Black History Month Profiles
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Check out the members we've featured this year:
- Shamaiah Turner
- Kayleen Williams
- Vonda Wilkins
- Lisa Dawn Cave
- Beverly Williams
- Keturah Johnson
- Brittani Murray
- Jarel Sanders
- Javonta Gatson
- James Allrich
- Sheria Smith
- Faye Brooks
- Timothy A. Williams
- Jerry T. Jordan
- Quenell Jones
- Erika White
- Sylvia McKenzie
- Myia Brown
- Chey Smith
- Willie E. Haywood
- Linda Powell
- Lisa Shelton
- Shereese Slate
Tags: Black History Month
A Terrible Idea: 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.
Fairfax Connector Suspends Bus Service as Workers Go on Strike: “Fairfax Connector workers have launched a strike after months of negotiations for a new labor contract with Transdev, the company that operates Fairfax County’s bus service. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, which represents about 638 bus operators and mechanics for Fairfax Connector, announced the strike just after midnight Thursday. Workers began hitting picket lines at garages in Herndon, Lorton and on West Ox Road in the Fairfax area at 2 a.m. In a news release, the union said there remains ‘a vast divide’ between its demands and Transdev’s, and a strike became ‘unavoidable’ after 12 bargaining sessions due to ‘Transdev’s unfair labor practices and regressive bargaining.’”
Another Major Hollywood Union, the IATSE, Is Heading Into Studio Negotiations. Here's What To Know: “IATSE represents more than 150,000 below-the-line entertainment workers, from costume designers to motion picture editors. About 60,000 workers are affected by the two contracts coming up for negotiation. In 2021, IATSE threatened to go on strike, producing an overwhelming 98% authorization vote (with a whopping 90% turnout). But the worst was averted with an October agreement. This time around, the talks come on the heels of last year’s historic WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.”
Southwest Airlines Reaches Tentative Agreement with Transport Workers Union: “Southwest Airlines has reached a tentative agreement with a local unit of the Transport Workers Union that represents nearly 18,000 operations, provisioning, ramp and cargo agents, the company said on Thursday. The carrier did not provide any details about the agreement signed with TWU 555, which will communicate details of the deal directly to its members.”
Major Strikes in 2023 Set 20-Year Record, Labor Department Says: “American workers led 33 major strikes in 2023, the most in more than two decades, the Labor Department reported Wednesday, as a booming labor market fueled a strong year of activity for unions. In total, 458,900 workers participated in major strikes, defined as involving 1,000 or more workers, according to the Labor Department. That’s more than three times the number of strikes in 2022, according to the agency’s data, which excludes a lot of strikes at smaller workplaces.”
Vanderbilt Graduate Students Push for Official Campus Union: “Vanderbilt University graduate students have collected hundreds of union authorization cards from colleagues, leaders say—a major step in winning official recognition from the school before the end of the year. Late last year, campus organizers officially associated with the United Auto Workers, which claims more than 400,000 active union members, in hopes of unionizing an estimated 2,200 graduate student workers.”
Atlantic Theater Workers Vote to Join IATSE: “178 crewmembers of the Atlantic Theatre Company have voted in favor of joining The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). This makes them the first group to unionize with IATSE in a major non-profit theater off-Broadway. Two weeks ago, workers at the off-Broadway musical ‘Titanique’ voted unanimously in favor of IATSE representation.”
UChicago Medicine Nurses Vote Authorize Strike as Negotiations Continue: “Nurses at UChicago Medicine gave union leaders the green light to call a strike. This comes as they continue to negotiate with management. Tuesday's 97% strike vote allowed union leaders to call a one-day strike over what they say are understaffing and patient safety concerns. No actual strike has been announced.”
Barnes & Noble on Manhattan's Upper West Side Files for Union Election: “Workers at the Barnes & Noble on West 82nd St. in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board on February 20. Workers are seeking representation with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). This marks the third unionization effort launched at a Barnes & Noble location in New York City in the past year. The move is only the latest in a series of labor efforts across many sectors of the book business in recent years, but especially in bookselling. In that sector, the RWDSU has been a big player, including leading successful organizing efforts at McNally Jackson and Greenlight Bookstore.”
