Working People Rise Up: 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.
California Labor Federation:
Uber, Lyft and Doordash are spending $189,000,000 to write themselves out of labor law. Prop 22 is designed to keep drivers POOR and App-based rideshare companies RICH. Enough with the corporate greed! Make sure you vote #NoOnProp22!!! pic.twitter.com/1TzTEVWPva
— California Labor Federation #NoOnProp22 (@CaliforniaLabor) October 15, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
In CT, the median penalty assessed by OSHA for a workplace fatality was less than $4,000. This is unacceptable. @AFLCIO #1u https://t.co/QW7FdimOBg
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 9, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
“In Miami, it’s very difficult to make it on $275 dollars a week,” said Gonzalez, referring to Florida’s unemployment compensation payment. The federal boost of $600 per week is gone. “It’s basically impossible to survive with that money.”https://t.co/Q7k8BA4JfA
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 13, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
We’re past due for relief but @sendavidperdue and @SenatorLoeffler still can’t do what is morally required 8 months into the pandemic. Georgia’s working families deserve better. #HEROESActNow #Labor2020 #1u #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/f7Z3vXvu6w
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 1, 2020Idaho State AFL-CIO:
We are happy to endorse @EllisforIdaho, a long time @iaff149 member! #1U #IdahoVotes #LaborVotes #IdahoPolitics #Solidarity #Labor2020 pic.twitter.com/8l7skjq1jD
— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) October 7, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Instead of using bailout money to keep workers, at least two companies restored the full pay of their top management.https://t.co/uVH7r7sMio
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 14, 2020Iowa Federation of Labor:
Advocates plead for housing aid as eviction cliff looms https://t.co/X2N0CbZ2l5
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 15, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
Pretty sleazy that the Collins campaign is taking credit for ending the strike at BIW. The truth is, she refused to get involved, while taking tens of thousands of dollars from BIW executives in the lead up to the strike. https://t.co/Q54yVkDeRS #ShadySusan #FakeNews #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 15, 2020Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Thank you, @NCStateAFLCIO for the training and the phone bank tonight. MD/DC union members are excited to call union members in North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/UEDuGpyAKr
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) October 6, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Yes or no: do @migop “leaders” agree?
This shouldn’t be a hard question - yet they’d rather play politics than keep people healthy & safe. https://t.co/DavQIwwMpU
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
19 days to make a difference. Have you voted? #1u #Labor2020 pic.twitter.com/850GmNboNA
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 15, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
Amendment 3 is not reform, it's a trick. The politicians behind Amendment 3 know they can't win if voters learn what's in the fine print of their plan. We are voting #NoOn3. pic.twitter.com/A5S49Jb1mQ
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 14, 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:
In Washoe County, we were joined by over 100 volunteers to lit drop for @voteNatha, @Wendy4NVSenate, @AssmSkipDaly, & @JoeBiden! Huge thank you & shout out to IUOE local 3 for making today a huge success! #Labor2020 is in full swing with over 10,000 doors being lit dropped! pic.twitter.com/HxqR3Ws62P
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) October 11, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
A MAZING! https://t.co/sLQEMFdxX3
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 14, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
Agricultural workers in NY only earn overtime when they work more than 60 hours/week while workers in other industries earn overtime after working 40/week. Rectifying this inequality is a matter of human rights, dignity in the workplace & basic justice.https://t.co/xvdZkKldxa
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) October 15, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
REMINDER for our eager early voters in NC: @JessicaHolmesNC is the Fighter We Need as NC Labor Commissioner https://t.co/VlK05iZpHz via @ncstateaflcio #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 14, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
Whenever working people rise up, we as @AFLCIO members are in full #Solidarity. #SafetyMatters
??✊?✊?✊?✊?✊??? https://t.co/xtq23jv37W
Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Delivering Election Mail - Video
Check out this great video sent to us from Ken Mayfield, President of the NALC Branch 458, regarding the USPS and their promise to deliver Absentee Ballots "securely, accurately, and on time."https://t.co/5PRBbIAke3
Oregon AFL-CIO:
When workplace outbreaks push our state’s #COVID numbers up, unions must step up and defend our freedom to #worksafe. 5k cases from worksites. 24 dead. #OregonOSHA must do better. Speak up @ https://t.co/UYxxMGRMnC
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 15, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
We know that @JoshShapiroPA is fighting for workers, and our democracy, across the Commonwealth. We are proud to support him for @PAAttorneyGen ✊ https://t.co/sKk6Rhj5WF
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 13, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
#1u #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity https://t.co/L97HvNTJKO
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 13, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
As we enter the final push towards Election Day, we'll be highlighting our impressive list of labor-endorsed candidates. First up is @GlennforSenate running for SD 10 in Chattanooga. Learn more about Glenn here: https://t.co/SH4YqzCGY2 pic.twitter.com/x1BGhMOOJl
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 14, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
Our country is counting on the Texas labor movement to deliver. Right now, Texans are voting in record numbers! Let's keep our foot on the gas and win this - TOGETHER. #1u #TXLabor2020 #Election2020 @AFLCIO
Join us tonight! Register HERE: https://t.co/niItEcyxFj pic.twitter.com/CKd2JXzPIM
Washington State Labor Council:
Thank you, @GovInslee and the people of Washington, for keeping our blue state off this list! #COVID19 #MasksSaveLives https://t.co/4LgHXEYWpi
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 12, 2020West Virginia AFL-CIO:
Jim Justice now follows Mitch Carmichael’s lead and supports Right to Work? That’s not what he told us 4 years ago when he was begging for our endorsement. The choice is now even more clear: Vote @BenSalango ! #wvpol #righttoworkiswrong
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 14, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Have questions about voting early or by mail? View our guide at https://t.co/2OS2lPnw9M to learn more about your voting options! pic.twitter.com/5b7nqvVjSl
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 14, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/14/2020 - 16:34Make a Family 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:
Actors' Equity is fighting for diversity, inclusion and the principles of equal opportunity for all who work in the theatre industry. By submitting your self-ID, you can help Equity fight against hiring bias and discrimination. https://t.co/p2c1r3DgSY pic.twitter.com/lguGMytUCI
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 8, 2020AFGE:
All while @SecWilkie and @realDonaldTrump team up to take away VA workers’ right to a union and a fair contract! https://t.co/3ty6yPqjPr
— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 8, 2020AFSCME:
By walking away from negotiations on COVID-19 #stimulus legislation, @realDonaldTrump has shown the true measure of his callousness and cruelty today. He simply doesn’t care. Read more about this tragic failure of leadership: https://t.co/qrZGSow3cS pic.twitter.com/4CoVBnZeRo
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 6, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Attention ALPA pilots! ALPA has partnered with Cage Marshall Consulting to create a series of webinars for ALPA members who may need assistance or guidance during this current aviation industry downturn.
Register here: https://t.co/oKKruIfmdQ
*ALPA member number is required. pic.twitter.com/B6H3YONw32
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Are you planning to:
☑️ Vote early
☑️ Vote by mail
☑️ Vote on Election Day
Whatever you choose, just make sure to vote. (visit https://t.co/bsxrGohd0z to get #VoteReady) pic.twitter.com/JtnIticfUD
Amalgamated Transit Union:
As hero ATU members transport people during the #COVID19 pandemic, they deserve #hazardpay as essential workers on the frontlines. #TogetherWeFightTogetherWeWin #1u pic.twitter.com/EwsUtUJppW
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 8, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
TY @questlove https://t.co/59QUWRrZ4b Many of our fellow musicians depend on residuals to earn a living and to feed their families. @The_AFM is asking the networks for a fair wage for #tvmusicians, healthcare benefits and parity in pay with other creatives. #RespectUs #FairPay pic.twitter.com/rIU7IxXdPM
— AFM (@The_AFM) October 8, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
"#DoYourJob Mr. President get us the protective equipment we need to do our jobs, to save lives." Today, AFT has joined fellow unions & environmental allies to sue the federal government for its failure to provide #PPEforAll. @rweingarten https://t.co/97p6zlslAi
— AFT (@AFTunion) October 8, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
APWU's Labor 2020 campaign is fighting to defend the public Postal Service this election season - sign up here to volunteer. *Do not click, share, react to or read this post on work time or USPS/federal property. https://t.co/j6nuexhyWg
— APWU National (@APWUnational) October 8, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
More than 11 million AAPIs are eligible to vote this year. Make sure everyone in our communities has access to their voting rights! Join APALA’s weekly text and phone banks! ?
