Strikes Work: 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:
Fred Meyer West Fairbanks is one of the most profitable stores in the company's portfolio, and these workers deserve a raise and benefits.
Stand with these workers and tell Fred Meyer to bargain a fair contract!https://t.co/F55zXxopXY
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Strikes WORK! 🥳✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 https://t.co/dqUO2tWIY1
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 23, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Labor Exchange - Tune In Tonight (1/22) at 6:00 PM on KGNU 88.5FM 1390AM! 📻
Listen here: https://t.co/kHfRxHER02 Don't miss it! After it airs, listen here: https://t.co/pg77DTf9Gj
We're talking about the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School with Joe Maloney & Aspen Cyr pic.twitter.com/HsYmB83V7r
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 22, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Anti-working family lawmakers in Florida are quickly mobilizing to pass devastating legislation that would roll back critical labor protections and put childrens’ lives at risk.
Call your state legislators here: https://t.co/awtxsLQDMl pic.twitter.com/ZFGSMHRCJ2
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Born in Atl. on Jan. 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, where his father served his first pastorate. He was the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King and is only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. pic.twitter.com/k7ZWUXAWqe
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 23, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
On the 51st anniversary of #RoeVWade, a reminder that unions can bargain for reproductive rights.
Visit @AFLCIO for model contract collective bargaining agreement language. pic.twitter.com/jkRLYCtB1R
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Looks like the General Assembly is serious about child labor law rollbacks this session...we CANNOT afford to go backwards! https://t.co/IcOD95hjux
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
USW members at the state’s paper mills have been putting positive pressure on their employers through Senate President Troy Jackson’s legislation, LD 1794, that would place limits on forced overtime in the paper industry!https://t.co/cbQxwJ5GZC #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
One day longer, one day stronger! https://t.co/Ano7oCf58D pic.twitter.com/8EogjIQReL
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 19, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Brainerd Lakes Essential Grocery Store Workers Reject Employer Offers for Second Time at Cub Foods, SuperValu, Super One Foods https://t.co/xUame5AR8J #1u @UFCW663
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Winter months can be hard for many. There is hope. When you connect with the #988Lifeline, there is always someone to talk to. You are not alone. Your #mentalhealth matters. #YouMatter If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat https://t.co/iGsbwE0wNF. pic.twitter.com/qWAvMqEzND
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 21, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy Birthday to pro-labor champion, Assemblyman @ReubenDSilvaNV! 🎉 https://t.co/1jpiIEoJuh
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our @condeunion family who walked out today. Shame on Condé Nast management for bargaining in bad-faith! https://t.co/LEZk0Mc2af
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
When our freedom to thrive and have a voice in our democracy is under attack, we need the courts to have our back. That's why we're proud to endorse Justice Allison Riggs for NC Supreme Court! Learn more at https://t.co/1siWNgL036. @AllisonJRiggs #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/65LIcAGrKl
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Great night with the #dayton-Miami Valley @AFLCIO Labor Council as we trained nearly 40 activists who are ready to collect signatures for the @CitizenMapsOH campaign to finally end #gerrymandering in #ohio pic.twitter.com/T0EMMcyuQq
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 23, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Whenever workers take up picket signs and strike it’s critical we come to their aid to help them win.
Sharing our struggles unites the working class and brings us greater strength. #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/tD2Jvd5Hx4
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Good for unions. Good for District 140. The PA AFL-CIO is proud to support @jimfor140 and encourages all members to vote in the February 13th special election. #District140 #SpecialElection #PAAFLCIO #PowerToThePeople #1u #YearOfTheWorker pic.twitter.com/8MSZozvlLI
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 20, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @RISpeaker Shekarchi, @CortneyNic, Director Alviti and our own Pat Crowley for being recognized as part of the top ten influential list https://t.co/NDZScNAoLj
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 19, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
🚨ACTION ALERT! With funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) potentially running out by April, our @CWAUnion family needs our help. Tell lawmakers to pass the bipartisan ACP Extension Act to support good jobs & keep families connected to high-speed broadband! #1u pic.twitter.com/pdaqKoa6z7
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 23, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
A staggering 633 teachers have resigned from Houston ISD from August to January.
That’s nearly double from the previous school year.
Why? The state-appointed school board & leadership kneecapped teachers’ autonomy in the classroom and created a culture of “fear & intimidation.”
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
🔥🔥 🗣️Say it louder for the people in the back @SenLouiseLucas ‼️ https://t.co/YkywPHNReY
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 19, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Shoutout @senjoenguyen for introducing a bill to allow public employees to sign union cards digitally.
Removing logistical barriers to organizing isn't flashy policy, but it is absolutely essential. Thank you, Senator! #WAleghttps://t.co/VRuN9wicjH pic.twitter.com/V9wDOz9rng
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Take Action to Protect Licensing in Wisconsin https://t.co/jI6h45LboH
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 18, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 11:11Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Politico and E&E News Staffers Win First Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Politico and E&E News reached a tentative agreement for their first-ever union contract and are seeking to form The PEN Guild after 20 months of negotiations. The three-year contract includes higher pay that helps close inequities in the newsroom, layoff protections, enhanced protections against adoption of artificial intelligence and stronger benefits. The more than 270 members of PEN Guild, represented by The NewsGuild-CWA, must still vote to ratify the contract.
“We formed this union because our colleagues were overworked, underpaid and lacked basic protections,” said unit chair Tanya Snyder, a transportation reporter for Politico Pro. “This contract will benefit our journalists and lead to a healthier, stronger newsroom.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 09:57AFL-CIO: Reproductive Rights Are Worker Rights
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision:
Equal access to contraception and reproductive health care, regardless of where someone works or lives, is essential to workers’ fundamental freedoms and economic security. The 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is a solemn reminder that reproductive health care rights are also worker rights.
No one should feel like their doors of opportunity are slammed shut based on their pregnancy status. No one should worry about losing their paycheck or job to travel hundreds of miles to see a doctor. And no one should have their collectively bargained health care benefits infringed upon by laws that criminalize doctors and their patients.
Unions will continue to fight to level the playing field for low-income workers and workers of color who bear the brunt of policies that make it harder to access health care, family and medical leave, universal high-quality child care, food assistance, housing and other critical programs.
The AFL-CIO and its 12.5 million members are poised to vigorously defend our workers’ right to bargain for quality health care and the right to control our own bodies, and we will mobilize like never before ahead of the critical 2024 election to protect all the fundamental freedoms that matter to working people.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:33Union Members Help People: 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.
What's Ahead for the Labor Movement in 2024?: “CNBC's Kate Rogers on the gains workers saw in 2023 as a result of union activity, and what's ahead this year for companies, including Starbucks, on the labor front.”
Schoolhouse Electric Signs First Union Contract with IBEW Local 48: “A unit of about 50 electrical manufacturing workers at Schoolhouse Electric in Portland started 2024 with their first union contract as members of IBEW Local 48. The three-year agreement sets starting wages at $20 an hour, up from $18 an hour. Workers with at least nine months experience immediately received a 3% wage increase or 50 cents per hour pay bump, whichever was higher.”
Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary Su Critiques Corporate Greed: “It’s a presidential election year, and that means Cabinet secretaries often deviate from official duties to laud their presidential bosses, while the secretaries speak out on the hustings. Which is what Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su did on January 12 in addressing the AFL-CIO’s Martin Luther King commemorative conference—but with a difference. She said one aim of President Biden’s pro-union, pro-worker agenda is to combat the corporate greed that particularly has oppressed workers of color. ‘Dr. King preached that we cannot have racial justice without economic justice and we cannot have economic justice without racial justice,’ Su told the MLK delegates, meeting in Birmingham, Ala. ‘He dared us to imagine a world in which both exist.’”
‘There Needs to Be a Deadline’: Culinary Leader Mulls Stalled Contract Talks: “The head of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 said he expects to see hospitality worker picket lines in front of as many as 20 Strip and downtown casinos on the weekend before Las Vegas begins to host festivities surrounding Super Bowl LVIII. In an interview Saturday with The Nevada Independent, Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said the union and representatives of Bartenders Union Local 165 are scheduling negotiating sessions with management from the 20 hotel-casino operators over the next 17 days. Any property that does not have a tentative agreement with the unions by 5 a.m. on Feb. 2 will see non-gaming employees represented by the labor organizations walk away from their jobs and set up picket lines.”
