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USW Local 4-200 Reaches Tentative Agreement with Robert Wood Johnson New Brunswick

Steelworker News - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 13:51

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, jkamm@usw.org, 412-562-2444

(Edison, N.J.) – United Steelworkers Local 4-200 announced today that they reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick that raises wages, caps insurance costs and provides safe staffing ratios.

The deal covers more than 1,700 members who work as nurses throughout the hospital and who have been on strike against management’s unfair labor practices since Aug. 4.

Workers will now prepare to review and vote on the contract.

USW Local 4-200 President Judy Danella said nurses were grateful for the huge outpouring of community support they received and that they look forward to returning to their work caring for patients.

“Safe staffing is essential to both patient care and reducing burnout among health care workers,” said Danella. “This contract sets necessary staffing ratios so that we can spend more time with each of our patients and keep ourselves safe on the job.”

Danella credited the strength and solidarity of nurses with reaching the deal.

“This agreement was hard-fought, but our sacrifice ultimately paid off with a fair contract that addresses nurses’ most urgent concerns. The local bargaining committee unequivocally recommends ratification.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in health care, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

It’s Here! Your Union-Made Gift Guide

AFL-CIO - Fri, 12/01/2023 - 10:00
It’s Here! Your Union-Made Gift Guide

It’s that time of year! No matter what you celebrate or how, we know many of you are looking for that perfect gift for your friends and family. And we’d like to suggest—in what has become our annual tradition—gifting union made.

We’ve expanded our gift guide this year. In addition to the usual assortment of delicious union-made food and drinks, toys and games, and more, we also have gifts for big spenders. Gifts that you can make at home, with union products! Gifts for those who’d rather have an experience. Find that perfect gift, from stocking stuffers to sports equipment to a unique book or theater performance.

Best of all, you can feel proud knowing your gifts are made by workers who stood together for family-supporting wages and good benefits. Supporting union-made goods will help workers and communities across the country—you are essentially voting “Union Yes” with your wallet.

It’s a big comprehensive guide, and it’s all here, so we hope this will be your one-stop shopping list this holiday season. We’ll make your gift-giving easy, and you can support union members with your hard-earned dollars—it’s a win-win!

Check out our Union-Made Holiday Gift Guide here.

And remember: If you’re shipping gifts this year, make sure to use a union carrier like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS.

Happy shopping! And happy holidays to you and yours, from our union family.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:00

USW Welcomes ITC’s Preliminary Determination on Thai Truck and Bus Tires

Steelworker News - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 11:40

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org 

(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall released the following statement in response to the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) affirmative preliminary determination on dumped truck and bus tires from Thailand:

“USW members take immense pride in making high-quality truck and bus tires, but the recent spike in imports from Thailand, underwritten by Chinese investments, put both their jobs and the communities they support at risk.

“We’re gratified that the ITC in its preliminary determination affirmed our position and provided a path forward to protecting U.S. tiremakers from illegally dumped products.   

“USW members are highly skilled, but they need rigorous enforcement of our nation’s trade laws. Today’s decision is a step in the right direction toward leveling the playing field.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in a wide array of industries, including workers at five facilities that produce truck and bus tires: Bridgestone’s plants in La Vergne and Morrison, Tenn., Goodyear’s facilities in Danville, Va., and Topeka, Kan., and Sumitomo’s plant in Buffalo, N.Y.

USW Activists Help Send Bill Repealing Voter Transportation Ban to Gov. Whitmer’s Desk

USW Blog - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:22

Thanks to the hard work of voting rights advocates, including members of the USW, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4568 earlier this month, overturning Michigan’s long-standing ban on hiring drivers to take voters to the polls on Election Day.

Activists, who helped propel a lawsuit that inspired this bill, said the ban restricted the voting rights of seniors, people with disabilities, young voters, and those without transportation.

Andrea Hunter, who serves as president of USW Local 1299 as well as the Detroit/Downriver chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, was one of many advocates who played a role in overturning this ban.