Phone bank: https://t.co/0vnPqAnWOo
Text bank: https://t.co/XUQ9YmBgcA pic.twitter.com/O1FudQ5Ifr
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Tweet your members of Congress: https://t.co/PFfgWQZ9pu
Write your members of Congress: https://t.co/QUhCsGIXtG
Sign up to RSVP or Host #ExtendPSP #ReliefNow Events: https://t.co/iQQcW2KKBT
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
September is Pet Health Insurance month and @UnionPlus has you covered with exclusive union member discounts on pet insurance. Get a free quote TODAY ? https://t.co/zXbCkCmxH0 #1u pic.twitter.com/Ulf0H32ZB0
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) September 23, 2020Boilermakers:
Congratulations to the 2020 #BoilermakersUnion scholarship winners! ?? Read more here: https://t.co/XnT9GXwWM4 pic.twitter.com/GJW4IxKQUC
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 8, 2020Bricklayers:
.@bacmwlocal7 apprentices getting the best masonry training in the business. ? https://t.co/0oTdSNfoR5
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) October 6, 2020California School Employees Association:
#AB2234 will give school personnel commissions independence from district influence, ensuring staff receive fair hearings. Thank you @EdChau49 for sponsoring and @GavinNewsom for signing! https://t.co/GLQrrFGL6U
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) September 10, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
PAY ATTENTION
There’s only 27 days until Election Day. Have you made your FAMILY PLAN to vote? No excuses. Get specific! Go to https://t.co/UiAn2wEnxO to get started. #2020Election
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
? This is it: October voter registration deadlines are approaching in over 25 states for the fall elections. Check the voter registration deadlines here: https://t.co/uSL4Wps50n Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard: https://t.co/zRFmBHJ5Mv pic.twitter.com/5riCoWxLvM
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 5, 2020Communications Workers of America:
BREAKING: Labor unions representing millions of frontline workers joined environmental groups to sue the government for failing to provide #PPEforAll.https://t.co/HynuS1xzll
— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 8, 2020Department for Professional Employees:
Kickstarter is paying for retaliating against an employee who helped organize their coworkers. #1u https://t.co/x1yGeVNoxx
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 8, 2020Electrical Workers:
#IBEW photo contest deadline has been extended to Nov.1. https://t.co/7ygxHIAO0F
— IBEW (@IBEW) October 7, 2020Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
Black/Brown Unity Coalition is working to expand on code of conduct with police https://t.co/JJ0o1Jsv81 via @toledonews
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) October 5, 2020Fire Fighters:
RT @SPFFAL534: While digging through union documentation we discovered these inaugural meeting minutes of the SPFFA; affiliating with the IAFF @IAFFNewsDesk dated Sept 23rd, 1937. A treasured piece of union history. @opffa @iaff13thdvp pic.twitter.com/6lLBTjjQwa
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) October 8, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
You won't find your latest edition of the USA Magazine in the mailbox because it should be in your inbox!
Check it out, USA went digital!
Find all the great content at your fingertips. https://t.co/ybPZM84kqK
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
#WhenWeStrikeWeWin ! https://t.co/FG7E6Uqnzm
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 8, 2020International Labor Communications Association:
You're on deadline! It's time to submit your best work of 2019 into our Labor Media Awards contest. You can't win if you don't enter. Deadline is approaching. https://t.co/Z5ZipUIwY2 pic.twitter.com/UJyWtkL6ai
— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) September 11, 2020Ironworkers:
Recent studies are casting serious doubt about the safety, resiliency, sustainability, and efficiency of Mass timber and engineered wood products like CLT. For more information, visit https://t.co/AqvFvJLIPQ pic.twitter.com/SMwVRanZfD
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) October 7, 2020Italian American Actors:
GIAA - the Guild of Italian American Actors - is proud to join our sister union @ActorsEquity in endorsing @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris @carlofiorletta, GIAA president https://t.co/fy77Y2dcGd
— GIAA (@GIAA_Union) September 21, 2020Jobs With Justice:
Seven months into a pandemic -- and we're STILL asking thousands of frontline workers to go to work WITHOUT the PPE they need ?
Unions and activists have had no choice but to sue ? https://t.co/BszKDsP62w pic.twitter.com/h2Hp9vBqhT
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Click here if you haven't registered✍?https://t.co/rvlwDWgH8Y...#Changeisintheballot #VoteReady #2020elections #Vote
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 8, 2020Laborers:
The COVID-19 outbreak is an unprecedented global threat to our health and welfare, our economy, and our way of life! #VOTE for the candidate who has your back! #LIUNAVotes2020 #LIUNAForBiden #Covid
LEARN MORE: https://t.co/2aHuUtEd6S pic.twitter.com/LF3q41pNoi
Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp – ILA Employees covered under MILA will not experience a loss or reduction of the MILA coverage they had in the 2020 Contract year caused by COVID-19. https://t.co/r9OFHCBpRB
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) October 1, 2020Machinists:
In Pennsylvania, @IAM_Local_1776 is getting out the vote for #TeamJoe! pic.twitter.com/x1LMpSzJ8e
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) October 6, 2020Metal Trades Department:
The Coalition Chronicle spotlighted MTD President James Hart in its September edition. In the article, the newsletter highlighted President Hart's recent presentation to the DSB discussing the labor perspective on the issue of industrial capability ... https://t.co/14OQjyBKRB pic.twitter.com/s7rpdgNRYz
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) September 30, 2020Mine Workers:
During these troubling times, we want to give a shout out to our members in Local Union 8431! These aviation bus drivers are located in Denver, Colorado. Thank you for all that you do! #1u pic.twitter.com/rLKvcXegCm
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 1, 2020Musical Artists:
That’s a wrap! To access the entire series of safety webinars -- co-hosted by AGMA and @SDCweb and featuring our medical experts -- login to MyAGMA and, from the dropdown menu, select “COVID-19: A Collective Response.” pic.twitter.com/BoVLtwyy8x
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 2, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Meet Tom Morello our honorary NATCA Brother and Union Activist:
We are so proud and honored that our brother @tmorello is speaking out to support @NATCA, NCF, and #SuicidePrevention. Please watch as our brother and legend calls on us to support one another, NCF, and @afspnational pic.twitter.com/Aq2nob3YUf
National Association of Letter Carriers:
An elderly customer's full mailbox alerted carrier Karl Herklotz. He informed a neighbor, who in turn called police to do a welfare check. The woman was found on the kitchen floor & had broken her hip. She's recovering in the hospital. #HeroesDelivering https://t.co/UroMgiVkjj
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 8, 2020National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
We’re EXTREMELY excited to work with @ernestoyerena + @obeygiant for the distribution of these incredible posters! #StopFascism #AltoAlFascismo #VoteAgainstHate #VotaContraElOdio #SoloElPuebloSalvaAlPueblo #MutualAid #UnmaskHate
More info: https://t.co/RceJATMGDo pic.twitter.com/Dd7oyG4bHl
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The legacy of Black domestic workers is one of leadership and courage. Because of our ancestors, we are powerful. Learn about the #UnbossedAgenda and the work we’re doing to bring it to life. https://t.co/Xuv972UduE
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 8, 2020National Federation of Federal Employees:
In what seems like the longest twelve months ever, NFFE ended the Fiscal Year in active fashion on the #legislative front. https://t.co/pawyXPx7sX
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 5, 2020National Nurses United:
We are heartbroken to learn of the death of NNU member Sally Solon Fontanilla, RN, who lost her life on the front line of #Covid19.
Our solidarity is with her family during this challenging time, and with all nurses in the fight for optimal PPE.https://t.co/KOdq2aMP6V
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Cabbies are doing a SLOOOOOWWWW DOWN for debt relief.
No more bankruptcies! No more suicides! pic.twitter.com/Vbr2LLihlx
NFL Players Association:
The signs of a mental illness can sometimes be subtle–check in with someone you trust, or take the NFL Life Line Wellness Check: https://t.co/YJB2wg8Y0W. #mentalhealthawareness pic.twitter.com/uWdsBz34EM
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 8, 2020North America's Building Trades Unions:
Throwing it wayyyy back today.
Watch this video of #BuildingTrades union members from 1929 ? https://t.co/aAUXxpcvM5
Office and Professional Employees:
A president who cares about working people wouldn’t have intentionally reduced the effectiveness of OSHA. #BuildBackBetter https://t.co/S0tqbxmnao
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) October 7, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
When we stand together as workers, we have the power to improve the lives of the entire working class and the ability to transform this country so it works for all of us.