Madison's Newest Labor Unions Face Next Fight: Getting a Contract: “In Madison, other workers currently waiting for contracts include game testers at Middleton video game studio Raven Software, who voted in a union in May 2022; seamstresses and screenprinters at custom clothing company Crushin’ It Apparel, whose votes were tallied in November 2022, and bakers and bread sellers at Madison Sourdough Company, who voted in a union last April. Hundreds of office workers at Madison-based financial services company TruStage, who went on strike in May for the first time since unionizing in the 1940s, finally ratified a new contract in December after close to two years of negotiations—likely the longest lag in the company’s history.”
King's Dream: Rooted in Labor’s Rising: “This Martin Luther King Day comes just weeks after a year that’s been dubbed ‘the year of the strike’ because in 2023 there were well over 300 such work stoppages involving 450,000 union workers willing to take the risk of walking out on their employer—a 900% increase from just a few years earlier. Automakers, actors, writers, nurses and a long list of other occupations were fed up enough that they walked off their job by the tens of thousands. Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board reported in 2022 receiving over 2,500 applications for workplace union representation, a 53% increase over the previous year.”
Annual IBEW Breakfast Honors MLK and Promotes Strength of Organized Labor: “Friday morning, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union 613, hosted their annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast at their Pulliam St. headquarters. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock were in attendance. They were joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman. Additionally, Ambassador Andrew Young and Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, were in attendance.”
At MLK Conference, Unionists Strategize on Organizing the South: “Unionists at the AFL-CIO’s annual Martin Luther King conference, held January 12-14 in Montgomery, Ala., tackled what one panelist called a decades-long problem for the labor movement: Organizing the South. And that means both for more union victories, and members, and politically, too. ‘Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” Together, we are building a multiracial labor movement that fights for ALL working people to dismantle structural racism, protects our democracy, and defends our right to organize!’ Shuler said.”
‘Union Members Help People, Whether on the Shop Floor or Out in the Community’: “The AFL-CIO’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference began on Friday ‘at a crucial moment for the labor and civil rights movements, as workers across the country are organizing at historic rates for dignity, respect and justice, both on the job and in our communities,” says the AFL-CIO. ‘We are facing unprecedented attacks on our rights from politicians and judges who would rather put the interests of corporations over the needs of working people.’ The movements came ‘together not only to strengthen the bond between our two movements, but also to reignite our shared commitment to democracy and winning racial and economic justice for all.’”
Nearly Half of SoCal Hotels Involved in Local Strike Have Reached Tentative Deals with Workers: “The new year has brought more progress in contract talks between Southern California hotels and the union that represents their workers. Unite Here Local 11 this week secured tentative agreements with four more properties in Los Angeles County. The union announced a deal with the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica on Monday. The union said Friday it had also secured deals with Sheraton Universal, Line Hotel and 1 Hotel West Hollywood.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 08:51Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Baton Rouge Paratransit Drivers Secure First Union Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Paratransit drivers at Baton Rouge Capital Area Transit System in Louisiana ratified their first union contract, which includes 17.25% in wage increases. The workers, who provide on-demand transit for people with disabilities, are members of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 260.
The contract also includes a training pay increase, matching employer contributions to workers' 401(k) accounts, life insurance, paid sick and bereavement days, a grievance procedure and other benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 08:49Service & Solidarity Spotlight: More Cannabis Workers in New Jersey 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 MPX/iAnthus cannabis dispensary in Atlantic City, New Jersey, voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152. The 12 workers are employed as budtenders, who provide customer service, facilitate retail sales and fulfill online orders. Local 152 also represents workers in the state at the MPX/iAnthus grow facility in Pleasantville.
“These workers have put their trust in our union to help improve their lives, and we will fight for what they deserve,” Local 152 President Brian String said. “As the Local 152 Cannabis Division continues to grow, so does the power of our members in all of the industries we serve. These workers are seeking improvements to their wages, health care benefits, and scheduling accommodations. Their hard work has helped MPX become a success in Atlantic City and their first contract should reflect their contributions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/19/2024 - 08:562024 is All About Worker Power: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Swings get the job done! Swipe through to read even more thoughts from members of #EquityTeamSwing on #SwingDay pic.twitter.com/rHwpIqduTi
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 17, 2024
AFGE:
Social Security Disability Claimants Face Record Waits
"Tight budgets and staff attrition have had 'disastrous effects on customer service,' said AFGE, which represents more than 42K SSA workers, urging Congress to enact a long-term funding increase."https://t.co/empgi0IZNW
— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 18, 2024
AFSCME:
Being in a union means Rosina can travel to 🇲🇽, 🇹🇷, 🇦🇪 and more! How does being an AFSCME member help YOU be you? pic.twitter.com/85kKXDJbdQ
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 18, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
If lawmakers want to actually help seniors, they should strengthen Social Security and make the wealthy pay their fair share into the system. https://t.co/ioRsbExVvQ
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 18, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
The ATU celebrates National Mentoring Month, recognizing our rockstar ATU mentors making a difference in our members' lives. #NationalMentoringMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/DhZThQHlKC
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 18, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
Did you know? @The_AFM musicians are finding it harder to make a living as Made-for-Streaming work continues to eclipse traditional film/TV work. Made-for-Streaming work doesn't produce residuals for musicians, leaving them with less money. https://t.co/QEXaGQfrmp #FS4M pic.twitter.com/lY6IaWtX3u
— AFM Fair Share For Musicians (@fairshare4music) January 17, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Great news for students which includes many philanthropic and national partners working with communities to increase attendance, provide high-dosage tutoring, and increase summer learning and extended or afterschool learning time. @POTUS @VP @SecCardona https://t.co/BIvdgtAFOF
— AFT (@AFTunion) January 18, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
APWU national, regional, and local officers are working diligently to protect our job security and services to the public: an update on management’s “network modernization” plans.https://t.co/zpqHZlAqwd
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 17, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Today marks 15 yrs since US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the icy waters of NY's Hudson River. The "Miracle on the Hudson" would not have been a miracle w/o everyone doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. Proud of the 1549 crew. Aviation's First Responders pic.twitter.com/xYUapK88I7
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 15, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Martin Luther King, Jr. knew unions are one of the best tools we have to dismantle systemic racism and build power for the working class.
BCTGM honors this #MLKDay by re-committing to The Dream through our activism and exceptional contracts. 🫱🏾🫲🏼 pic.twitter.com/YIrHpwbUC2
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) January 15, 2024
Boilermakers:
2024 is all about worker power and we are here for it! ✊#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/ydEe2EWfpt
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 17, 2024
Bricklayers:
We are proud of our BAC sisters who are passionate about their crafts and dedicated to our trades.#womenintrades #WomenBuild #bacsisters #tradeswomen #unionstrong #1u https://t.co/pi2uiiIVrp
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 17, 2024
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU co-founder Cleve Robinson with Dr. King. https://t.co/bJ6YPXfVPV
— CBTU (@CBTU72) January 15, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA Local 9003 members handed out flyers at Fordham’s Alumni Presidential Reception in Los Angeles where Fordham University President Tania Tetlow was speaking.
Graduate students workers have been fighting for a fair contract & living wage at Fordham for over a year. pic.twitter.com/8qnkvRWZWA
— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 17, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to the graduate employees at University of Oregon on their TA for a new union contract that would raise salaries by 18.98% to 45.32% over the lifetime of the contract. @GTFF_3544 https://t.co/wDTfpCVQet
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 17, 2024
Electrical Workers:
Collective bargaining gets the goods. For workers at this Ohio factory, it means real overtime pay. #IBEW. https://t.co/ahA5icIag6 pic.twitter.com/FOiksMmrU2
— IBEW (@IBEW) January 17, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Happy anniversary to the Brothers and Sisters of Local 87, San Antonio. Local 87 has been an established union for almost 100 years. pic.twitter.com/DjABfB23zS
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 18, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
BIG WIN out of Arizona this past week! 🤑
The City of Tucson, under the leadership of Mayor Regina Romero, City Council, and support from AZ JWJ and labor unions, recently passed a Prevailing Wage Ordinance, emphasizing the city's dedication to supporting its workers. pic.twitter.com/dskkCiXdBM
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) January 16, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Last weekend was outstanding!