Faith Leaders Call Out Racial Disparities in Pay for Sky Harbor Workers: “Public pressure is mounting on the city of Phoenix to address complaints against the company it uses to manage concessions at Sky Harbor International Airport as workers raise concerns about racial inequities in pay, discriminatory discipline and unsanitary conditions. Religious leaders sent a letter to Phoenix City Council on Thursday asking for officials to investigate allegations of racial disparities by airport contractor SSP America. The letter, signed by a diverse coalition of 31 clergy members from across the Valley, was received by Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari during a press conference across the street from Phoenix City Hall. Workers and labor organizers from the Unite Here Local 11 joined the religious leaders at the media event.”
Sixteen Months on Strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “Bob Batz, Jr., thought it would end quickly. ‘It's kind of cute now, that we thought getting into last December [2022] and January was a long time,’ Batz said. ‘Little did we know. [We said] ‘Oh, it’s Christmas and we're still on strike. We can't believe it.’’ Batz is one of 31 Newspaper Guild workers striking the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, owned by the family company Block Communications, Inc. Journalists at the Post-Gazette have been on strike since October 2022—making this strike the longest of the digital age—along with four other units: mailers, advertising workers, and Teamster truck drivers and pressmen.”
Unions Launch Crash Drive Against GOP Commission to Cut Social Security: “The AFL-CIO will play a big role in the fight, as it did, one speaker said, when it led the successful assault on GOP President George W. Bush’s 2005 plan to privatize Social Security, thus turning over its billions of dollars in annual revenue—taken from workers’ payroll taxes—to wolves of Wall Street. Federation President Liz Shuler called Johnson’s commission scheme ‘a terrible idea.’ Though she could not attend the press conference, Shuler added the Republican commission’s cuts ‘would push older Americans into poverty, take away people’s health care and end up costing the government more.’”
U.S. Unions Target the Housing Affordability Crisis as Their ‘Biggest Issue’: “As housing has become a top issue in strikes and protests in recent months, U.S. unions are pushing for change and backing innovative solutions for the housing affordability crisis. With U.S. house prices and rents rising in recent years, and high interest rates and inflation taking their toll, housing affordability has become a major issue at the bargaining table for U.S. labor unions. Many workers are facing 60-, 90-, even 120-minute commutes to work because they cannot afford to live near their jobs.”
Nonunion Restaurants Along the Vegas Strip are Fueling a Campaign to Organize Them: “For all the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip—home of the Bellagio’s fountain and several faux Wonders of the World—one of Vegas’ true wonders often goes unremarked: It is a union town, with 60,000 hospitality and restaurant workers represented by the Culinary Workers Union. But as the city has come back after the pandemic, hosting this year’s Super Bowl and swing-state campaign workers, that wonder is showing signs of stress. Nonunion restaurants have crept onto the Strip over the last decade, and the union estimates that today there are 10,000 nonunion jobs. ‘It’s a huge problem for us,’ said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union, also known as UNITE HERE Local 26. Local 26 last summer took on one of organized labor’s monumental tasks: protecting and expanding union strongholds. The task is simple and immense. Immense, because it requires organizing those 10,000 workers across dozens of workplaces in an industry notoriously difficult to unionize. Simple, because so many nonunion workers now labor inside the same complexes where unions are already present.”
ABC6 Workers Announce Union Campaign: “Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts workers at local news station ABC6 are launching union organizing efforts, according to two employees with the unit’s organizing committee. The workers, who want to join the Communications Workers of America’s broadcast arm, The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET), say they are calling for a union because of their concerns about understaffing, low and unequal wages, and outdated equipment. They also say their leadership may be empowering amateur community members to replace the jobs of their photographers in exchange for gift cards. On Friday would-be union members presented their leadership with a petition explaining their reasons for desiring to form a union, and, simultaneously, filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:36Black History Month Profiles: Shereese Slate
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Shereese Slate of IATSE.
