AFL-CIO Partners with Permission to Dream to Offer Apprenticeships
Economic uncertainty is one of the major concerns young people face. They are often forced to fight for underpaid jobs with stagnant wages, meager benefits and low job stability. Student debt and the high cost of living have put the American dream out of reach for too many young people.
To address this crisis, the AFL-CIO is partnering with the Chris Gardner Foundation and the Permission to Dream program to put students with limited economic opportunities on an early path to the middle class. The new partnership will give students from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to enter paid, registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades.
The program recently launched in two Detroit schools and will be piloted in select schools across the country. Funding will be provided for infrastructure and development projects. Students will complete the apprenticeship readiness program set by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Once they graduate, students will have the opportunity to be placed in a registered apprenticeship program with an affiliate union. They also will be given a stipend to cover the cost of required tools and equipment. The program even provides assistance with transportation to and from training locations.
Founding partners of the Permission to Dream collaboration also include NABTU; the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); the School Administrators (AFSA); the NFL Players Association (NFLPA); SAG-AFTRA; and Ullico, labor’s insurance and investment company.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/18/2022 - 14:03National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Marty Bowman
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Marty Bowman, a shop steward with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7019.
CWA Local 7019 shop steward Marty Bowman lives in Window Rock, Arizona, and has worked for Navajo Communications and Frontier Communications for 30 years, currently as a services and sales technician. Bowman was instrumental in organizing his co-workers in the self-contained bargaining unit on the Navajo Nation. Bowman lives and speaks the Navajo tradition every day of his work and family life. He was elected to the first bargaining committee for CWA at Frontier during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and initially engaged in virtual bargaining with the company and negotiated all the way through ratification on June 2, 2021. Bowman exemplifies the spirit of the Navajo tradition on the reservation and currently serves on the local school board, as well as coaches and assists with Native Youth Sports, including football, baseball and basketball.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/18/2022 - 10:30Behold! Medieval Times Workers Score Second Organizing Victory
After months of delays and union-busting tactics from their employer, the workers at the Medieval Times castle in Buena Park, California, voted decisively last week to form a union with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).
This is the second group of workers to form a union at the dinner theater company after their counterparts in New Jersey successfully organized with AGVA in July. Medieval Times workers said they were motivated to organize in order to work under the protection of a collective bargaining agreement, which will achieve better working conditions, a safer work environment and wages commensurate with their skills.
“There was a dismissiveness and feeling that the company views us as replaceable and having a union really sets us apart and shows that...we take our jobs seriously and we want to be treated with the same respect,” Erin Zapcic (not pictured), a union organizer who performs as a queen in Buena Park, told NPR.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/18/2022 - 10:28Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NABTU Highlights America’s Registered Apprenticeship System During National Apprenticeship Week
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.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) is promoting an American success story: the registered apprenticeship system. NABTU President Sean McGarvey (IUPAT) emphasized how registered apprenticeship programs are crucial to massive federal investments in infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing.
“As our system expands to meet the demands for new workers in these critical infrastructure jobs, we are committed to recruiting more women, communities of color, indigenous people, veterans and the justice involved for these new opportunities in the unionized construction industry,” McGarvey pledged. “That is why we are pleased to be part of [the Labor Department’s] efforts like National Apprenticeship Week and look forward to helping continue to elevate and showcase this proven model to other industries and the American public.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/18/2022 - 10:00National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Rudy Roybal
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Rudy Roybal, an organizer with the Bartenders Union-UNITE HERE Local 165.
“My father always told me stories about our Native American heritage. Navajo and Abajo tribes have a strong presence in New Mexico, as we are from the Pojoaque Pueblo and are considered descendants of Tewa people. I taught my kids that unions give a voice to people with the least amount of power and shared how the Bartenders Union Local 165 in Las Vegas helped me to be able to raise my family with dignity.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/17/2022 - 12:14Working People Key in Driving Midterm Wins—and We’re Just Getting Started
The pundits had it all figured out. All the polling data and conventional wisdom pointed to a shift in power in both the House and the Senate. A red wave was coming. As we look at the midterm election results as they stand today, it’s clear that conventional wisdom was wrong. But why?
As with any election, there’s no one explanation. Abortion rights was a huge factor in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned. Young people turned out and voted for pro-worker candidates by large margins. Latinos and Black voters heavily favored Democrats. But one key storyline that remains largely untold is the role working people played in securing these victories—specifically, the role of union voters.
In state after state, union households provided critical votes that put pro-worker candidates over the top. Our approach to politics is simple: Organize. Face to face. Cut through the noise with real conversations about the issues that matter. It’s a feedback loop. Organizers talk with workers. Workers share their concerns, which informs future conversations.