We participated in the @AFLCIO 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference. We met with Secretary of Labor, @JulieSuCA and we share with Latino workers, members, friends y la familia LCLAA @AFTEVPDeJesus @MiFamiliaVota pic.twitter.com/0D6sQ5p1AG
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 16, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
LABOR HERITAGE POWER HOUR
Photojournalist David Bacon on “Working Coachella: Images of the farmworker community of the Coachella Valley”. Read this and more LHF Newsletter https://t.co/hFeeoeMa6b
Read about this LHF Newsletter https://t.co/hFeeoeMa6b pic.twitter.com/Mi9T38dpDU
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 11, 2024
Laborers:
Happy Martin Luther King Day! Let's honor Dr. King's vision by standing in solidarity with the labor movement. Together, we strive for justice, equality, and fair working conditions. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/gxwUgp8MqL
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 15, 2024
Machinists:
Solidarity in action! ✊
Representatives of the IAM/@IAM_DeltaRamp @DeltaAFA/@afa_cwa and @Teamsters joined forces for a @Labor_Caucus powerful roundtable discussion on organizing efforts for Delta Air Lines workers.#OrganizeAndFly pic.twitter.com/IaMQGcIw5D
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 18, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
PENTAGON POSTS STATEMENT ON PROTECTING MARINERS, VESSELShttps://t.co/Cgf2EtTZqU
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 12, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
Washington, DC — The Metal Trades Department (MTD) Executive Council in January announced the appointment of Edward Jones as the next president of the Department. Jones will fulfill the unexpired term of James Hart who retired in November. https://t.co/b6x4DjObDB
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 16, 2024
Mine Workers:
.@CecilRoberts: When I was growing up on Cabin Creek, my Dad said, “Son, there are two kinds of people in this world,good ones and bad ones; most are good.”Years later Dr King told us to judge people by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.” 1/2
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 15, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMAzine Spotlight: AGMA President Ned Hanlon. Read more: https://t.co/tmqrobwWgV pic.twitter.com/SbltzmHhGd
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 17, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA member Jeffrey Duckworth (Birmingham ATCT, BHM) recently attended an event with @SenKatieBritt and @SenJoniErnst. https://t.co/t3UqrUc4wY pic.twitter.com/nqRFja9387
— NATCA (@NATCA) January 18, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
When a disaster strikes, the NALC Disaster Relief Foundation (DRF) is there for you and your family. 100% of donations from NALC members go directly to assist other members affected by natural disasters. Learn more by following the thread below.⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xIYupfOTMj
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 18, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Today we honor the life of radical leader, #MartinLutherKingJr by reclaiming his political vision.
MLK Was an Exemplar of a Black Socialist Traditionhttps://t.co/EI7UgMOaDV#ReclaimMLK
— NDLON (@NDLON) January 15, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The New Jersey #DomesticWorkersBillofRights is officially the law of the land!
This historic bill establishes rights and protections for New Jersey's 50,000 nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers who often experience wage theft, lack of breaks, and lack of sick leave. pic.twitter.com/TL1Wz5K0mL
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 17, 2024
National Nurses United:
Thank you to @BeaHero for hosting us, along with friend of nurses, Congressman @GregCasar, and many others this weekend for a memorial to honor the activism and celebrate the life of Ady Barkan. #RememberingAdy pic.twitter.com/HOUtvPD1ud
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 16, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
What a weekend it has been! ✨
Congratulations to everyone drafted in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and for those who were not, remember that there’s more than one right path to the league!
We can’t wait to see the impact this rookie group has on the NWSL for years to come!
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) January 14, 2024
NFL Players Association:
We remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his encouragement to commit to the work of social, racial and economic justice. May we all strive to do what’s necessary to uplift humanity. #MLKDay2024 pic.twitter.com/lLYAER5ukj
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 15, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Congratulations, Sisters! https://t.co/WvsZqU0XEp
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 16, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Today we reflect on the life and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King actively worked to bridge the modern civil rights and labor movements which shared, he said, "a unity of purpose." #MLK2024 pic.twitter.com/zY0ZpkBp6y
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 15, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
What is an industrial painter?
IUPAT Industrial Painters apply coatings to surfaces in various industries, protecting and beautifying them for years at a time.https://t.co/n1rbWvUm42 pic.twitter.com/qYebaCcNVP
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 17, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
👏 @ActSecJulieSu: ICYMI...the Biden-Harris administration announced a final rule saying that most construction projects with more than $35 million in federal funding have a Project Labor Agreement.
Why this matters: https://t.co/rtT24X9vbm
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 17, 2024
Pride at Work:
The Pride at Work National Executive Board met at @TheTaskForce Creating Change conference to discuss our victories in 2023 and organize our 2024!
We are looking forward to a year of solidarity actions, trainings and more in 2024! #1u @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/TaD9Veir2M
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) January 18, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
BREAKING: the bakers, porters, wholesale drivers, and market staff of She Wolf Bakery have filed for a union election with @RWDSU! The workers at the Brooklyn bakery have been organizing in conjunction with @brandworkers and RWDSU: https://t.co/mtAgvzm6VH pic.twitter.com/w5VCuwZLmV
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 18, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
A personal fall arrest system can stop a fall – but only if it’s used properly. Learn more: https://t.co/G8tgwV4EuH #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/0WjThKj4s7
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 16, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI joined fellow labor leaders on the "Workers in Focus" session to discuss the future of labor at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. #WEF24
You can watch the full @wef discussion here: https://t.co/y2CET9JSCp pic.twitter.com/gXiQ9f2cGr
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 18, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Our yearlong labor organizing and apprenticeship Union School in #Mexico graduated its first class of #labororganizers, with 28 students from diverse backgrounds. pic.twitter.com/roBPOnpY37
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 18, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Our members @AustinNewsGuild are planning to strike --- support them https://t.co/JM3ioLQhg9
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 11, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Bravo to the Local 33 crew behind this year’s #CriticsChoiceAwards. Great job everyone! #unionproud pic.twitter.com/ooJoVKE8XF
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 17, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
TWU Intl. Pres. Samuelsen says the @JetBue @SpiritAirlines court decision “ends a period of uncertainty for our members at JetBlue and Spirit, & both work groups gain in the end.” Hard-fought raises for JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers. Spirit Guest Service Agents’ contract protected
— TWU (@transportworker) January 16, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
☀️Good morning from the first meeting of @USDOT's new Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee.
As a committee member, @TTDAFLCIO's Chief of Staff Matthew Colvin will provide a voice for workers who are impacted by automation, innovation, and technology. pic.twitter.com/sgCD20fNa8
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
UAW:
“Economic justice cannot end at the doors of the factory or worksite. Social justice cannot end at the border of our country.”
-- #UAW President Shawn Fain | @ShawnFainUAW#StandUpUAW #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/uPoTqscqKD
— UAW (@UAW) January 18, 2024
UNITE HERE:
“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Today and every day, we continue his legacy by fighting for equality and justice for working people. pic.twitter.com/RxcNA2nsmK
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 15, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
State social equity efforts for cannabis businesses are vulnerable to being dismantled unless federal law guidelines step in to protect them.
Find out how certain federal law provisions can help preserve these important programs. pic.twitter.com/puWPFmBe4k
— UFCW (@UFCW) January 17, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Sign our petition urging Merit Aluminum to bargain a fair contract: https://t.co/weQ0LH0xZV. Workers at Merit voted to unionize & have been fighting for a first contract for months. CEO/Pres Mike Rapport responded by hiring anti-union lawyers & fighting against basic rights 👎
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 18, 2024
Utility Workers:
The 2024 @aflcio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference took place last weekend in Montgomery, Alabama. UWUA joined more than 800 union members to honor Dr. King’s vision for collective action at the voting booth, in the community and in the workplace. pic.twitter.com/AUDF4252OU
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 17, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
Our members at @OnionIncUnion are fighting to secure a fair contract before January 31.
At their latest bargaining session, the Onion Union presented mgmt with a strike pledge signed by 97% of the bargaining unit. They’re prepared to strike to win the fair contract they deserve. pic.twitter.com/Qngc8pDLnh
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 12, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/18/2024 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Registered Nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center Vote Overwhelmingly to Join MSNA/NNOC
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.
Registered nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent, Maine, voted 62% in favor of joining the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC). NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). They say they joined the union because maintaining high levels of patient care requires that nurses have a say in decisions about patient care, and about recruitment and worker retention.
“We are thrilled that our co-workers voted ‘yes’ to join Maine State Nurses Association," said Brad Martinez, RN in the intensive care unit at NMMC. "Together, we share a vision of improving the level of care our families receive in our hospital."
