Service + Solidarity Spotlight: BCTGM Members on Strike Against Corn Nuts
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.
Forty members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 85 have gone on strike at the Corn Nuts plant in Fresno, California. Workers who make the beloved snack food say that management is unilaterally changing their health care coverage by increasing deductions from workers’ paychecks, increasing deductibles and increasing maximum out-of-pocket expenses.
“We are on strike at Corn Nuts because the company is not bargaining in good faith,” said Local 85 Financial Secretary Jerry Gil. “The company is reluctant to reach an agreement, is surface bargaining and changing the terms and conditions of the workers’ medical plan without notifying the employees or bargaining with the union before making these drastic changes.”
Here’s how you can support the workers on strike:
- Join the picket line or drop off food, drinks and supplies at 4343 E Florence Ave., Fresno, CA.
- Email letters of encouragement directly to the strikeline organizer, Jerry Gil, so he can share them with workers: Jerry@BakersUnion85.com.
- Spread the word on social media by following BCTGM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and use the hashtag #CornNutsStrike in your posts.
Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Kari Cecil of SMART-TD
At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (TTD) President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they've faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today's story comes from Kari Cecil, who works as a conductor in Galesburg, Illinois. She is a member of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Transportation Division.
Cecil said: “As a conductor, I work anywhere from 12 to 20 hours a day. I have no set schedule—and I work the weekends and holidays. I am at the mercy of the railroad. We are only supposed to work 12 hours, but management seems to forget that.
“The BNSF Hi-Viz attendance policy is the most egregious attendance policy we have seen. It allows no time off without penalty. It doesn’t allow us to spend time with our families or to make appointments for our own health and safety. Our last attendance policy was manageable, where we could spend some time with family, make some appointments, and pick and choose what we missed.
“Now, we just miss everything.
“Management has made it quite clear that they believe we are expendable. However, their profits are on our backs. We are out there working egregious schedules while they continue to stay home, make their appointments, and spend their time with their families."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO’s Labor 2022 Website Goes Live
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.
Freedom to vote, freedom to join a union, freedom to access lifesaving health care, freedom to earn a living wage and so much more is on the ballot this November. The only way for us to protect our freedoms is to vote, and the only way to elect pro-labor candidates is to mobilize and engage our members in this election.
To help our members make the most of the Labor 2022 campaign, the AFL-CIO has launched a new election website: aflciovote.org. At this site, members can learn more about the labor movement’s priorities, check our voter registration status and submit the member issues survey. And be sure to keep an eye on the website as we add information about candidates and ballot initiatives that we’re fighting for this year.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/18/2022 - 09:41Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Rodney Neatrour of IAM
At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (TTD) President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they've faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today's story comes from Rodney Neatrour, a locomotive mechanic who works for Norfolk Southern in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Machinists (IAM) and a District Lodge 19 executive board member.
Neatrour said: "I'm coming up on 17 years as a locomotive mechanic on the railroad. I’ve been a proud Machinist the entire time.
“The locomotive shop I work at has experienced severe furloughs. As late as 2015, the shop employed 1,100 workers. That number has since dropped to less than 400 workers. I was furloughed during the 2009 economic downturn. When I got called back from that furlough, there was never a thought that I wouldn’t retire from this job. But the furloughs are completely different now. They don’t make any sense.
“I purchased a home and I have bills—a mortgage, car payment, things like that. About a year and a half ago, given the nature of the furloughs and how deep the railroads were cutting, I actually took on a second job at that time so I would have an avenue of escape if the furloughs hit me.
“After 16 years, I should not have to worry if my career is safe when the railroads have made $146 billion in profit since 2015.
“When I was hired, the railroad was one of the best jobs you could have. But now I can tell you with 100% certainty that there is not one person at my location that is satisfied with their pay, benefits, or their security in their job. Everyone has some trepidation regarding those three things.
“What would you do if you got laid off? There are people that have more service time than me—20 years or more. It’s a scary time for all railroaders. If the railroads value us as much as they claim, they’ll treat us fairly with this contract.”
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IUOE Local 501 Demands Answers on Resorts World’s Ties to China Following Company’s Attempt to Bust Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
This month, Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 501 appealed to Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak to intervene as the union is pursuing its organizing campaign at Resorts World Las Vegas. The union alerted the governor that the casino’s parent company has close ties to Chinese state-owned enterprises—a cause for concern given a recent report of the communist government’s willingness to influence Nevada’s gaming licenses for “malign foreign policy purposes.” In its letter to Sisolak, Local 501 called for state regulators to review the parent company’s relationship with Chinese companies.