Shereese Slate’s passion for hair and beauty started at the early age of six years old. The Detroit native has worked on many commercials, music videos, and some television and film sets. In her spare time, Slate educates and speaks to students about their options and opportunities in television and film. "As a kid, I often would dream of seeing my name in lights. That dream finally came true in 2002 when I saw my name in the film credits for the first time. This was one of my proudest moments and it brought tears to my eyes."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:19Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cannabis Workers in New Jersey Continue to Join UFCW Local 152
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the Design 710 cannabis dispensary in Atlantic City, New Jersey, joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152. The five workers, who are employed as budtenders, formed a union by majority card-check. Local 152 plans to meet with these workers to begin the process of obtaining a first union contract. Over the past year, cannabis workers in New Jersey have been joining Local 152 across the state, including workers at The Botanist in Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic City, MPX/iAnthus grow facility in Pleasantville, MPX/iAnthus dispensary in Atlantic City, and Columbia Care Cannabist facility in Vineland.
“We are excited about representing workers from this growing industry for the purpose of collective bargaining,” said UFCW Local 152 President Brian String. “Together, we can make jobs in the cannabis industry a career choice for many individuals. We will strive to give our newest members the best representation in the entire labor movement.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:09Black History Month Profiles: Lisa Shelton
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Lisa Shelton of AFSCME.
For Lisa Shelton, public service is a family affair. Her husband is a retired corrections officer, and they met through AFSCME Local 159. Their daughter followed in their footsteps, serving as a corrections officer until she began a career in health care. Shelton is grateful for the opportunities she's had to make a difference in her community through her career, and she continues to pay it forward by organizing community fundraising and coat drives with her local.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:19Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Friends of Youth Staff Join Together with OPEIU
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at Friends of Youth voted overwhelmingly for representation with Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 8. The group of 125 youth specialists, case managers, therapists, on-call staff, coordinators, administrative staff, facilities and other classifications in Seattle are devoted to providing youth and families with critical services, including shelter, supportive housing, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, housing navigation support, safe place and street outreach, and behavioral health services. They are seeking to ensure greater equity and transparency, and to have the ability to participate more fully in decisions that impact the community they serve.
“I am excited for this new opportunity to work collaboratively with our senior and executive leaders in a way my co-workers have never been allowed to before,” said Eric Tilton, youth specialist. “The staff at Friends of Youth hold so much knowledge about the needs of the youth we serve because of how closely we work with our clients. I am excited for us to finally be able to use that knowledge to advocate for better working conditions for ourselves, as well as better services for our clients.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:02Black History Month Profiles: Linda Powell
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda Powell of SAG-AFTRA.
As vice chair of SAG-AFTRA’s TV/Theatrical negotiating committee, Linda Powell played an integral role in the union’s recent strike and subsequent contract ratification. A national board member since 2012, her election in October to executive vice president makes her the first African American person to serve in the union's top tier of leadership. Powell also serves as a trustee of the SAG-AFTRA health and pension plans and chair of the board of advisers to the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York, and she is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association (Equity).
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/25/2024 - 10:17Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Willie E. Haywood
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Willie E. Haywood of AFGE.
Willie E. Haywood Jr. is a Navy veteran who began his work as an AFGE lifetime advocate at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center, where he held various positions within AFGE Local 31. He retired from the VA Medical Center in 2006 and continued his position and dedicated duties as the 6th District president of AFGE National VA Council 262 until May 2023. He always had the passion and will to fight for bargaining unit employees, and he had the honor of being a part of the midterm bargaining committee at the national level. Haywood always volunteers during election season with phone banking and post card writing. He is always willing to join in informational pickets in support of union causes.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/24/2024 - 10:10Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profile: Chey Smith
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Today's profile is Chey Smith, an organizer with the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) who worked on the passage of a community-benefits agreement in St. Pete.
Audrey Edmonds Fri, 02/23/2024 - 13:28Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Myia Brown
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Today's profile is Myia Brown of the Art Institute of Chicago Workers United (AICWU) who was part of AICWU's first bargaining team as they bargained their first contract.