As any organizer knows, the key to good communication isn’t just what you say. It’s how intently you listen. And we got an earful.
Corporate profits are now at a 70-year high. While Big Oil has had a run of record-breaking profits, such as Exxon’s $20 billion haul and Shell’s eye-popping $9.45 billion in the third quarter, working people continued to pull up to the gas tank with a lump in their throats. Any wage increases workers have earned are eaten up by rising prices. In those conversations, we heard over and over again, “Something doesn’t add up.” Workers and their families know when they’re being hoodwinked.
Many didn’t yet know about the Biden administration’s efforts to give workers a boost through infrastructure jobs, student debt relief or prescription drug price cuts. And there was deep anxiety over the threats to our basic freedoms, including the freedom to have a union on the job, the freedom to control our own bodies and the freedom to participate in democracy. Over time, these conversations shifted to the stakes in this election.
Union voters comprise nearly a quarter of all votes in Michigan. In the key battlegrounds of Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio, one in five voters is from a union household. That’s a lot of voters to reach.
We left the air wars to others while union volunteers spent countless days, evenings and weekends hitting the doors. Workers talked with one another on their lunch breaks at the worksite and in front of the plant gate on cool fall mornings. All told, the union program, which featured 100,000 volunteers and reached 7.7 million voters, provided the ground game that was impossible for extremist, anti-worker Republican candidates to replicate.
In Nevada, UNITE HERE’s formidable Culinary Union led a program that knocked on 1 million doors, and UNITE HERE canvassers played a big role in reaching workers in other battleground states. The American Federation of Teachers rallied workers with a bus tour through battleground states. In community after community, teachers, school aides, nurses, community groups, activists and vital members of our communities showed up to rally and then hit the doors and phones to make sure their communities knew what was at stake.
North America’s Building Trades Unions members organized alongside AFSCME public-sector workers to turn out the vote. Electricians and plumbers, grad students and service workers, entertainment workers and laborers, and so many others stood shoulder to shoulder day after day to ensure that every union voter in America knew how important this election was to our collective future.
I saw the energy grow as I criss-crossed the country to walk precincts with workers. With every labor walk and worksite visit, unions were breaking through the political noise created by $1 billion of TV ads and endless horse-race analysis from the chattering class.
When workers have a voice in our elections, we deliver results:
- In Georgia, union voters are responsible for roughly 50,000 net votes for Raphael Warnock, pushing him into the lead over extremist Herschel Walker.
- In Michigan, union voters turned out in droves to deliver Gov. Gretchen Whitmer an estimated net 210,000 votes, propelling her to victory and boosting pro-worker candidates in the state legislature to give workers the opportunity to make huge gains in the coming two years.
- In Minnesota, union voters gave Democratic-Farmer-LaborParty candidate Tim Walz an estimated net 110,000 votes, making unions responsible for roughly half of the vote margin.
- In Nevada, the political organizing led by hospitality workers mobilized an army of workers to re-elect Catherine Cortez Masto, ensuring a pro-worker majority in the U.S. Senate.
- In Pennsylvania, union voters gave Josh Shapiro an estimated net 185,000 votes in the governor’s race, providing approximately 28% of the vote margin. In the Senate race, union voters are similarly responsible for 26% of the margin for John Fetterman.
- In Wisconsin’s race for governor, union voters netted Tony Evers an estimated 40,000 votes, or roughly half of his vote margin.
- In Arizona, Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, ran the largest get-out-the-vote operation in the state with community partners.
- In Ohio, Democrat Tim Ryan ran a competitive race fueled by a 14-point margin from union voters, outpacing other Dems in statewide races, and Democrats picked up key congressional districts, including holding labor champion Marcy Kaptur’s seat.
- Nationally, union members made up an estimated 11% of the electorate and, with union households, 18%. Associated Press VoteCast results suggest union members voted 56 Democrats/38 Republicans.
- In state after state, working people rejected astroturf candidates trying to bring culture wars and book bans into our schools.
- Unions are always on the frontlines of democracy struggles, and it should be no surprise that up and down the ballot—and in critical secretary of state races—union members stopped candidates who were 2020 election deniers and ran with the clear intention of ignoring the will of the people.
The 2022 midterms aren’t over just yet. Union volunteers will be out en masse every day between now and the Georgia primary on Dec. 6. But even that doesn’t mark the end of our political organizing. The AFL-CIO and affiliated unions built a 365-day-a-year operation that will engage voters through 2024 and beyond.
Taking an organizing approach to politics may seem a little old school to some. And while we’ll continue to supplement the work on the ground with sophisticated political outreach through digital advertising, peer-to-peer texting, cutting-edge microtargeting and other tactics, the focus will always be the human interaction that voters want and need in these uncertain times.