In April, the National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against Resorts World Las Vegas, alleging that company management committed numerous violations of federal labor law in its effort to prevent more than 100 facilities maintenance workers and gaming technicians from forming a union with Local 501.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/17/2022 - 10:00Unions Give People an Opportunity: 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.
Union Nurses Announce Strike Vote as Negotiations with 15 Hospitals Stall: “Unionized nurses at 15 hospitals across the Twin Cities and the Duluth area will vote on Monday on whether to authorize a strike, as negotiations remain stalled over staffing levels and wages. A vote to strike wouldn’t lead to nurses immediately walking off the job but would allow the Minnesota Nurses Association to call some 15,000 away from bedsides to picket lines for any duration with 10 days notice. ‘We don’t take this lightly,’ said Mary Turner, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association and an intensive care nurse at North Memorial Health Hospital.”
MetroAccess Workers Reach Tentative Union Agreement with Private Contractor, End Strike: “Workers who run some of Metro’s paratransit service have reached a tentative agreement with a private contractor, ending a nine-day strike. The over 200 MetroAccess workers walked off the job on August 1, after negotiations for a new three-year contract with employer Transdev stalled. The main sticking points were wages—workers said the company was offering less than what similar workers in Baltimore currently make—and the company’s original unwillingness to sign on to a three-year contract, workers say. The employees perform a range of MetroAccess functions, working in utilities, maintenance, dispatch, and supervisory roles. They are expected to ratify the tentative agreement soon, according to Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 organizers. The agreement came after workers rallied and attended a contract negotiation en masse. ‘Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. They braved the heat and the company’s tactics to try and divide us,’ said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson, in a statement announcing the tentative agreement. ‘This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice.’”
IUOE Local 150 Wins Big After Seven Week Strike: “After walking the picket lines for seven weeks, 300 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 voted unanimously to adopt their new contract. Among the contract improvements IUOE members won from their strike are a minimum wage increase of 16% throughout the life of the three year contract, stronger layoff language, stronger seniority language, and 100% employer paid healthcare. The contract victory was achieved through immense struggle and unwavering solidarity between IUOE members, the local labor movement and the broader Chicago community. On June 7, 300 IUOE members walked off the job to protest unresolved Unfair Labor Practices that the union filed against the three employers it was bargaining with—Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials and Lafarge Holcim.”
Disney Unions Negotiate New Contract as Workers Share Financial Struggles: “Unite Here 737 held the event that was attended by Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, a union-endorsed candidate running for re-election, who said she was there to listen and pledged to help. The local represents about 18,000 hospitality workers at Disney World, the Orange County Convention Center and a few other hotels and restaurants.”
Workers Strike at Medicare, ACA Call Centers: “Federally contracted call center workers who provide customer service for Medicare and Affordable Care Act health plans went on strike on Monday over poor working conditions, including insufficient sick leave and limited bathroom breaks. Employees of Maximus, the nation's largest federal call center contractor, held a two-hour picket and a day-long strike Monday at four locations: Bogalusa, Louisiana; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Chester, Virginia; and London, Kentucky. Workers partnered with the AFL-CIO and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) to negotiate with Maximus.”
Knights, Queens and Strippers Are Helping Fuel the Spike in U.S. Unionizing Efforts: “Christian Sweeney, deputy director at the AFL-CIO, says it's notable that more white-collar professions—like the museum curators and video-game developers—are forming unions. And the Starbucks and Amazon efforts show employees aren't just organizing at workplaces that pay the least, but also at leading companies. ‘What a union does is give people an opportunity...to come together, to negotiate with management, to have some say over wages, benefits, working conditions,’ Sweeney said. ‘There's really nothing that can replace that.’”
SAG-AFTRA’s Board Overwhelmingly Approves New Netflix Contract, Which Fran Drescher Calls “A Darn Good Deal”: “SAG-AFTRA’s national board has voted overwhelmingly to approve a new three-year contract with Netflix. The contract now goes to the guild’s membership for ratification. ‘We got a darn good deal,’ said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, who chaired the guild’s negotiating committee. ‘We advanced significant improvements to exclusivity terms, allowing actors with short pickups to have more freedom to work other jobs and ensuring shorter hold periods between pickups.’”