Audrey Edmonds Fri, 02/23/2024 - 13:16Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Sylvia McKenzie
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Sylvia McKenzie of the Office & Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Sylvia McKenzie is an OPEIU Local 30 steward at Kaiser Permanente, where she works as a health unit coordinator. Reflecting on what Black History Month means to her, she said, “We need to recognize what we as a people have been through. Instead of being against each other, we need to help each other.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/23/2024 - 10:10Tags: Black History Month
Vote Labor: 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
“I’ve taught for seven years, and my retirement wouldn’t even last me, like, a few months,” said Hughes, 28. “So I know that my time here is going to have to come to an end at some point, probably sooner than later.” #akleg #PensionsForPublicService https://t.co/6jfktXeKbq
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Up and down the entire state, hundreds of union members showed up and showed out for Labor endorsed candidates this weekend. From the frontlines of the picket to the front door of voters, Labor leads the way! 🗳️✊#VOTELABOR pic.twitter.com/IDMRJegYyQ
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) February 12, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@NelpNews Senior Researcher Amy Traub testifying in support of #UIforStrikingWorkers: "This legislation is consistent with the long-standing core purposes of the unemployment insurance program and would have powerful benefits for workers, families, and communities across CT." pic.twitter.com/hmSOmlgSVU
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Each week during legislative session, a new group of union members across the state come to Tallahassee to lobby our state legislators on issues that matter to working class Floridians.
Ladies and gentlemen, this week's Working Families Lobby Corps! ✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/b8CT1u1lhp
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🚌 From breakfast to the Capitol, we've got Feb 22 planned. Stand against S.B. 362 with us. Register now: [Link in bio] #MarchWithUs #OpposeSB362 #Georgia #Atlanta #georgialabor #joinus #yourvoiceisneeded pic.twitter.com/NSAcLOdrUw
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) February 21, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Shateveon Goforth is an @IBEW Local 51 draftsperson.
She credits her union with helping her family enter the middle class and knows that the training and union benefits will continue to benefit her and her colleagues for years to come.#BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/OhWaAX5IMi
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Moving commentary here about what really happens when child labor regulations are rolled back. We should be doing everything we can to protect any young person who works, not loosening the rules to benefit solely their employers. https://t.co/WvbQB6wpLz
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) February 13, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to our new Union Construction Academy of Maine Graduates! #UnionsBuildMaine pic.twitter.com/40x5qs9qIn
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 15, 2024
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
"Men and women working in Maryland’s work zones are more than just a number. They are parents, siblings, friends and so much more, and they should be able to return home safely after a day’s work." https://t.co/fUXPVDWX92
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) February 16, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Don't miss WILD in the Winter 2024 - Women's Poverty: Global and Local Connections
🕐Saturday, March 9th from 9:30AM-3:00PM
📍 108 Myrtle St., Quincy, MA 02171
Register at https://t.co/IOErllL54i pic.twitter.com/F5mYRM4Vh1
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 20, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
“This moment has been decades in the making,” declared Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber. “By standing up and taking their power back, workers have made it clear Michigan is and always will be the beating heart of the modern American labor movement.”https://t.co/HrRvBhL8V8
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 18, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
This Union Wants Meatpacking Companies to Foot the Bill for Child Labor Prevention https://t.co/pkBCzyj4vY (via @workdaymagazine) #1u @UFCW663
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
#Unions stepped up, spoke out, and won countless contracts in 2023 thanks to #Workers standing in #Solidarity on the picket lines! #1u #UnionStrong #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/MUNF4BZkET
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:
Sign the petition today: https://t.co/dfPhdUCXO6
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) February 21, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Senator Rosen’s support & pro-labor advocacy will ensure that we can continue to work together to empower workers, and build stronger communities. We thank her for joining us for a round table discussion, and many thanks to IBEW 401 for sharing their hall! pic.twitter.com/H6cSbvvFFU
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
This is what #Solidarity looks like. “Right-to-Work” has no place in the Granite State.#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/Rx0khFyAPs
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Staffing shortages in the public sector are at crisis levels because Tier 6 has become an impediment to recruitment and retention. Ask your legislators to fix the Tier 6 public pension system in the 2024-25 State Budget: https://t.co/xvZVUIsAtG
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Early voting for NC's March 5th primary has begun! Union voters can find a list of candidates running with the union label at https://t.co/vpylYBaFWZ. Together we can make sure the best, most pro-labor candidates make it to the general election! #1u #ncpol @CWAUnion pic.twitter.com/I91GtdpSY6
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 15, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Urgent Action Needed: Tell the Burgum Administration to Prioritize ND’s Hungry Kids! https://t.co/OmgrURAFyA
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) February 22, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
#Solidarity forever! https://t.co/3jJnlO5zb3
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 14, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Nurses are still on strike and are picketing until 7:00pm on Friday, February 23 in Springfield.
