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

(Pittsburgh) – The United Steelworkers (USW) and its labor partners today welcomed the comprehensive report from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on its investigation on commercial shipbuilding and its findings that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) engaged in a broad range of tactics designed to dominate and control the maritime, shipbuilding and logistics sectors.

The USW last year led a coalition of labor organizations in filing a Section 301 petition, calling for the investigation. Partners included the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.  

The USTR’s report illustrates how the PRC decimated U.S. shipbuilding, maritime and logistics capabilities, contributing to the loss of thousands of jobs. These illegal trade practices, including subsidies, preferential sourcing policies and unfair labor practices, also significantly weakened the nation’s economic and military strength. 

Under Section 301, a report identifying unreasonable, burdensome and/or restrictive practices can lead to the president implementing policies to address the harm. This decision will fall to the incoming administration. President Donald Trump has already indicated a willingness to hold the PRC accountable and has said that our maritime industries have “suffered tremendously.”  

The original petitioners on the case have since been joined by other unions and groups in seeking to stand up to the PRC, put American workers and manufacturing first, and protect national security. The USTR’s report lays a firm and undeniable indictment, requiring a swift, decisive response.

“We’re thankful for the USTR’s comprehensive investigation, laying bare the deeply troubling impacts the PRC’s trade policies have on our members and their communities,” said USW International President David McCall. “By targeting global maritime, shipbuilding and logistics sectors, the Chinese Communist Party has systematically – and publicly – worked to dominate this vital sector, leaving us increasingly dependent on the PRC and its industries to meet our economic and national security needs. Now, we have the opportunity to turn the tide, create good, community-supporting jobs across the commercial shipbuilding supply chain and restore American maritime capacity and power.”

“As a shipbuilder by trade, I’ve seen firsthand how China’s unfair trade practices have decimated the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industry,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “It is well past time to take swift and bold action to restore U.S. shipbuilding to a position of strength. As the largest shipbuilding union, the IAM stands ready to work with all partners in this fight to protect our national security, reinvigorate this critical industry, and defend the dedicated and skilled American workers who build these vessels for our military, commercial industry and more.”

“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers applauds this report from USTR and sincerely appreciates their diligence investigating the harmful and illegal practices of the People’s Republic of China as they attempt to dominate the global shipbuilding and maritime space,” said Timothy Simmons, President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. “We agree with the Section 301 investigation’s conclusions: that China’s predatory actions in the logistics, maritime and shipbuilding sectors demonstrate a clear and unambiguous intent to dominate global markets to the detriment of American workers, employers, and our national security. We hope the incoming administration will build upon the clear findings of this report and implement strong remedies that level the playing field for American workers in the shipbuilding and maritime sector.” 

“We must prioritize national defense and security by reducing our reliance on China for critical infrastructure. The Chinese Communist Party has systematically worked to dominate the maritime, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors, leaving us vulnerable and dependent on foreign industries to meet our nation’s needs,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. “We’re grateful to the USTR for its thorough investigation, which sheds light on the devastating impact of these unfair trade practices. Now is the time for bold action to rebuild America’s shipbuilding strength, create good, union jobs, and reinvigorate this critical industry.”

For further information on the case, see www.USAshipbuilding.com.

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.

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Click here to download a printable PDF of this Action Call.

Last week, we shared important information about House Bill 238-FN, the latest attempt to pass a "Right-to-Work" law in New Hampshire. Now, it’s time to take action. On January 22, 2025, the New Hampshire House Labor Committee will hold a public hearing on this harmful bill. We must stand together, make our voices heard, and oppose this attack on workers’ rights. Whether you live in New Hampshire or live in a surrounding state, let's show that New Hampshire will not let corporate interests undermine the power of working families.

You Can Take Action in Two Powerful Ways!

#1: Attend Labor Rally and Public Hearing!

WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM

WHERE: 33 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301

NOTES: The rally will be held outside. For updates regarding the rally, please visit the Facebook Event Page. Following the rally, the group will go to the public hearing together.

 

#2: Tell the New Hampshire House Labor Committee to oppose HB 238-FN!

To register your position on a bill and/or submit testimony, click HERE.

STEP 1: Personal Information

• Fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, as well as your town, state, and email address.

STEP 2: Select Date of the Hearing

• Select 01/22/2025 on the calendar.

STEP 3: Select Bill

• For the "Select the Committee" tab, select House Labor, Industrial, and Rehabilitative Services.
• For the “Choose the Bill" tab, select 10:00 AM - HB238.
• For the "I am" tab, you will most likely select Member of the Public.
• Fill in the "I'm Representing" context box with the business, organization, or group that you are representing. If you are representing yourself only, write myself.
• Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill” tab, check the I Oppose this Bill circle.

STEP 4: Upload Remote Testimony (Optional)

• If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, but wish to submit testimony on the bill, you may upload your testimony or use the text box to type.

STEP 5: Final Review

• Once you have reviewed that the information entered is accurate, click the Submit button at the bottom of the webpage.