She and her fellow USW siblings had helped ensure voters had rides to the polls during the 2020 election. They also paid their drivers and driver’s assistants for their time, because many voters, especially senior citizens, are unable to afford their own transportation.

“Many of our Steelworkers and others lost their pensions when National Steel went bankrupt, causing severe economic restraints,” said Hunter. “In addition to Michigan being one of the states with the highest car insurance costs, we have become victims of increased utility costs.”

Not long after the election, they learned that their advocacy was illegal in Michigan. Of course, they knew they had to take action and reached out to Elias Law Group to represent them in a lawsuit.

The group’s tenacity paid off. Earlier this month, the activists were able to celebrate as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4568, which repealed the long-standing ban.

“We are overwhelmed with joy,” said Hunter. “Many in our communities became dependent upon us for transportation to the polls. We had gained their trust and support, and now with this repeal, we can provide this service again come 2024.”

Click here to learn more.

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After 11 Weeks on Strike, UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Reach Tentative Agreement

AFL-CIO - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 07:52
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After 11 Weeks on Strike, UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Reach Tentative Agreement

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

After 11 weeks on strike, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) reached a tentative agreement on Tuesday with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network (BCN). The contract includes the reduction of wage progression from 22 years to five, significant general wage increases, a $6,500 ratification bonus for Blue Cross Blue Shield workers, a $5,000 ratification bonus for BCN workers, inflation protection bonuses of $1,000 each year of the contract and protections against outsourcing. Members will remain on strike during the ratification process.

“Our members have proven that when workers stick together, they can achieve historical gains at the bargaining table,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, who also serves as the director of the union’s Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Department. “There were difficult times during this strike, especially with the cold weather, but our members never gave up hope and they continued to stand with one another for as long as it took to enable our bargaining team to win an equitable contract that our members deserve.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:52

USW Organizing Director Maria Somma Talks Pro-Worker Momentum on the Leslie Marshall Show

USW Blog - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 06:19

USW Organizing Director Maria Somma this week appeared on the Leslie Marshall Show to discuss how workers across sectors are harnessing their collective power to secure fair contracts and safe working conditions.

“What we're seeing over the last several years is a resurgence of workers recognizing the value of what a collective power can look like through a union contract,” Somma said. “People will go on strike for a day to deal with one specific issue, but we're talking about using that solidarity and collective power for long-term change in the workplace.”

Somma also highlighted President Joe Biden's commitment to labor, and his whole of government approach to helping workers exercise their right to organize.

"Many presidents have voiced labor support, but what sets President Biden apart is his action, enacting legislation that outlines the government's commitment to supporting American workers," Somma said. “By attaching requirements to government support for private industry, such as adherence to labor laws and respecting workers' rights to form unions, he emphasizes a fair exchange for public tax dollars and advocates for American production."

The surge in public investment in infrastructure and clean technology, coupled with Biden’s commitment to fair labor standards is also providing new opportunities for workers, Somma said.

Ultimately, however, for workers to fully capitalize on this moment, they need the protections offered by the Protecting the Right to Organize or PRO Act.

“Right now, it is extremely difficult to organize, it’s a long, arduous undertaking and employers retaliate against workers throughout the entire process,” Somma said. “The PRO Act looks at the hardest issues workers face and tries to address those, while also holding employers accountable.” 

You can listen to the full interview below.

Listen to "Workers Seizing the Moment" on Spreaker.

USW Decries USS Decision to Idle Steelmaking at Granite City Works

Steelworker News - Thu, 11/30/2023 - 06:15

CONTACT: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org 

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) this week condemned U.S. Steel’s announcement that it would lay off up to 1,000 workers in Granite City, Ill.

“U.S. Steel’s decision to idle steelmaking at Granite City Works once again demonstrates its callous disregard for its dedicated workforce, who for generations have served as the backbone of the company’s success,” said USW International President David McCall.  

“Our union consistently invites all our employers, including U.S. Steel, to fight alongside us to protect our domestic industries,” said McCall, “but rather than invest in the future, U.S. Steel instead keeps turning its back on its highly skilled union workforce and their communities.”