Amtrak Rewarded Executives with Six-Figure Bonuses as Rail Service Struggled: “Amtrak’s top executives received six-figure incentive bonuses in 2021, their biggest payouts in years, despite the service’s lackluster financial performance and weak ridership caused by the pandemic, according to data obtained by the New York Times. John Samuelsen, the president of the Transport Workers Union, whose members include nearly 1,500 service workers, mechanics and inspectors at Amtrak, said he was disgusted by the payouts. ‘They gave themselves nice fat bonuses off the backs of workers that were exposed to harm’s way,’ he said. ‘It just underscores the reason why there should be worker representatives on the Amtrak board.’”
Despite a Strong Jobs Report, Unemployment Inched Higher for Black Workers in July: “The U.S. job market posted strong growth and a decline in unemployment in July, but unemployment ticked higher among Black workers, further underscoring the ongoing discrepancies within the job market. The continuation of strong job growth from last month among women indicates that the gain may be more than ‘just a blip,’ said William Spriggs, chief economist to the AFL-CIO.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/16/2022 - 15:06Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Mike Gage of IBEW
At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (TTD) President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they've faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today's story comes from Mike Gage, a diesel electrician who works for Union Pacific. He is a member of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) and serves as president of Local 1920 in North Platte, Nebraska. Gage said:
“I have been a diesel electrician for 17 years. In 2016, we had 309 workers on the roster at my location and now we’re down to 191. Those of us who were lucky enough to avoid being furloughed by the companies are still dealing with the fallout from being short-staffed. There’s always an excess of work for those of us who are left.
“In my location, there were 60 people furloughed by December 2020, so it’s not pandemic related. It’s related to the precision scheduled railroading business model. Because of a certain agreement in one of our contracts in 1987, if someone worked for the railroad for less than three years and they were furloughed more than one year, then the railroad isn’t obligated to call those workers back. Of the 60 who were furloughed, only four came back. Given the way they’re being treated by the companies, a lot of them don't want to come back.
“Seniority matters in this job; the longer you work, the more your seniority earns you better shifts, days off, and holidays. The companies told most of us when we were hired onto the railroad that after 10 years we would have 'paid our dues' and would get part of the weekend off, get to be on day shift, and wouldn’t have to worry about holidays. But now there are workers with 15 years or more seniority who are still working third shift or second shift, if they’re lucky. It’s the same with holidays. There are workers with over 20 years of experience who are working holidays because of the worker shortage created by the companies. After 17 years on the job, my days off are on Monday and Tuesday, and thankfully I work the day shift.
“The companies don’t seem to think we sacrifice anything by working this way, but we really do.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/16/2022 - 13:01Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey State AFL-CIO Hosts 26th Annual Labor Candidates School
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 New Jersey State AFL-CIO hosted its 26th annual Labor Candidates School over the weekend, featuring a graduating class of 24 union members running for office as first-time candidates. Many alumni also chose to attend for a refresher course, as the Labor Candidates School provides training in the most up-to-date campaign techniques, which continue to evolve at a rapid pace.
“The Labor Candidates Program is the cornerstone of our labor movement’s political power in New Jersey,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE). “The Labor Candidates School is a critical element of the program because it gives our candidates the skills they need to win. By electing union members to office, we elevate leaders that share the values of solidarity and deliver results for all working families.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/16/2022 - 10:06Freight Railroad Worker Stories: Reece Murtagh of IAM
At a recent virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (TTD) President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they've faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today's story is about Reece Murtagh, a roadway mechanic who works for CSX. He's a member of the Machinists (IAM) and lives in Richmond, Virginia. Roadway mechanics repair and rebuild heavy equipment used to maintain and rebuild the tracks.
Murtagh has a wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 9, and currently serves as a representative of his peers at IAM Local 696. Additionally, he serves his community on the executive board of the Parent-Teacher Association at his daughters’ elementary school, where he recently initiated a community garden project in which he built several raised-bed vegetable gardens for schoolwide use.
From 2018 to 2021, Murtagh worked as a system production traveling mechanic, traveling throughout the entire CSX rail network in all 26 states east of the Mississippi River. Murtagh said:
“System production traveling mechanics are gone all week. We're only home on the weekends. And depending on how far you have to travel, that might mean you're only home one day a week. You travel on your personal time, and you do not get paid an hourly rate. Instead, there's a travel allowance that caps out at $300 for each trip. So if you have a long drive, say 13 or 14 hours, that means you're paid almost a minimum wage to travel on your personal time.