 

For more information on this issue or how you can get more involved with Rapid Response, please contact District 4 Rapid Response Coordinator, Mark McDonald at mmcdonald@usw.org.

Although we summarized the election results in our November Election Connection newsletter, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the following important work USW members contributed to the election effort:

• More than 5,000 USW members responded to our 2024 Your Union, Your Voice survey to share their thoughts on the most pressing current issues.
• More than 100 USW members and retirees led our full-time “boots on the ground” election work across critical states.
• 152 million Americans voted in the 2024 election, which is about 64% of those eligible to vote.

The 2024 election might not have turned out exactly how we wanted it to, but so many good things were accomplished on behalf of workers this year because we’ve helped elect pro-worker allies in local, state and federal government.

While it’s not a complete list, all of the following wins for workers were highlighted in our Election Connection newsletter over the last twelve months:

• Twenty-two states increased their minimum wage, raising pay for nearly 10 million workers. Only three of these states are so-called “Right to Work” states.
• Steelworkers rallied a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to defeat anti-union laws that had been proposed in Utah and New Hampshire.  
• The Biden administration advanced a series of safety and health rules to protect workers on the job, including the USW-backed “Walkaround Rule,” a ban on the import of asbestos, and a historic move to protect workers from heat exposure on the job.
• In July, the Biden administration officially celebrated one million pensions rescued by the American Rescue Plan. This includes the pensions of 120,000 active and retired USW members.
• Thanks to the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda – which includes the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act – a historic $693 billion has been invested to date to spur growth in American manufacturing. As a testament to the benefits, earlier this year USW members from Local 1688 were joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for an event highlighting how federal investments have added jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill in Steelton, Pennsylvania.
• In November, Biden’s National Labor Relations Board banned “captive audience” meetings. Before this recent ruling, employers were permitted to require workers to attend presentations explaining the company's position on not joining or forming unions. These obligatory meetings tend to coerce employees and harm workers’ chances of getting the union they want.

Click here for a printable PDF of this Feedback Report.

Last year, we asked you to reach out to your state legislators about addressing the deficiencies in Public Act 152. This unfair law forces us to negotiate inadequate healthcare insurance coverage just to keep premiums affordable. The result? Higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums that place an enormous financial burden on working families.

Your efforts paid off! In 2024, Michigan passed HB 6058 - a bill that begins to eliminate the arbitrary and unjust Public Act 152. It’s a massive victory for the thousands of public sector workers the USW represents - librarians, crossing guards, public school custodians, EMS workers, bus drivers, and so many others.

But the fight isn’t over. HB 6058 now needs to make it’s way to Governor Whitmer’s desk. Management groups are actively pressuring her to veto the bill because they don’t want to provide workers with the healthcare they deserve - despite record funding for schools and local governments.

If the Governor doesn’t sign this bill, healthcare cost increases expected in 2025 will fall squarely on the backs of public sector workers. We can’t let management be the only voice the Governor hears.

She needs to hear from workers—NOW. Click HERE to send a prewritten email directly to Governor Whitmer’s office. Let her know how critical it is to sign HB 6058 and protect Michigan’s public sector workers from devastating healthcare cost increases.

The solution is here. Governor Whitmer needs to finish the job and sign HB 6058 immediately. Let’s make our voices heard!

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 500 Duluth City Workers Reach Union Contract, Avert Strike

Working people across the United States regularly step 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.

Duluth city workers reached a tentative agreement late Monday night, averting a potential strike after months of negotiations. The workers, members of AFSCME Local 66, and include snowplow drivers, inspectors and workers for utilities, libraries, parks, and gas and waterline maintenance. They voted to authorize a strike in December.

“This tentative agreement is a step in the right direction for the workers who keep Duluth running,” said AFSCME Local 66 President Wendy Wohlwend. “It should not have taken months of incredibly difficult negotiations and mediation with the city — or the need for our union members to overwhelmingly reject the city’s last offer and authorize a strike — to secure a fair contract from city leadership that has proclaimed itself to be pro-union.”

Terms of the agreement weren’t yet available, and will be released after the union votes whether or not to approve the contract on January 14. Union officials said the contract includes meaningful market adjustments, improvements to scheduling and workload expectations and commitments to address staffing shortages. Workers described crushing workloads with unfilled positions and mandatory overtime, including 12-hour, six-days-a-week shifts at the city’s water plant, which is undergoing repairs.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/10/2025 - 09:15

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

(Niagara Falls, N.Y.) – United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 Director David Wasiura issued the following statement today, calling on Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to address serious concerns about ortho-toluidine exposure stemming from its Niagara Falls chemical facility:

“Our union has worked for decades to push Goodyear to enact common-sense health and safety protections against occupational exposure to ortho-toluidine, a known carcinogen.

“Thanks to the relentless efforts of countless USW members, we’ve been able to institute a full-time health and safety representative and other major improvements to in-plant health and safety protocols.