McCall noted that this trend also includes U.S. Steel’s choice to begin laying off hundreds of workers at UPI in Pittsburg, Ca., this year.

Within the past five years, U.S. Steel similarly abandoned its Great Lakes and Lone Star Steel operations, shut down coke batteries in Clairton, Pa., and reneged on its commitments to invest major capital expenditures in the Mon Valley. This is on top of the hundreds of jobs it eliminated when it shuttered operations in Lorain, Ohio in 2015.

“The company’s clumsy attempt earlier this year to pit workers against each other by blaming changes at Granite City on the autoworkers’ strike further demonstrates its cynical and opportunistic view of American labor,” said District 7 Director Mike Millsap.

“As we look to the future of the U.S. steel industry,” said Millsap, “the USW intends to draw on every resource we have available to ensure our members – in Granite City and across the country – are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arlington County and Alexandria City Workers Secure First Contracts

AFL-CIO - Wed, 11/29/2023 - 08:00
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arlington County and Alexandria City Workers Secure First 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.

Workers in Arlington County, Virginia, and the city of Alexandria, Virginia, ratified their first contracts. They unionized last year with AFSCME, and the two units represent more than 500 workers who work on essential public services such as water treatment, traffic enforcement, and parks and recreation. The Arlington contract includes 12.25% across-the-board wage increases over the course of the three-year agreement, 6% increases to all starting and maximum salaries for every position, a new grievance procedure and other gains. In Alexandria, the three-year contract guarantees an 8% raise over three years, plus a $1,000 bonus in 2024. 

“With inflation and this ‘silent recession’ that no one wants to talk about, having those raises be automatic is definitely going to make me feel a lot more at ease,” said Jaleesa Morris, a parking enforcement officer with the city of Alexandria for more than six years.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:00

Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Margaret Jaramillo

AFL-CIO - Tue, 11/28/2023 - 14:28
Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Margaret Jaramillo

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Margaret Jaramillo of UNITE HERE.

"I grew up in New Mexico with my grandfather (who is Apache and Navajo) about 2 miles away from the Pueblo of Isleta reservation, and I learned a lot about my Indigenous culture," said Margaret Jaramillo. "I have been a union shop steward for years, and I’m proud that we won a great contract because it protects us, our pension, our raises, our safety and everything else that is important. I’m proud to say that I’m part of the Culinary Workers Union, and I’m proud of my Native American heritage."

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 16:28

Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Collin Smith

AFL-CIO - Tue, 11/28/2023 - 14:28
Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Collin Smith

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Collin Smith of AFSCME.

Whether he’s operating the snowplow, responding to traffic accidents or filling potholes, Collin Smith—a highway maintenance worker for the New Mexico Department of Transportation—does everything he can to keep the roads safe, the same roads his family and neighbors drive on. Smith can draw his heritage back to the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and takes great pride in working to maintain the critical roads that run through New Mexico’s native communities, including the Pueblo of Isleta. As a steward for AFSCME Local 1211, Smith ensures that he and his coworkers have everything they need to do their essential work safely and effectively.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 16:28

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine’s Woodland Pulp Union Members Vote to Accept Improved Contract Offer; Strike Is Over

AFL-CIO - Tue, 11/28/2023 - 08:45
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine’s Woodland Pulp Union Members Vote to Accept Improved Contract Offer; Strike Is Over

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.

After weeks of negotiations, members from Machinists (IAM) Local 1490, in collaboration with 20 millwrights from Millwrights Local 1121 and 38 oilers and steam and water plant operators from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 330-3, have accepted the latest offer from Woodland Pulp, ending the strike that commenced on Oct. 14. The contract includes job classification improvements, wage increases, improved vacation benefits, paid sick leave and other benefits.

“I appreciate the Baileyville community, SEIU, Millwrights, Maine AFL-CIO and our IAM members and staff for their support,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Danny Loudermilk. “I am grateful to the Food AND Medicine organization for providing groceries and turkeys for the 86 members and their families during this strike. Their donation was greatly appreciated."

