news from our Northern Kin! https://t.co/Wns8FJSusE
— IATSE (@IATSE) October 20, 2020Transport Workers Union:
Companies like Uber and Lyft have been exploiting drivers for years. And now they are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to pass Prop 22, which would deny drivers basic rights like sick leave and health insurance. Vote #NoOnProp22! https://t.co/0JHCXRGovo
— TWU (@transportworker) October 21, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
“They don’t call @JoeBiden ‘Amtrak Joe’ for nothing. He’s probably the most famous passenger, but also the biggest supporter of passenger rail as a senator, vice president & hopefully president.” - Larry Willis, TTD Pres. https://t.co/Qbbbbibdr1
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) October 21, 2020UAW:
The Department of Agriculture has announced new rule changes that could lower the wages of farm workers as much as $7 per hour.
Join the @UFWupdates and @UFWF to defend farm workers against unfair wages: https://t.co/lUSE8u7NP2
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
How Unions Can Lay the Ground for the Next Upsurge | Labor Notes https://t.co/aD91qmOt8M
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) October 16, 2020Union Veterans Council:
Join us this Thursday❗️
It’s GOTV time for Battleground Union Vets for Joe to Rally with @ConorLambPA, @Steelworkers President Tom Conway, and @GaryPeters! #Labor2020 #VetsVote #1u
Sign up here: https://t.co/tU0XAWKtp9
UNITE HERE:
UNITE HERE members across the country are making sure that workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic are the first to get recalled back to work.https://t.co/NTVZMAY4V2
— UNITE HERE #TakeBack2020 (@unitehere) October 21, 2020United Food and Commercial Workers:
BIG WIN: 700,000 Americans will get vital food assistance they need after federal judge stopped @WhiteHouse cuts threatening those who lost their jobs.
As #COVID19 continues, we must protect programs like #SNAP that help so many put food on the table.https://t.co/JPDS3jWUAq
United Steelworkers:
Carnegie Museum Workers File for Union Election https://t.co/sosiJm6H8v #USWUnity
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) October 21, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
USAS sent a letter to the CEOs of Canada Goose and Bain Capital inviting them to tomorrow's Solidarity Summit - will they show up to explain why workers at their Winnipeg factory are facing unsafe conditions and intimidation from management? Register now: https://t.co/YCIyR33FsM pic.twitter.com/IJDCICCNTU
— USAS (@USAS) October 16, 2020Utility Workers:
Wherever there’s a natural or man-made disaster, utility workers are on the scene alongside firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, and other first responders amidst perilous conditions to mitigate these disasters. https://t.co/BALTkqS7m3
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 20, 2020Working America:
“Black workers are not only more likely to be unemployed during the pandemic but much less likely to receive UI. Law, policy, and practice may be the problems, but the solution begins with mobilization.”https://t.co/BngCkKgM1B
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 21, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
We're honored to fight to set and raise standards for writers of scripted #podcasts. Welcome, @WGAAudio Alliance!
Visit https://t.co/Ro5BaXkMdP to learn more. #1u #AudioDrama #audiodramasunday https://t.co/vuQ795FAiH
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Perform Humanitarian Rescue of Stranded Boaters
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Seafarers (SIU) recently came to the rescue of stranded boaters in the Pacific Ocean, some 150 miles off the California coast. Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair provided the photo above from the MV Jean Anne (Pasha Hawaii). “The boat was drifting at sea for days….The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard,” Sinclair explained. “The people in the boat were Mexican citizens trying to gain access to the U.S. Their motor gave out, resulting in the boat drifting aimlessly in the Pacific. The SIU crew professionally performed duties in this humanitarian rescue.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/21/2020 - 09:37Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Operation Feed Atlantic City Cares for Laid-Off Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
“When hardworking people are laid off,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE), “the food we provide helps them feed their children while at the same time lets them know that their union family cares.”
On Thursday, Oct. 15, for the 11th time since the coronavirus pandemic walloped the casinos and related industries, brothers, sisters and friends from Atlantic City’s casino-related unions and other nearby affiliates volunteered their day to help distribute food kits to laid-off workers and the New Jersey Shore resort community at large. Members from the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Operating Engineers (IUOE), Shore Nurses Union/NYSNA and UNITE HERE provided the strong arms and the warm smiles.
“I’m so impressed with everyone who dedicated their time and energy at every one of these,” Wowkanech said. “These brothers and sisters treated all the recipients with dignity and respect.”