“Now, it’s past time for Goodyear to look beyond the walls of this facility and address the risks associated with possible ortho-toluidine exposure on the wider community.

“Up until this point, Goodyear has been willing to hide behind outdated federal regulations, but this is simply not good enough. Goodyear must reduce exposure to the lowest possible level – inside and outside the plant.

“Our members are proud to live and work in the greater Niagara area, and we will continue to fight to keep every stakeholder safe and healthy.”

USW District 4 represents workers in a wide array of occupations in New York and eight other New England states, including approximately 40 workers at Goodyear’s Niagara Falls chemical facility.

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Power in Unity

Union members know better than anyone that there is power in unity. 

So we are thrilled to share breaking news: The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a powerful union of 2 million members, has joined our AFL-CIO union family.

At a critical moment when everything is on the line for the nation’s working people, the labor movement is uniting to challenge the status quo and build a movement of workers who will fight—on the job, in the streets, at the ballot box, in our communities—for higher pay, expanded benefits and new rules that empower us to join together in unions and organize across industries.

United, we’ll take on corporate greed and union-busting millionaires and billionaires.

United, we’ll build on our wins and on our record of support and keep up the momentum in this critical moment for the labor movement. 

And united, we’ll have the power to make change, to hold elected leaders accountable and to demand stronger, more inclusive labor laws that guarantee every worker in America has the basic right to organize on the job. 

We know what it looks like when we organize together, when we rally together, when we mobilize together. And together with SEIU service and care workers, we will take our fight for good jobs to the next level. There’s no stopping us. 

P.S. Tune in at 2:30 p.m. ET to, Thursday, Jan. 9, at AFLCIO.tv as the AFL-CIO and SEIU come together for this historic announcement with workers from various unions—including our SEIU members—to talk about why we’re powerful together. 

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:51

Tags: Organizing

Happy New Year: 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).

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in California is $16.50 an hour for all employers. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state’s rate. Take a look and see if your city/county falls into this category. Everyone deserves a living wage! pic.twitter.com/2xDKkS0nJo

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 3, 2025

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Colorado AFL-CIO Wrapped! As we move into the new year, we wanted to reflect on our wins from 2024:

1️⃣ We hosted the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School with great feedback and with the highest attendance in recent recorded history, with nearly 300 people! pic.twitter.com/YodeBUWz18

— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 1, 2025

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

IAM members at Pratt protest forced unpaid furlough days and prepare for upcoming contract negotiations! Proud to stand with the @MachinistsUnion! #solidarity pic.twitter.com/YPd3DqgCed

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 3, 2025

Illinois AFL-CIO:

It's that time of year again -- the lame duck session, held before the new legislature is sworn in. Follow along on https://t.co/Nf2sTD34wT to learn how your union is impacted by state government! pic.twitter.com/HD0rWsDtk4

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 4, 2025

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Workers deserve a dignified retirement. Public sector workers and union members across the nation will now have the benefits they’ve earned. https://t.co/5E9io6c5y0

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 6, 2025

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Senator Kari Dziedzic will forever hold a place in Minnesota history for her leadership in making our state one of the best for working people. Minnesota’s Labor Movement grieves with the many who knew her and we wish peace to her family and friends. https://t.co/PW8M6vzzdT

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) December 28, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

❄️ Shoutout to the Snow Plow Drivers!

Thank you for braving the cold, working long hours, and working to clear roadways. Your hard work makes a difference for everyone! pic.twitter.com/C4zsd5ojaL

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 5, 2025

Nebraska State AFL-CIO:

"If you don't have a seat at the table, you're probably on the menu." Save the date so Nebraska Legislatures know workers have a voice in our state! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/ebOopcwzC8

— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) January 3, 2025

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

28 days left to apply! 

Nevada high school seniors in the graduating class of 2025 with a 2.0 or higher GPA may apply for this scholarship.
One parent must be an active or retired member in good standing of any local union affiliated with the Nevada State AFL-CIO. pic.twitter.com/Uh5PvcXCVC

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 3, 2025

New York State AFL-CIO:

Best way to improve your wages, benefits and working conditions in 2025? Go union. pic.twitter.com/BfApI5J4AE

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) December 30, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

In 2024, unions of working people in NC overcame corporate power, natural disasters, and national political headwinds to win record contracts, rebuild communities, and elect labor champions. Read our 2024 Annual Report: https://t.co/1McT8PVg7V #1u

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) December 31, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

#Ohio @AFLCIO President Tim Burga is with @Oapse4 @AFSCME President Lois Carson and @SherrodBrown as @POTUS signs the Social Security Fairness Act to ensure every public servant gets the full retirement they earned. pic.twitter.com/i0n7GZEGgE

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 5, 2025

Oregon AFL-CIO:

It was fantastic closing out 2024 with another organizing win in Ashland. Let’s push to give even more workers the chance to change their lives by joining a union in 2025! https://t.co/eWnyXSVRWu

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 3, 2025

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? Join a union! pic.twitter.com/130CgzsVGu

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 1, 2025

Texas AFL-CIO:

Why do we always hear about retail theft but not wage theft?