For far too long, big money in politics has drowned out the voices of everyday people. The lesson learned in 2022 is that democracy belongs to all of us, not just to the powerful few. When we organize to ensure that workers have a voice, democracy blossoms.
The issue-based conversations that were the heart and soul of this effort will only intensify in the coming months as we head toward 2024. Soon, the midterm elections will be in the rearview mirror. But working people aren’t heading home. We’re staying in the fight to rebuild our economy, brick by brick, until America’s promise is fully realized.
Caleb-Michael Files Wed, 11/16/2022 - 11:35
Tags: Elections 2022
What Are Apprenticeships?
The average starting salary after completing a registered apprenticeship is $77,000. Registered apprenticeships are a pathway to a career and financial stability. Today, the Department of Labor is launching National Apprenticeship Week. We’re sending Labor Secretary Marty Walsh a thank-you card for spreading the word about these good union jobs.
Registered apprenticeships are good for employers and good for working people.
Employers develop a highly skilled workforce. And working people get paid work experience, classroom learning and a pathway to success.
There are registered apprenticeships across industries like hospitality, telecom, cybersecurity, construction and advanced manufacturing. The people working in these industries literally will build our future.
As the labor movement, we already know registered apprenticeships are valuable and are good union jobs.
But more people need to know. So let’s thank the Labor Department for spreading the word through National Apprenticeship Week.
Sign the thank-you card to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh now.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/15/2022 - 10:30Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Secretary-Treasurer Redmond Helps Kick Off National Apprenticeship Week
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 labor movement’s world-class apprenticeship programs upskill working people, allowing more workers to take on good union jobs. This week, as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we also recognize America’s apprentices and the unions that provide this pathway to the middle class.
“The labor movement has long championed registered apprenticeships because we know that they offer more than just a job—they offer hope and a path to life-changing careers,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. “So, the AFL-CIO recently launched our partnership with the Permission to Dream program to expand access to apprenticeship opportunities for students and underserved communities.”
Click here to read the proclamation from President Biden.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/15/2022 - 10:10Tags: Apprenticeships
Engaging Voters Every Day: 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.
Shuler: Labor’s Historic Political Effort Paid Off, Will Continue: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement Wednesday morning on the 2022 midterm elections: While it may be days or weeks until every vote is counted and we know the full results of this election, it’s clear the tireless organizing efforts of working people to engage voters in one-on-one discussions about the issues that matter made a critical difference this year in many races. No matter the outcome after all the votes are counted, working people know the fight isn’t over; in fact, it’s just getting started. The foundation that unions built through our 365-day-a-year political organizing campaign will engage voters every day through 2024 and beyond to create an economy that works for all of us.”
Facing a Wave, White House Plotted a One-Two Punch: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler credited the White House for recognizing that the economy was broader than simply jobs and gas prices. She said the president’s focus on retirement security and leaning into criticism of oil companies over high gas prices. ‘I think he saw the need to come out swinging because people wanted to see folks fighting for them,’ she said. ‘Companies are making record profits coming out of this pandemic, and not a lot of people are talking about that. And workers are still getting the short end of the stick.’”
Illinois Voters Approve Workers’ Rights Amendment to State Constitution: “Illinois voters decided issues in referendums on Election Day. They voted in favor of amending the Illinois constitution to guarantee workers' rights to bargain collectively. ‘From day one, the Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights campaign has been based on the simple idea that every Illinois worker deserves better,’ Tim Drea, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO and Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights chair, said. ‘Better pay, stronger benefits and safer workplaces don’t just help workers thrive; they strengthen our state and keep us all safe.’”
Alabama Power Volunteers Celebrate Dedication of Habitat for Humanity House: “Chandler said the project was a team effort, with members of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) and volunteers from Alabama Power’s Plant Miller joining forces with the APSO Magic City Chapter on the project. ‘Alabama Power management in Generation, Distribution and Transmission has been absolutely supportive and willing to allow employees to participate, and we really appreciate that,’ said Keith Gilliland, assistant business manager, IBEW System Council U-19. ‘We’re proud to work for a company that allows its employees to take time to volunteer in the community.’”
U.S. Steel, USW Reach Tentative Agreement on New 4-Year Deal: “U.S. Steel announced Tuesday it has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) on a new four-year contract. The deal covers 11,000 USW-represented employees at the company’s domestic flat-rolled facilities, iron ore mining facilities and applicable tubular operations. The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification, which can take several weeks. According to USW, the deal includes wage increases, improvements to health care with no premiums, improved retirement benefits, an additional holiday, improved vacation, new parental leave and a $4,000 bonus.”