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 8, 2020Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“At least 33 million workers are being hurt by the coronavirus recession... Fiscal aid to S&L govts and extending the unemployment insurance provisions of the CARES Act...would create or save 5.3 million and 5.1 million jobs...” https://t.co/u38yLwmmD7
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 8, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
From the beginning, current administration & political appointees have attacked bargaining rights of federal workers. JFK granted those rights in 1962 declaring they contribute "to the effective conduct of public business." PASS will continue to fight for our members' rights. #1u https://t.co/9noLlPgRBI
— PASS (@PASSNational) October 5, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
The #NYHeroAct creates enforceable safety standards to protect NY's essential workers. “It should have happened a long time ago,” said RWDSU member and #COVID19 survivor Beena Martinez. #ProtectNYHeroes
Read more from @StevenWishnia in @LaborPressNY: https://t.co/vY3dd5Mgks pic.twitter.com/geS89ixGcj
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Construction workers who work on roofs or other high places are at risk of being struck by lightning. Protect yourself during a storm: https://t.co/w5NYMoB4ja #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/MCoK1ENPN1
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) September 30, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
What's your voting plan? Here's a handy checklist to make sure you're ready! https://t.co/KX2bPtjV5B https://t.co/Bh8usvGCed #sagaftramembersvote #sagaftravotes #VOTE #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/VESnapWCaX
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 8, 2020School Administrators:
Our schools, which he demanded open in-person, lack the #PPE, #Plexiglass and technology to continue to operate safely in-person or connect all students online and cannot wait until after the election for a funding infusion.
— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) October 7, 2020Solidarity Center:
In #Bangladesh, 1 million+ garment workers have been fired or furloughed due to cancelled orders and buyers’ refusal to pay. Despite a govt package of $500m+ to factories to help mitigate job losses, workers report not being paid for 2 months or more.https://t.co/m2CfmPWkrx
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 8, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
With the loss of 1/4 of newspapers in the past couple of years, we’ve lost journalists showing up community board meetings and keeping us informed on the issues that matter. We must support local journalists and #SaveTheNews.
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 8, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
The "Friends" apartment became one of the most popular dwellings in the world thanks to ADG Local 800 Member John Shaffner. https://t.co/71t6xYpy8w
— IATSE (@IATSE) October 8, 2020Transport Workers Union:
TWU International Representative Theotis James is doing some phone banking for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. You can also be part of the fun - tonight! Click on the link below to sign up. #GOTV #Election2020 #Labor2020 #Vote2020https://t.co/7OGvgLjtR2 pic.twitter.com/ux9ZFagw9f
— TWU (@transportworker) October 8, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
Hours after Trump announced his positive Covid-19 test, his administration rejected a plan by transportation labor unions to require masks on planes & trains. Read more in @RollingStone:https://t.co/VGu9onon6J
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) October 3, 2020UAW:
All voters deserve to have their voices heard without interference or misinformation.
For the information you need to cast your ballot, visit https://t.co/IE8ZROeUPc. https://t.co/SWKlg9aNBZ
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Trump’s Manufacturing Record Stinks, Newest Data Shows | Washington Monthly https://t.co/iVPb16WKlw
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) October 1, 2020Union Veterans Council:
Not just the flu... https://t.co/loU6Apa7xa
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) October 6, 2020UNITE HERE:
#COVID19 turned us into frontline workers. We keep travel safe by protecting the health of our guests – but we need PPE & social distancing to do it. Thanks for the shout-out Sen. @KamalaHarris! #VPDebate
But when it comes to knocking in battleground states... we got it covered! pic.twitter.com/vZkW2Cr1DL
United Food and Commercial Workers:
BREAKING: 56,000 @StopandShop grocery workers just secured #HazardPay for bravely stepping up this past summer to keep families fed as #COVID19 continues.@UFCW will keep fighting until all America's brave frontline workers get #HazardPay they deserve. https://t.co/K7BlxHdY8B pic.twitter.com/fbl0L46whq
— UFCW (@UFCW) September 25, 2020United Steelworkers:
Five weeks of free union education https://t.co/Z5yDhp9Amt #USWUnity
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) October 8, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
USAS Coordinating Committee signed on and joined the @DenverLaborFed, and you should too! Justice for #ElijahMcClain ✊? Drop the charges on anti-racist organizers! #DropTheChargesCO #1u https://t.co/OWEP2pHrCV
— USAS (@USAS) October 3, 2020Utility Workers:
Ready to vote? Our union values and the ability to organize and have your voice heard is on the ballot this November. Don’t leave your future to chance - make your voting plan today. https://t.co/td0rVFohBX pic.twitter.com/XV1fzO9NSD
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 8, 2020Working America:
Outdated labor laws and cuts to worker protections have worsened the effects of the pandemic and failed American workers. Workers’ rights are human rights.https://t.co/cxGIsakQTv
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 8, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
Collective bargaining will ensure that creative professionals at Parcast have a seat at the table. We look forward to negotiations and we welcome the @ParcastUnion to the Guild.
Read the full WGAE statement here: https://t.co/ZfkKUfuomP https://t.co/F4r93DtjWg
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Wyoming AFL-CIO and Affiliates Register New Voters in Cheyenne
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 Wyoming State AFL-CIO held a voter registration drive outside at the Cheyenne Historic Depot Plaza on Oct. 3, as part of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 279’s annual chili cook-off, supporting the local’s Fill the Boot campaign in raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was the single best registration drive in Wyoming this year, a place where local races are often won and lost by a handful of votes. Another voter registration drive will be held Oct. 10 at the Electrical Workers (IBEW) hall. State federation Executive Secretary Tammy Johnson (USW) said: “We had a fabulous event with our brothers and sisters from IAFF, IBEW, Laborers (LIUNA), AFGE and the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The Wyoming State AFL-CIO is proud to be part of a giving, vibrant and growing union movement.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/14/2020 - 09:24Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: ‘Drive Thru to Beat the Flu’ Event Hosted by Hawaii State AFL-CIO
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor Community Services Program partnered with My Health Solutions in anticipation of an active flu season amidst a global pandemic. To combat the “twindemic” of COVID-19 and influenza, a drive-through flu vaccination clinic called Drive Thru to Beat the Flu was held in Honolulu last Saturday and Sunday. “Our clinic was available to everyone with or without insurance. So many of our people have either been furloughed or have lost their jobs and their health insurance due to COVID-19. We know a healthier community is a way to get people back to work and create more stability in our lives. We intend to take this program to the neighboring islands in November,” said Catherine Lederer (AFSCME), director of the Labor Community Services Program. Some 700 people were vaccinated over the two days.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/13/2020 - 09:44Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Henry L. 'Hank' Lacayo
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 Henry L. "Hank" Lacayo.
A longtime staple of labor, political and academic circles in California, Henry L. "Hank" Lacayo was a force from his beginnings in the labor movement in the 1950s all the way up to his passing in 2017. He was born in Los Angeles in 1931 but moved to Mexico when he was young. He returned to California for high school. Upon graduating, he joined the Air Force. After his military service ended, Lacayo went to work at North American Aviation (later Rockwell International) in 1953. Within a few years, he not only became involved in UAW Local 887, he quickly rose to a full-time employee of the local and served as editor of its newspaper.
UAW President Walter P. Reuther encouraged Lacayo to continue his labor activism, and in 1962, he was elected president of Local 887, a position he held for 10 years. He represented more than 30,000 working people at Rockwell, both as union president and chief national negotiator for UAW-Rockwell contracts. His hard work led to an assistant director position for the UAW Western Region, covering nine states, along with serving as the region's political director.
In 1974, he moved to Detroit to work at UAW's national headquarters. He served as an administrative assistant to three UAW presidents and was appointed national director of the political and legislative department and later national director of the public relations and publications departments. He retired from the UAW in 1986 but continued in public life.
He created H.L. & Associates, a consulting firm representing clients in labor and management, government, community relations, senior citizen advocacy and international affairs. He actively participated in the California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) institute that bears his name, the Henry L. "Hank" Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies. He also advised presidential administrations, from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. He devoted time to civic duties, including strengthening the Ventura County Community Foundation and establishing the Destino Hispanic Legacy Fund that provides scholarships and other funding to the Latino community. Lacayo received an honorary doctorate from CSUCI and was inducted into the Pacific Coast Business Times Hall of Fame in 2012.
Check out this video tribute to Lacayo:
This post originally appeared on the AFL-CIO blog in 2018.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/09/2020 - 11:38The Right to Vote Safely: 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.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Henry L. 'Hank' Lacayo: "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 Henry L. 'Hank' Lacayo."
FLOC Co-Hosts Black/Brown Unity Coalition Peace Rally: "On Saturday, members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) co-hosted the Black/Brown Unity Coalition peace rally. At the end of 2017, the coalition came together and signed a historic code of conduct agreement with the Toledo Police Department that brought reform to the department and developed a community grievance mechanism."
ILA Secures Contractual Protections for Members Impacted by COVID-19: "Thousands of members of the Longshoremen (ILA) are set to benefit from an amendment to the union’s master contract with their employers at the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX). ILA International President Harold Daggett told members in a letter sent last week that those covered under the union’s contract will not experience a loss of health care coverage because of any reduction in their 2020 work hours caused by COVID-19."
A Big Organizing Win in the South: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with one of the largest hospital organizing victories in the South since 1975 and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life."
Texas AFL-CIO Fights for the Right to Vote Safely: "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, an anti-worker politician, is making a last-minute attempt to suppress votes ahead of unexpectedly competitive elections in the Lone Star State. With a month left to vote, Abbott signed an executive order on Thursday limiting each county to only one drop-off site for those voters who wish to turn in their ballots early. Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA) responded, calling it an attempt to suppress the right to vote."
