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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Boosts Public Service Hiring Through ‘Staff the Front Lines’ Bus Tour

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 08:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Boosts Public Service Hiring Through ‘Staff the Front Lines’ Bus Tour

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

AFSCME's Staff the Front Lines bus tour made stops in 17 cities and turned out more than 2,000 job seekers looking for a career in public service. Six governors, 12 mayors and countless state, city and county employers joined the tour. They sat down with AFSCME members for listening sessions to find solutions and discuss how to better recruit and retain the essential workers needed to keep our communities running. At approximately half the stops, AFSCME also partnered with state and local leaders to put on job fairs. Later this fall, AFSCME plans to release a policy guide with recommendations on how to tackle the staffing crisis in public service, which will include learnings from the bus tour’s listening sessions.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:55

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Juan Rivera

Thu, 09/21/2023 - 08:45
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Juan Rivera

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Juan Rivera of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC).

Juan Rivera from Sinaloa, Mexico, comes to the U.S. through the H-2A program to harvest and plant crops. He's been doing it since the 1990s and has been a member of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) since the Mount Olive boycott in 2004. He harvests Christmas trees, sweet potatoes and strawberries. Throughout the years, he has leaned on the union to resolve various grievances with his growers, and this year he became part of the Union Advisory Council, where he offers input and guidance to union leadership.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/21/2023 - 09:45

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Editors Guild Wins Higher Wages, Unanimously Ratifies New Nickelodeon Contract

Thu, 09/21/2023 - 08:39
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Editors Guild Wins Higher Wages, Unanimously Ratifies New Nickelodeon Contract

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The Motion Picture Editors Guild/IATSE Local 700 (MPEG/IATSE Local 700) ratified a new animation deal with Nickelodeon on Sept. 14. Some 70 post-production members of the Editors Guild are affected by the new four-year contract.

“Witnessing this kind of solidarity throughout this challenging process was awe-inspiring,” said MPEG National Executive Director Cathy Repola. “It was such an honor for our team to represent them and to help them achieve a contract they are proud of. The negotiating committee needs to be commended; they spoke with a single voice and a single vision and vowed that no one would be left behind. In the end, nobody was.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/21/2023 - 09:39

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Pedro Olguin

Wed, 09/20/2023 - 13:33
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Pedro Olguin

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Pedro Olguin of OPEIU Local 11.

“I have an opportunity to reach out and organize folks who historically have not been in the labor movement,” said Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 11 organizer Pedro Olguin. “I offer through my own heritage and my own identity the ability for people to feel reflected and feel included.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/20/2023 - 14:33

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tell The New York Times to Stop Union-Busting

Wed, 09/20/2023 - 07:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tell The New York Times to Stop Union-Busting

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The NewsGuild of New York (TNG-CWA Local 31003) calls on The New York Times CEO Meredith Kopit Levien, its publisher A.G. Sulzberger and managers to stop union-busting through the farce of “subcontracting” to itself. These union-busting actions are clearly an attempt to undercut the hard-fought contract protections won this year by The New York Times Guild. Management claims that The Times will continue to write about sports, but the writers and editors who have been covering sports for The Times for decades are being scattered around the company with little to no guidance. We, the readers, deserve better.

Send a letter today, demanding The Times stop union-busting.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/20/2023 - 08:55

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nearly 4,000 OPEIU Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Approve a Strike at Kaiser Permanente

Tue, 09/19/2023 - 09:06
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nearly 4,000 OPEIU Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Approve a Strike at Kaiser Permanente

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Nearly 4,000 Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland health care workers overwhelmingly voted to approve an unfair labor practice strike at Kaiser Permanente. The workers, members of Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 2, say that Kaiser’s refusal to acknowledge understaffing is driving a growing crisis in patient care. They voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike by 98% if an agreement isn’t reached by Sept. 30. 

“We’ve been raising the alarm about patient safety, but Kaiser isn’t hearing us,” said Katrina Schaetz, an OB-GYN clinical assistant. “Kaiser executives keep refusing to listen to frontline healthcare workers on the issues that impact the care of our patients, and they’re violating the law by failing to bargain in good faith. We are standing up for more staff and better patient care. If Kaiser doesn’t stop committing unfair labor practices, healthcare workers are prepared to go on strike.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:06

Worker Wins: Every Worker Deserves an Advocate on the Job

Mon, 09/18/2023 - 12:01
Worker Wins: Every Worker Deserves an Advocate on the Job

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. 