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:45

USW-Made Holiday Guide

USW Blog - Mon, 11/27/2023 - 08:47

As the holiday season approaches, we know you, your families and friends will be doing a lot of shopping – for food and drinks, gifts, decorations, paper products, cookware and other essentials.

Here is a sampling of some of the products USW members make that can be found in stores or online.

Note: some are only available for purchase in select regions.

ART SUPPLIES
Martin F. Weber
Local 286
Philadelphia
weberart.com

BASEBALL BATS
Louisville Slugger
Local 1693
Louisville, Ky.
slugger.com

BEER
Schell Brewing
Local 11-118
New Ulm, Minn.
schellsbrewery.com

BELTS
Custom Leather
Local 838-11
Ontario, Canada
customleather.com

BREAD/ROLLS
Wonder Brands
Local 4610-2
Ontario, Canada
wonderbread.com

Chips/Snacks
Lay’s, Ruffles, Doritos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Sunchips
PepsiCo
Locals 4610 and 4610-1
Ontario, Canada
pepsico.com

CLOTHING
American Roots
Local 366
Portland, Maine
americanrootswear.com

MUFFINS/ROLLS
Various brands
Local 1-00377
Norwalk, Ohio
genesisbaking.com

PASTA/SAUCE
Buitoni Foods
Local 9555
Danville, Va.
buitoni.com

PILLOWS/TOPPERS
Custom Foam
Local 838-3
Ontario, Canada
customfoam.com

POP TARTS
Kelloggs
Local 9345
Pikeville, Ky.
poptarts.com

 

WHISKEY
Bulleit
Local 1693
Louisville, Ky.
bulleit.com

 

 

 

FIVE STAR NOTEBOOKS
Acco Brands
Local 1442
Alexandria, Pa.
fivestarbuiltstrong.com

FRAMES/JEWELRY
Seagull Pewter
Local 3172-12
Pugwash, Nova Scotia
seagullpewter.com

ORNAMENTS/GIFTS
Wendell August Forge
Local 6346-15
Mercer, Pa.
wendellaugust.com

SCHOOL NOTEBOOKS
Roaring Spring
Local 488
Roaring Spring, Pa.
rspaperproducts.com

STATIONERY
Crane & Co.
Local 390
Cohoes, N.Y.
crane.com

COOKWARE
All-Clad
Local 3403
Canonsburg, Pa.
all-clad.com

FIESTAWARE
Homer Laughlin
Local 419M
Newell, W.Va.
fiestatableware.com

GLASSWARE
Anchor Hocking, Corning, Owens-Illinois
Multiple Locals
anchorhocking.com, corningware.com, shop.libbey.com, o-i.com

KNIVES
Cutco
Local 5429
Olean, N.Y.
cutco.com

OCELO SPONGES
3M
Local 13833
Tonawanda, N.Y.
3m.com

If you have other examples of USW-made products that you would like to see featured, e-mail editor@usw.org.

Native American Heritage Month Profiles

AFL-CIO - Mon, 11/27/2023 - 08:28
Native American Heritage Month Profiles

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. 

Here are the profiles we've featured this year:

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:28

USW Files Unfair Labor Practice Charges as Pitt Administration Continues to Delay Faculty Bargaining

Steelworker News - Mon, 11/27/2023 - 08:24

CONTACT: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today filed unfair labor practice charges with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board in response to the University of Pittsburgh administration’s unlawful conduct in prolonging negotiations with faculty seeking a first contract.

Pitt faculty overwhelmingly voted to unionize in the fall of 2021. Since then, they have faced unreasonable delays in receiving responses to the union’s proposals. 

Most egregiously, the administration has failed to provide any response whatsoever to the proposal on research support that the USW supplied more than a year ago. It also took 14 months to respond to the union’s compensation proposal and six months to respond to its proposal on layoff and recall.

“Negotiations can only be effective when both sides participate,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents USW members across Pennsylvania. “The administration’s relentless silence on some of the most important bargaining topics suggests it has no interest in reaching a contract.”