In TX, min. wage violations cost individual workers nearly $4K/year on average.

And the state doesn’t care: From 2010-2020, it ordered $99M in back wages – but 80% of those payments haven't been received by workers.

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 3, 2025

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/07/2025 - 14:14

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philadelphia Museum Workers Vote to Ratify First Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step 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 represented by AFSCME at the Please Touch Museum (PTM) in Philadelphia have voted to approve their first-ever collective bargaining agreement at the institution.

Staff voted to form Please Touch Museum United in April 2023, becoming the city’s first children’s museum to form a union and yet another organizing victory forged through the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign. Wins in the agreement include a 13.3% immediate increase in minimum pay—with guaranteed raises up to 24% over the lifetime of the contract—the ability to rollover sick time and vacation, reductions in health insurance cost-shares and more.

“Museum and cultural workers have traditionally accepted low pay and precarious conditions as a trade-off for doing mission-driven work,” said AFSCME District Council 47 President April Gigetts. “But those conditions aren’t sustainable for people who need a paycheck to live. As museums become more racially and economically diverse workplaces, workers are increasingly demanding the same rights and protections as those in other industries.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/07/2025 - 10:01

Click here for a printable PDF of this Feedback Report.

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, President Biden signed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act into law. In November, H.R. 82 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 327 to 75. Later in December, thanks to action made by all of you, the Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 76 to 20.

The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act marks a significant victory for our USW siblings in the public sector and public employees nationwide. By eliminating the unjust Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), this achievement restores the promise of a secure and dignified retirement for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities. This is a powerful step toward fairness for all workers.

 

Worker Wins: Providing Key Protections for Workers

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

PBS Writers Ratify Groundbreaking New Deal: On Wednesday, Writers Guild of America (WGA) members at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) overwhelmingly ratified a new contract with management at member stations WGBH, THIRTEEN and PBS SoCal. In an exciting first, the WGA was able to secure critical union protections for PBS animation writers, who were previously not covered under the WGA–Public Television Freelance Agreement. The deal includes wins such as language ensuring that writer-producers will be paid a writing fee separately from their producing fee, artificial intelligence protections, paid parental leave and more. “This historic contract is the result of the strength and solidarity shown by our fellow PBS writers, the members of the Writers Guild of America and the animation writing community,” said the WGA-PBS bargaining committee in a press release. “With the support of the dedicated WGA East [WGAE] staff, we were able to secure a deal that provides key protections for all PBS writers. At a time when the mission of public television is more important than ever, we look forward to working with the stations to continue creating programs that inform, educate and inspire.”

Cannabis Workers in California Join UFCW: In another successful organizing effort for the emergent industry, more than 20 workers at the Cannabis 21+ dispensary in the Mission Valley area of San Diego have voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135. This is a major step for workers to secure the improved wages, benefits and working conditions they deserve. UFCW Local 135 now represents the first of two Cannabis 21+ dispensaries in San Diego County and is already aiming to further assist workers at other locations who are interested in building power in their workplaces. “The workers at Cannabis 21+ in Mission Valley have demonstrated incredible courage and solidarity in their decision to unionize,” said Maribel Mckinze, UFCW Local 135’s organizing director. “This is an important victory not only for them but also for the growing movement to ensure that cannabis workers across California have a voice at work and access to better wages, benefits and working conditions. We look forward to supporting their journey to a strong contract and standing with their colleagues in Sorrento Valley as they organize next.”

Workers at Illinois Library Organize with AFSCME: Staff at the Urbana Free Library in Illinois voted unanimously to join AFSCME Council 31 last month, marking yet another victory at a critical public institution through the union’s Cultural Workers United campaign. The library has been Urbana-Champaign’s public library since 1874, and the staff who make its services possible cited unfair treatment from management as the reason for organizing. With patrons squarely on the side of their beloved library staff, workers are ready to start bargaining a contract that will help them better serve their community. 
“Our staff love the library. We care about that place. We care about our patrons,” said Carol Inskeep, a librarian who has worked for the library for 30 years. “That’s why it’s so disheartening when you see decisions get made that result in turnover or demoralize us so much that we lose the most committed people. We know if we have a stronger voice, we’ll be able to make better decisions for our library and our patrons.”

ZeniMax Online Studios Workers Form Union with CWA: The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Thursday that an overwhelming majority of workers at Microsoft’s ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS) have signed union authorization cards. Microsoft voluntarily recognized ZOS United-CWA, coming just months after CWA brokered a labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft for ZeniMax Media Inc. workers. This victory at the studio behind popular multiplayer game, The Elder Scrolls Online, marks another exciting win for organizing in the video game industry for the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). The ZOS United-CWA union covers 461 staff who work as web developers, designers, engineers and graphics artists. “By coming together and forming a union, we’re able to take a powerful step forward in ensuring a better future for ourselves and for our families, to create protections against layoffs and workplace exploitation, and to provide additional layers of support for workers beyond what FMLA and workplace policies already provide,” said senior motion graphics artist Alyssa Gobelle. “At ZeniMax, unions belong here.”