Workers at Kidspace Children’s Museum Win Historic Victory with AFSCME: Approximately 60 workers at Kidspace Children’s Museum in Los Angeles County voted in August to be represented by AFSCME, with 82% in favor. The new union members work as play facilitators, guest service associates, animal program coordinators, retail associates and other jobs. Workers organized to address issues such as earning a livable wage, securing better training, including staff in the museum’s decision-making process and other issues. “Kidspace is a thriving piece of the Pasadena community, and the beautiful learning experiences that happen here couldn’t happen without workers,” said Carter Ward, a guest associate. “I'm excited for us to have the collective power to demand respect and fair compensation for being the vital contributors we are.”

Ironworkers Secure $75 Million in Pension Relief: The Ironworkers celebrate the announcement that President Biden’s American Rescue Plan provides financial assistance to save the pension plan for Ironworkers Local 16 retirees in Baltimore. The rescue package amounts to some $75 million, and will ensure financial security for hundreds of dedicated members and their families. “This financial assistance ensures that our members who put in a lifetime of work at Local 16 in Baltimore regain the retirement security they deserve,” said Ironworkers General President Eric Dean. “In concert with the Biden administration, we have been given rescue assistance for thousands of our members whose pension funds fell on hard times. Time and again, proving that this administration has the working class at the forefront of their agenda.”

Minnesota State Workers Win Wage Hikes, Other Provisions in New Contract: Thousands of AFSCME Council 5 members in Minnesota voted to ratify the 2023–2025 state employee contract. It includes raises of more than 10% across the board and raises to eliminate wage inequities compared to private sector workers. Members won numerous other provisions as well. “Our members fought for and won a contract with big investments in state workers. Minnesota is now better positioned to recruit and retain excellent workers,” said Bart Andersen, interim executive director of Council 5. “Minnesotans deserve fully staffed, fully funded, excellent services. This contract will make huge progress towards these goals and we will continue to use our momentum to build upon our progress.”

Pennsylvania Cannabis Workers Join UFCW: Cannabis workers at two facilities in Pennsylvania recently joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776KS. Approximately 24 cannabis workers at the Restore Integrative Wellness Center in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, won their election by a 2-to-1 margin. “As the cannabis industry expands throughout Pennsylvania, workers recognize they need guarantees that they can earn a living wage in a safe work environment and have access to things like overtime and holiday pay,” said Local 1776KS President Wendell Young IV. “We are excited for these workers to join our team here at UFCW Local 1776 and look forward to working with them throughout contract negotiations to secure those guarantees.”

IAM Wins Campaign for 100-Plus New Members at North Dakota Farming Equipment Manufacturer: The Machinists (IAM) Organizing Department won a hard-fought two-year campaign to represent 103 workers at Vaderstad Inc., an agricultural equipment manufacturer in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Production workers at the facility make air seeders and tillage equipment. “This group stuck together and was determined to win a voice on the job and a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative Dennis Mendenhall. “They ran their campaign from the inside and remained united through every anti-union tactic they encountered.”

IATSE Charters New National Union for Freelance Production Department Workers: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) chartered a new national local, the Production Workers Guild Local 111, representing freelance production department workers. The local will start with an estimated 5,000 TV commercial production workers, including production assistants, production supervisors, assistant production supervisors, line producers and bidding producers on commercial projects. “We are 170,000 strong and growing, welcoming crafts that historically have not been represented in this critical moment,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. He described the new local as “a testament to our union’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every worker in entertainment is represented, protected, and heard. And mark my words, this is just the beginning.”

Miners at Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Join USW: The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed workers at Cleveland-Cliffs’ Northshore Mining as the newest members of the union. There are approximately 400 workers in the mine in Babbitt, Minnesota, and plant in Silver Bay, Minnesota. They authorized the union using card-check. “Mining in Minnesota provides essential support for our local communities, our domestic steel industry and our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “We’re honored that workers at Northshore chose our union.”