The charges the USW filed today also address changes to employee benefits, namely giving new members of the bargaining unit fewer health care options and higher out of pocket expenses than existing workers. 

“Pitt faculty work hard, both providing high quality instruction for tens of thousands of students and producing world-class research,” said Hall. “It’s long past time for the administration to come to the table ready and willing to negotiate a contract that reflects their contributions to the university’s success rather than wasting resources drawing out this process.” 

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Richard Reynolds

AFL-CIO - Mon, 11/27/2023 - 08:12
Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Richard Reynolds

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Richard Reynolds of LIUNA.

"I enjoy being a part of the Laborers union, not only as a source of income for myself and family, but it's also helped me over the years learn so many different skill sets," said LIUNA member Richard Reynolds. "Along with using many different hand tools to equipment, I've gotten the chance to work with many companies and learn their trade, including road work, dirt work, pipe laying, scaffolding, and bridge work. I've gained lifelong friendships and skill sets in this workforce, and it helped me be a better worker every day."

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:12

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Medieval Times Buena Park Workers End Strike, Return to Work

AFL-CIO - Mon, 11/27/2023 - 08:02
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Medieval Times Buena Park Workers End Strike, Return to Work

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.

Show performers and stable hands at Medieval Times in Buena Park, California, ended their nine-month strike and returned to work Wednesday morning without a contract agreement, said the union representing the workers, the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). The union made an “unconditional offer to return to work.”

“We felt that it was in our best interest to continue to try to work toward the collective bargaining agreement while returning to work,” said Erin Zapcic, who plays a queen at the Buena Park castle and serves as a union steward. “Our fight’s not over, and just because we’re going back to work doesn’t mean we’re not 1000% committed to getting a collective bargaining agreement that makes Medieval Times as safe and equitable as it possibly can be.”

 

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:02

Rapid Response Feedback Report: Congress Averts Government Shutdown with Stopgap Measure (Again)

USW Blog - Wed, 11/22/2023 - 11:41
But another showdown lurks around the corner.

Click here to download a PDF version of this Feedback Report.

With just a few days to spare, Congress passed another stopgap spending bill, avoiding a government shutdown. But because they could not agree on a long-term fiscal package, they will find themselves in this same situation in just two months. The President signed the bipartisan temporary spending bill into law at the end of last week. The so-called “laddered” continuing resolution, or CR, funds part of the government — including the Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Housing, and Veterans Affairs departments through January 19. Moreover, it funds the Defense, Commerce, and Labor departments, as well as the other remaining parts of the government, through February 2.

The goal is to give Congress more time to negotiate. That means Congress will have to get back to work and come together to reach an agreement on long-term spending, and right now, they are tens of billions of dollars apart.

How They Voted:

House of Representatives: 336-95
Click here to see how your Representative voted.

Senate: 87-11
Click here to see how your Senators voted.

Although this short-term deal keeps the spending levels agreed to by the Speaker and the President in May in place, (the agreement that prevented cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – the cuts that our union fought so hard against) we know these radical proposals will again be an issue. Extremists in the House have been pushing a budget that gives tax cuts to the wealthy in exchange for drastic cuts to critical programs that impact working families. We expect more of the same from them moving forward.

Congress should promote stability by coming to an agreement, not chaos by continuously kicking the can down the road. Stay tuned to Rapid Response for potential actions to ensure working people are not left out for the benefit of the wealthy.

From the Skies to Solidarity: Cary Eldridge's Journey with the USW's Vets of Steel Program

USW Blog - Wed, 11/22/2023 - 11:01

This story is part of a larger series introducing you to our Vets of Steel coordinators. Check out our news section for more.

Cary Eldridge's shift from the U.S. Air Force to an influential role in the United Steelworkers Union is a story steeped in a rich family tradition of military service. 

Following in the footsteps of his grandfathers, World War II veterans, and his father and uncles, Vietnam veterans, Cary's journey from the disciplined ranks of the USAF to the collaborative and supportive environment of the Union is a testament to his enduring commitment to service. His involvement as the USW District 4 Vets of Steel (VOS) Coordinator not only continues his family's legacy of service but also highlights the crucial role of such programs in guiding veterans toward meaningful post-service careers. Cary's story is more than a personal achievement; it's a narrative that intertwines family military heritage with the spirit of solidarity and advocacy in the union movement.