Join them and send a clear message to management that #OregonLabor holds the line and stands in unwavering solidarity with @OregonNurses. 🪧✊🏽📢https://t.co/m5a3nOlTlf pic.twitter.com/thlm2OBjom
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
According to a 2014 report by the Economic Policy Institute, workers lose over $50bn a year to wage theft from employers. #PowerToThePeople #YearOfTheWorkerhttps://t.co/jFkyD63KuM
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 22, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
“The IRA provisions are going to make sure that that transition doesn't exploit this new group of workers just because of who they are and what they look like,” Crowley said.https://t.co/9wAyEWcmoh
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) February 15, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Welcome to Texas labor, @satxnewsguild ✊
Solidarity & good luck as you seek recognition! https://t.co/Atefy4ohj1
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 21, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
🚨RALLY FOR STRIKING WORKERS‼️
Join labor and community for a rally on the Capitol steps in Olympia as we call on our legislators to stand with working people and pass UI for striking workers, HB 1893.
Weds, Feb 28 @ 12pm. RSVP ⬇️ https://t.co/gbEwBgptee #waleg pic.twitter.com/JlyaCt5Ai4
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 20, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
The future of Charleston's mail processing plant remains uncertain!! APWU Local 133 held an informational picket Tuesday at the Charleston Main Post Office in advance of tonight’s public meeting. Join the fight tonight to keep YOUR mail in West Virginia! pic.twitter.com/b4xYqxid9M
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) February 14, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Editorial | Michigan revoked its anti-union laws; Wisconsin should too https://t.co/PuVpELcPmg via @CapTimes
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 22, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/22/2024 - 12:00Black History Month Profiles: Erika White
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Erika White of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Erika White proudly serves as the president of CWA Local 4319. She represents the hardworking and dedicated union members at the University of Toledo, AT&T, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Allen County Children Services, Allen County Child Support and Johnson Controls. White serves on the CWA National Executive Board as the Diversity Board at-large member for the central region and vice president of the Greater Northwest Ohio AFL-CIO. She was elected as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:22Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Atlantic Theater Workers Vote to Join IATSE
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The 178 crew members of the Atlantic Theater Company voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), becoming the first group to form a union with IATSE at a major nonprofit theater off-Broadway. The workers include crew members in carpentry, electrics, scenic, props, audio, video, hair and makeup, and wardrobe.
“This is a monumental step forward towards improving pay, conditions, and stability for freelance theatre workers in New York City and across the country,” said Stage Carpenter Michael Stevens. “I’m immensely grateful to my fellow workers for supporting the effort to unionize the Atlantic, as well as to the organizing committee for our shared, tireless commitment to this campaign. We look forward to bargaining for the benefits—such as healthcare—that we all deserve!”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:06Labor Unions Build the Middle Class: 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.
Labor Leaders Condemn GOP Fiscal Commission as Anti-Worker 'Power Grab': “A coalition of U.S. labor leaders spoke out forcefully on Thursday against the Republican-led push for a ‘fiscal commission,’ denouncing the proposal as an attack on Social Security, Medicare, and other programs that tens of millions of current and retired workers depend on to meet basic needs. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement that a fiscal commission is a ‘terrible idea that would push older Americans into poverty, take away people's healthcare, and end up costing the government more.’”
Kamala Harris Touts Strength of Labor Unions to Build the Middle Class: “Unions boost pay 10% to 15% for members and improve fringe benefits, bolstering the middle class and economy, a U.S. Department of the Treasury report released Monday said. ‘Union workers make our middle class and our entire economy more strong,’ Vice President Kamala Harris said Monday on a call outlining the administration's efforts to support unions. ‘During this summer of worker strikes and organizing, we're seeing unprecedented public support for unions as a critical pathway to grow the middle class and provide opportunities for working people to thrive,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, told CNBC.”