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Esther López: "Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our movement. Today's profile features Esther López."
Economy Gains 661,000 Jobs in September; Unemployment Declines to 7.9%: "The U.S. economy gained 661,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic."
MM&P Backs COVID-19 Relief Funding for Maritime Security Program: "Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) thanked the House leadership and supports the new version of the HEROES Act, introduced in Congress earlier this week to provide COVID-19 relief. The legislative package includes emergency funding for the Maritime Security Program, which provides America’s military access to a variety of vessels, including privately owned U.S.-flag ships operated by members of MM&P and other U.S. maritime unions."
Poor People’s Campaign Marches on the Supreme Court: "The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, led 100 leaders of different faiths in a silent march from Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court to honor the lives of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Breonna Taylor, and to remind us all of the importance and urgency of voting. 'My brothers and sisters, I would rather not be here to render judgment on what’s going on. But I do know there comes a time when the men and women of God have to call it,' Barber explained."
Vote for Worker-Friendly Candidates: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."
UWUA Helps America’s Veterans Transition to Good Jobs: "The Utility Workers’ (UWUA’s) Power for America Training Trust Fund (P4A) announced last week it is the recipient of a $200,000 Lumina Foundation grant to help service members successfully transition into post-military careers."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/09/2020 - 10:39Service + Solidarity Spotlight: FLOC Co-Hosts Black/Brown Unity Coalition Peace Rally
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.
On Saturday, members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) co-hosted the Black/Brown Unity Coalition peace rally. At the end of 2017, the coalition came together and signed a historic code of conduct agreement with the Toledo Police Department that brought reform to the department and developed a community grievance mechanism. The rally served as a call to action for all members of the community to unite and join the Black/Brown Unity Coalition to implement this agreement citywide. FLOC President Baldemar Velasquez said: “The job of the citizenry and the democratic society is for the people to take control, to reform, to change and to bring some kind of reconciliation to the harmful things in our institutions. But it takes a united front of citizens, of residents, of human beings to compel institutions to change.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/09/2020 - 09:00Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: ILA Secures Contractual Protections for Members Impacted by COVID-19
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.
Thousands of members of the Longshoremen (ILA) are set to benefit from an amendment to the union’s master contract with their employers at the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd. (USMX). ILA International President Harold Daggett told members in a letter sent last week that those covered under the union’s contract will not experience a loss of health care coverage because of any reduction in their 2020 work hours caused by COVID-19. “Your officers are grateful for our USMX partners, who recognized that their ILA workforce became America’s heroic front-line workers during this COVID-19 pandemic, bravely and consistently keeping cargo moving in and out of our nation’s ports,” Daggett wrote to eligible members. “Health care coverage for our ILA workers covered under the national health care plan is an essential part of our ILA-USMX master contract. We are now assured that crucial benefits will continue in contract year 2021.” The new contract year began Oct. 1.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/08/2020 - 10:59Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas AFL-CIO Fights for the Right to Vote Safely
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.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, an anti-worker politician, is making a last-minute attempt to suppress votes ahead of unexpectedly competitive elections in the Lone Star State. With a month left to vote, Abbott signed an executive order on Thursday limiting each county to only one drop-off site for those voters who wish to turn in their ballots early. Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA) responded, calling it an attempt to suppress the right to vote:
“All working families need to know about our power to change Texas at the polls is [yesterday’s] attempt by Gov. Greg Abbott to rig his own rules at the 11th hour to suppress the vote. Poll after poll shows Republicans losing their decades-old grip on power. Abbott's desperate order must not stand, and working families will not stand for it. In the most important election of our lives, working families will vote in record numbers no matter what Abbott says or does.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/05/2020 - 09:44Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Esther López
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our movement. Today's profile features Esther López.
López first connected with the labor movement in high school. Because she was bilingual, she volunteered to register Latino voters and get them to the polls. From there, she never turned back.
As her post-school career progressed, she began to play an active role in improving labor conditions in Illinois. She served as deputy chief of staff for the state's Department of Labor before going on to lead the department.
In November 2006, López joined the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) as director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department. She served on the front lines of battles against voter suppression, ending exploitation of refugees, expanding opportunities for women and pursuing LGBTQ equality, including overseeing the launch of UFCW's LGBTQ constituency group, OUTreach. She created the UFCW's Union Citizenship Action Network (UCAN), which focused on helping union members get on the path to ctizenship. She is recognized as a national leader on immigration reform and civil, human and labor rights.
López has helped transform the UFCW into a more diverse union. She developed and administered two diversity surveys that helped UFCW leadership become more reflective of the union's membership.
In 2016, López was elected to the position of international secretary-treasurer for UFCW, and she was re-elected at the union's 2018 convention in Las Vegas. She also currently serves on the national boards of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Jobs With Justice, the Center for Community Change, the National Consumers League and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.
This post originally appeared on the AFL-CIO blog in 2018.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/02/2020 - 13:38Economy Gains 661,000 Jobs in September; Unemployment Declines to 7.9%
The U.S. economy gained 661,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the September job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 661,000 in September, and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 percent. Employment dropped for women, so this decline reflects lower labor force participation for women. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JobsReport unemployment rate dropped, but the share of white women and of Black men who were employed dropped, both their labor force participation rates dropped, so the 7.9% unemployment rate is not showing that much improvement for workers. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JobsReport for the second straight month, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts fell, this time from 12.6 to 10.6%--that rate for high school dropouts is lower than THE Black unemployment rate of 12.1%. @AFLCIO @gbenga_ajilore @rolandsmartin @CBTU72
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
The job market remains a challenge: 1) for women who head families, their unemployment rate only fell from 10.4 to 10.0%; 2) for Blacks the unemployment rate is 12.1%; 3) for immigrant women the unemployment rate is 11.2%; 4) the Hispanic unemployment rate is 10.3%. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JobsReport as a rising share of the unemployed are long term unemployed (over 26 weeks) it gets increasingly difficult to clear the backlog. The other challenge is getting them help since regular state unemployment insurance maxes out at 26 weeks; why the #HeroesAct is important pic.twitter.com/hDvhyg9ij1
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JobsReport and the challenges of the market are complicated by this developing switch from falling temporary layoffs to rising permanent job losses. January will start with a very scarred labor market. What has appeared quick healing is now calcifying. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/k6BigT5izS
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JobsReport numerous research studies done of the Great Recession showed that unemployment insurance generosity played a role in keeping people in the labor force. The loss of $600 in Pandemic Unemployment Emergency Compensation does not appear to have made LFPR increase. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020
#JopbsReport in the private sector, all industries showed some growth, with most of the job bounce back in the heavily hit restaurant and retail sectors. But, payroll growth has moderated overall. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/tWoaT5VNwe
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) October 2, 2020Last month's biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (318,000), retail trade (142,000), health care and social assistance (108,000), professional and business services (89,000), transportation and warehousing (74,000), manufacturing (66,000), financial activities (37,000), other services (36,000), information grew (27,000), construction (26,000) and wholesale trade (19,000). Government (-216,000) and private education (-69,000) saw job losses. Employment changed little in mining over the month.
In September, the unemployment rates declined for Black Americans (12.1%), Asians (8.9%), adult women (7.7%), adult men (7.4%) and White Americans (7.0%). The rates for teenagers (15.9%) and Hispanics (10.3%) showed little change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose in September.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/02/2020 - 12:12Service + Solidarity Spotlight: MM&P Backs COVID-19 Relief Funding for Maritime Security Program
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.
Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) thanked the House leadership and supports the new version of the HEROES Act, introduced in Congress earlier this week to provide COVID-19 relief. The legislative package includes emergency funding for the Maritime Security Program, which provides America’s military access to a variety of vessels, including privately owned U.S.-flag ships operated by members of MM&P and other U.S. maritime unions. “Increased funding is needed to maintain the supply chain for American troops overseas and keep the U.S. flag flying aboard merchant ships engaged in international trade,” said MM&P President Donald Marcus. The legislation provides an additional $500,000 in fiscal year 2021 for each vessel participating in the Maritime Security Program.