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/18/2024 - 08:18Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: 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).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Former Senator Doug Jones opens day two #MLK2024 in Montgomery AL. pic.twitter.com/tE5C0zzkKl
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) January 13, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
We kick off our labor walks this SATURDAY! Join us and help get out the #UnionVote! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/xbHKzXprTU
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 17, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
United in Solidarity! 🤝✊ We stand strong with our affiliates at the MLK Day Celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, we continue the fight for justice, equality, and a brighter future. #MLKDay #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/ee3YvbcwiS
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
On #MLK Day, we recognize the vital link between civil rights & labor rights, knowing they're inseparable.
Today, we honor Dr. King's legacy by organizing for economic and social justice for all working people ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/wAu3lrzpwK
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 15, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Project labor agreements ensure local workers are hired and guarantees apprenticeship opportunities for community members. All while completing the project on time and under budget. https://t.co/p3kq25dewW
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Rain, snow, or shine, utility workers are there to keep the lights on. Thank you all - we really appreciate you. pic.twitter.com/DnoJ5XW1pJ
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
All #Labor #fun at the #MLKMarch #❤️ #ThankYou #Solidarity #1u #Georgia #MLK2024 #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/zrJPkVFqd2
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 15, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
The cold does not stop us when we are #unionstrong.
Thanks to all the Committee on Political Education (COPE) members who braved the weather to kick off the political endorsement process. #1u pic.twitter.com/TTuvAE2QMh
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
On this #MLKDay2024, we honor both a man and a movement. As Dr. King knew better than anyone, racial and economic justice are two sides of the same coin. We must constantly fight in solidarity of both to find ourselves in a world in which there is dignity for all. pic.twitter.com/NfeQ4pXlvs
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
On this #MLKDay2024, we honor both a man and a movement. As Dr. King knew better than anyone, racial and economic justice are two sides of the same coin. We must constantly fight in solidarity of both to find ourselves in a world in which there is dignity for all. pic.twitter.com/NfeQ4pXlvs
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
On Sunday, February 4th, attend A Conversation with Kim Kelly - What Past Labor Struggles Can Teach Us About Future Labor Struggles pic.twitter.com/cxsxVfI2P7
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 16, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
The fight for civil rights and the fight for workers' rights have always been intertwined. Dr. King's legacy lives on in the labor movement's constant march towards racial and economic justice for all. #MLKDay2024 pic.twitter.com/a0h27SqY1N
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Doctors’ union certified over Allina objections https://t.co/9IXiFvig0f #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
We are in the "best run of wage increases won by labor since the period right after the end of World War II."
Working people are fighting together and we are winning together! https://t.co/kU99rAZGBl
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 14, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Glenn Norton will be sorely missed by all of us at the Nevada State AFL-CIO pic.twitter.com/TNtLFSDszZ
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
THIS: “The roots of “Right-to-Work” are steeped in racism from the Jim Crow era. HB-1377 is not about worker freedom and it belongs nowhere near New Hampshire.”
Thank you to our sister, @maggie_fogarty for words and #Solidarity!#NHPolitics #RTW #1u #NHLabor pic.twitter.com/VWjfFXotuV
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 10, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
This rule from @USDOL is huge for the millions of gig workers in the US. Here’s why:
- Independent contractors aren't covered by protections like workers comp & the right to unionize
- 30% use SNAP, 2x the rate of regular workers
- 1 in 7 earn less than federal hourly min wage https://t.co/RrW3QjL8eY
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
We are reminded at the #OtisDream event this #MLKDay from Rev. Otis Moss, Jr. that the “sound of voting is music. Freedom music.” We must continue to fight voter suppression and #gerymandering in #Ohio. Sign the @CitizenMapsOH to ensure we vote in @OhFairDistricts pic.twitter.com/TZk053To37
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 15, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Stay safe out there and THANK YOU to every single worker who is helping keep Oregon running during these storms. https://t.co/dNGcVvAxOc
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
The PA AFL-CIO is proud to support Jim Prokopiak for District 140 State Representative because we know he will advocate and fight on behalf of our members. Make a plan to vote in the February 13 special election. #UnionsUnited #AFL-CIO pic.twitter.com/w0hq9GgK8h
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 16, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Tomorrow! 1/18 at noon
Join us for our first virtual Lunch and Learn of 2024!
This month we address Gun Violence as a labor issue with the @RICAGV1, NEA RI, and @MEAFLCIO
Please register here: https://t.co/viW9uAajbW pic.twitter.com/oeC8s033y2
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 17, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Congratulations to the @NJAFLCIO on this exciting accomplishment! One of the best ways to ensure that working families' needs are addressed is to elect union members to office at all levels of government. #1u https://t.co/UgdJgc0sQZ
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 11, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Our 2024 COPE Convention is coming up!
On January 28th and 29th, union members from across Texas will come together to chart a path for this years election efforts, fight for the future of our state, and gain the skills we need to mobilize like never before. pic.twitter.com/rIV2P4kVg0
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 11, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
We love to see new additions to our favorite committee. 😆 And finally the name change we’ve all been missing ! Union sister @JeionWard , so glad to have you back, leading the charge on labor issues in VA ! #UnionStrong #UnionsForAll https://t.co/3XnqIHCF3k
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Thank you @GovInslee for lifting up important economic policies that our communities have fought for, like Paid Family Medical Leave. Together, we’ll continue to ensure Washington remains the best state to live and work in. #WAleg https://t.co/mLWbD4dGht
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 10, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
United Food Operation Chair (and WV AFL-CIO Vice President) Elaine Harris led the kickoff of the 2024 Food Drive today. Thanks to all who participated! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3c2tnh5qKU
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) January 12, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
“This bill does not eliminate a mere technicality but eliminates essential rights of workers,” said WI AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale. https://t.co/vHo2USqPY4
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 14, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/17/2024 - 10:11Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of Oregon Graduate Students Reach Tentative Agreement, Avoiding Strike
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF), an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reached a tentative agreement on Jan. 15 with the University of Oregon on a new three-year contract. The agreement avoids an employee strike that was scheduled to start Jan. 17. The deal brings a substantial pay raise to graduate employees, continues tuition and fee waivers, increases summer employment opportunities, continues health care coverage and includes other benefits.
“The deal we secured today will bring the minimum salary of all [half time] graduate employees…up to $2,550 a month in the first year,” GTFF’s announcement said. “The cumulative increases of GE salaries range from 18.98 percent to 45.32 percent over the life of the 3-year contract, depending on GE level and rate.”