USW International President David McCall Issues Statement After Cleveland Cliff Facility Goes Idle: “The United Steelworkers (USW) has issued a statement from International President David McCall after Cleveland Cliffs announced an indefinite idling of operations at its Weirton tin plate facility: ‘Weirton Steelworkers can compete with anyone on a level playing field, but the ITC’s recent negative determination continues to leave our markets vulnerable to foreign dumping. The current market for tin mill products has already been decimated by over 50% penetration of illegally dumped foreign tinplate. Now, with the idling of tinplate production in Weirton, unfair trade is one step closer to choking out our domestic industry entirely. The USW will work with Cleveland-Cliffs to provide as many options to our members as possible, as well as continue our fight against the unfair trade practices that continue to cost good, community-sustaining jobs and threaten our economy.’”
Number of Striking U.S. Workers More Than Doubled Last Year, Study Shows: “The number of striking workers in the U.S. more than doubled last year due to massive work stoppages carried out by autoworkers, nurses and Hollywood writers and actors, according to a study released by Cornell University on Thursday. The total number of striking workers climbed 141% in 2023, amounting to nearly 540,000 workers who walked off the job, the report found.”
UFCW Local Leads Fight to Win Washington's Strongest Tenant Protections: “Grocery and retail workers helped win the strongest tenant protections in Washington state last November for the 100,000 renters in the city of Tacoma. First we had to beat the mayor’s and city council’s attempt to bring a competing watered-down ballot measure. And then we had to overcome a vicious and deceptive landlord opposition that smashed all previous political spending records in Tacoma. ‘We’ve created incredible goodwill in the community just as we gear up for a tough contract fight,’ said Michael Whalen, who helped initiate the campaign as a dairy clerk and shop steward at Fred Meyer.”
Here’s Why Thousands of Flight Attendants Are Threatening to Strike: “With a participation rate of roughly 93%, Alaska flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) voted 99.48% in favor of authorizing a strike, amid the flight attendants’ negotiations with Alaska Airlines for a new contract.”
No Matter What Happens Next, Unionizing at ZeniMax Worked: “Not very long ago, I was one of the thousands of video game workers feeling gnawed on by this competitive, volatile industry. It felt like things were quickly becoming unsustainable. But something happened. During this round of layoffs, I felt something in addition to the familiar sadness and dread: I felt empowered. When I first joined ZeniMax in 2022 as a part-time QA contractor, it was immediately apparent that there were cultural and systemic issues in the department and in the industry. The pay was scandalously low, and there were no clear pathways to professional development or promotion.”
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists President: Choice Is Democracy or Dictatorship: “The choice in the 2024 general election is between democracy and dictatorship, not just between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumed Republican nominee Donald Trump, the White House denizen whom Biden beat four years ago. So says Terry Melvin, president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the most outspoken speaker to address the Government Employees (AFGE) Legislative Conference in D.C. on Feb. 12. The key issue for attendees at the legislative conference was a 7.4% pay raise for federal workers in fiscal 2025, which begins October 1. All the speakers, led by union President Everett Kelley, pushed that cause. Delegates planned a Feb. 13 rally plus lobbying on Capitol Hill about that. The outlook for it is murky. ‘It’s getting really impossible to determine what this Congress would do,’ Kelley admitted. ‘Now we’re listening to these little echoes’ of Trump and Trumpite goals. Biden seeks a 5.2% hike.”
New Orleans Nurses Fight for a New Union as Hospitals Merge and Revenues Soar: “Last fall, Tujague and her colleagues had finally had enough of what they described as persistent undersupplying and short-staffing. In October, nurses at University Medical Center filed for a union election. Two months later, on Dec. 9, over 80% voted to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the country’s largest nurses’ union. The election was Louisiana’s largest National Labor Relations Board election in nearly 30 years. With the vote, University Medical Center became Louisiana’s first unionized private-sector hospital. About 4% of Louisiana’s workers are unionized, compared to about 10% nationwide.”
Disneyland's Character Performers Look to Form Union Under Actors' Equity Association: “Workers who bring Disneyland’s beloved characters to life—including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Cinderella—are looking to unionize. Labor organizers announced the campaign Tuesday, saying performers want better safety conditions and scheduling policies to help keep the magic alive for visitors. While most of the more than 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort already have labor unions, about 1,700 performers and character actors do not.”