TD Garden Concession Workers Ratify New Contract: After months of intense negotiations, TD Garden arena concessions workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1445 voted to ratify a new contract Sunday with their employer, Delaware North. Workers at the Boston venue are responsible for providing guests with food, beverages and team gear, in addition to serving visitors in the suites, Legends Room, Press Room, VIP areas and more. The three-year contract includes wins like increased commission rates for the first time in 20 years, improved seniority protections, increases in event minimums and better hourly rates for noncommissioned employees. “The members appreciate the media pressure and community support in securing improvements for the years ahead and look forward to strengthening the labor movement across Massachusetts in the years to come,” said Local 1445 in a public statement following the ratification vote.

New York Times Tech Guild Secures Tentative Agreement on New Contract That Includes 8.25% Raises: The NewsGuild of New York, an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), said on Wednesday that it had reached a tentative deal on a three-year contract with The New York Times. More than 600 tech workers at The Times went on a weeklong strike in November. The strike was conducted by workers, including software engineers, designers and product managers, amid stalled contract negotiations over pay and job security. Members will vote to ratify the contract on Dec. 19. The tentative agreement is a first for the Times Tech Guild, which is part of The NewsGuild of New York, and represents nearly 6,000 media workers. The new contract includes enhanced job security with just cause protections and wage increases of up to 8.25%, among other benefits. “We not only won a first contract that set new standards for workers within the New York Times, but we've also established a strong foundation for what is possible for tech workers in the future when they organize and bargain collectively,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York.

RadicalMedia Voluntarily Recognizes WGAE Union: Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at the nonfiction entertainment division of RadicalMedia had their new union voluntarily recognized by management on Dec. 6. The bargaining unit of 65 staffers in production and postproduction roles was recognized. They went public with their organizing drive Oct. 23, after an “overwhelming majority” of workers in the proposed bargaining unit had signed union cards. Organizers said they wanted to negotiate pay, benefits, working conditions, job security and professional advancement. “We are pleased to share that RadicalMedia voluntarily recognized our union,” the union’s organizing committee said. “We look forward to negotiating a fair contract that addresses our concerns and lives up to the values espoused in the Nonfiction content produced by this progressive production company.”

Evansville Fire Fighters Secure New Contract with 7% Raises in First Year: Firefighters from Evansville, Indiana, will see a hefty pay raise with the new three-year contract approved by the members and the City Council. The members of the Fire Fighters (IAFF) will receive 7% raises in 2025, followed by additional 4% increases in 2026 and 2027. “The vote we had from our membership is something I haven’t seen in 13 years as union president, and longer than that as an executive board member. Over 99% passing on this contract vote," said IAFF Local 357 President Larry Zuber. "I appreciate Mayor Terry placing the value on public safety, and especially Evansville's bravest, the men and women of the Evansville Fire Department….You're going to get a return on that. Our membership, the fire department people, we're second to none in the state of Indiana and across the whole country." 

Strand Bookstore Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, End Strike: Workers at the Strand bookstore in New York city, members of UAW Local 2179, tentatively agreed on a new contract and ended a strike. Members will vote whether or not to approve the contract later this week. The new contract would last through Aug. 31, 2028. If approved, the contract would provide an increase to the store’s per hour hiring rate, amounting to a roughly 37% wage increase over four years for Strand workers who begin at the base salary. Unfair labor practice charges filed by the union also will be dropped.

Wrongfully Terminated Dancers Reach Settlement with Dallas Black Dance Theatre: After months of a coordinated public pressure campaign, members of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) who were wrongfully fired by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) have won a settlement agreement. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) brokered the agreement after finding that the dance company committed unfair labor practices, including when it fired the entire dance company in August. The settlement includes more than a half million dollars in compensation, personal apologies from leadership, labor rights training for managers and more. “This has always been bigger than us,” said the fired dancers in a written statement. “We voted as one to unionize, we fought as one through months of intimidation and retaliation, and we’ve made this decision to move forward as one. We exposed what was happening behind closed doors, and people took to the streets to stand with us. While this settlement allows our lives to go on and gives us some sense of much-needed closure, we recognize that the fight for accountability and justice at DBDT is far from over.”

WESA and WYEP Staff Approve First Union Contract: SAG-AFTRA announced on Thursday that after nearly two years of negotiations, workers at two Pittsburgh radio stations announced they have voted to ratify their first contract. Radio hosts, music directors, reporters, editors, digital content staff and other staff at WESA-FM and WYEP-FM—which is owned and operated by the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation (PCBC)—first organized in 2022. The PCBC board of directors unanimously approved the contract Wednesday, which includes across-the-board raises, more time off, preserves telework flexibility, expands the parental leave policy and more. “This is a historic day for PCBC, for those of us who work here, and for the community we serve,” said the Pittsburgh Public Radio Union bargaining committee in a press release. “Pittsburgh is a union town, and we are proud to serve it as a unionized station. We’re proud as well of this contract, which underscores the value our members offer to the station and the region as a whole.”