New York Firefighters Hand Out Nearly 200 Winter Coats: “Firefighters with the Syracuse Fire Department stopped by McKinley-Brighton Elementary School on Monday morning to make sure kids have the winter gear they need to stay warm. Having a warm winter hat and coat is a necessity many of us don’t think twice about, but for some families, a winter coat and hat are something they can’t afford. ‘Everybody knows in Syracuse there’s a need with cold weather. It’s one thing that will always come,’ Robert Brandt, Syracuse firefighter in the Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 280 told Localsyr.com. Syracuse IAFF Local 280 is working to change that, by partnering with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit whose mission is to help children who are in need. ‘Each kid will get to come down and pick a coat of their liking based on color, size things like that. They also pick a winter hat that may match the coat or another color that they might like,’ Brandt said.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/14/2022 - 13:01Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Records Biggest October Membership Growth Since 2015
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.
Federal government workers in Washington, D.C., and across the country are joining AFGE in droves, eager for the chance to be a part of our movement. These new members are powering some of the best growth the union has seen since 2015. Last month, AFGE added more new members than it has in any October in the past five years and had the most net growth—a gain of 677 members—since 2015.
“We are showing what’s possible when unions commit to an organization-wide organizing effort,” said AFGE Membership and Organization Director David Cann (not pictured). “Folks are out there doing exciting stuff at every level of the union, and the results are in the numbers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/14/2022 - 11:03I Drove the President's Motorcade in New Mexico
Mark Strand is the assistant business manager of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 611 and president of the Central New Mexico Labor Council.
I was asked to be part of President Joe Biden’s motorcade during his most recent visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was a great honor to drive in the motorcade of the current president of the United States.
President Biden is a strong supporter of unions that fight for workers’ rights, better working conditions and a living wage for workers. Biden flew to Albuquerque to show support for our current governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. Our governor has improved New Mexico by passing laws that give every worker in the state sick leave, our teachers a much-needed raise and law enforcement funding for recruitment to help fight crime. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Mayor Tim Keller were also a part of this great event to welcome the president to Albuquerque.
Unions are an important part of my life. I did not earn a college degree, yet was able to support my wife and our three children with the help of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Unions prevent corporate greed and give workers a voice. I never imagined being asked to be a part of such a monumental event, which I will remember for the rest of my life. Without great leaders like President Joe Biden and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers would not be able to protect the working class, ensure the rights that were fought for and be there for future generations.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/14/2022 - 10:35National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Charles Smith
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Charles Smith, cemetery specialist and member of AFSCME Local 904.
Charles Smith is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and works as a cemetary specialist at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island. His father, a veteran of three wars, is among those buried in the 125-acre cemetery. Smith leads the effort to erect the cemetery’s first monument to Native American veterans.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/11/2022 - 12:14National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman, a stage manager and member of Actors’ Equity Association (Equity).
Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman is an equity stage manager currently working on Broadway and a delegate of Actors’ Equity Association’s 2022 National Convention. He was one of over a hundred delegates discussing issues important to his fellow members and helping shape the future of the union. Anaya-Gorman is also on the Production: Broadway and Sit-Downs negotiating team, which is currently at the bargaining table.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/10/2022 - 11:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Illinois Labor Movement Wins Workers’ Rights Amendment
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.
One of the most important ballot proposals in this election was in Illinois, where right-wing politicians have been trying to chip away at our right to organize. Voters, driven by a positive and effective campaign from Illinois’ union members, have responded in huge numbers to pass the Workers’ Rights Amendment. This amendment to the Illinois Constitution will protect the right to organize so that more workers in the state have the opportunity to join together in a union. Illinois is now the fourth state to enshrine the right to collective bargaining in its constitution.
“History was made with the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment,” celebrated Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea (UFCW; not pictured). “This would not have been possible without the strong solidarity of a statewide labor movement that came together in unison to protect the rights of our hardworking families.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/10/2022 - 10:51Thank You
To everyone who voted, canvassed, phone banked and organized: Thank you. We showed how far the labor movement will go to protect our freedom. And guess what? You haven’t seen anything yet.
There’s no such thing as an off-year election. That’s why we drove calls, phonebanked, collected signatures and knocked on doors, having conversations with millions of union members across the country.
And your hard work paid off—across the country, we won races for working people, often against steep odds. So we should take a moment to celebrate.
But protecting our freedom isn’t something we do every four years. It’s just what we do.
And our work doesn’t stop at city halls, state capitols, the halls of Congress or even the White House.
We stop when we run out of people to organize.
We pledge to continue fighting and organizing. Are you with us?