“The $300 travel allowance has not changed since 1992. While the travel allowance is not on the table right now in our current negotiations for a new national contract, CSX could come to the table at any time and fix this unethical policy.
“The conditions we work in also affect us a great deal. We work 14- to 16-hour days. We're out in all weather conditions. We have tool bags on our backs while we're walking up and down the tracks. We're fixing stuff all day long. It's hard on our bodies, and we're just never home. It's a hard life for a bunch of hard workers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/15/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Enter the Unions Power America Sweepstakes; $75,000 in Prizes
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 Union Plus Labor Day campaign has launched its second phase, the Unions Power America Sweepstakes! The sweepstakes will run through Aug. 29 and award a total of $75,000.
Members can enter the sweepstakes at UnionPlus.org/LaborDay to be eligible to win either the $50,000 Grand Prize or one of 25 $1,000 prizes. Once entered, they will get the chance to immediately earn bonus entries by completing fun online activities.
Share promotional materials with members about the sweepstakes, available in the Union Plus Digital Toolkit, and the sweepstakes video: Unions Power America Sweepstakes Launch.
We’re excited to honor more hardworking union members and to announce the winners on Labor Day.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/15/2022 - 09:38Railroad Industry Worker Stories: Justin Ratcliffe of BRS
At a recent Virtual Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (TTD) President Greg Regan introduced a group of workers who explained the challenges they've faced in their three-year fight for a new contract with U.S. freight railroad companies:
Since 2015, seven major railroad companies made $146 billion in net profits off the backs of these workers. That’s the most money they’ve ever made in the history of railroading—even more than the Gilded Era railroad robber barons. During this same time period, the companies eliminated 45,000 jobs from the industry. Instead of recognizing the value of these workers, the companies have enacted massive job cuts and offered the remaining workers a net pay cut and worse health care benefits than they have now. This is unacceptable.In the coming days, the AFL-CIO will share the stories of those workers. Check back here every day for more.
Today's story comes from Justin Ratcliffe, a signal maintainer and member of the Railroad Signalmen (BRS) in Decatur, Alabama. Signal maintainers are responsible for the inspection, testing and troubleshooting of wayside signal systems, positive train control systems, and highway grade crossing systems, and sometimes the construction and installation as well. Ratcliffe said:
“I've been on the job for 24 years. I’m a fourth generation railroader. My dad retired as a general supervisor for the signal department. It's sickening to me what the company has done to the employees.
“The railroad line that I work on goes from Memphis, Tennessee to Stevenson, Alabama. Due to the job cuts, all maintainers' territories have gotten bigger. That means more equipment and miles for signal employees to have to cover. Bigger territories and less people have led to traveling further and more frequent interruptions outside regular working hours.
I live in Alabama, which is the Eastern part of this railroad line segment. My first 17 or 18 years, I never had to take a work call in Mississippi or Tennessee. Since the job cuts, I've been several times. I'm an early riser, so usually on a Saturday morning I'm awake at 4 or 5 a.m. I've had work calls come in at 7 p.m. and had to travel to Memphis, Tennessee. That's a four-hour minimum drive in a company truck. I can work eight hours when I get there and drive four hours back home. That's 30 hours without sleep.
"Over a 20-year career of not having a regular sleep cycle, I'm sure you can imagine the constant state of fatigue that goes with it."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/12/2022 - 12:27Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UVC Celebrates PACT Act Signing, Commits to Help Veterans Receive Support
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 Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, (UVC) applauded President Biden on Wednesday for signing the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, a historic law to expand health care coverage for military veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service. After it was temporarily filibustered by a minority of anti-worker senators two weeks ago, the UVC made a nationwide appeal to its members and some 1,300 union veterans called their senators to demand that they pass the bill immediately.
This legislation has been a major priority for the UVC since it was formed in 2009. The Honoring Our PACT Act will have an enormous impact on America’s veterans by finally providing them the health care they deserve after suffering for years or decades from diseases that resulted from their exposure to toxic chemicals. The UVC said it will work in the coming months to ensure all union veterans, both active and retired, understand these benefits and how to navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive the support they have earned.