As an Air Force sergeant, Cary was stationed in various locations, including Texas, Honduras, Guatemala, and New York. He was part of a Mobility Civil Engineering Unit, working closely with Army Combat Engineers. This experience honed his leadership, teamwork, and mission-oriented focus skills – qualities that seamlessly translated into his role in the USW. 

"Simply, we had had a mission while we were serving. You can take that mission-driven concept and use it in the Union. We are still our sisters’ and brothers’ keeper and protector. We bond over that, same as our duty while we served,” he said. 

Cary plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of fellow veterans. This program stands out for its unique approach in empowering veterans, going beyond mere advocacy to become a catalyst for change. It provides an essential bridge for veterans to transfer and adapt their military skills to the Union. Cary's hands-on involvement, particularly in legislative initiatives for veteran benefits, underscores the program's dedication to making a real difference. Through his efforts, Vets of Steel voices veteran concerns and actively contributes to their successful integration and recognition in the workforce.

He led the Union’s efforts to get a first-of-its-kind law passed in New York that requires employers to post veteran-related information at work. The union, through Rapid Response, is now fighting to get similar laws passed in every state.

For more information on that and other Veterans of Steel efforts, click here.

This Is the Story of How Workers Win

AFL-CIO - Wed, 11/22/2023 - 09:12
This Is the Story of How Workers Win

It has been a monumental month for American labor.

UAW ratified powerful new contracts with each of America’s Big Three automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.

SAG-AFTRA reached an industry-defining tentative agreement with the television and film industry studios.

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 (UNITE HERE) reached its best tentative agreements ever with three Las Vegas titans: Caesars, MGM and Wynn.

And just last week, the Detroit Casino Council reached a terrific tentative agreement for thousands of casino workers in Michigan.

This is all incredible news with deals that will provide life-changing gains for America’s workers. And it was made possible by the unwavering strength of union members standing united for a better future, with all of our union family and people across the country standing in solidarity with them.

This moment is even bigger than these huge victories. This is about a labor movement. We’ve seen more than 300 strikes so far this year, involving more than 450,000 workers. Every industry. Every state.

Working people are reclaiming their power, taking on the companies that have given them the short end of the stick for too long:

  • Look at WGA, who won an extraordinary deal for Hollywood writers with the major film and television companies.
     
  • Look at OPEIU, IFPTE, and SEIU, who won a groundbreaking deal for health care workers with Kaiser Permanente.
     
  • Look at the Teamsters, who won a historic deal for delivery and warehouse workers with UPS.
     
  • Look at Starbucks stores all over this country. Two years ago, there were zero unions. Today, we have more than 360. And last week, the Red Cup Rebellion was the largest strike in Starbucks history.

And we’re not done. Workers are still holding the line and standing in solidarity as one labor movement so that every worker gets the fair contract they deserve. And we are growing our movement to bring in more working people, to elect more pro-labor leaders and to lead in the future of work on key issues like artificial intelligence (AI) and green energy jobs.

We can’t remember a moment when our movement had this kind of momentum. This is the story of how workers win.

So this Thanksgiving, we couldn’t be more grateful for workers and activists across the country and for every single person like you who has joined the fight. It truly is better in a union. THANK YOU.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/22/2023 - 11:12

Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Christina Riley

AFL-CIO - Wed, 11/22/2023 - 07:16
Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Christina Riley

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Christina Riley of LIUNA.

Graduating from the Northwest Laborers Apprenticeship program and continuing with ongoing training has paved the way for Christina Riley to have a successful career with endless opportunities for growth. She is grateful for the chance to mentor other members and serve as the co-chair of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council Tribal Committee, where she collaborates with local tribes. Having been a member of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 252 for 17 years, she has witnessed LIUNA's dedication to the tribes, and she is proud to be a part of it.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/22/2023 - 09:16

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