Lush Cosmetics Workers in Missouri Join UFCW in Historic First: Workers at the Lush Cosmetics location at Saint Louis Galleria mall in St. Louis voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655, making history as the first beauty chain store staff in the state to organize. In addition to the new unit in St. Louis, the UFCW also represents Lush Cosmetics workers in both Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, and in Friendswood, Texas. Members say their organizing efforts align with the company’s corporate values and a union will help them ensure a dignified work environment. “Lush is very open about supporting animal rights, environmental justice, and human rights,” said Harshini Abbaraju, a Lush Cosmetics employee who has worked for the company in three states and is now employed at the Saint Louis Galleria. “Now they need to put their money where their mouth is and recognize our union, because there are no human rights without workers’ rights.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/06/2025 - 10:41

Tags: Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fontainebleau Las Vegas Workers Vote to Ratify Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step 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.

Hospitality workers represented by the Culinary Workers Union, the Nevada affiliate of UNITE HERE, voted overwhelmingly this week to ratify the first union contract at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

With a stunning 99.6% of members voting in favor of the deal, workers celebrated the new protections and benefits that they won over the course of 18 hours at the negotiating table. The tentative agreement was reached in mid-December after the Culinary Workers Union forged a card-check neutrality deal with the casino resort in 2023.

“It’s finally happened. It’s a long time coming,” housekeeper Zachara Lewis said in a video posted by the union. “Housekeeping is a hard department, and it’s very hard on our bodies, so [we’re] glad that we are able to get paid what we deserve. The pay matches the work.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/06/2025 - 10:33

Click here for a printable PDF.

Today we bid farewell to the 118th U.S. Congress and welcome in the 119th. We wanted to take this moment to reflect on just a few of the remarkable achievements of 2024. Your unwavering dedication, solidarity, and tireless efforts have been the driving force behind these successes. Together, we’ve made incredible strides in protecting and advancing the values that unite us. Thank you for standing strong and advocating for workers everywhere!

Key Moments from 2024:

Empowering Workers through Collective Bargaining: In a landmark victory for workers, the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act (SB 3649) was signed into law in July. This groundbreaking legislation puts an end to employer-led “captive audience” meetings aimed at undermining union organizing efforts. This achievement represents a major step forward in protecting workers' rights and strengthening the labor movement.

Championing Safety and Health: Our members in Massachusetts made their voices heard by sending over 1,100 letters to legislators, urging them to remove two dangerous amendments from an energy bill. These amendments posed a threat to the critical work of our gas workers and community safety. Thanks to this collective action, the amendments were excluded from the final legislation. While this issue may reemerge, we are prepared to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our members and the environment.

Fighting for Job Security and Fair Trade: USW has been relentless in its fight for workers impacted by unfair trade deals and offshoring. Despite challenges, we continue to push for the reauthorization of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which provides robust job training for workers affected by trade-related layoffs. In 2024, we brought the voices of impacted workers to Congress, advocating for action to ensure their future.

Improving Health Care Standards: April 22 marked a significant milestone when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed a regulation requiring safe staffing levels in nursing homes. This rule ensures that registered nurses (RNs) and nursing assistants (NAs) are always on duty, addressing the staffing crisis and prioritizing quality care for patients.

Securing Retirement Fairness: On December 21, the U.S. Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation eliminates provisions that unfairly reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for public employees. President Biden is scheduled to sign this historic bill into law on January 6, 2025.

Investing in Our Future: Throughout the year, significant federal investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) strengthened our communities and industries. These initiatives underscore the power of federal support in building a robust economy, and we remain committed to championing these transformative efforts.

Supporting Veterans: USW has been championing legislation across the country that requires a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about benefits to which veterans are entitled and a way to learn more about programs designed to help them. In 2024, this legislation was passed in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, we also look forward with excitement and determination around the opportunities and challenges ahead. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing our core values.
Get ready to continue to stand up for workers in 2025!

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

(PITTSBURGH) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall today issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden blocking the proposed U.S. Steel-Nippon sale:

“The USW welcomes President Biden’s decision to block the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal. We have no doubt that it’s the right move for our members and our national security.

“Throughout the past year, as the proposed transaction was under review, our union’s first and only concern has been the long-term viability of our facilities as we look to ensure a strong domestic steel industry well into the future.

“Nippon has proven itself to be a serial trade cheater that for decades worked to undermine our domestic industry by dumping its products into our market. Allowing it to purchase U.S. Steel would have offered it the opportunity to further destabilize our trade system from within and in the process, compromise our ability to meet our own national security and critical infrastructure needs.