Visit VA.gov/PACT to learn more about how this new law helps veterans and their families.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/12/2022 - 09:53Every Worker Deserves a Union: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
2022 Endorsed Candidates https://t.co/Ae7Cc3exfY #1U #Solidarity
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 5, 2022Alaska AFL-CIO:
Are you in the market for a good-paying UNION JOB here in Alaska? Check out these recent listings, including two from our brothers and sisters at @ASEALocal52! https://t.co/dysgpATzx1
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 9, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
"The union vote passed 45-31." Congratulations to the first unionized Trader Joe's! https://t.co/2O7fvGHhUg
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Are you a AAA Auto Club member who wants to #UnionizeCalifornia ?
You can support @teamsters665 in the current AAA Board of Directors elections by using the link below
⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/gAgI2peXgy
[+]
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
This Saturday- come through! RSVP here. #Labor2022 #1u https://t.co/JFHQtGHrpk pic.twitter.com/a6pVQRabND
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 9, 2022Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Every worker deserves a union. https://t.co/9Fbiyeg3ok
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 9, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
The Union Veterans Council Celebrates Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 Signed into Law https://t.co/foFmkCEA5D
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 10, 2022Kansas AFL-CIO:
Are you Union & a Kansas Voter? Take a look, this is cool beans. https://t.co/FGmnhrXshm Voter Registration, Important Dates, Your Ballot and more!
— Kansas AFL-CIO (@KansasAFLCIO) July 22, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Thank you @GovJanetMills & the Legislature for fully funding municipal revenue sharing after former Gov. LePage gutted the program to pay for his tax cuts for the rich!
Read more here: https://t.co/y9CPZYyv7p #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/3kQAEH11xn
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Scream it from the rooftops: #UnionStrong https://t.co/UABHjlHuLa
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) August 11, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Great morning out supporting @ShannonForAG! #1u #mapoli pic.twitter.com/2RP74H6Y9e
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) August 10, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
The primary is done and #Labor2022 is gearing up. We’re kicking things off on Monday and hitting the phones (doorknocking starts after Labor Day). RSVP now! https://t.co/jKNE8XKtT9
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 11, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
Another reason that #RightToWork is always wrong. It is good for greedy CEOs but bad for working families. https://t.co/uNvEYT3kjp
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 11, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
We stand in solidarity with the Black Iron Rodbusters in their fight for a #UNION CONTRACT!
Joining a union is the best decision you can make for you and your families. A union contract means:
✅ Higher pay
✅ Stronger health & pension benefits
✅ Safer working conditions pic.twitter.com/MuEX1RlAph
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Get your tickets TODAY! They are going fast...https://t.co/Y3abE46Jbv @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAUP @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 11, 2022New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
This is one of the many reasons having a union in your workplace is so important!
Wage theft happens way too often and standing together makes it easier to reclaim them!@AFLCIO https://t.co/Lf9W5GMpid
New York State AFL-CIO:
Some photos from this week's Race and Economy Training at @LIFEDofLABOR! Union members are attending these trainings all over New York, send us a message if you'd like to schedule one. pic.twitter.com/akxcMA4bjl
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 10, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Meet Margaret Summers, @NATCA member living in Raleigh. "I want people to know that you never stop being a part of the union! Mine gave me the opportunity to live a good life, and I want to use my passion to return the favor in retirement." https://t.co/3zS7FMCH7F #1u @aflcio pic.twitter.com/LKLMJXjpBL
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 5, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks to the @AFSCME members in southeast #Ohio who loaded a trailer of necessities to take to Kentucky for those in need after the devastating floods. This is what #Solidarity looks like. pic.twitter.com/jJIIYQbPYK
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 11, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
No thanks to Betsy Johnson: retirement savings accounts for all Oregonians. #UnionStrong #orleg #orpol pic.twitter.com/lQfDv4oANw
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 10, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
#PowerToThePeople #UnionStrong #UnionProud #PAAFLCIO #AFLCIO #Union #1U #BetterPayandBenefits Learn more: https://t.co/PSZyPMXxYF pic.twitter.com/9iOULJJ775
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 10, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Great article highlighting the fantastic pre-apprenticeship program at @goapprenticeRI
Union apprenticeships set folks up for fulfilling and family-sustaining careers in the trades ✊💪 #1u https://t.co/Fvx6LBOtqn via @projo
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Senator @SaraforTN is spot-on. “Right to Work” IS a false slogan that destroys the power and freedom of collective bargaining. Without unions, millions of workers would not have been lifted out of poverty and provided healthcare through their jobs. Vote “NO” on Amendment 1! #1u pic.twitter.com/8WmEAG4MrC
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) August 11, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Can we send you a gift? Contribute to our Member Education Fund and we'll send you some #UnionDrip! #1u https://t.co/7kmFMe8xuN https://t.co/HIf8kupbnj pic.twitter.com/Cm2FwezNpo
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 11, 2022Virginia AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Richmond City workers for their victory in gaining collective bargaining rights. A voice on the job & a seat at the table = quality services for all of Richmond. 🔗 https://t.co/qE7T9qT3k3 pic.twitter.com/IHgL5RByHT
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 26, 2022West Virginia AFL-CIO:
A statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword regarding the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. #wvpol https://t.co/DFS199g9HG
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) July 29, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 11, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/11/2022 - 11:55Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Rallies Union Members at Canvass Kickoff in Las Vegas
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.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond was in Las Vegas, where he rallied workers at an election canvass kickoff on Tuesday. He also met with leaders of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, took a tour of Culinary Union-UNITE HERE Local 226’s training facility and visited with workers on the job.