The union explained that additional funding is necessary due to the unexpected costs associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the provision of personal protective equipment and expenses incurred in providing sufficient crew and relief crews in U.S. and foreign ports. The loss of revenue because of a severe reduction of cargo in many sectors of the industry, as well as the losses incurred by vessels delayed in quarantine while battling COVID-19 outbreaks, has led to a funding shortage. “American merchant mariners have dangerous jobs under the best of circumstances. Today, during COVID-19, grave risks to health and safety and the pressures of extended assignments and isolation aboard ship create working and living condition hardships for seafarers that have been unmatched in living memory during peacetime. However, whether it be in war or in a crisis like COVID-19, the U.S. merchant marine delivers,” Marcus said, “and American merchant mariners continue to do their duty as they always have, with the highest degree of professionalism and patriotism.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/02/2020 - 10:48Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Poor People’s Campaign Marches on the Supreme Court
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 Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, led 100 leaders of different faiths in a silent march from Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court to honor the lives of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Breonna Taylor, and to remind us all of the importance and urgency of voting. “My brothers and sisters, I would rather not be here to render judgment on what’s going on. But I do know there comes a time when the men and women of God have to call it,” Barber explained. “This isn’t about left or right, this is about sin and unrighteousness. It’s about time we use that word in Washington, D.C. It’s about time we call it what it is.” Faith leaders spoke on the steps of the Supreme Court about the injustice America is experiencing. Watch the full event here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/01/2020 - 09:28Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Vote for Worker-Friendly Candidates: 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 State AFL-CIO:
On Day 26 of Labor Month, we thank our nurses like Kimberly Kluckman, member of @AlaskaNurses and nurse at Providence, who are on the frontlines of #COVIDー19. Again, for their sake, let’s remember to mask up, wash our hands, and socially distance.#alaskaunionstrong #nursesrock pic.twitter.com/wtnu66oBYK
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 26, 2020California Labor Federation:
We can smell the desperation through the app. Shameful. #NoOnProp22 https://t.co/PY2S3q1wY6
— California Labor Federation #NoOnProp22 (@CaliforniaLabor) September 28, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@AFSCMECT4 Exec. Dir. Jody Barr: "Once again, the state ends up hiring outside consultants rather than partnering with workers to find savings and plan for the future." https://t.co/D0RZlPcirI
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 28, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
Happening Now: The Florida AFL-CIO joins State Senator @JoseJavierJJR and Labor and community leaders to discuss Florida’s minimum wage, Amendment 2, and protecting the Citizens’ Initiative process.https://t.co/Inr9XfzJE1
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 29, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Final Round: @KimforGeorgia @MatielynJones @AuforGA @SenGloriaButler and @SarahZBeeson! ? #Labor2020 pic.twitter.com/L82zaUq3po
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 28, 2020Illinois AFL-CIO:
Union workers now have a voice as Illinois looks to build more clean energy projects. Thanks for your work, @climatejobsil. #twill
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 14, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
From silencing their voices to depressing their incomes to endangering their lives, the president has consistently abused working Americans.
https://t.co/SbBg6xiUWl
Iowa Federation of Labor:
Postal workers say they are ready for the mail-in voting surge https://t.co/MBkCQhdAeW
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) September 27, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
SOLIDARITY! #UnionStrong https://t.co/Y5K4TUjSGj
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 23, 2020Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Take the pledge to commit to social, racial, and economic justice. #PoorPeoplesCampaign https://t.co/FVLjimLOtg
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) September 15, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Tonight, we mourn the loss of one of the greatest Supreme Court Justices in our nation’s history. Justice Ginsburg spent her career fighting for working families. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. #ThankYouRBG #solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/ORxrhtP6El
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 19, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Today's the day that Michiganders can officially vote! Get your ballot and everything you need to know at https://t.co/FCFnPA6zHA pic.twitter.com/0riLxiPoZb
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) September 24, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
35 days remaining to cast your vote. Have you voted? Have you made a plan to vote? Visit https://t.co/zUaVrYcD3o to get started. #1u #Labor2020 #mnvotes pic.twitter.com/cl1lXVxSTk
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 29, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
There is no doubt that @nicolergalloway will fight for us as Governor. We must elect her as our next Governor. She is from a union family and will fight for all workers. pic.twitter.com/ALjCPmdh9H
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 24, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
About $800,000 are now missing from public schools. Elsie Arntzen says she doesn't "have a good answer for you when it comes to how to make the funds whole as a result of this." This is why we endorsed Melissa Romano. #mtpol https://t.co/9VBfnE8AcD
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) September 23, 2020Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
Vote-by-mail requested ballots begin arriving this week. Sign the envelope, put a stamp on it and mail ASAP. #1u pic.twitter.com/xl3mASobjG
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) September 28, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Today and throughout the week, we're rolling out endorsement highlights for candidates that will need your vote this year! To see our full list of endorsements, visit the link below! Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 2nd or 3rd in Washoe, Oct. 7th in Clark.https://t.co/FWXPKUA4Dd pic.twitter.com/OYo0bRKSAr
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) September 27, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Sen. Melanie Levesque on her endorsement from the New Hampshire AFL-CIO! We need her fighting for NH's working families and the residents of NH's 12th District. #nhpolitics pic.twitter.com/BkFjM1up5s
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 28, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 17, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
Want to help Get Out the Vote for Labor! Sign up for a phone bank to re-elect @MaxRose4NY and the rest of labor's endorsed slate. Email Lucia Gomez from the @CentralLaborNYC at lgomez@nycclc.org pic.twitter.com/6LKqn5JL4I
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) September 18, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
We are SO PROUD to endorse @ElectAlHeggins for NC House District 76! Learn more about her campaign at https://t.co/2Iq9x9rugH. #ncpol #ncga #1u pic.twitter.com/YA1b4XNU7L
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 17, 2020North Dakota AFL-CIO:
https://t.co/s8ya1ss5w2 #ndpol #1u #labor2020 pic.twitter.com/ef1jthF6cT
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) September 17, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
And some wonder why we endorse more @OHDems then @Ohiogop? One party is focused on all working families, the other on conspiracy theories. https://t.co/lop66m3sZW
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 29, 2020Oregon AFL-CIO:
“This call by a top federal civil rights watchdog is a major milestone in the difficult history of so-called sheltered workshops and other 'subminimum-wage' employers. They pay tens of thousands of people with disabilities an average wage of $3.34 a hour.” https://t.co/lIYR5HOv8n
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 24, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
“We’re not here for a fight, but we’re not afraid of one either.” - @Darrinkellypgh @AlleghenyLabor @PGHGuild https://t.co/evG1ESBBvM
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 25, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Rhode Island minimum wage to rise $1 this weekhttps://t.co/yHCmuCa3d5 #1u #FightFor15
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) September 29, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Another day, another chance for the Senate to do what's right and provide working families real relief from COVID-19 by passing the HEROES Act. pic.twitter.com/qSPwkcBZmk
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) September 29, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
Banding Together! | Presented by The Texas AFL-CIO and Sponsors https://t.co/enTlgahjMM
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 23, 2020Virginia AFL-CIO:
Today is #NationalVoterRegistrationDay Virginians joining in the fight must register by Oct 13th! ? Head over to ?https://t.co/6HcnxZS4rR to register to vote or head into your local registrar’s office to fill out an application. Don’t delay, get registered TODAY! ✅ #vote pic.twitter.com/IwMtvsGBNl
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) September 22, 2020Washington State Labor Council:
April Sims and Joe Mizrahi: "Workers need an advocate in Congress to advance our interests, not one who tries to stall, slow or weaken progress that would make lives better." #1u #Labor2020 #waelex https://t.co/I8OccMbFcs
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 15, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
The N95 shortage America can’t seem to fix https://t.co/hbYiwqVca2
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/30/2020 - 12:47A Big Organizing Win in the South: Worker Wins
Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with one of the largest hospital organizing victories in the South since 1975 and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
In Landslide Organizing Victory, Asheville Nurses Vote to Form a Union with National Nurses United: By an overwhelming vote of 70% in favor, nurses at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, have emphatically delivered one of the largest hospital organizing victories in the South since 1975. Some 1,800 registered nurses (RNs) at the for-profit health care facility have been engaged in an organizing struggle for many months to form a union with NNU. What began as a robust grassroots effort before the pandemic became even more urgent as COVID-19 swept across the community. The nurses at Mission Hospital will now have a strong voice on the job to collectively fight for workplace safety and improved care for their patients following the vote tally that concluded early this morning. Along the way, the Mission RNs prevailed over a heavily funded anti-union campaign by the hospital owner, HCA Healthcare, one of the largest for-profit hospital systems in the United States. “We could not be more proud of the unity, the perseverance and the patient advocacy and dedication of the Mission RNs to their patients, their colleagues and their community,” said Bonnie Castillo, RN, executive director of NNU and California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. “At a time when nurses are in a daily battle with the deadly fight for their patients and their own lives in the era of COVID-19, they have demonstrated incomparable courage and resilience that is an inspiration to all of us.” The North Carolina State AFL-CIO, under the leadership of President MaryBe McMillan (IUOE), strongly supported NNU’s organizing campaign over the past year.
Health Care Workers in Chicago Win New Agreement After 10-Day Strike: Health care workers, including nurses and other workers, at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago won a tentative agreement after 10 days on strike. Some 4,000 members of SEIU Local 73 and 1,300 members of the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) had been out on strike demanding safer conditions for nurses, workers and patients, fair wages, and appropriate staffing ratios. Members of Local 73 won 7% wage increases over the term of the agreement, as well as a minimum wage of $15 per hour for all its members. The INA won a commitment from management to hire 160 full-time nurses to improve staffing ratios and secured fair wage increases. The Chicago Federation of Labor, under the leadership of President Bob Reiter (IUOE), has been heavily involved in supporting the unions throughout the strike.