“It’s clear from U.S. Steel’s recent financial performance that it can easily remain a strong and resilient company. We now call on U.S. Steel’s board of directors to take the necessary steps to allow it to further flourish and remain profitable.

“We’re grateful for President Biden’s willingness to take bold action to maintain a strong domestic steel industry and for his lifelong commitment to American workers. Moving forward, we’re confident that with responsible management, U.S. Steel will continue to support good jobs, healthy communities and robust national and economic security well into the future.”

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.

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This article is part of the Women of Steel "Sister Stories" series.

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When Nellie Caraballo began working for the City of Lorain, Ohio, in September 1986, she was in the early stages of rebuilding her life while going through a divorce and serving in the U.S. Army. She had a toddler to raise, and she was eager for the good wages and benefits that would help her do that. Perhaps even more importantly, she would now be able to retire with a pension and health care.

This isn’t to say her start in the public sector wasn’t without challenges. In fact, Nellie spent the first half decade dealing with daily harassment from a foreman. The experience made her dread coming into work every day, and five years in, her local union president visited Nellie in her office. He said he knew she’d been experiencing problems and wanted to know why she had never come to the union for help.

“He encouraged me to file a grievance, and I asked what that was going to do for me,” Nellie said. “He looked at me and said, ‘I’ll show you.’” 

The Making of an Activist

Within weeks, Nellie and her local president settled the dispute. Nellie was transferred to a different department and the foreman was no longer allowed to enter her office or be near her while she was there.

“This sparked my interest in the union,” said Nellie. “How did this guy come into my office and resolve within weeks what I couldn’t resolve in five years? I wanted to know what this was all about and learn whatever I could.”

This marked Nellie’s involvement and commitment to her local, a decision that would eventually evolve as she expanded her activism into the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), her Central Labor Council, and, of course, Women of Steel. Sixteen years into her career with the city, she joined the USW as a staff representative in District 1.

The Fight Continues

Now, as a retiree, Nellie continues serving the union as a SOAR activist. But she is also holding space for the next generation of leaders, who she believes is going to play a major role in transforming the idea of justice and progress.

“Young people are out there educating themselves, and it warms my heart,” Nellie said. “They’re going to change Americans’ thinking, and I truly believe they’re going to change the world and make it more inclusive.”

Nellie said that the fights younger workers are facing are, in many ways, the same fights her generation endured.

“We’re still fighting division because there are factions that want to take us back, to erase history, so we still have to fight to just keep what we have,” she said. “We have to fight for our kids.”

Nellie also knows that there are always new fights. The one she is currently focused on is taking action on the Social Security Fairness Act.

Last month, the U.S. House passed a bill to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), both of which reduce Social Security benefits for certain retirees who also receive pension income, including public sector workers.

SOAR activists like Nellie are spreading the word and asking union members to email a pre-written statement to their senators encouraging them to support the bill, which is likely to come up for a vote before the end of December.

“This is the farthest this legislation has ever come in Congress, Nellie said. “We have very little time to act.”

Click here to learn more and take action today!

Click here to download this Feedback Report as a PDF.

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the U.S. Senate rejected the confirmations of two nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by voting 50 to 49 against current Chair Lauren McFerran and canceling the vote scheduled for Josh Ditelberg. This rejection has significant implications for the functioning and balance of the NLRB, which oversees critical issues related to labor disputes, union elections, and workers’ rights.

Click here to see how your U.S. Senators voted.

Immediate Impact:

• As of December 16, 2024, there will be two vacancies on the five-person Board. Historically, the NLRB avoids significant case decisions when operating with only three Members.
• These vacancies hamper the Board’s ability to oversee union elections and make decisions on conflicts related to organizing and collective bargaining, such as when an employer engages in illegal tactics during a strike or during negotiations.

Upcoming Challenges:

• Our nation faces the possibility of an extremely anti-worker and inactive NLRB. USW members should be prepared for the following:
• Recent decisions could be reversed, such as the banning of captive audience meetings; the expansion of remedies for workers illegally fired; the reduction of delays in union elections to counter employer stalling tactics; and so much more.
• Trust for the Board could be undermined. The ability for workers to collectively bargain could be weakened, and an environment where worker protections are effectively sidelined could be created.

Next Steps:

• Continue to engage in Rapid Response to learn and take actions on worker related policy decisions – good or bad!
• Build relationships with your union siblings to talk about policies impacting workers and our right to collectively bargain.

Click here to download this Action Call as a PDF.

Back in July, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General that the Legislature violated the state constitution in 2018 by using a shady tactic known as “adopt and amend” to undermine two citizen-proposed statutes. These rulings should pave the way for significant progress — one law to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and another to guarantee paid sick leave for workers.

But right now, the Michigan House is considering two dangerous bills, HB 6056 and HB 6057, that aim to undercut this critical ruling. If passed, these bills would strip Michiganders of the wages and benefits they’ve been unfairly denied for the past six years — money and protections workers are owed by law.