“Nevada is a key battleground state this election, with solid pro-labor candidates running in tight races up and down the ballot. I’m very proud to see what union members are doing in Las Vegas—and around the country—to drive the union message outward,” Redmond said. “It’s amazing to see: Worker strength is growing by the day at our workplaces and in our communities. We need to keep it up because what we’re doing is delivering big results.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/11/2022 - 09:50The Inflation Reduction Act Is a Victory for Working People
On Sunday, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act. There will be a House vote on this bill Friday, and it is expected to pass. Then it goes to President Biden for his signature. Once the process is completed, the legislation will represent a significant victory for working families.
About the act, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said:
The effects of this legislation will improve the lives of millions of Americans struggling to afford health care, seniors trying to pay for their prescriptions and future generations who will be able to see the impacts of drastically reduced carbon emissions.
Specifically, the act will:
Allow for the negotiation of lower drug prices for seniors: Medicare will begin negotiating lower drug prices for seniors and people with disabilities. Drug price negotiation will focus on the highest expenditure drugs that have been on the market for nine to 13 years. Negotiation also will save the Medicare program $99 billion, which will bolster the program financially.
Create inflation caps for Medicare prescription drugs: The bill caps increases in prescription drug prices for Medicare recipients to the rate of inflation, putting a much-needed limit on how much manufacturers can raise costs for people who rely on prescriptions to manage their health.
Improve Medicare prescription benefits: Seniors’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D will be capped at $2,000 a year, benefiting 1.4 million enrollees annually. In addition, cost sharing for vaccines will be reduced to $0. This cap will take an incredible weight off of the shoulders of older adults who are often living on a fixed income.
Prevent a premium spike for ACA enrollees: The bill prevents premium increases for 13 million people for the next three years by extending the enhanced premium tax credits for people with marketplace Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. The enhanced credits provided by the American Rescue Plan Act significantly reduce premiums for marketplace enrollees with low and middle incomes and cap premiums at 8.5% of income for all enrollees; without this new bill, the policy will expire at the end of 2022.
Invest $80 billion in IRS to strengthen enforcement: This is expected to increase collections by $203 billion and will not increase taxes on those with taxable incomes below $400,000.
Impose a 15% minimum corporate tax on corporations with profits exceeding $1 billion: This is expected to raise $222 billion.
Reduce climate pollution by 40%: Keeping President Biden’s promise to make the United States a global leader in the fight against climate change. These incentives will spur the economic transformation we need to address the climate crisis, make clean energy more accessible and affordable, and direct investments to underserved communities.
Provide tens of billions in energy investment and production tax credits for a wide range of clean sources of energy and energy storage, with strong wage and apprenticeship conditions and new domestic content incentives that can reshape clean energy deployment.
Include tens of billions in manufacturing tax credits to grow U.S. manufacturing of solar, wind, battery components and critical minerals production, and investments to retool and expand manufacturing plants to build clean energy and vehicles, and to upgrade and transform industrial facilities.
Support electric vehicle purchases by the postal service, and other major government investments to create domestic markets for made-in-America clean products.
Make major investments in communities and environmental justice, including innovative transportation investments, while additional provisions encourage clean energy and manufacturing reinvestment in energy and automotive, communities where jobs have been lost, and in disadvantaged communities.