Portland Strip Club Dancers Unanimously Vote to Join Equity: Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) was elected as the exclusive bargaining representative for the dancers employed at Magic Tavern, a strip club in Portland, Oregon. The vote was unanimous. “I’m thrilled for these workers. They not only knew their rights; they knew they had to stick together and never let up,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity. “Yes, this is proof that strippers joining a union is no fluke, and that workers who want a union can have a union. In this moment, it means that another group of dancers is on the path to a fairer, safer workplace. But it’s also a win for the labor movement, particularly those in stigmatized and marginalized industries where their needs are routinely overlooked or ignored. We are eager to get to the bargaining table and get them back into their club.”

Dallas Nonprofit Workers at International Rescue Committee Announce Union: Workers at the national nonprofit organization International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas announced the formation of a union with Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 277 and have requested voluntary recognition. The 80 workers provide services to refugees and asylum-seekers. This would be the first IRC in the office to organize. “An overwhelming majority of us have signed union cards and come forward because, as the staff that provide IRC services on the frontlines, we understand this work the best,” said Zarifa Barkatullah, Refugee Cash Assistance coordinator. “We see this as an opportunity for leadership to partner with us to improve our work and better achieve our vital mission.” The workers want to address the issues of insufficient staffing, unreasonable caseloads, low wages, safety concerns and inadequate interpretation support.

Virginia Tech Graduate Students and Staff Build on Wave of Young People Organizing a Union: Two unions at Virginia Tech are taking their organizing drives public after three years of preparation. The United Campus Workers of Virginia Tech is an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Virginia Tech Graduate Labor Union (VT GLU) is affiliated with the National Education Association; combined, the unions could represent as many as 20,000 workers. “Our two unions have united in this announcement out of a shared commitment that every person working on our campus deserves an advocate on the job, a living wage, a safe working environment, academic freedom, and respect for their individual contributions to the university,” VT GLU said in a statement.

Staten Island Ferry Workers Win New Contract After 13 Years: Approximately 120 Staten Island Ferry workers who have gone without a pay raise since 2009 announced a collective bargaining agreement that guarantees them an immediate salary increase of 28.55%. The bump is retroactive, which means six-figure sums in back pay. The workers, members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), work as engineers, captains and mates, and they voted 94% to approve the contract, which goes through January 2027.

After Two Years, Oregon Capitol Staffers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement With Lawmakers: Aides in the Oregon Capitol reached a tentative labor agreement with the state legislature. The deal arrives more than two years after staff first voted to unionize. A finalized contract for the approximately 200 legislative aides would make them the first workers of their kind in the nation to sign a union contract. During legislative sessions, the aides greet visitors, schedule meetings, research policies and perform other duties.

More Connecticut Cannabis Workers Join UFCW Local 919: Medical cannabis workers at the Caring Nature Dispensary (owned by Verano) in Waterbury, Connecticut, joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 919 on June 13. The workers were concerned about job security and a voice on the job. This victory marks the second cannabis win for UFCW Local 919 in Connecticut this year. “We are excited and proud to represent the workers at Caring Nature Dispensary who will join the many Verano workers across the country who have formed their unions,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “We look forward to bargaining a great contract that will afford these workers a voice on the job and the protection they deserve.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/18/2023 - 13:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Members at Homegrown Strike Over Job Insecurity, Unaffordable Health Care

Mon, 09/18/2023 - 08:43
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Members at Homegrown Strike Over Job Insecurity, Unaffordable Health Care

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Approximately 150 workers at six locations of Seattle-based sandwich maker Homegrown went on strike Thursday over contract negotiations. The workers say the company offers unaffordable health insurance and provides no employment guarantee to workers in case the company is sold. The workers are members of UNITE HERE Local 8.

“I’m fighting for a contract that will allow me to stay in the company long term, and I need to know that I can keep this job if the company is sold,” said Emily Minkus, who works at the Queen Anne location

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:43

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minor League Baseball Players Celebrate One Year with a Union

Fri, 09/15/2023 - 05:50
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minor League Baseball Players Celebrate One Year with a Union

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of minor leaguers officially joining the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The eventful year was highlighted by the minor league players’ achieving their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA significantly improved the daily lives of more than 5,000 ballplayers and their families, providing for them better salaries; health benefits; housing; transportation; workplace safety; free agency; name, image and likeness rights; and a prohibition on job cuts through contraction during the course of the CBA. Minor leaguers also have procedures in place to resolve issues that arise with their clubs, including due process in disciplinary matters.