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:18Every Vote Counts: 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:
Congratulations to John Fetterman who won his U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania! pic.twitter.com/2bgpCxbub8
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) November 9, 2022AFGE:
Working families in Illinois won last night! #1u
With the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment, every Illinois citizen is guaranteed a fundamental right to organize their workplace and bargain collectively with their coworkers for better pay and safe workplaces. ✊ https://t.co/fUJrdXdLGb
AFSCME:
"Last night working people chose this progress over political extremists hellbent on taking away our rights and freedoms. In other words, gas prices are temporary; authoritarianism is forever."
Read President Saunders' statement on #Midterms2022: https://t.co/cADvmypLcl
Alliance for Retired Americans:
There are still some races that haven't been called yet, but that's okay. Democracy is worth the wait. #EveryVoteCounts pic.twitter.com/Fy7VhvSNdw
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) November 9, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
Congratulations to Wisconsin Governor @GovEvers on his re-election. The ATU looks forward to working with Governor Evers to better the lives of transit workers and all working families across Wisconsin. #ATUStongerTogether pic.twitter.com/b7eJLmnq5g
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 9, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
📣 AFT President @rweingarten issued the following statement on the emerging results of the 2022 midterm elections #AFTvotes https://t.co/DnOfLqB7so
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 9, 2022American Postal Workers Union:
Great news to see a friend of postal workers reelected. https://t.co/gq8iJeNMRl
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) November 9, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Flight Attendants: Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a hurricane, but its impacts including prolonged coastal flooding, beach erosion, strong winds, high surf, heavy rain and tornadoes will impact other parts of the US. https://t.co/9PTuN9L3hC
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 9, 2022Boilermakers:
It's a special day for L-191 (Victoria, British Columbia) Boilermaker member Horst von Selz, who turns 100 years old! 🎉🎂
Happy Birthday, Brother von Selz!!
Read more about his long service and contribution to L-191: https://t.co/YBwf2oGb0G#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/osXBDSfbDS
Communications Workers of America:
Congratulations to @GovTimWalz for winning reelection in Minnesota! Shout out to the CWA members who helped turn out the vote. pic.twitter.com/oAekTgKsPp
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 9, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
Next week, join us for the release of the results of our survey of non-union professionals on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10:30am ET/7:30am PT. RSVP here: https://t.co/iBU0o1d3MD pic.twitter.com/hOIlGYOfqu
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 9, 2022Electrical Workers:
Congratulations to Brother Sylvester Taylor on being named as a Department of Labor apprenticeship ambassador. https://t.co/QJfcaJJpst #IBEW
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 9, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on the @AWFUnionPodcast and urged building owners to take advantage of a federal tax credit and lower their energy bills by installing Mechanical Insulation. Discover more: https://t.co/H3jDJHNO3J pic.twitter.com/pgUJwS6y9s
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) November 8, 2022Jobs With Justice:
🚨BIG news. New study from @COJWJ shows #gigeconomy companies like #Uber, #Lyft, and #DoorDash are straight up lying about how much workers make.
Check the 🧵below
And read the 📰: https://t.co/Z700Ehl1N5 https://t.co/mxH2dOjfbW
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
The Labor Council of Latin America Advancement congratulates @SoniaRuthLuna on her historic win! She is the FIRST Latina to sit on Manassas city council. Read our statement: https://t.co/h2hv3jsD5K pic.twitter.com/ZMvaIH7oRl
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) November 9, 2022Machinists:
We are so proud that Machinists Union members from coast to coast joined millions of Americans to make their voices heard at a critical time for our democracy.
A statement from IAM International President @IAMBobMartinez: https://t.co/0LbA5ZngkV
Metal Trades Department:
CPWR is looking for your input on how to improve PPE for tradeswomen. https://t.co/yLAN0WuUqz
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 8, 2022Mine Workers:
We invite @JoeBiden to come to WV, western PA, southwest VA or eastern KY to see for himself the damage that has already been done to coal-reliant families and communities. Perhaps then we can all have a clear understanding of the importance of the jobs that are left. pic.twitter.com/vaEGI9X0fF
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 7, 2022Musical Artists:
Sign the Petition! Reinstate the English National Opera's ACE Funding Immediately: https://t.co/7O2RGoVTLa #1u pic.twitter.com/eTpbhxXNgU
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 8, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
There is just one day left to register for NATCA’s first annual ATX. Sign-up closes tomorrow, Nov. 10! Register now for the event, which will take place Dec. 12-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.https://t.co/qxgVrxsEE3 pic.twitter.com/aFNwd8VDBo
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 9, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
Schedule your NALC High Option Plan – Aetna Medicare Advantage webinar today. Visit https://t.co/rgUN8u4z5u to register for a session or view an on-demand video. Available to NALC Health Benefit reps, current annuitants, or those who want to learn more. https://t.co/m8QutRVtHf pic.twitter.com/mIjl0s92WB
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) November 9, 2022National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Organizing and actual conversations with actual voters is powerful! Our team in Northern Virginia made 14,518 calls and knocked on 13,661 doors to make sure that Latinas in Prince William County had accurate and reliable information about this year's elections. pic.twitter.com/4kEDUB1uqD
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 9, 2022National Nurses United:
.@JoshShapiroPA will be the next Governor of Pennsylvania!