Fund the Department of Energy to make hundreds of billions of dollars of loans to upgrade energy and grid infrastructure and to support innovative energy technology projects.
Enact clean energy tax incentives with prevailing wage, apprenticeship, and domestic content requirements that will create good-paying jobs in construction and manufacturing right here in the United States.
Create jobs and economic growth concentrated in clean energy. Analysis by AFL-CIO’s Labor Energy Partnership found the bill will add nearly 1.5 million jobs, increase per capita personal income by nearly $4,000, all while transforming our economy to meet the climate crisis.
Shuler added, “While this bill represents an incredible step forward, we know the fight for climate and economic justice is not over.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/10/2022 - 10:45Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CHIPS Act Includes Critical ‘Worker Voice’ Provisions
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 CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law today by President Biden, not only boosts domestic manufacturing jobs in critical technology sectors but also mandates for the first time that unions and our members be at the table as the federal government invests billions in innovation research and economic development.
“The science title of this bill boosts critical research funding for the National Science Foundation and other agencies, and directs the foundation to incorporate labor organizations into its ‘programmatic work’ as stakeholders,” said Amanda Ballantyne, the director of the AFL-CIO Technology Institute. “With these changes in law, we will see a different paradigm emerge in the federal research enterprise—one that invites workers and unions into the innovation process and incentivizes federal grant applicants to collaborate with labor and workforce training organizations.”
The Technology Institute, launched in 2021 as a recommendation of the AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, is a hub for development of new strategies, including policy reforms around technology and the future of work. The institute has advocated for a change in how the federal government directs research and economic development investments, Ballantyne said, “with a focus on securing unions as official stakeholders, enhancing good job creation requirements, and using these federal programs to advance critical racial and economic justice objectives.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/10/2022 - 09:21Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Late Night Comedian Jimmy Fallon Meets UAW Members at Ford Electric Vehicle Plant
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.
Comedian Jimmy Fallon stopped by the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday afternoon to hang out with UAW members who build the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck. The host of “The Tonight Show,” who has poked fun at the F-150’s “frunk” (or front trunk), was given a tour of the facility. While there, Fallon spent time with the UAW members who make the electric pickups, and even took a test drive.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/09/2022 - 09:52Fulfilling Our Promise to Veterans: 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.
New Jersey State AFL-CIO Hails Passage of Bill to Expand Benefits to Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits: “The New Jersey State AFL-CIO today hailed the US Senate for passing legislation, known as the PACT Act, designed to expand medical benefits for veterans exposed to toxic ‘burn pits.’ Burn pits are used in the military to dispose of materiel, trash, and other refuse for waste management and to prevent useful items from falling into enemy hands. Burning these materials creates toxins which have been linked to various life threatening and debilitating diseases among veterans. Over 5.5 million veterans are thought to have been exposed to burn pits. Specifically, the PACT Act builds upon the Agent Orange Act of 1991, by expanding presumptions and increased medical care related to Agent Orange exposure to veterans exposed to burn pits.”
Boeing Workers Ratify 3-Year Contract, Averting Strike: “Unionized Boeing workers at three St. Louis-area factories voted in favor of the company’s latest contract offer Wednesday, averting a strike that threatened to paralyze the company’s output of crucial military hardware. A strike by roughly 2,500 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 would have commenced at midnight had the vote gone against the three-year proposal. ‘At the end of the day, that is what the impending strike was about. Congratulations to IAM District 837 members for standing strong in achieving an agreement that is more fair and just,’ Steve Galloway, who is Midwest territory general vice president at IAM.”
SAG-AFTRA and Netflix Reach Tentative Deal on New Contract: “SAG-AFTRA and Netflix have reached a tentative deal on a new contract to replace the novel agreement they penned in 2019. The performers’ union announced the tentative deal—which will now go to the union’s National Board and, later, to members for approval—on Tuesday. The National Board will next meet and discuss the agreement on August 8. No other details were available about the pact at this time. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Netflix for comment.”
Utility Line Workers Compete at Lineman Rodeo: “The annual Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo, which was held July 23, is sponsored by IBEW Locals 125, 659 and 77 together with PGE, Pacificorp, and Clark County PUD. It tests utility line workers for speed, safety and trade skills, and raises money for the Oregon Burn Center. This year’s fundraising results weren’t final at press time, but last year’s raised $50,000. All told, 21 three-member teams of journeymen, 58 apprentices, and even seven pre-apprentices competed. Challenges included a relay event, a pole climb with a raw egg, a written test, and a ‘hurt man rescue’ in which a mannikin simulating an injured and unconscious coworker is brought safely to ground.”