The clock is ticking! With the legislative session nearing its end, anti-worker forces are rushing to push these bills through. We cannot let this happen. They must hear from YOU, loud and clear: Protect Michigan workers. Stop these harmful bills.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Your Voice is Critical!

Send an Email to Your Michigan Representative TODAY!

Click HERE to send a prewritten email to your state representative. Michigan has a proud legacy of fighting for the middle class. These bills — HB 6056 and HB 6057 — are a direct attack on that legacy and on the working people who need fair wages and benefits the most.

Don’t wait. Act now to demand justice for Michigan workers. Together, we can stop this attack on our progress.

For additional information, please contact District 1 Rapid Response Coordinator, Sue Browne at sbrowne@usw.org or 269 - 838 - 5956.

Union-Made Holiday Gift Guide

Buying union-made is an important act of solidarity that helps support good union jobs in America.

Working people value the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into the products and services we make and provide. That’s true during this holiday season and every day of the year.

That’s why we’re pleased to share our annual Union-Made Holiday Gift Guide.

Check It Out

No matter what you celebrate or how, we want to help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family that you can also feel good about buying. The gifts listed in our guide are made by workers who stood together for family-supporting wages and good benefits.

And these workers’ contracts helped other nonunion workers, too. When union members secure higher wages, it influences employers in the same industry to raise wages for nonunion employees in order to stay competitive. When you buy union, you’re supporting workers everywhere—and lifting their communities.

This is a big, comprehensive guide with a newly added video game section, in light of big recent organizing wins in the video game industry, as well as our very own AFL-CIO Union Store.

Here is the full list of categories in the 2024 guide:

• Apparel and Accessories
• Beauty Products
• Big Spender
• Books, Stationery Stores and Subscriptions
• Games and Toys
• Homemade Gifts
• Kitchen and Homeware
• Sports Equipment
• Stocking Stuffers
• Tickets
• Video Games
• Wine, Beer and Spirits

Happy shopping! And remember: If you’re shipping gifts this year, our letter carriers, mail handlers and postal workers at the U.S. Postal Service are union members, too.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:48

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Pittsburgh Labor Collects Busloads of Gifts for Families

Working people across the United States regularly step 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.

On Dec. 5, the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council held its annual "Stuff the Bus" toy drive for families in need. Hundreds of new toys were loaded by volunteers onto double buses driven by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85 members and delivered to distribution centers around the Pittsburgh area. This charitable event has grown over the years, providing thousands of local families with gifts to put under the tree. Santa Claus himself even made an appearance this year and posed with labor council volunteers in front of a standing-room-only bus. 

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:13

This article was originally published in the Election Connection.

Throughout 2024, particularly since Labor Day, USW members and retirees worked tirelessly to ensure our core values were on the minds of voters as they prepared to cast their ballot.

In our conversations with fellow union members, our families and community, we spoke passionately about collective bargaining, workplace safety and health, job security, domestic economic issues, health care, and retirement security.

We also did everything in our power to remind union voters of the following:

·       Our union’s endorsements are a recognition of shared values. As with any election, the USW only endorsed candidates who clearly demonstrated their support for protecting and strengthening unions. If a candidate was anti-union, they didn’t get our support. It’s that simple.

·       Who you vote for is a personal decision, and the central role of our member-to-member voter mobilization effort is to ensure union members and our families know which candidates share our values, as well as those who don’t.

While the union’s endorsed candidate for president, Kamala Harris, was not victorious, we are thankful for the number of USW-backed candidates who prevailed in presidential battleground states, including:

·       Arizona: Voters elected Ruben Gallego to the United States Senate.

·       Michigan: Voters opted to secure a labor-friendly majority to the state supreme court with the election of Kyra Harris Boulden and Kimberly Ann Thomas. Additionally, our friend Elissa Slotkin prevailed in her campaign for the U.S. Senate, along with labor-friendly candidates in competitive Congressional Districts including Hillary Scholten (MI-3), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8), Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

·       Nevada: Our efforts were key in securing reelection for U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, while also assuring victories for Dina Titus (CD-1), Susie Lee (CD-2) and Steven Horsford (CD-4).

·       North Carolina: Union ally Josh Stein was elected Governor.

·       Ohio: Voters reelected incumbent labor allies including Greg Landsman (OH-1), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13). We are still awaiting the final outcome in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District where our longtime friend, Marcy Kaptur, is currently leading.

·       Pennsylvania: Voters opted to keep a labor-friendly majority in the state house while also delivering victories for union-endorsed candidates including Chrissy Houlihan (CD-6) and Chris Deluzio (CD-17).  

·       Wisconsin: One of our closest allies in the U.S. Senate, Tammy Baldwin, prevailed in her reelection campaign while labor-friendly allies made inroads in the newly redistricted state legislature.

This is far from being a complete list of all the victories our efforts helped secure in the 2024 elections. But, we wanted to bring attention to these wins because we are proud of the tireless work of USW members who helped ensure an election outcome that will mean working people will continue to be well represented in local, state and federal government.