Independent Union Members at Honeywell Affiliate with IBB: In an overwhelmingly affirmative decision, workers at a Honeywell plant in Geneva, Ohio, who belonged to an independent union, voted on Sept. 4 to affiliate with the Boilermakers (IBB). The more than 200 new members of IBB were eager to increase their power and longevity by joining forces with an established union. “The times have really changed over so many decades, and they were ready for something more in their organized efforts,” said IBB organizer Jody Mauller. “Our new Boilermaker brothers and sisters understand the potential power they have as members of a union that spans the United States and Canada and has a proven history of success dating back over 100 years.” The members at Honeywell manufacture a variety of products that connect main gas lines to the gas meters at individual homes, and their new affiliation with IBB went into effect on Sept. 17.
Newly Formed AFSA Local in Denver Wins Recognition: On Thursday, the Denver Board of Education voted to recognize the newly formed Denver School Leaders Association, the newest local union of the School Administrators (AFSA). Working with the Denver Area Labor Federation (DALF), the members of the newly formed local set to work on a grassroots lobbying campaign to seek school board recognition. After just three months, the principals and assistant principals convinced the school board that they deserved a voice on the job, and that the district would be better for it. DALF President Josh Downey (SEIU) said: “On behalf of our affiliates, we are so proud to have been a small part of this victory. Once again, this demonstrates that elections have consequences. When we do the work to elect school board members, or city council members, or county commissioners, it pays off! When we stand with people who stand with us, good things happen. Workers earn a voice on the job, and our school districts, our cities, our counties are better for it.” The Denver School Leaders Association-AFSA will now be able to negotiate a contract with the school district.
Hub Project Staff Join Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU): Workers at The Hub Project have unionized with NPEU and requested voluntary recognition from management. In a statement, The Hub Union said: “We, the staff of The Hub Project, are united by our commitment to make The Hub Project as equitable and effective an organization as possible. As such, we have joined with the Nonprofit Professionals Employees Union and are excited to add our workplace alongside many other organizations dedicated to fairness, transparency, and worker solidarity."
Innovation Law Lab Staff Join NPEU: Workers at Innovation Law Lab have formed Law Lab United, a union affiliated with NPEU. Management has expressed enthusiasm for recognizing the new union. Law Lab United said, in a statement: “We are thrilled to announce that staff members at Innovation Law Lab have formed a union–Law Lab United! Amidst great uncertainty and political struggle, we believe the mutual support, solidarity, and collective participation of union membership is more important than ever. We have joined the Nonprofit Professionals Employees Union and are excited to build with other organizations dedicated to critical social justice work. We are proud of the work our organization has done and we will continue to fiercely advance the fight for migrant justice. Our union is an embodiment of our individual and organizational values and will help sustain and deepen our work.”
Congressional Progressive Caucus Center Workers Win Voluntary Union Recognition: The Congressional Progressive Caucus Center voluntarily recognized the CPC Center Union, a new affiliate of NPEU. Representatives of the new union said: “We are so excited to officially have our union recognized today! We look forward to working with management to negotiate our first contract that will uphold our commitment to justice and workers’ rights.”
Scholars Strategy Network Staff Vote Unanimously to Join NPEU: Staffers at the Scholars Strategy Network voted 100% in favor of organizing with NPEU. Union representatives said: “We are thrilled to announce that SSN staff has come together to organize with NPEU. As an organization working to strengthen democracy, we believe that a union aligns well with our mission and will make SSN a more effective and democratic organization. We look forward to bargaining with management in good faith for our first contract.”
Packet/Gazette Guild Makes History in South Carolina: Newsroom employees at The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette (which share a newsroom) in South Carolina voted to form the Packet/Gazette Guild, which would be the state's "first active newspaper union." The new union will be an affiliate of The NewsGuild-CWA. Reporter Rachel Jones said: “I’m proud of the work that I do at the Packet, and I’m equally proud of the efforts my colleagues and I are making to improve our workplace. Creating these protections for our newsroom will ultimately lead to better coverage of Beaufort County, and it’s an honor to lead the way in organizing for the Carolinas.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/30/2020 - 10:33Tags: Organizing
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UWUA Helps America’s Veterans Transition to Good Jobs
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 Utility Workers’ (UWUA’s) Power for America Training Trust Fund (P4A) announced last week it is the recipient of a $200,000 Lumina Foundation grant to help service members successfully transition into post-military careers. The union said this grant will help P4A replicate the success of its gas sector training-to-placement program that’s benefited more than 700 veterans since 2012. “The utility sector has a lot to offer veterans and service members, including a supportive team environment and a mission-driven ethos to serve communities,” said UWUA President James Slevin. “This important grant funding will help more individuals take full advantage of the skills they learned in the military and smoothly launch them into high-wage, family-supporting careers.” The funding will help some 100 service members and veterans—particularly men and women of color—to apply the skills and credentials they gained in the military toward continued education and employment as civilians.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/30/2020 - 09:53Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
A Model for the Labor Movement: 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.
Organizing Wins in Minneapolis Serve as a Model for the Labor Movement: "More than six months have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., and more workers across America are joining together in solidarity to create changes in our workplaces. Minneapolis is one city that has seen a wave of worker actions and organizing wins in the hospitality sector, and the labor movement’s successes there will undoubtedly inspire workers in other parts of the country who are looking to form a union."
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Dora Cervantes: "Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our movement. Today's profile covers Dora Cervantes."
50 Reasons the Trump Administration Is Bad for Workers: "As a candidate, Donald Trump promised to protect workers and fight for us. President Trump hasn't lived up to that noble rhetoric. The Economic Policy Institute reports on 50 ways that the Trump administration has been bad for workers."
SMART Members at Wolf Metals Integral to Creating Units That Sanitize PPE: "On a Thursday in March, when much of the country was being told to shelter in place due to the effects of COVID-19, members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 24 in Ohio were beginning to modify and transform Critical Care Decontamination System (CCDS) units to disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks for health care workers. By Monday, SMART members at Wolf Metals had created four units, with more created since then, to help combat the spread of COVID-19 among front-line health care workers."
Trump Administration Moves to Suppress the Proxy Voting Rights of Working People’s Retirement Plans in Corporate Elections: "In a partisan 3-2 vote, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved rule changes that will make it harder for investors to hold corporate CEOs accountable by filing shareholder proposals on environmental, social and governance issues. The AFL-CIO strongly opposed these rule changes as a threat to shareholder democracy."
California Labor Federation Wins New Protections for Workers: "Last Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a package of bills to expand worker protections. The new state laws will provide a workers’ compensation presumption for front-line workers who are afflicted with infectious diseases on the job and a requirement for employers to give timely notification of COVID-19 cases in the workplace. The California Labor Federation, under the leadership of Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski (IAM), took charge of the fight for these new policies."
CDC Continues to Choose Politics Over Science: "On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally acknowledged airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease. But this long awaited recognition was promptly retracted from its website Monday morning with the message, 'Posted in error.'”
Solidarity and Cookies Lift Spirits at Operation Feed Atlantic City: "Nurses bring their healing touch with them wherever they go, and on Thursday members of Shore Nurses Union/NYSNA in New Jersey added a touch of sweetness to the Operation Feed Atlantic City food-distribution program with a donation of 500 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies that will help lift the spirits of laid-off union members and the Atlantic City community."
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ernesto Galarza: "Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our movement. Today's profile features Ernesto Galarza."
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: United Steelworkers: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the United Steelworkers."
IFPTE Backs Corporate Bankruptcy Reform: "Members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) are putting their weight behind the Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2020 (H.R. 7370), a bill to rebalance America’s corporate bankruptcy laws to protect workers."
UFCW Prompts Largest Citation Over Coronavirus-Related Health and Safety Violations in California: "Following a comprehensive complaint filed by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued its largest coronavirus-related citation in the state, fining food processing company Overhill Farms and its staffing agency more than $200,000 for serious health and safety violations."
New COVID-19 Protections In Las Vegas: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with an important victory in the fight against COVID-19 for Las Vegas' workers and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/29/2020 - 12:22#ExtendPSP: 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:
Justice has not been served - Not for Breonna Taylor, not for her family or for the community of Louisville. Her death was a tragedy and Wednesday’s decision acts as a reminder of the systemic racism that still plagues our country.