A ratification vote is expected to be held later in the week.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/17/2024 - 09:29Worker Wins: Ensuring the Future
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Phoenix Passes Prevailing Wage Ordinance: Beginning July 2024, construction companies working on city of Phoenix projects that are valued at $4 million or more will have to give their employees union-level wages and benefits “consistent with local standards for a given type of work.” On Tuesday, Phoenix became the only city in Arizona to pass a prevailing wage ordinance for construction contractors. This local law will ensure that all construction workers receive fair compensation for skilled labor and is yet another example of how union wages raise industry standards for all workers.New Jersey Labor Movement Has Record Number of Union Members Sworn into the Legislature: The labor movement in New Jersey is making history with a total of nine union members serving in the 2024–2025 state Legislature. In addition to these newly elected lawmakers, 39 union members were sworn into office at all levels of government, from county commissioner to the school board. A brand new legislative session has just started in New Jersey and working people are ready for our officials to get to work fighting for us. Having union members in the General Assembly, Senate and other state agencies means working families have advocates on our side who are committed to protecting the right to join a union, the right to collective bargaining and the right to have a safe workplace.Journalists Organize at The Evansville Courier & Press: On Monday, journalists at The Evansville Courier & Press in southwestern Indiana launched their union, demanding Gannett, the largest owner of newspapers in the country, recognize them. One hundred percent of the workers signed a union card. Citing slashed resources, dwindling staff numbers and oversized workloads, the award-winning journalists at the Courier & Press joined together in a union to ensure they’ll be able to continue providing compelling and critical local reporting. These workers join the ranks of more than 600 industry colleagues from 17 other Gannett-owned newsrooms that have unionized with The NewsGuild-CWA since 2019. “We want to ensure a future for ourselves and news in Evansville,” said Sarah Loesch, a government reporter at the Evansville newspaper.Millions of Gig Workers Could Qualify as Employees Under New Biden-Era Rule: In a win in the fight against employee misclassification, the Department of Labor released a final rule Tuesday that could change the status of millions of gig economy workers from independent contractors to employees. It would take effect March 11. By changing their designation to employees, gig workers who previously didn’t have access to things like minimum wage standards, overtime pay, unemployment insurance and Social Security would now get these important, hard-fought protections and benefits. This walks back a Trump-era rule from 2021 that made it easier for corporations to categorize workers as independent contractors and therefore deny full protections to workers under federal labor law. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su said this rule would “help create a level playing field for businesses, protect workers from being denied the right to fair pay and affirm the vital role true independent contractors play in our economy by allowing them to thrive.”BodyVox Dance Company Stagehands Win IATSE Contract: Union stagehands at BodyVox—a dance company in Portland, Oregon—unanimously ratified their first contract in December since joining Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 28. BodyVox is an internationally touring dance troupe, performance space and dance school that routinely hires temporary carpenters, camera operators and other stagehands for shows. While it’s common for dance companies to invite the same technicians back regularly, getting rehired can depend on unreliable factors like whether the production manager personally likes you. Now, rehiring is guaranteed through the contract. “It’s a relief to know that whoever the manager is, we will still have a job,” said Iain Chester, a stagehand electrician. Major wins also include a base wage that’s double what stagehands were making before announcing plans to organize with IATSE, annual cost-of-living adjustments, premium pay for certain holidays and more.Collapse of Planned Essentia, Marshfield Merger a Win for Patients, Workers and Minnesota: The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA)—an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU)—is rightfully celebrating a huge win in the fight against corporate consolidation, as the proposed merger between Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota, and Wisconsin’s Marshfield Clinic Health System crumbles. For months, the two health care giants have pursued plans to combine, raising serious concerns between patients and workers that the merger would threaten jobs, worsen working conditions, increase medical costs and concentrate even more corporate control over our health care system into the hands of the few. This victory is thanks in part to the efforts of MNA members and local community members who organized last year at the Minnesota Legislature for the passage of a new law to provide critical public oversight of proposed hospital mergers like the one considered by Essentia and Marshfield. This bill gave state officials power to check corporate interests driving mergers and regulate these consolidations based on their impact on patients and workers.Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin Resident and Fellow Nurses Overwhelmingly Vote to Join NNOC/NNU: Last week, registered nurses in the resident and fellow programs at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas (ASMCA) voted overwhelmingly—with 96% in favor—to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). The union family at ASMCA is growing! Despite Ascension’s stance that RNs in the resident and fellow programs shouldn’t join their unionized colleagues, there are now more than 1,000 nurses represented by NNOC/NNU at ASMCA, bringing the total number of members represented throughout the Ascension system to more than 2,500. “Ascension has attempted to silence RNs here and across the country from speaking up about patient care issues. But, fortunately for our patients, our RN movement—including now five union election victories across four facilities in three states—continues onward,” said Zetta Hackleman, RN in the perioperative department and member of the contract bargaining team.Detroit Bus Drivers to Get Immediate Raise, Bigger Bonus Under New Agreement: The city of Detroit announced last Thursday that Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus drivers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 26 will see an immediate $3-per-hour raise. The raise comes after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and ATU. While the collective bargaining agreement doesn't expire until July 1, 2025, Detroit has been struggling with a bus driver shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic, so the city and ATU worked together to reopen the contract early to give drivers a raise. Under the MOU, the quarterly attendance bonus also will increase to $1,500 for every driver who has no more than three unexcused absences per quarter. “This increase will help us hire and retain more drivers, so the public can know when they are at a stop and need to get to work or the doctor, DDOT is going to show up when we are supposed to. That’s everyone’s goal,” said ATU Local 26 President Schetrone Collier.Health Care Workers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Vote to Join IAM: Nearly 1,000 patient care associates (PCAs) and psychiatric care technicians (PCTs) at the Ohio State University (OSU) Wexner Medical Center voted to join the Machinists (IAM) this week. Like so many health care professionals, at both Wexner Medical Center and other hospitals around the country, workers have sought out dignity at work, fair wages and the standards of care necessary to protect patients. “Alongside my colleagues, we came together knowing that we deserve to be heard to have a better quality of life for ourselves and others surrounding us. Having a union at OSU will strengthen us as a team and as a whole alongside the nurses. I am looking forward to our future with the IAM,” said Lyndsee Cody, PCA at Wexner Medical Center.Board Game Cafe Workers in NYC Win Election: Workers at Hex & Co.—the largest board game cafe company in Manhattan with three locations across New York City—have unionized with Workers United. Citing needs for fair wages, clear paths to promotions and better staffing levels, Hex Workers United is the first union at a board game bar in the city. Members emphasize that they share a passion for working with customers of all ages and want to be treated fairly while inspiring a love for games in others. “If an owner comes in and says, ‘We’re a family,’ you aren’t really going to buy that,” said Zev Anderman, a Hex & Co. worker. “That’s them trying to play nice so they don’t have to pay you more. But [in the union], I think we are a family.”Workers at Princeton’s Labyrinth Books Move to Stand Together in a Union: A few days before the end of 2023, Labyrinth Books staff members announced their intent to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) so they can improve standards at both the official bookstore for Princeton University and across the industry. Labyrinth Books opened in 2007 and has since become the official partner of Princeton University and a hugely popular bookstore in the small college town. But despite the store’s well-loved community presence, worker wages don’t keep up with the staggering cost of living, and staff say insufficient leave and lack of transparency from management have been pain points. Rebecca Ziemann, who has been an employee since 2022, said of the union campaign: “If we didn’t care [about Labyrinth], we wouldn’t be working so hard to improve it.” This exciting momentum comes on the heels of workers at Barnes & Noble at Rutgers University voting unanimously last spring to unionize with RWDSU-UFCW, making it the first union bookstore in New Jersey.Colorado Alamo Drafthouse Workers Vote to Unionize: Workers at the Westminster, Colorado location of Alamo Drafthouse are organizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7777. The Alamo Drafthouse’s flagship Austin, Texas theater’s workers voted to unionize in February 2022 and since then, staff at locations across California, New York and Texas have followed suit. Despite the movie theater chain seeing record profits, workers report issues like delayed paychecks, withholding of owed workers’ compensation and unaddressed workplace harassment complaints. Additionally, CWA says that three people involved in unionization efforts have been unlawfully fired—part of a larger string of union-busting activities workers in Colorado have faced.Connecticut’s First Cannabis Union Contract Ratified: Workers at Advanced Grow Labs (AGL) have made Connecticut history by voting to ratify the first union cannabis contract in the state. Represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 919, the contract ratification comes months after workers at AGL formed the union in March 2023. Contract highlights include up to 25% wage increases over the next three years, increased holiday pay, job protection, secured retirement and more. “I am proud to be a part of the first cannabis union in Connecticut,” said AGL Production Technician Alanna Daniels. "This has been a huge milestone for the industry in the state and our company. I hope other workers can come together like we have.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:07Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Workers Join UFCW Local 371
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.
More than 90 Ben & Jerry’s ice cream processing workers at the Waterbury, Vermont, plant joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371.
“The UFCW is extremely proud to welcome the hard-working ice cream processors at Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury, Vermont, plant to our union family,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “From Cherry Garcia to Chunky Monkey, Ben & Jerry’s workers at the Waterbury plant proudly make some of the country’s most recognizable ice cream flavors. As America’s food processing union, we are thrilled at the opportunity to not only represent, but uplift workers at such an iconic American brand, and we look forward to bringing this opportunity to other Unilever plants across the country. These workers know better than anyone that whether it’s in a cup or cone, union victory tastes sweet.”
“We applaud the Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury plant employees who made their voices heard today by joining the UFCW through card check recognition,” said Local 371 President Ronald Petronella. “Ben & Jerry’s are well known for their progressive politics, and we held them to their word.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/16/2024 - 09:35Tags: Organizing
The ‘Year of Labor’ in 2023 Was Just the Beginning
When Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant at the MGM Grand Detroit, went on strike last year with UNITE HERE, she didn’t know how long she would be on the picket line. All she knew was she and her co-workers deserved more: Better wages, after 24 years on the job; decent health care, so she didn’t have to choose between a doctor’s visit and paying rent; a chance to grow professionally and have a future at the company—something that hit home for Alicia as she looked down the strike line and saw her own son, also an MGM Grand Detroit employee. After 47 days on the picket line in the Detroit winter—in rain and freezing temperatures—Alicia and her co-workers won historic raises, benefits, job security and opportunities to grow their careers.
When people ask me why the labor movement just had its most dynamic and successful year in a generation, I tell them about workers like Alicia—people whose lives changed because they stood together with their co-workers. For all the talk about macro trends and economic factors, the driving force behind the “Year of Labor” was simple: Being in a union makes your life better.