Please support the MLBPA in celebrating this outstanding achievement by resharing the MLBPA video that launched today on their social channels @MLBPA and @MiLB_PLAYERS at 9:30 a.m. ET. Don’t forget to use  #ItsBetterInAUnion.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/15/2023 - 06:50

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 1,100 UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Go on Strike

Thu, 09/14/2023 - 06:54
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 1,100 UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Go on Strike

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

About 1,100 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers who work call center and claims processing jobs went on strike Wednesday. The workers are members of the International Union, United Automobile,  Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). They walked off the job in pursuit of a fair contract.

“These people are the heart and soul of Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said Steve Dawes, director of UAW Region 1D. “They are the ones who take care of the people when they are in the most important time of need in their life. When the CEO of this corporation makes well above $15 million a year and it takes a new hire here 22 years to reach top rate, we have a serious problem with this company.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/14/2023 - 07:54

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Are You ‘All In’ with UAW Members?

Wed, 09/13/2023 - 07:16
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Are You ‘All In’ with UAW Members?

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Union contracts for 150,000 International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) members at the Big Three automakers expire Sept. 14. It will take the unity and strength of every UAW member, union, community and political ally to win what autoworkers and every worker deserves. The Big Three have made extreme profits over the past decade. Workers deserve fair pay and the Big Three can afford it. You can show your support.

Add your name and sign the petition to show you’ve got 150,000 UAW members’ backs!

To get the very latest news about Big Three bargaining, tune into UAW President Shawn Fain’s Facebook Live this Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 5 p.m. ET.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/13/2023 - 08:16

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Wins Campaign for 100-Plus New Members at North Dakota Farming Equipment Manufacturer

Tue, 09/12/2023 - 08:57
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Wins Campaign for 100-Plus New Members at North Dakota Farming Equipment Manufacturer

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The Machinists (IAM) Organizing Department won a hard-fought two-year campaign to represent 103 workers at Vaderstad Inc., an agricultural equipment manufacturer in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Production workers at the facility make air seeders and tillage equipment.

“This group stuck together and was determined to win a voice on the job and a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative Dennis Mendenhall. “They ran their campaign from the inside and remained united through every anti-union tactic they encountered.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/12/2023 - 09:57

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Miners at Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Join USW

Mon, 09/11/2023 - 09:00
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Miners at Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Join USW

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed workers at Cleveland-Cliffs’ Northshore Mining as the newest members of the union. There are approximately 400 workers in the mine in Babbitt, Minnesota, and plant in Silver Bay, Minnesota. They authorized the union using card-check. “Mining in Minnesota provides essential support for our local communities, our domestic steel industry and our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “We’re honored that workers at Northshore chose our union.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:00

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Respond to Hurricane Idalia

Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:33
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Respond to Hurricane Idalia

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

But union members also are affected by hurricanes, and we respond by taking care of each other. While many were prepared for Hurricane Idalia, there were still many who were affected negatively. Unions have responded not only with rescue and recovery efforts, but by doing wellness checks on fellow union members, raising funds, and gathering and distributing supplies to needy families.

 

You can do your part. AFL-CIO houses a Union Community Fund for disaster relief. Any resources given above and beyond what is needed for Hurricane Idalia will be used to support future relief efforts. Contributions can be made via credit card: go.aflcio.org/relief

 

Or by mail to: 

Union Community Fund

Note in the memo line: “Disaster Relief Efforts”

815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW
Washington, DC 20006

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:33

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW’s Conway: How a First Union Contract Provides Workers a Seat at the Table

Thu, 09/07/2023 - 09:03
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW’s Conway: How a First Union Contract Provides Workers a Seat at the Table

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

In an editorial for the St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune, United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said: “Workers who want to band together for better futures often face prolonged and brutal anti-union campaigns from employers hellbent on holding them down....

“When bullying fails to stop workers from organizing, many employers simply shift gears and try to thwart bargaining. More than one-third of companies use anti-union attorneys to derail negotiations, and a quarter threaten to close workplaces in an effort to sabotage contract talks, among other abuses, according to new research by Cornell University.”