DreamWorks Animation, Flying Bark Productions Workers Take Steps Toward Unionizing: “The Animation Guild is organizing production workers at DreamWorks Animation and at Flying Bark Productions. The guild (IATSE Local 839) sent a letter to DreamWorks Animation on Feb. 7 and filed for recognition with the National Labor Relations Board on Feb. 9 to represent 162 production workers at the studio.”
Why Workers and Employers Both Need Paid Family Leave: “Workers across the country need the same peace of mind while recovering from surgery or sickness. They need time to care for ill loved ones, bond with infants, or welcome other new family members without risking their jobs or forfeiting the income needed to keep their households afloat. And they need to be empowered to escape domestic violence, ensure family stability during a service member’s deployment, or confront other emergencies without throwing themselves at the mercy of employers.”
Striking Hotel Workers Reach Contract Agreements with 5 More Hotels in Months-Long Fight: “Five more Southern California hotels have reached tentative labor agreements covering about 650 workers, the latest settlements in a months-long strike that at times has been marked by violence. In all, Unite Here Local 11 has signed tentative agreements with 34 out of some 60 properties in Los Angeles and Orange counties initially targeted by intermittent walkouts beginning in July. The union has said it is the largest hotel strike in modern U.S. history, involving some 15,000 cooks, housekeepers, dishwashers, servers, porters and front desk agents.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/21/2024 - 15:16Black History Month Profiles: Quenell Jones
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Quenell Jones of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
In 2019, Quenell Jones was selected as a mentee for the American Society of Cinematographers, a program designed for working professionals with an interest in pursuing a career as a cinematographer. He is the eastern region diversity committee chair and a member of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) National Inclusion Committee. "With a grandmother a part of the teachers union, I had a visual representation of what it meant to be in a union. Being in IATSE, I am able to transform my life in a positive way." He is a New York-based camera operator and has been a proud ICG member for 18 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:35Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UMWA Welcomes Logan County Commission Office Staff as Newest Members
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Mine Workers (UMWA) announced that the workers at the Logan County Commission voted to be represented by the UMWA.
“I want to welcome the newest members of the UMWA and congratulate them for their decision to join our union,” said International President Cecil Roberts. “Their decision places them on a path toward enhanced job security and the fair representation they deserve on the job.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:23Black History Month Profiles: Jerry T. Jordan
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Jerry T. Jordan of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Jerry T. Jordan is president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), AFT Local 3. Jordan received his degree in education and Spanish from Temple University and began teaching high school Spanish and English as a Second Language in the Philadelphia school district. In 1987, he joined PFT as a district staff representative, representing teachers and support staff in 50 schools and school district offices. He was elected legislative representative for PFT’s executive board and, in 1989, was appointed special assistant to the PFT president and was elected general vice president by the members. He was first elected to a four-year term as PFT president in February 2008. He is a vice president of the Philadelphia Central Labor Council and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/20/2024 - 10:31Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Houston Landing Workers Form Union After Editor, Star Reporter Fired
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
An overwhelming majority of workers at the nonprofit publication Houston Landing voted to join The NewsGuild-CWA. The workers were proud to have met and even exceeded company targets for impact, page views and engagement time, among others, just eight months after launch. Management’s shock decision to terminate the Landing’s founding editor-in-chief and sole investigative reporter exposed the lack of protections Landing workers have. Some 75% of eligible workers signed union authorization cards, signaling their desire to form the Houston Landing News Guild.
“We will fight to maintain a workplace culture that reflects our core values of transparency, inclusivity and accountability. We will champion editorial representation at the highest levels of company leadership and decision-making,” the Houston Landing News Guild's mission statement said. “Finally, we will uphold the mission of the Landing: to advance democracy through journalism and improve the lives of all Houstonians one story at a time.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/20/2024 - 10:08Black History Month Profiles: Timothy A. Williams
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Timothy A. Williams of the Heat and Frost Insulators.
Timothy Williams started his career in the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in 1978. He was also a company owner in Virgina. He became a member of HFIU Local 30 when he relocated to the Syracuse, N.Y., area. He was a proud and dedicated member of the local until he retired in May 2019. In December 2019, Williams' services were called upon once again. He was asked to serve the local as an organizer, a position that he still works in to this day. He is currently taking classes to become an MC3 certified instructor, so that he can better help serve the local and its apprentices.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/19/2024 - 10:26
