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Women's History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt

AFL-CIO - Sun, 03/10/2024 - 07:03
Women's History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda Hunt of UNITE HERE.

“The Culinary Union opened doors for Black workers, which was a milestone for me,” Linda Hunt said. “And I see African Americans in leadership roles in my union. I've been on a journey in this union and I saw lives change. I was part of the change, which makes me feel good knowing I could help families thrive.”

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/10/2024 - 09:03

Tags: Women's History Month

Women's History Month Profiles: Rebecca Owens

AFL-CIO - Sat, 03/09/2024 - 07:03
Women's History Month Profiles: Rebecca Owens

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Rebecca Owens of AFA-CWA.

Rebecca Owens is a proud flight attendant and active member of AFA-CWA Council 30. She has stepped up as her union is in contract negotiations by helping to organize informational pickets, volunteering to go on camera to share the stories of her union brothers, sisters and siblings, making sure her colleagues participated in their recent strike vote and working with the Alaska State AFL-CIO to get paid sick leave on Alaska's ballot to benefit her co-workers. 

Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/09/2024 - 09:03

Tags: Women's History Month

USW on International Women’s Day: Our diversity is our strength

Steelworker News - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:04

Contact: Randie Pearson, rpearson@usw.org, (412) 562-2295

(Pittsburgh, PA) – The USW International Union released the following statement in honor of International Women’s Day, March 8:

“From our inception the USW valued inclusivity. Our union constitution begins: ‘To unite in one organization, regardless of creed, color or nationality, all workmen and working women eligible for membership.’ This was a key tenant of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) founding principles that helped shape our union and still guides the work we do today.

“Through organizing, educating, and legislative and political engagement, the Women of Steel program continues to forge a path of inclusivity for women workers across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Our activists are everyday people who lead committees, serve in local office, raise their families, and fight for their communities.

“This diversity in background and experience gives us strength and empowers us to negotiate contracts that provide justice and fairness to workers.

“The USW’s Women of Steel program is committed to continuing to mentor, educate, and activate our members to empower women and female-identifying workers, and uplift their achievements.”

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 public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

 

 

 

Economy Gains 275,000 Jobs in February; Unemployment Up to 3.9%

AFL-CIO - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 08:01
Economy Gains 275,000 Jobs in February; Unemployment Up to 3.9%

The U.S. economy gained 275,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate was up slightly, to 3.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

February's biggest job gains were in health care (+67,000), government (+52,000), food services and drinking places (+42,000), social assistance (+24,000), construction (+23,000), transportation and warehousing (+20,000) and retail trade (+19,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; information; financial activities; professional and business services; and other services.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.5%) and adult women (3.5%) increased during the month. The jobless rates for Black Americans (5.6%), Hispanics (5.0%), adult men (3.5%), White Americans (3.4%) and Asian Americans (3.4%) showed little or no change in February. 

The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in February and accounted for 18.7% of the total number of people unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 10:01

Ramadan Mubarak

AFL-CIO - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 07:18
Ramadan Mubarak

The AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million working people in 60 affiliated national and international unions, sends greetings to our Muslim union members, their families and the Muslim community as Muslims begin their holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak…Blessed Ramadan

Muslims will observe Ramadan beginning Sunday, March 10, at sunset and ending Tuesday, April 9, at sunset. During this time, Muslims all over the world who are able to fast will abstain from eating and drinking…not even a sip of water…from sunset to sunup. This month of fasting ends with the joyous celebration of Eid. 

Muslims believe that through fasting during Ramadan they can gain insights and strength by separating themselves from the material in order to focus on the spiritual in their lives. We recognize that the fast can be especially challenging for our members at work, and we honor their devotion to practicing the teachings of their faith. It is our hope that Ramadan will be a time of spiritual blessing for them, their family and their community. 

During Ramadan, Muslims pray and offer support for the most vulnerable members of our society, the unemployed and those facing job loss, and those suffering the impacts of income inequality, wage theft and discrimination in their workplaces. 