Congratulations to the people of PA on an amazing victory. Shapiro will be an excellent representative to lead the state forward.✊ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QDTlrUyhYE
NFL Players Association:
ICYMI: @DalvinTomlinson is our #CommunityMVP this week after he hosted some special #SKOL fans. It was a way to honor his mother who always told him, "Be a blessing to others while you can."
🔗: https://t.co/drH63aJmat pic.twitter.com/1aIqyTVNBx
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“As funding from the infrastructure act starts to flow and work ramps up, so will job openings for construction workers.” One way to fill the gap is to “start apprenticeships at lower ages, such as for high school students...”https://t.co/zhOLeGMXVu
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 9, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@RWDSU is thrilled to congratulate Governor @KathyHochul! We look forward to working with all the pro-union candidates who won their elections in the fight for worker justice. We're sending solidarity to pro-worker candidates still awaiting final election results in many races! pic.twitter.com/cl1RQDqdbd
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 9, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Prevent falls from ladders. Download the NIOSH Ladder Safety app and use the angle measuring tool to set your ladder at the proper angle. https://t.co/OJc3s7NaxR #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/1OqG9er1ei
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 9, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Guess how many times the Micro-Budget Project Agreement has been used since December 2020, and then listen to this clip from SAG-AFTRA National Director, Entertainment Contracts Jessica Johnson.
Learn more about the agreement on the SAG-AFTRA podcast! https://t.co/K6El5MDduH pic.twitter.com/HbYwXCphby
Seafarers:
COP27: Shipping decarbonisation action plan launched to upskill global seafaring workforce https://t.co/eZksPHyaw6
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 9, 2022Solidarity Center:
#Publicsector #workers in #SouthAfrica are preparing to #strike as #wage negotiations between government and public sector #unions reached an impasse after #workers rejected a 3% increase and demanded a 6.5% rise instead.https://t.co/WtyEGduKdv
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 9, 2022Union Veterans Council:
Congrats to @unionveterans @ChrisForPA! https://t.co/Qlo5wz2LxV
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) November 9, 2022UNITE HERE:
BREAKING: Over 1,200 UNITE HERE canvassers in NV, AZ, PA, GA to knock on 2.7 million doors in largest labor field operation in the country
Full statement: https://t.co/iBPDuEr00y pic.twitter.com/kauDni6sVf
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#UFCWVictory ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏽✊🏾
Over 80 health care workers at Cape Regional Physicians Associates banded together across 13 locations in Cape May, NJ, joined @ufcwlocal152 for better working conditions.
Learn more: https://t.co/LQBawlTOMU pic.twitter.com/OCBmMVlD3U
United Steelworkers:
We've got a tentative deal with @U_S_Steel! More: https://t.co/KrbQrF5AAy #EverybodysUnion #1u
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) November 8, 2022Utility Workers:
Recent inflation rates have made predicting cost of living increases more challenging. Limited re-opener language like in the new UWUA Local 582 contract can leave the door open for future adjustments ✊https://t.co/DbeKRPcdDi
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 9, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:03Vote! In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
STOP - IMPORTANT VOTING ANNOUNCEMENT🗳️
Before walking into the voting booth, visit our 2022 Union Voter Guide to see what candidates will actually stand up for working families in Juneau and DC! #1u #UnionStrong #akelect https://t.co/7inFRtctbt
Arizona AFL-CIO:
As Americans, we cherish our ability to influence the direction of our country through the right to vote. It’s a freedom that must never be compromised. The #polls are now open until 7 pm. Be sure to #vote to protect #workers rights! #electionday2022 #1u pic.twitter.com/9N2DF661gf
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 8, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
If you haven’t voted, the time is now! Support candidates who will protect California’s workers.
See our full 2022 election resources here, including search-by-region recommendations: https://t.co/UWJXpCFjfY pic.twitter.com/NMeUe4V6av
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Happy Tuesday! ❤️
Make sure to drop your ballot off BEFORE 7:00 pm tonight.