Read the full editorial.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/07/2023 - 10:03

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staten Island Ferry Workers Win New Contract After 13 Years

Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:01
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staten Island Ferry Workers Win New Contract After 13 Years

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Approximately 120 Staten Island Ferry workers who have gone without a pay raise since 2009 announced a collective bargaining agreement that guarantees them an immediate salary increase of 28.55%. The bump is retroactive, which means six-figure sums in back pay. The workers, members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), work as engineers, captains and mates, and they voted 94% to approve the contract, which goes through January 2027.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Files Unfair Labor Practices Charges Against Big Automakers, Alleging ‘Willful Refusal to Bargain’

Tue, 09/05/2023 - 08:08
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Files Unfair Labor Practices Charges Against Big Automakers, Alleging ‘Willful Refusal to Bargain’

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) filed unfair labor practice charges against General Motors and Stellantis, accusing the carmakers of illegally refusing to bargain in good faith. Contracts with the “Big Three” automakers (GM, Stellantis and Ford) are set to expire in two weeks. UAW is seeking a 46% wage increase over four years, more paid time off, and the elimination of tiers that leave newer workers with paltry pay and benefits.

“I'm sad to report that the Big Three are either not listening, or they are not taking us seriously,” Fain said. “Both General Motors and Stellantis have failed to give us any economic counters. GM and Stellantis’ willful refusal to bargain in good faith is not only insulting and counterproductive, it’s also illegal. That’s why…our union filed unfair labor practice charges, or ULPs, against both GM and Stellantis with the National Labor Relations Board.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:08

Economy Gains 187,000 Jobs in August; Unemployment Up Slightly at 3.8%

Fri, 09/01/2023 - 10:58
Economy Gains 187,000 Jobs in August; Unemployment Up Slightly at 3.8%

The U.S. economy gained 187,000 jobs in August, and the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.8%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This strong jobs report shows the continued success of President Biden's policies.

August’s biggest job gains were in health care (+71,000), leisure and hospitality (+40,000), social assistance (+26,000), construction (+22,000) and professional and business services (+19,000). Employment declined in transportation and warehousing (–34,000) and information (–15,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; financial activities; other services and government.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate rose for adult men (3.7%), White Americans (3.4%) and Asian Americans (3.1%) in August. The jobless rates for teenagers (12.2%), Black Americans (5.3%), Hispanics (4.9%) and adult women (3.2%) showed little change over the month.

The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) edged up in August and accounted for 20.3% of the total number of people unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/01/2023 - 11:58

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of Illinois Chicago Faculty End Strike After Reaching Tentative Contract Agreement

Fri, 09/01/2023 - 08:59
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of Illinois Chicago Faculty End Strike After Reaching Tentative Contract Agreement

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Classes resumed at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) after faculty, members of UIC United Faculty/AFT, agreed to a tentative contract and suspended their strike that started last week. The four-year deal ends the faculty’s second strike in nine years. It increases minimum salaries for nontenure-track faculty to $60,000 and for tenure-track members to $71,500 in the contract’s first year. It also increases average annual salaries by 17.75% over the next four years and provides improved job protections for nontenure-track faculty.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/01/2023 - 09:59

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Shuler: State of the Unions Is Strong with Record Public Support, Unprecedented Activism and Organizing this Labor Day

Wed, 08/30/2023 - 08:38
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Shuler: State of the Unions Is Strong with Record Public Support, Unprecedented Activism and Organizing this Labor Day

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered an inaugural State of the Unions address on Tuesday where they released new polling, which underscores the American people’s support of unions—especially that of young workers—and their view of unions as critical to growing the middle class and providing opportunities for working people to thrive. Additionally, both officers stressed that with this unprecedented level of support, working people in unions are prepared to organize like never before, hold big corporations accountable and restore America’s promise for all.

“The idea of a union may sound complicated, but in reality, unions are just a group of people coming together. They are about each of us becoming the most powerful version of ourselves that we possibly can,” Shuler said.And there is nothing better than finding that power alongside the people we work with and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s all a union is. It’s that simple. People in this country have been searching for their power for a long time now, young people especially.”

You can read President Shuler’s full remarks here.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/30/2023 - 09:38

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