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions, the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey held this distribution at Bader Field in Atlantic City, in an area where food insecurity runs high.
“I’m proud and thankful for everyone who made Operation Feed Atlantic City possible,” said Wowkanech. “The organizers, our affiliates, our generous donors, the union members doing whatever it takes to make this run smoothly…for all of that, I am deeply grateful.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/20/2020 - 10:00Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Fights Opioid Epidemic
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
While the world remains consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, another public health crisis continues to rage. The opioid epidemic has ravaged our country, and it’s estimated that in the United States alone, nearly 130 people die every day from opioid overdose. The Fire Fighters (IAFF) have launched a new online resource, “Responding to the Opioid Epidemic,” a 10-segment video and podcast series. The series provides an in-depth understanding of opioid addiction and treatment, addiction treatment considerations for firefighters, and responsible approaches to pain management for firefighters.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said, “The U.S. and Canada are in the midst of a severe public health crisis caused by a surge in opioid misuse, addiction and overdose. Our members have a front row seat to the devastating impact of this epidemic and need more resources and training to continue to address this challenge head-on. We also have to work with all levels of government and community organizations to keep this crisis from continuing to grow.” Visit IAFF.org/Opioid-Epidemic to learn more.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/19/2020 - 09:51Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CSEA Ramps Up Member-to-Member Election Campaign in California
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
While California may not be a battleground state when it comes to the presidential election, there are still important initiatives and state legislative races on the ballot. The California School Employees Association (CSEA) is not taking anything for granted. Instead, the union is pushing hard with its member-to-member phone call and text message program. “It’s exciting watching so many members volunteer their time to support election efforts,” CSEA President Ben Valdepeña said. He pointed out that thousands of calls and text messages have been sent to CSEA members over the past few weeks, with the get-out-the-vote outreach set to continue leading up to Election Day. CSEA and its member volunteers are fighting hard to pass Proposition 15, which would create fair and reliable funding for the state’s public schools.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/16/2020 - 09:33Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Linda Chavez-Thompson
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Linda Chavez-Thompson.
A second-generation American of Mexican descent, Chavez-Thompson grew up in Lubbock, Texas. An oft-told anecdote from her childhood told the story of a young Chavez-Thompson convincing her father that her mother should stay home and care for the household rather than working in the fields. She and her siblings threatened to walk off the job in support of her mother. Her father agreed and Chavez-Thompson got her first organizing victory.
In 1967, she started working as a secretary at the Laborers (LIUNA) local in Lubbock. As the only bilingual staff member, she soon became the union representative for Spanish-speaking LIUNA members. Before long, she was drafting grievances for workers and representing them in administrative proceedings.
Later, she moved to San Antonio and began working with AFSCME. In 1986, she began serving as a national vice president for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Her accomplishments and hard work helped her become an international vice president of AFSCME in 1988, and in 1993, she was elected to serve as a vice president on the AFL-CIO Executive Council. In 1995, she won her election to become the federation's first elected executive vice president. She was the first person of color to hold one of the AFL-CIO's top three positions.
During her time as an AFL-CIO officer, Chavez-Thompson focused heavily on recruitment, particularly trying to convince more women and people of color to join unions. She also focused on teaching the importance of unions to young people. Even more successful were her efforts to partner with community groups in recruiting members and fighting back against anti-union efforts. She represented the federation and working people in a variety of organizations, including the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the United Way of America and the Democratic National Committee. She also was elected president of the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers, a part of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.
Chavez-Thompson retired from the AFL-CIO in 2007.
This post originally appeared on the AFL-CIO blog in 2018.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/15/2020 - 10:28Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Members Volunteer Labor of Love for Crisis Center in Missouri
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
A crisis center and shelter in Jefferson City, Missouri, now has bright, efficient lighting, thanks to a dozen Electrical Workers (IBEW) volunteers who were proud to lend a hand. The members of Local 257 gave their time and talent to help the community’s Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS) spare funds that are badly needed to aid and shelter survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The workers at the center expressed their gratitude.
“We were glad to answer the call. That’s what we do as IBEW members,” said local President Joel Vanderslice (pictured on the right), who helmed the project. “And we want to thank RACS for everything they do, and for being such a great organization to work with.”
Through energy audits, RACS leaders learned that a lighting upgrade could save thousands of dollars in coming years, with the additional benefit of making their two-story building safer and more secure. The center, which can house up to 36 residents, was largely vacant at the time IBEW members were there volunteering, as the pandemic forced RACS to spread out its services.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/15/2020 - 09:35Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