We’re in a moment of profound uncertainty and disillusionment across this country. Americans are fed up with politicians, institutions and the status quo. Approval ratings for Congress and most major institutions have plummeted to well below 50%. The labor movement is the one exception. Polling shows 71% of Americans believe in unions—more than two-thirds of people in this country, the highest number in the past 60 years. Unions are where people seem to have increasingly placed their hopes, their dreams and their aspirations for a better future.
It’s not hard to see why. Look around at the wins workers have earned, together, and the real change it makes in their lives and their families’ futures: UAW, which won 25% pay raises for employees' new contracts with the Big 3 automakers. The Teamsters, who took on UPS and won historic safety protections and wage increases. The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, who stood up to the Hollywood studios and won protections against artificial intelligence (AI) that provide security and peace of mind. Some 900,000 union members secured double-digit wage increases this year in their new contracts. That’s the power of solidarity.
People also look at the labor movement and see that it increasingly looks like them. We’re bringing together people of every background—white, Black, brown, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous; young and old; white collar and blue collar—to take on the absurd economic inequality. We are working in common cause, and we are winning.
So, where do we go in 2024? The AFL-CIO (where I serve as president) represents 60 unions and 12.5 million workers across this country, and our goal is simple: To make sure every working person has a good job that pays a living wage. A job where they are treated with dignity and respect. A job where they are free to come together and organize with their co-workers when things aren’t right. For decades, whenever workers have tried to improve their lives in this country, they’ve run into roadblocks. Right now, we need to make sure every road leads to a union.
We’re doing that by organizing the new sectors of the economy. All over the South, billions of dollars from President Biden’s historic infrastructure packages are being invested in clean energy projects, many driven by companies like Blue Bird, an electric bus manufacturer, whose workers organized with the United Steelworkers (USW)—and we’ll do the same thing across the South and the whole country, setting a standard that every job created by these investments is a good, high-wage, union job.
This post originally appeared at The Messenger.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:32Ready to Fight: 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.
Faculty at Second City Poised to Go on Strike: "The Chicago Federation of Labor said the faculty, music directors, and facilitators at Second City voted to join the Association of International Comedy Educators in 2021. The union said Second City leadership walked away from the table in December after three years of bargaining."
IATSE President: Workers 'Ready to Fight' in Upcoming Contract Talks with Studios: "IATSE international president Matthew Loeb did not rule out a potential 2024 crew strike when several of his union’s contracts come due this year in an appearance on Tuesday. 'Nothing is off the table, and we’re not going to give up our strength and our ability because they [studios] think they sapped us and everybody’s bank account got sapped because they were unreasonable for months and months,' asserted the crew union leader of his organization’s upcoming basic agreement negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, set to start in early March. 'My folks aren’t going to just settle.'"
Video Game Workers Need to Further Unionize in 2024: "2023 was great for gamers. An incredible amount of fantastic new video games were released, like Baldur’s Gate 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and far too many more to list. Many have called it the best year for video games in over a decade. However, as several media commentators have already pointed out, the year was also a terrible one for the people who make video games. Over 10,000 people were estimated to have been laid off in the video game industry over the past year, about 10 times the amount of layoffs in 2022."
Employees, Not ‘Independent Contractors’: Labor Department Cracks Down on Bosses’ Misclassification Abuse: "The AFL-CIO praised the new curbs on independent contractors when DOL issued its draft of this new rule this past October. 'By restoring commonsense rules to determine who is an employee, and making it harder for employers to intentionally misclassify their employees as independent contractors, DOL’s announcement will increase protections and expand benefits to so many working people who have been subjected to corporate work-arounds,' federation President Liz Shuler said."
Ascension Union Now More Than 1,000 Nurses Strong: "National Nurses United grew this week after 96% of nurses voted in 225 new members to the Ascension Seton nurses’ union. Those 225 join 825 already unionized nurses who have been negotiating a contract with Ascension since they unionized with 72% of nurses voting in favor in the fall of 2022. Crucially, the new members are residents and fellows, who were previously barred from joining."
Millions of Gig Workers Could Qualify as Employees Under New Biden Rule: "Millions of gig workers, janitors, home-care workers, construction workers and truckers could be considered employees rather than independent contractors under a final rule announced Tuesday by the Labor Department. The rule effectively expands the reach of federal labor laws that require employers to extend certain benefits and protections to workers classified as employees. Those include the right to the minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance and Social Security benefits—which employers are not required to provide to independent contractors. The rule will 'help create a level playing field for businesses, protect workers from being denied the right to fair pay and affirm the vital role true independent contractors play in our economy by allowing them to thrive,' acting labor secretary Julie Su told reporters on a call Monday."
New Jersey Labor Movement Has Record Number of Union Members Sworn into the Legislature: "Today is the beginning of the new legislative session and the New Jersey State Labor Movement made history. The 2024/2025 Legislature will have a total of nine union members serving. They are State Senators Vin Gopal (IBEW Local 400), Paul Moriarty (SAG-AFTRA), Troy Singleton (UBC) and Latham Tiver (IUOE Local 825). In the Assembly are Wayne DeAngelo (IBEW Local 269), Christian Barranco (IBEW Local 102), Kevin Egan (IBEW Local 456), William Sampson (ILA) and Anthony Verrelli (UBC)."
Workplace Fatalities Up 5.7% in 2022: "'Every workplace fatality represents a family member who will never return home after a shift. An empty chair at the dinner table that never again will be filled. A loss that ripples through entire communities,' AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, 'We cannot and will not accept these tragedies as inevitable. Workplace deaths are preventable, but unchecked employers blame workers and treat people as disposable.'"
Las Vegas Hospitality Worker Unions Set Feb. 2 Strike Deadline: "Unions representing hospitality workers in Las Vegas said on Monday they will ask their 7,700 members to go on a strike on Feb. 2, if they do not have a labor contract by then. The Culinary Workers and Bartenders Unions are engaged in contract negotiations with 21 casino resorts in Las Vegas. The unions warned that they might launch targeted strikes sooner at individual properties if contract negotiations break down ahead of the strike deadline."
Twin Cities Postal Workers Rally Over Reported Spike in Targeted Robberies, Assaults: "Letter carriers for the United States Postal Service say violent crimes—namely assaults and robberies—against them have been through the roof in recent years. Union leadership for the National Association of Letter Carriers at a rally on the steps of Minneapolis’ central post office on Sunday said U.S. Postal Inspection Service data shows there have been 2,000 attacks against letter carriers across the country since 2020."
NLRB Complaint Alleges Lucid Fired Employees for Union Effort: "A federal labor regulator has filed a complaint against electric vehicle maker Lucid, accusing the company of firing two employees who supported a United Auto Workers union organizing effort at the company. The complaint was filed Tuesday by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board in Arizona, who investigated the claim about the firings early last year. It was disclosed by the agency late Thursday."
IBEW Local 98 and Building Trades Announce The Superhero Project as Charity Partner for 2024 All Star Labor Classic: "The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council has set a fundraising goal of $200,000 for the 2024 All Star Labor Classic, which would be the largest charitable donation the Superhero Project has ever received. This year’s showcase of the region’s best high school basketball players will be played on Sunday, April 14th at Holy Family University in Northeast Philadelphia."
At Least Five States Are Considering Requiring Full Minimum Wages for Tip Earners This Year: "Five states are deciding this year whether to ditch the practice of paying workers who earn tips less than the minimum wage. And activists say they’re bringing that fight to at least as many others, framing it as a key cost-of-living issue in an election year. Ballot measures pending in Michigan, Arizona, Ohio and Massachusetts, and a bill being reintroduced in Connecticut would eliminate a longstanding two-tiered pay system for tip-earning hourly workers like restaurant servers and bartenders, who earn a lower 'subminimum' wage than their nontipped counterparts. Only seven states already pay a single minimum wage regardless of tips. While more than two dozen others have raised subminimum pay for tip earners above the federal $2.13-an-hour floor—a rate last increased in 1991—those workers still earn less in base pay than their states’ minimum wage."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:22Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Washington Conservation Action Staff Celebrates First Union Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Washington Conservation Action (WCA) and Evergreen Workers Union (EWU) finalized a two-year contract. The EWU members, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7800, voted to organize in August 2021. WCA leadership voluntarily recognized the union and the agreement was ratified on Oct. 11, 2023.
“This is an exciting step forward, not only for us, but for Washington’s environmental, labor, and progressive movement as a whole. By coming together in solidarity, we are organized to fight for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future,” the EWU said. “We are glad to conclude the bargaining process and look forward to our contract advancing the organization’s commitment towards fairness, diversity, transparency, and a livable planet. The collective bargaining agreement is significant in its institution of policies that further promote justice, equity and inclusion not just within Washington Conservation Action, but also the labor movement at-large.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:19Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Giant and Safeway Workers in the DMV Area Ratify Strong, New Contracts
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.