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) September 25, 2020AFGE:
“We feel like our Commander in Chief has waged war on his troops. The staff is burned out and living in fear.” https://t.co/3ty6yPqjPr
— AFGE (@AFGENational) September 25, 2020AFSCME:
To ensure Election Day runs smoothly, AFSCME launched a new poll worker program during a tele-town hall last night. https://t.co/NGqzqBFRr0
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) September 25, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Time is running out to save pilots’ jobs and livelihoods. Have you called your Members of Congress? Go to https://t.co/0OeHLQWLud to take action now! #ExtendPSP pic.twitter.com/9HoVXwXpOs
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) September 24, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
Postmaster General DeJoy has one mission: destroy the Post Office. We need to remove him before he causes more damage. Sign our petition to #FireDeJoy NOW: https://t.co/S1SjIwQXcP pic.twitter.com/68pO2t1ix9
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) September 25, 2020Amalgamated Transit Union:
This morning and tonight IP John Costa joined Local 1462-St. John’s, NL, President Paul Churchill & IVP Manny Sforza via zoom for two meetings to discuss a possible strike as management continues to offer zeroes to ATU heroes on the COVID frontlines. #TogetherWeFightTogetherWeWin pic.twitter.com/zwvBxYS9ph
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) September 25, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
Thank you @Cher! Join with our brother and sister TV Musicians — tell the Networks (@ABC, @CBS, @NBC) it's time for a fair deal on streaming, healthcare, and wages. #RespectUs #FairDeal #TVmusicians https://t.co/A21HRdvP9f
— AFM (@The_AFM) September 25, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
The $1.6 trillion student debt crisis is hitting Millennials & Gen Zers more than any other generation. It’s preventing young folks from:
?buying homes,
?starting families,
?growing the economy. https://t.co/mFwo6HxbhP #CancelStudentDebt
American Postal Workers Union:
Workers always knew, the policies that seriously delayed the mail were from the top of USPS -we sounded the alarm & hit the streets to halt them. Continue to stand for the People's Post Office now & after the election. #SaveUSPS #SaveThePostOffice https://t.co/uiVczQNddz
— APWU National (@APWUnational) September 25, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
??️APALA NEWS?️?
The National Executive Board of APALA voted to adopt a resolution to stand in solidarity with the @Mvmnt4BlkLives and their demands for defunding the police and investing in Black communities #BLM pic.twitter.com/jgPG2khHab
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
We have just 5 days left until the Payroll Support Program (PSP) expires. Make three calls every day. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.
SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365#ExtendPSP #ReliefNow pic.twitter.com/0xZnuAeYZ0
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Check out what Intl. Dir. of Organization John Price & organizers are doing to keep themselves and workers safe during organizing efforts @Danone and four other non-union locations.? https://t.co/2B1DJLhXxH pic.twitter.com/sIigKJcpls
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) September 17, 2020Boilermakers:
ATTN #Boilermakers: Our union partner @TSSAunion is hosting a global conversation on the importance of mental wellness in the trades, Thursday, Oct. 8. More details and event registration: https://t.co/dfiNy4lxRy pic.twitter.com/9iLdsulegU
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) September 25, 2020Bricklayers:
BAC members: Together we can demand the politicians protect our jobs, our retirement, and our union. Register and Vote to make your voice heard: https://t.co/g4xJXuBqVx
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) September 25, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
This is not justice. To see #BreonnaTaylor's murderers walk free is not a surprise. But it does confirm — again — a racist system of policing and court rulings in favor of white violence against Black people. Breonna’s life will never be valued in this system. Vote, vote, vote. pic.twitter.com/evOLnyahEw
— CBTU (@CBTU72) September 23, 2020Coalition of Labor Union Women:
In 3 minutes, watch the @UniteThePoor and @AFLCIO : A National Call for Moral Revival for massive and unique training of tens of thousands of poor and low-income people and their allies in voter participation and protection. https://t.co/iqz5fbMpuA
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) September 15, 2020Communications Workers of America:
CWA Local 1171 passenger service agents took a bus from NY to DC yesterday to tell Congress to do their job! We must protect airline workers' jobs, public health & critical public services NOW!
Thank you to @RepChrisPappas & @RepMalinowski for standing with us! pic.twitter.com/n3YRRjagPP
Department for Professional Employees:
Nonprofit professionals are joining unions to have a say in their workplaces, live their values, advance economic and racial justice, create sustainable careers, and to develop a more just and equitable economy for everyone. #1u https://t.co/LsXF53Csr1
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) September 25, 2020Electrical Workers:
BREAKING: Most Americans support unions. https://t.co/uQi8AbSYQe
— IBEW (@IBEW) September 25, 2020Fire Fighters:
The #IAFF Foundation Disaster Relief Fund provides immediate financial assistance to help displaced #firefighters and their families while they continue to serve their communities. Please consider giving a donation today.https://t.co/h48TCtl9tn
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) September 25, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
Kevin couldn't believe how much his first paycheck was when we started working for the Insulators Union. He was able to use the skillset he learned from the Marines and apply that to his work and so can you! Learn more: https://t.co/wQ3owc5ZpW
— Insulators Union ? (@InsulatorsUnion) September 23, 2020International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
Disgusting and a vivid example of the fact that these tech companies are terrified of their workers and society in general because of their destructive behavior over the years https://t.co/G15ySFbhrQ
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) September 25, 2020Ironworkers:
Iron Workers Local 7 topped off the MassMutual office in Boston Seaport. https://t.co/vUKL3KdLDL
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) September 25, 2020Jobs With Justice:
It's been half a YEAR since the last stimulus was passed
Does Congress know that millions have lost their jobs since then? Do you they know that thousands have lost their employer health coverage and have since gotten sick?
Or do they just not care?https://t.co/1nmo3Gwjtz
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Juan is an essential worker, a father, a union member, and a TPS holder who has been working through the pandemic despite the risks in order to take care of his family. Juan is among the hundreds of thousands of workers whose TPS protections will be stripped away. #TPSJustice✊ pic.twitter.com/2jyf77uj8d
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) September 24, 2020Laborers:
Elections MATTER. Elect candidates that will fight for good jobs! #LIUNAForBiden #YourVoiceYourVote
Make sure you're registered to vote! #LIUNAVotes2020 #RegisterToVote
CHECK HERE: https://t.co/36hxkkUPD5 pic.twitter.com/yS9Qpl3U6b
Longshoremen:
ILA Mourns the Passing of Justice Ginsburg@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp The ILA mourns the passing of United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion for Civil Rights; Women’s Rights &for all working Americans and their families. pic.twitter.com/21hDIguE2v
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) September 19, 2020Machinists:
The IAM engages in politics because we care about working family issues—job security, workplace safety, healthcare, retirement, and the right to join a union—just to name a few. https://t.co/FigFcQ0Tzz
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) September 25, 2020Metal Trades Department:
Hart Praised for Participation in Discussion on Union Perspective of the Defense Industrial Base | Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO https://t.co/DPXeweCZFB pic.twitter.com/TG1WIBqjYC
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) September 21, 2020Mine Workers:
Congress has just one week, SEVEN days to act. Without an extension of the Payroll Support Program (PSP), tens of thousands of aviation workers will lose their jobs on October 1, and even more will be without a paycheck.
Call your Representative today! https://t.co/DFhJnSGI20
Musical Artists:
Rest in Peace, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The world lost a wonderful human and the ultimate champion of justice and equality yesterday. May her memory be a blessing. #RBG (“The Daughter of the Regiment” photo taken by Scott Suchman/WNO) pic.twitter.com/i3PQwpGaDF
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) September 19, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
.@NATCACharitable's 25 for 25 Pushup Challenge is active now to support @afspnational and NCF! Between now and Oct. 1, sign up for the challenge to do 25 pushups a day for 25 days in October, and raise money by getting sponsors to donate. https://t.co/4rO06BjR00 pic.twitter.com/93ztsrvoSP
— NATCA (@NATCA) September 25, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
When he saw smoke coming from a multi-apartment house on his route, carrier David Schickler banged on the doors to alert residents. After all of the building's residents had been evacuated, firefighters arrived. It was later determined that the fire was due to an electrical short pic.twitter.com/PObDfDT7ME
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) September 25, 2020National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
OVER 100 PUBLIC HEALTH & WORKER SAFETY VOICES CALL ON GOVERNORS TO STOP DENYING PANDEMIC ASSISTANCE TO IMMIGRANTS
w/ @NationalCOSH @NYCOSH + #NDLON's Committee of #HealthAndSafety Trainers
MORE INFO: https://t.co/WhErjqSbc3#YNosotrosQue #OSHA #EssentialAndExcluded
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
This Nanny Appreciation Week, we’re grateful for Ingrid — a house cleaner and nanny who deserves protection, respect, and dignity for the essential work she provides. Ingrid needs a DC #DomesticWorkersBillofRights now. pic.twitter.com/1DKUlC9B2u
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) September 25, 2020National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM:
Working with NFFE-IAM and a small group of federal unions, the proposed language corrects what could be interpreted as waiving the overall Maximum #TeleWork mandate. https://t.co/0v8ljURV7n
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) September 22, 2020National Nurses United:
?Happening this weekend! ? Building left power after Corbyn and #Bernie
Join activists from across the UK and US for an exciting exchange on what can be learned and how we can maintain the energy and infrastructure built during these campaigns. #1uhttps://t.co/WN8bIx5ScN
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Taxi medallion owners are still drowning under bad loans https://t.co/cCcIB1gm3r
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) September 22, 2020NFL Players Association:
Over the next few weeks, we'll be introducing you to our newly elected Player Representatives. ?? ???? ???? ? ?????? ??? ???