🗳 Find a location here: https://t.co/aLjTgm4z15
💪🏽 Endorsements: https://t.co/7NYk4y8quP pic.twitter.com/65YDKdwcvS
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Polls are now open until 8 PM! Get out and vote!
Remember:
→ If you're in line by 8 PM, you can vote
→ CT offers same day voter registration
→ Your polling location may have changed. Check it here: https://t.co/S1xZPkoIgK https://t.co/ecXs8HLZT6
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
You're invited to come watch the election numbers roll in. Join the GA AFL-CIO and Partners as we enjoy some food fun and drinks 😀#1u #unionstrong #unionproud #gapol #Atlanta #georgia #party #vote pic.twitter.com/OV0l37sO2W
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) November 6, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
Our kids are asking for a fair and equitable workplace when they grow up.
Let's give them that gift by enshrining the right to collectively bargain and organize in our state constitution.
When you head to the polls today, #voteyesforworkersrights at the top of your ballot. pic.twitter.com/vw5J82jVut
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Vote. pic.twitter.com/WkBJ9ZmbFQ
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Get Out to Vote! https://t.co/YcEdA9Gl6I
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Great column by @IBEW 567 apprentice Kilton Webb! #mpeolitics @ME_LaborClimate https://t.co/EgFcVHKgG2
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 7, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Today is the day! Vote with confidence for the UNION endorsed candidates. Vote for @iamwesmoore, @BrookeELierman, @BrownforMD, @ChrisVanHollen, and the entire union ticket! Here is your list of Federal and State endorsed candidates in Maryland and DC:https://t.co/oCFbZYMtiP
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 8, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Polls are open. VOTE! #mapoli
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) November 8, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
No voter should be turned away for any reason. If you experience problems or delays at the polls, please call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683 #MIVoting #WeVoteMI pic.twitter.com/IuJ2dk5UTq
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
It's Election Day! Visit https://t.co/ThIUk2ipaU to find your Labor-endorsed candidates and make your plan to vote. Make sure you are in line to vote by 8:00pm! #1u #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/Nnc0BvnTNV
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
November 8 is the LAST day to #vote!
It’s critical that we vote for pro-#labor candidates like Senator @CortezMasto & Governor @SteveSisolak who will fight for #Nevada’s working families!
Visit https://t.co/y3mpK2H6HG to find your nearest polling location. pic.twitter.com/xouyy3Qjnx
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Our labor walks are a demonstration of solidarity and strength. On Saturday, more than 1200 union members came together and volunteered to educate, engage, and empower fellow union members about the stakes in this election by visiting our brothers and sisters at their homes. pic.twitter.com/F9YqDTtYX4
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 7, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
#ElectionDay is TODAY! If you haven’t voted yet, make sure you get to the polls! Find your polling location and see our endorsements: https://t.co/7jp9atoli8 pic.twitter.com/LQ5ZSBOfXB
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 8, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Elections matter. This first-of-its-kind agreement in the U.S. was made possible only because voters in 2020 decided to elect a pro-worker President who chose to make this a priority. https://t.co/1ov7PujHMQ #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 7, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
It’s time we have elected leaders that want to inspire us with joy and happiness rather then instill fear and hatred. Thanks for running a campaign of inclusion, not exclusion, @TimRyan. pic.twitter.com/YzeTDyMZMX
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Don’t let anti-worker candidates take us backward. We can count on these labor champions to move us forward.
See the full list of union-endorsed candidates here: https://t.co/8ipWSXOq15#orpol pic.twitter.com/MuOkp1jin5
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Today is the day! Union members have been working to help #GOTV for all of our endorsed candidates! Make sure you go #VOTE before 8pm today! 🗳 #1U #PowerToThePeople #UnionStrong #YourVoteMatters #Fetterman #Shapiro
Find your polling place here: https://t.co/iTpuGaR9Xb pic.twitter.com/6OF6IbtYeo
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Election Day is this Tuesday. Make a plan to vote so it doesn’t pass you by!
Be sure not to skip the Amendment section, and Vote NO on Amendment 1. Here’s why:#1u #Labor2022 #NoOn1 pic.twitter.com/HLfMv5k0YH
Texas AFL-CIO:
Today is the LAST day of voting & the LAST chance to elect pro-labor candidates! Check out https://t.co/In9PIvT8cx for polling location info and more. #ElectionDay #VoteUnion #TexasVotes pic.twitter.com/IDsYidirFu
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Washington‼️ We have until 8pm to drop ballots off at our local drop box. Not registered to vote or lost your ballot? You can still vote in-person at your county election office until 8pm today. Find a list of drop boxes and election offices ➡️ https://t.co/vCLADCwEof #WAelex #1u https://t.co/lIxUmokra1
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
You can register to vote today at the polls with proof of residence.