More than 2,000 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 who work at Giant and Safeway stores in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia ratified new contracts that strengthen wages and protect benefits. The four-year contracts include average pay increases over four years of 24%, no increases in health care costs over the next four years, improved language on minimum hours for part-timers, pensions and safety, and other benefits. Members at Giant Food voted 1,340-266 and members at Safeway voted 761–131 in favor of ratifying the agreements.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/11/2024 - 10:32The 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference Starts Friday
The 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference begins Friday and runs through Sunday.
The 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference begins Friday and runs through Sunday. The conference in 2024 will occur at a crucial moment for the labor and civil rights movements, as workers across the country are organizing at historic rates for dignity, respect and justice, both on the job and in our communities.
We are facing unprecedented attacks on our rights from politicians and judges who would rather put the interests of corporations over the needs of working people. We will come together not only to strengthen the bond between our two movements, but also to reignite our shared commitment to democracy and winning racial and economic justice for all.
Learn more. Select sessions will be livestreamed starting Friday morning, and they can view at themlkconference.org and aflcio.tv.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:40Worker Power in the Age of Tech: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for December 2023 on the member portal. https://t.co/icpVkejuyb pic.twitter.com/bCpR6kvfKO
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 9, 2024
AFGE:
ICYMI: AFGE Organizing Director David Cann joined @AWFUnionPodcast to discuss how we achieved our highest yearly growth in more than a decade in 2023 - and why 2024 is shaping up to be just as strong 💪
🔊Listen: https://t.co/GUEzQhz33s
— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 11, 2024
AFSCME:
The public sector may be growing but not quickly enough. Now is not the time to take the foot off the gas. #StaffTheFrontLines https://t.co/21GKYqnSJh
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 10, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
41 states (including DC) have adopted #Medicaid expansion under the Affordable care Act. But neither @RonDeSantis nor @NikkiHaley helped expand health coverage as Governor by making sure that Florida and South Carolina are on that list. #GOPDebate #CNNDebate
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 11, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
This week in Las Vegas, NV, the ATU partnered with the AFL-CIO and other unions for the Labor Innovation and Technology (LIT) Summit, where worker power in the age of tech was at center stage. International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo attended the LIT Summit, pic.twitter.com/6TrncXqhUT
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 11, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
Please help us pass 1000 signatures! Tell the AMPTP It's Time for Musicians to Get Their Fair Share. https://t.co/WMpsg3OYXA #Solidarity @sagaftra @AFTRA @WGAWest @WGAEast @IATSE @Teamsters @unitehere @AFLCIO @CaliforniaLabor @NYSAFLCIO https://t.co/AoHRUSWRzv
— AFM (@The_AFM) January 9, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
We gave away more than 1 MILLION books in 2023 to help kids explore new worlds and grow as confident readers. We're excited to keep the momentum going in 2024!
📚#ReadingOpensTheWorld #RealSolutionsForKids pic.twitter.com/4jXgOXREoB
— AFT (@AFTunion) January 9, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
Support Services Director Arrion Brown provides a summary of recent Information Technology/Accounting Services meetings with Labor Management. https://t.co/QL6T6q3u6b
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 10, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
“Our union supports the FAA's quick & decisive action to ground certain 737 MAX 9 that do not meet the inspection cycles specified in the EAD. This is critical to ensure the safety of all crew & pax, as well as confidence in aviation safety." Full stmt: https://t.co/1oC0m82igt https://t.co/p1NPgDIBpr
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 6, 2024
Boilermakers:
Congratulations to #Boilermakers celebrating milestones 👏 See the latest service pins: https://t.co/ZrazSRGNxu#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/dvlh5HyeJJ
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 11, 2024
Bricklayers:
Our first level #bricklayers are off to a strong start at @Bac1Oregon training center! Their motivation & hard work are valuable qualities that will help them succeed in their #bricklaying journey.#apprenticeshipworks #apprentices #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #1u #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/WMdWNzCWHV
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 8, 2024
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Our latest newsletter is out! Members should check their email inbox for the first CLUW newsletter of the year. Not on our list? Make sure you sign up at https://t.co/mS57OG71XC to stay connected with us!📰🤩
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) January 5, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
16,000 CWA-IBT passenger service agents at American Airlines overwhelming voted to ratify a new contract that provides wage increases, enhanced 401K benefits, increased profit sharing, and a no-furlough clause, among other industry-leading benefits.
When we fight, we win! ✊🔥 pic.twitter.com/0aDofwgiAd
— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 8, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
“AI is neither safe nor responsible unless it does right by workers…. We need to ask: ‘What can AI do to make life better for working people?’” - @ActSecJulieSu #LITSummit2024 pic.twitter.com/vJbgRTFMhr
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 10, 2024
Electrical Workers:
Indiana wireman Is a full-time foreman, free-time MMA fighter. https://t.co/YpLpJhC5Nb pic.twitter.com/PgNZEN2dwG
— IBEW (@IBEW) January 10, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
On Jan. 7, Local 118 members placed a wreath at the Bentall Memorial Plaque in Vancouver in memory of the four construction workers who lost their lives in 1981 constructing Bental IV. Thank you, Brothers and Sisters, for representing our trade. pic.twitter.com/SuNNmBhbBS
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 10, 2024
Ironworkers:
"Ed Smith was a giant in the labor community; his absence will be felt far and wide." - Iron Workers Union General President Eric Dean
STATEMENT: https://t.co/sLRT2ZEk5n pic.twitter.com/mZeEWAQP5X
— Iron Workers Union (@TheIronworkers) January 4, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
Jobs With Justice is mourning the passing of our longtime National Board Member, Ed Smith. A larger-than-life figure who dedicated his life to championing workers’ rights, Ed understood the deep importance of connecting labor and community. pic.twitter.com/KVvaZMMx8R
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) January 8, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
January 11th is known as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. We at LCLAA support all victims of human trafficking and condemn the actions of traffickers.
Join the Blue Campaign by using #WearBlueDay! pic.twitter.com/qvuQLtnlvU
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 11, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Songs about newsboys of yesteryear; Newsies this ain’t! https://t.co/AdTPtITi7C
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 7, 2024
Laborers:
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 11, 2024
Machinists:
We back Buy American, and the Bright Line West high-speed rail trains should be built by IAM members with @Alstom, not overseas through a loophole.
We'll keep the pressure on. American trains should be built by American union members! ⚙️💪 https://t.co/4PhRuEw751
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 11, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements is a part of the AFL-CIO delegation to #CES2024 and representing Maritime at the 5th annual Labor Innovation & Technology summit in Las Vegas https://t.co/ii34oq95Zt
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 9, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
Over 30% of workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, have signed union authorization cards, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced on Tuesday. https://t.co/PjBmQzKvFH
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 10, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA’s National Election Committee has officially released the Notice of Election and Election Rules for NATCA’s 2024 National Election. Next year, NATCA members will elect the NATCA President, Executive Vice President, and ten Regional Vice Presidents.
https://t.co/P1cJa7yMuH pic.twitter.com/cogzPnk70K
— NATCA (@NATCA) January 11, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Week 1 of the NALC Leadership Academy is underway for Class 28! Over the next 5 months, these members will gather for 3 week-long sessions to develop & enhance the knowledge and skills essential for NALC Leaders. We look forward to sharing updates from Class 28 as they progress! pic.twitter.com/1bPfzTq1Lt
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 10, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Privacy rights, wage protections and mandatory breaks are just a few of the labor rights New Jersey’s 50,000 care workers deserve.
And they are well on their way to winning!
The NJ #DomesticWorkersBillofRights has passed in the state legislature:https://t.co/zTjYz5doVY
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 11, 2024
National Nurses United:
Nurse leaders standing strong for worker rights today with @AFLCIO President @LizShuler & champion for working people @ActSecJulieSu, at the Annual Labor Innovation and Technology Summit. #LITSummit2024 pic.twitter.com/mM2WbGEBff
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 11, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
“At the heart of this economic resurgence lies the pivotal role of union labor in ensuring substantial investments translate into successful projects and good, high-paying jobs for skilled local tradespeople.” 👏💪https://t.co/hwEWoUwR0w
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 8, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
OPEIU was chartered on this day in 1945. Here’s to 79 more years of fighting the good fight! ✊ pic.twitter.com/v1sfaPQT0w
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 8, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
What is worker misclassification? Some employers in the construction industry attempt to evade the FLSA and the NLRA by misclassifying their employees as “independent contractors” or 1099 workers.
