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Updated: 9 min 57 sec ago

Liz Shuler Talks About the 2016 Election and Workers' Rights

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 08:00

In an interview with Machinists' (IAM's) Dierdre Kaniewski, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler talks to the ViewPoint host about the 2016 election, workers' rights and everything else that is at stake for the labor movement.

The Economy Adds 215,000 Jobs in March, and Unemployment Is Essentially Unchanged at 5.0%

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 11:00

The U.S. economy added 215,000 jobs in March and unemployment was 5.0%, essentially unchanged from February, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This continues the record string of months with job growth.

There’s a Pretty Clear Solution to This Problem for Low-Wage Workers

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 12:55

A new analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that low-income Americans are experiencing a massive increase in housing costs that makes it impossible for some to afford basic needs. The study found that low-income Americans spent a median of $6,897 on housing in 2013, and that number rose to $9,178 in 2014. This was the biggest jump in the nearly 20 years of data that Pew studied. Other necessities, such as transportation and food, also have risen, but not as drastically.

California Leaders Announce Historic Deal to Raise Minimum Wage to $15

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 12:05

History was made this week. California Gov. Jerry Brown joined legislative leaders, workers and unions to announce a deal on legislation to make California the first state in America to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour. This day was a long time in the making. Worker-led movements like Fight for 15, labor unions and community groups have been gathering momentum for several years on this issue.

Supreme Court Rejects Anti-Worker Attack in Friedrichs Ruling

Tue, 03/29/2016 - 11:24

The Supreme Court today rejected an attempt by wealthy special interests to restrict the voices of America’s teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses and others who provide vital services for our communities. The court issued a 4-4 decision in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, upholding a lower court ruling in favor of working people and their right to join together to build a better future for their families.

California's on the Rise: Winners and Losers of the Week

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 11:31

Each week, we take a look at the biggest friends and foes of labor. We celebrate the workers winning big and small battles, and we shame the companies or people trying to deny working people their rights.

The Working People Weekly List

Sun, 03/27/2016 - 08:21

Every week, we'll be bringing you a roundup of the important news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here's this week's Working People Weekly List.

Over 100 Years Ago, 123 Young Women Working in a Factory Never Came Home. It Changed Our Country

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 08:00

I have a hard time watching this and not getting terribly angry. Those 123 young women and 23 men who died in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, deserve to be remembered. But we're watching it happen all over again in developing countries that supply Walmart, Gap, and other marketing and retail giants. Sorry/not sorry, I'm mad as hell, and I wish we could live in a world where we didn't have to take this anymore. Warning: some violent images.

Who Benefits from Private Courts in the TPP? We’ll Give You One Guess

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 12:00

The Trans-Pacific Partnership sets up private “corporate courts,” with few rules, that are only open for multinational companies to sue countries. Nearly all the winnings in these "corporate courts" go to the world’s biggest corporations and richest people—and most of the rest goes to the lawyers who work in these tribunals, according to a new study.

105 Years Later, We Remember the Triangle Fire and Its Role in the Fight for Worker Safety

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 11:00

It’s March and, though the old adage is that the month comes in like a lion and goes out as a lamb, for women, this is also a month to celebrate our strength and to remember our sisters who helped pave the way for us.

AFL-CIO Applauds New Lifesaving Silica Dust Rules

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 10:00

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issuing new workplace silica standards.

Remembering the Impact of SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 08:00

SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard passed away this week at the age of 71. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement.

Unions Push Right to Work off the Table in Kentucky

Wed, 03/23/2016 - 13:00

Think voting really doesn’t matter? Talk to a pair of Kentucky labor leaders, and they'll tell you otherwise.

Union Plus Offers Assistance for Program Participants Impacted by Louisiana Storms and Flooding

Wed, 03/23/2016 - 12:00

Union members living in areas impacted by severe storms and widespread flooding in Louisiana (click here for a list of designated areas) and who have had a Union Plus Credit Cardmortgage or qualifying insurance policy for at least a year may be eligible for $500 Disaster Relief Grants.

Made in America: Union-Made Easter

Wed, 03/23/2016 - 10:00

Easter is this Sunday, so here is a list of union-made in America treats to fill an Easter basket and other holiday accoutrements brought to you by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor's resource site, Labor 411. These Easter shopping list ideas are brought to you by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the Machinists (IAM), United Farm Workers (UFW) and the Teamsters (IBT).  

The Makers of Those Cheesy Anti-Union Movies Will Soon Be More Transparent, Thanks to a New Labor Department Rule

Wed, 03/23/2016 - 08:00

You've probably watched one before. 

An anti-union video so painfully corny, you probably had to turn it off after a few seconds. 

TPP Puts Big Pharma Profits Ahead of People Like Zahara

Tue, 03/22/2016 - 09:00

Ever wonder how the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal would affect you or the people you love?

Zahara Heckscher explains how TPP will make it harder for cancer patients to afford life-saving treatment. 

Is Rick Snyder Smarter Than a 10-Year-Old? Apparently Not: Winners and Losers of the Week

Mon, 03/21/2016 - 09:00

Each week, we take a look at the biggest friends and foes of labor. We celebrate the workers winning big and small battles, and we shame the companies or people trying to deny working people their rights.

The Working People Weekly List

Sun, 03/20/2016 - 08:00

Every week, we'll be bringing you a roundup of the important news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here's this week's Working People Weekly List.

Buy Union as You Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 07:00

This weekend, many will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day by going green and grabbing a frosty brew, and Labor 411 has more than a few great options. Our beer list has topped 250 choices and if you’re putting a meal together, we’ve got some delicious savory accompaniments. Add a little green food coloring to your pint and you’re good to go. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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