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 8, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 14:00The Final Push: 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.
In Philadelphia, Organized Labor Is Making a Final Push as Democrats Try to Win Back Working-Class Voters: “On Saturday morning, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union conglomerate in the country, rallied in South Philadelphia with gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro and a bevy of local elected officials who spoke to 150 workers preparing to knock on doors through the city. ‘All these important labor leaders, national people, are coming into Pennsylvania because this race is the race,’ Shuler said, pointing to the Senate campaign. ‘And you all are the most important people that will make this victory happen.’”
Nearly 50,000 University of California Workers Could Go on Strike This Month: “Tens of thousands of academic workers across the University of California system voted to authorize a potential strike, threatening to throw a wrench in the operations of 10 major universities across the state and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents some 48,000 postdocs, teacher’s assistants, academic student employees and student researchers across four bargaining units, called for a strike vote last month alleging unfair labor practices.”
Empowering the Women Who Build Nations: “Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the largest gathering of tradeswomen in the world. At this year’s Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, organized by North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), more than 3,000 women in the building and construction trades gathered in Las Vegas to discuss how to empower each other and address the unique issues they face.”
More Wisconsin Workers Are Organizing. How Much Leverage Do They Have?: “First introduced in 2019, the PRO Act will likely remain stalled unless enough Senate seats flip in November to allow Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and pass the legislation with a simple majority. That’s exactly what AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and her 12.5 million-member union umbrella organization hope to do. ‘We're gonna send Ron Johnson packing!’ Shuler told the roaring crowd gathered at the Madison Concourse Hotel for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention in September. ‘And we’re gonna send Mandela Barnes, who…knows what a union difference makes, to Washington, D.C.!’”
AFL-CIO Bashes Federal Reserve Over Rate Hike: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Wednesday criticized the Federal Reserve for issuing another interest rate hike, warning that the move will have a ‘direct and harmful impact’ on working families. The labor leader’s remarks come after Fed officials raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point, the sixth rate hike since the Fed ramped up its efforts to slow the economy and tame inflation in March. ‘The Fed seems determined to raise interest rates, though it openly admits those rates could ruin our current economy as unemployment remains low and people are able to find jobs,’ Shuler said in a statement.”
Food Prices Soar, and So Do Companies’ Profits: “For years, food companies and restaurants generally raised prices in small, incremental steps, worried that big increases would frighten consumers and send them looking for cheaper options. But over the last year, as wages increased and the cost of the raw ingredients used to make treats like cookies, chips, sodas and the materials to package them soared, food companies and restaurants started passing along those expenses to customers. But amid growing concerns that the economy could be headed for a recession, some food companies and restaurants are continuing to raise prices even if their own inflation-driven costs have been covered. Critics say the moves are all about increasing profits, not covering expenses.”
They Offer Free Orientation for People Interested in Obtaining Citizenship in the United States: “Texas AFL-CIO Immigration Policy and Programs Coordinator Jesus Perales appeared today on Univision to discuss a free Citizenship Clinic scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, along with Citizenship Forums ahead of the event that prepare eligible U.S. residents for the event. The Citizenship Clinic offers assistance filling out the complex citizenship application form, free legal advice from volunteer immigration attorneys, and materials to help applicants prepare for the citizenship exam that leads to naturalization. The Texas AFL-CIO is proud to work with affiliates, Central Labor Councils and allies on this program.”
Minneapolis Parks Workers to Strike as Early as November 8: “Today, A.J. Lange, Business Manager of the City Employees’ Union LIUNA Local 363, announced that more than 200 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) employees intend to walk off the job on November 8 after issuing a 10-day notice to strike. ‘We have exhausted all options to avoid taking this action. Minneapolis Park employees take pride in providing the community with welcoming, clean, and enjoyable public spaces,’ said Lange. ‘In the midst of a pandemic and civil unrest, we continue to work despite being understaffed and overworked. We are the reason the Minneapolis park system consistently ranks in the top five across the country.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 13:54Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Text VOTE to 235246 to Find Polling Location
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 AFL-CIO has set up a new tool to help members find their polling location.
Text VOTE to 235246 and receive a text message that asks for your full address. Once you send your address, you will receive another text message with your polling location. It’s that simple!
Be sure to tell our members about this quick and easy way to find their polling location on Election Day. Union members can also visit aflciovote.org for more voting information and resources.
Please note that the texting tool does not work for voters who are registered in Alabama.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 09:31National Native American Heritage Month Profiles
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people.
Here are the profiles we've already featured throughout the month:
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/07/2022 - 16:13