Learn more here 👉 https://t.co/aOoza9e4js pic.twitter.com/nZ6QU05DbZ
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 10, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“With this latest action to strengthen economic security, labor-management relations & family-sustaining job opportunities, @POTUS is yet again demonstrating his rock-solid commitment to...all workers” @NABTU Pres. McGarvey on the Biden PLA Exec. Order.https://t.co/4HYvteRJVj
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 10, 2024
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Thank you @PeteSessions for meeting w/ PASS Sec-Treas @PASScfodc Carlos Aguirre, FAA employee & PASS safety rep Tim Lindsey today to discuss FAA funding & implementation of BIL funds in Texas especially @cityofwaco Regional Airport. #publicservice #infrastructure #aviationsafety pic.twitter.com/QR9x9JkS0K
— PASS (@PASSNational) January 9, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: workers at Autoneum in Oregon, Ohio are proud members of @RWDSU Local 379! #MembersAtWork pic.twitter.com/neZUIW3M4A
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 11, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
If you’re working 6 or more feet above a lower level, your employer is required to provide you with fall protection – learn more at: https://t.co/SS3wZ2XImk #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/ug6DOFmPCF
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 10, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
That's a wrap on #LITSummit2024! 🎬 Insightful and inspiring discussions with leaders across labor, entertainment and technology about the future of workers in the innovation age are available on YouTube. Watch now: https://t.co/ylXAI8OQj5 pic.twitter.com/XGsLVZbg7D
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 11, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Very disappointing behavior by @Gannett to not recognize Martin Luther King Jr. https://t.co/6ohNLVPt7Y
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 10, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
The @MTA should hold Hudson Valley hearings as @RepPatRyanNY says, and give public sector workers, like transport workers, CP discounts. pic.twitter.com/gr7ABVBLZ3
— TWU (@transportworker) January 11, 2024
UAW:
The brand may be foreign, but the labor is American.
And American workers don't just roll over and take what we're given.
Mercedes workers in Alabama are ready to Stand Up.
And the whole working class is ready to stand with them.#StandUpUAW #1u #UAW pic.twitter.com/FB8MHxeYko
— UAW (@UAW) January 10, 2024
UNITE HERE:
"With corporations clamoring to use AI and other technology to either automate away jobs or shift the work onto consumers, it’s up to the labor movement to ensure workers have a seat at the table so that technology improves lives for workers and the public."
— D. Taylor https://t.co/qr6ouHCLVB pic.twitter.com/J16ral3QaP
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 9, 2024
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:
United Food and Commercial Workers:
UFCW members work hard and in response, we fight hard to ensure that the paychecks workers receive reflect this effort.
According to a recent analysis from CNN, nearly 900,000 unionized workers won immediate pay hikes of 10% or more in 2023.
This is #WhyUnionsMatter pic.twitter.com/PfSXAAEJ79
— UFCW (@UFCW) January 10, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Our new Steelworkers members at @BlueBirdBuses will be there to show that clean energy jobs can and should be UNION jobs! #USW #1u https://t.co/Zbuy3kLbvh
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 8, 2024
Utility Workers:
UWUA Safety Director Scotty MacNeill shares important updates from two recent conferences in the latest issue of The Utility Worker magazine. https://t.co/fXjkA8rcAT pic.twitter.com/85X5pTQiow
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 11, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:36Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Singers of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale Secure Unanimous Union Victory with AGMA
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 singers of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale (PBOC) unanimously won their union election to the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), two months after signing union authorization cards. Negotiaons for their first contract are expected to begin shortly.
"We proudly celebrate the victory of the Artists of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale,” said AGMA National Executive Director Sam Wheeler. “Their triumph reflects the enduring power of collective action and the profound impact that artists can have when they join together. The addition of these exceptional singers to our union only makes us stronger.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/10/2024 - 08:20It's Better in 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 X (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
We're excited the AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference will be here in Montgomery, Alabama this weekend! #MLK2024
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
Alaska State AFL-CIO:
Join us Saturday, January 13th for a #RedForEd rally in Town Square Park! #1u #akleg #akgov pic.twitter.com/xSE8SAxlhC
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 5, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Unions from all over CA came to vote on Labor’s endorsements in the 2024 Pre-Primary Election! We made over 100+ endorsements, including 35 union members & leaders running for office! Check the full list of Labor-endorsed candidates🔥⬇️ https://t.co/WhusE7PKBA #2024LaborsChoice
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) December 6, 2023
Florida AFL-CIO:
A strong majority of Floridians support labor unions in a recent poll.
“I’m very optimistic...There’s an organic nature to why people are in labor unions in spite of being up against forces that have all the money and all the megaphones.”https://t.co/jBPaB443n5
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 3, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Last month, Hire 360's Green Energy cohort toured the Norfolk Southern Expansion project.
Attendees were able to meet members from a variety of unions, ask questions and see them in action at work on active construction site. pic.twitter.com/eywEuYVkrO
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
A big congratulations to the @EvansNewsGuild for their unionization effort! https://t.co/sI3oITifz7
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
🙏 🙏 🙏 https://t.co/2eURx217lW
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) January 4, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Boston's own Ben Affleck and Matt Damon threw some shade at the Golden Globes last night. If you don't have time to watch the clip, it roughly translates to "It's better in a union, how 'bout them apples?"https://t.co/zGg8lyogoH
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 8, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Earned safe and sick time goes into effect, providing Minnesotans with guaranteed sick leave https://t.co/OCgo4Gauaa #1u #mnleg
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Thank you to all the snow plow drivers who will work long hours this winter season to clear our roads and keep us safe. pic.twitter.com/rOZopiC96H
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
While our Friends & Family Dinner is sold out, there is still space to buy an ad in our program book-- perfect to promote your business or advertise your candidacy.
email Carlos at chernandez@nvaflcio.com if you're interested in purchasing an ad. pic.twitter.com/N26kPE3kb8
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 5, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
“Right-to-Work” (HB 1377) is back. The first public hearing is on 1/10 @ 3:00 PM. Please stand in #Solidarity with NH working families and sign in to register your opposition by using this link: https://t.co/1XUMH2zctU#NHPolitics #1u #RTW pic.twitter.com/H4acvogNXC
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 3, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Thank you and stay safe out there! pic.twitter.com/tYgTFhP8Wl
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 7, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
CHI St. Alexius and nurses ratify agreement! 22% over three years!https://t.co/ecqKSTFwIP
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) January 4, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
From @Teamsters to @AFGENational to @AFSCME to @reiunion to @OFTunion to @steelworkers to bipartisan electeds like @TomPattonOH and so many from the @OhioHouseDems, we say thank you for showing #Solidarity with the striking @MachinistsUnion https://t.co/GZGfh58we7
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 9, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Joining a union is an indelible right every worker should have in our country.
As Eisenhower so aptly put it, those who stand in the way are fools. #UnionStong #UnionPower pic.twitter.com/5xgcA0Qs1P
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 9, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Hollywood and auto strikes have workers and unions eager for more gains in 2024! #PowerToThePeople #YearOfTheWorkerhttps://t.co/FNYJ5IMwLg
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 8, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Join us next week for our first virtual Lunch and Learn of 2024!
This month we address Gun Violence as a labor issue with the @RICAGV1, NEA RI, and @MEAFLCIO
Register here: https://t.co/viW9uAajbW pic.twitter.com/GuRzolhEmY
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 8, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Instead of continuing to stack the deck in favor of big business and corporate special interest groups, we need to level the playing field by rewriting our broken labor laws to give workers a fair shot at building off of last year's major victories. #1u https://t.co/bzM30wul71
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 5, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @NationalNurses on yet more amazing organizing. #1u https://t.co/GJi7hlq1vh
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 4, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Washington State’s 2024 Legislative Session kicks off today! It’s a short session, so we only have 60 days to change the game for working folks. #WAleg
WSLC Pres. @aprilr_sims runs us through some of the bills we're fighting for. Full agenda @TheStandWA: https://t.co/yLJoFdEXzM pic.twitter.com/nb5jpui1x4
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 8, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“We’re seeing demand, and our apprenticeship programs are looking at ways that they’re prepared to have that workforce in place to not just build it but maintain those facilities for years to come,” WV ACT Director Justin Williams said.https://t.co/RQcJUaPgMA
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) January 2, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/09/2024 - 10:09