◽️ Provides a voice for their locker room
◾️ Educates teammates on NFLPA policies
◽️ Alerts NFLPA of any player needs pic.twitter.com/PAgJdfbIe4
North America's Building Trades Unions:
NEW: @ASCETweets released its “Failure to Act” report on infrastructure.
"The report notes: if investment in highways, bridges & transit continue at current levels, businesses & households will incur about $2 TRILLION in extra costs over 20 years.”https://t.co/DuKXhTfpyX
Office and Professional Employees:
If unionizing doesn’t do anything for employees, why is @Amazon so intent on preventing its employees from exercising their right to do it? #UnionBustingIsDisgusting #ShameOnAmazon https://t.co/57DbVXn5Dn
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) September 25, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
It’s been so long since the federal minimum wage was increased that the last time it was, Twitter was just being born and Instagram didn’t exist for another 3 years afterward.
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) September 24, 2020Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Every single #OPCMIA member needs to make his or her voice heard in this election, the most important of our lifetimes. Make a plan to vote. And vote early if you can. Click here to learn all your options and decide when and how you will vote: https://t.co/EHQOp8Rbjs
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) September 24, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS mourns passing of dedicated public servant @scotusrginsburg. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an advocate supporter of workers rights as well as federal workforce, of which she was a dedicated member. Our condolences to her family & the many Americans whose voice she uplifted
— PASS (@PASSNational) September 19, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW:
When managers promote you in name only, and start calling you a teammate, associate, or supervisor, that only means one thing...job misclassification. #1U pic.twitter.com/p9HBdRQmuL
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) September 25, 2020Roofers and Waterproofers:
The Union Sportsmen's Journal has gone digital!
Get some great hunting, fishing, and shooting techniques. Plus, catch up on Union Sportsmen’s Alliance news, projects, events, current giveaways, and more by clicking this link…https://t.co/SwJA1B5h9x
SAG-AFTRA:
In this conversation we’ll explore issues such as visibility vs. erasure & three-dimensional portrayals of Latino characters, and we’ll focus on practical solutions to counter the systemic biases that exist today in the industry. https://t.co/4AHYXVze2W #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/xg8vHw7TGN
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) September 24, 2020Solidarity Center:
#COVID19 shows the failure of global institutions & ntl legal systs to provide basic worker protection for Asia’s 56 million #migrantworkers who play a key role in the region’s economic development—& it also provides an opportunity to fix a broken system.https://t.co/iZOoWuDV59
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) September 25, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
“The L.A. County Sheriff clearly violated the First Amendment by arresting Josie Huang,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “Law enforcement in every corner of America must face consequences for violating our press freedoms.” https://t.co/ZnKPHSsr3G https://t.co/welwR31Bld
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) September 25, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
They're not giving away stickers this election but don't let that stop you from showing you made your voice heard. Order your IATSE Votes! pin today. Shop here: https://t.co/p2SAXP1xss pic.twitter.com/sgw1d9tIEW
— IATSE (@IATSE) September 25, 2020Transport Workers Union:
If Congress doesn't come through with funding, in less than one week, @Amtrak plans to cut 2,000 careers & slash service. Tell Congress to fund our national rail network and save essential workers' jobs! Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 NOW!
— TWU (@transportworker) September 25, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
It would be unacceptable, and a slap in the face to the people who are bearing the brunt of this crisis, if Congress fails to pass legislation that addresses the dire needs of our transportation systems and the workers who keep America moving. #1u https://t.co/IPm6JT1SNn
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) September 25, 2020UAW:
?? ?️ ? https://t.co/aEgaXBSGd7 https://t.co/auPvI41Xcu
— UAW (@UAW) September 25, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
WATCH: When our leaders played politics in a crisis and left our communities out to dry—America’s workers led. Keeping America running, taking care of... https://t.co/pGPhfGg108
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) September 22, 2020Union Veterans Council:
Congress needs to put politics aside and get a deal done now to save the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of airline workers including tens of thousands of veterans . Pass a clean extension of the airline #PayrollSupportProgram today.
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) September 25, 2020UNITE HERE:
It’s taken decades of organizing, marching, and striking to win the good pay, benefits, and dignity on the job we’ve earned for ourselves and our families.
We’re ready to take back what’s ours. #TakeBack2020 pic.twitter.com/U8umoFIDA2
United Food and Commercial Workers:
BREAKING: 56,000 @StopandShop grocery workers just secured #HazardPay for bravely stepping up this past summer to keep families fed as #COVID19 continues.@UFCW will keep fighting until all America's brave frontline workers get #HazardPay they deserve. https://t.co/K7BlxHdY8B pic.twitter.com/fbl0L46whq
— UFCW (@UFCW) September 25, 2020United Steelworkers:
Walmart cuts workers' hours but increases workload as sales rise amid pandemic https://t.co/vReNn4Lcwv #1u
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) September 25, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
The labor movement is fighting back! From our campuses to the streets, workers are making demands and we’re winning! #WhenWeFightWeWin #1u #WorkerSafetyOverProfit #StudentSafetyOverProfit https://t.co/PssBhk6FB2
— USAS (@USAS) September 25, 2020Utility Workers:
Election day is 48 days away - Check on your voter registration status and get info on how to vote safely, securely, and on time.https://t.co/NBziEijcBB pic.twitter.com/mVzWaSHfE7
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) September 25, 2020Working America:
In the primaries last spring, Milwaukee officials reduced the number of polling places from 180 to five, citing a shortage of poll workers.
Voting should be easy and accessible. Here is just one way you can help: https://t.co/uL37tdUpZG
Writers Guild of America, East:
There are 40 day until Election Day!
In New York:
- You have 15 days left to register to vote. Register here: https://t.co/r1qiILth4Z
- EARLY VOTING begins Saturday, Oct 24.
- Get an absentee ballot to vote-by-mail here: https://t.co/yVvTCHEnhd#SpreadtheWord #Vote
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Western Kentucky Labor Movement and Faith Community Demand McConnell Support Workers and Racial Justice
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.
J.W. Cleary remembered his friend and union brother, the late W.C. Young, a national labor and civil rights leader from Paducah, Kentucky. “W.C. always said, ‘I’ve got my union card in one hand and my NAACP card in my other hand,’” said Cleary, the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP branch president and a retired member of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 550. “The unions and the NAACP have always walked hand in hand.” Cleary was one of several dozen union members who joined a 30-vehicle caravan sponsored by the Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival that converged on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office in Paducah this past Monday afternoon to protest his “meanness, mayhem and misery.” Benny Heady (UA) said, “McConnell is not for the working people. I came out today because we need a change. We need somebody in there who will do things to help the people as a whole.” Read the full story of how union members, civil rights activists and faith leaders are coming together in Kentucky to fight for workers and racial justice.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/28/2020 - 11:37Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Dora Cervantes
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have contributed to our movement. Today's profile covers Dora Cervantes.
In nearly 30 years in the labor movement, Cervantes has participated in nearly every aspect of the fight for the rights of working people, and she has a distinguished career that is still going stronger than ever. Cervantes joined the labor movement in 1989, when she became a reservations agent for Southwest Airlines in Houston. Before long, she was an active member of Machinists (IAM) Local 2198, serving as an organizer, shop steward, recording secretary and then vice president.
After a decade of dedicated service, she was chosen to serve as an apprentice organizer for Air Transport District 142 and then became a general chairperson for the district the following year. Tom Buffenbarger, then-IAM international president, later appointed her to serve on IAM's 2002 Blue Ribbon Commission. In the following years, she served as a special representative in the Transportation Department of the IAM Grand Lodge and then Grand Lodge representative.
In 2012, Cervantes was chosen to serve as assistant secretary to then-IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Robert Roach Jr. The next year, she became the first Hispanic woman to serve as a general vice president for IAM. In 2015, she became IAM's 12th general secretary-treasurer, the first woman to direct the union's finances. She continues in this capacity today.
She also serves as a national board member for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, is an active member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, is a member of United Against Human Trafficking and is a trustee for the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund and the IAM National 401(k) Plan.
Cervantes holds a bachelor of arts degree in labor studies from the National Labor College and helps teach the Spanish leadership series for the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center and the IAM-Aviation High School Partnership Program.
Cervantes spoke to IAM's ViewPoints program in 2015:
This post originally appeared on the AFL-CIO blog in 2018.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/25/2020 - 13:38