Booming U.S. Cannabis Industry Seen as Fertile Ground for Union Expansion: “As cannabis legalization has spread throughout the U.S., workers in the now booming new industry are pushing to unionize, seeking to ensure the sector provides good-paying union jobs with benefits throughout its supply chain. Adult recreational marijuana use was legalized in New Jersey in February 2021, and the law included agreements to protect workers’ union organizing efforts. The UFCW represents a majority of workers in the cannabis industry in the state.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/08/2022 - 09:56Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Power America Sweepstakes Launching Aug. 10, With $50,000 Grand Prize
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 Unions Power America Labor Day Campaign is about to enter a new phase—Union Plus is wrapping up the contest on Monday, Aug. 8, and launching the sweepstakes on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The sweepstakes, which will run through Aug. 29, has a grand prize of $50,000.
The sweepstakes is very easy to enter and includes options to complete extra activities in order to earn more entries.
In total, the contest and sweepstakes combined will award $185,000 in cash prizes to hardworking union members. All winners will be announced on Labor Day.
Visit UnionPlus.org/LaborDay to learn more or enter the sweepstakes starting Aug. 10, and get promotional materials from the Union Plus Digital Toolkit.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/08/2022 - 09:39Economy Gains 528,000 Jobs in July; Unemployment Down to 3.5%
The U.S. economy gained 528,000 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate edged down to 3.5%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continuing strong job creation numbers are a clear sign that the worker-friendly policies implemented by President Biden are having a positive impact on working people. We are now back to the prepandemic unemployment rate and level of job numbers in a record time for a recovery.
In response to the July job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted the following:
The top-line report of year-over-year wage growth of 5.2% is misleading for wage growth direction. Minimum wage hikes makes it misleading. Leisure & Hospitality (with lots of minimum wage earners) was up 8.4% since last July, but earnings have been flat at near $17.74 since May pic.twitter.com/wSkPOjfzAr
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
Job gains were robust in all industries, with continued recovery in the lowest wage (going down on the chart) Leisure & Hospitality, to the biggest gainer (going right on the chart) the average wage (the horizontal line at $32.27/hour) Education & Health Services. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/mxWwMgFfxD
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
Black men's recovery in labor force participation has stalled, and they dropped in employment and rose in unemployment, their rate rose 5.3 to 5.7%. Black women improved participation, employment and unemployment, their rate fell 5.6 to 5.3%. Making this more mixed news. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
The She-cession continues to be a She-covery, with 327,000 of the 528,000 payroll gains going to women. Over the year, women have made relative gains in Construction, Durable goods manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation & warehousing and utilities. Good for wage equality. pic.twitter.com/dQEzubmIcu
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
While private payroll has made a full recovery, employment is still down for local government education sector employees, 8.06 million in March 2020 to 7.77 million in July, so the gain from June to July of 27,400 was welcome. We need more public investment. @AFTunion @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
It is important to monitor wage growth over the shorter run (than year-over-year) because of the minimum wage effecting over 26 states making year-over-year confusing for market driven wage pressures. The @federalreserve is trying to slow a horse that is not galloping. https://t.co/a8lyk2B3KM
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022
The slow down in job openings, despite a good growth in payroll shows how turbulent the labor market is when it comes to actual job matching. Today's #JobsReport decline in Black male labor force participation suggests the intensity of employer's to hire may be waning. https://t.co/7JiP5SQGMJ
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 5, 2022Last month’s biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+96,000), professional and business services (+89,000), health care (+70,000), government (+57,000), construction (+32,000), manufacturing (+30,000), social assistance (+27,000), retail trade (+22,000), transportation and warehousing (+21,000), information (+13,000), financial activities (+13,000) and mining (+7,000). Employment showed little change over the month in wholesale trade and other services.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult women (3.1%) and White Americans (3.1%) declined. The jobless rates for teenagers (11.5%), Black Americans (6%), Hispanics (3.9%), adult men (3.2%) and Asian Americans (2.6%) showed little or no change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) decreased in July and accounted for 18.9% of the total unemployed.
While year-over-year wage gains were higher than last month’s, the trend in wage growth is stabilizing, although far below the rate of inflation.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/05/2022 - 11:33