The AFL-CIO stands in strong support of our Muslim union members, their families and the Muslim community in the practice of their faith, free from prejudice or discrimination, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment as a labor movement to freedom of religion as a basic human right to be strengthened and preserved.

Eid Mubarak…Happy Eid Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:18

Women's History Month Profiles: Pamela Blackmore

AFL-CIO - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 06:54
Women's History Month Profiles: Pamela Blackmore

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Pamela Blackmore of SMART.

Kansas City tradeswoman Pamela Blackmore is a journeyperson, a night shift foreman, a conductor at SMART Local 2 union meetings and the recording secretary for the Local 2 Women’s Committee. And after 29 years in the trade, she said she will, “talk about or answer any questions about sheet metal, and just maybe inspire a young person into the trade when they hear how long and successful my career has been.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 08:54

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tempus AI Workers in Chicago Vote to Join IAM Union

AFL-CIO - Fri, 03/08/2024 - 06:42
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tempus AI Workers in Chicago Vote to Join IAM Union

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.

A majority of 400 lab workers at a downtown Chicago artificial intelligence (AI) biotech lab, Tempus AI, voted overwhelmingly to join the Machinists (IAM). The Tempus AI lab workers are seeking stronger safety standards, a better work-life balance, more competitive pay and benefits compared to industry colleagues, and equity and transparency from their employer.

“Our victory to join the IAM union shows our commitment to the future of cancer care and making Tempus AI the best employer possible,” said a statement from the IAM Tempus Worker Organizing Committee. “We look forward to negotiating a first contract that includes rigorous safety protocols, pay and benefits that align with the rest of our industry, a voice on the job and better outcomes for the patients that Tempus serves.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 08:42

Women's History Month Profiles

AFL-CIO - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:37
Women's History Month Profiles

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. 

Here are the members we've profiled so far:

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/07/2024 - 15:37

Tags: Women's History Month

USW Applauds Biden’s Agenda on Jobs, Economy

Steelworker News - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 12:58

Contact: Joe Smydo, jsmydo@usw.org, 412-562-2281

(Pittsburgh) – United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall released the following statement in advance of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address tonight:

“President Biden delivered win after win for working people during his first three years in office, and USW members look forward to working with him as he continues his fight to grow the middle class and an economy for all.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, America’s historic investments in infrastructure and manufacturing created a record 15 million jobs so far while also modernizing the nation and enhancing national security.

“Hundreds of thousands of USW members across the country know the power of these investments firsthand. We’re negotiating stronger contracts, bargaining higher wages, producing more goods, and upgrading manufacturing facilities because of the Build America, Buy America provisions that President Biden inserted into legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Many more Americans will be empowered to build better lives in the coming years as President Biden continues to combine his focus on the economy with his commitment to labor rights, particularly workers’ right to organize for a voice on the job. President Biden has proven to be the most pro-worker president in history, and we’re confident he’s just getting started.”

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education. For more information: www.usw.org.

Women's History Month Profiles: Christina Sydenstricker-Brown

AFL-CIO - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 08:08
Women's History Month Profiles: Christina Sydenstricker-Brown

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Christina Sydenstricker-Brown of AFSCME.

Christina Sydenstricker-Brown is a direct support crisis specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services and the president of AFSCME Local 1246. While working 80-hour weeks and taking care of her family, Sydenstricker-Brown supports a 650-member unit. She has led multiple safety campaigns over the past few years to ensure her members are taken care of and workplace safety concerns are addressed. 

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:08

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fairfax Connector Workers Ratify Strong Contract with Transdev, Ending 15-Day Strike

AFL-CIO - Thu, 03/07/2024 - 07:59
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fairfax Connector Workers Ratify Strong Contract with Transdev, Ending 15-Day 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.

After a 15-day strike, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 members who work at the Fairfax Connector bus system ratified a strong contract with contractor Transdev. More than 650 bus operators and maintenance workers of Fairfax Connector walked off the job over unfair labor practices on Feb. 22 after months of intense negotiations. Members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the contract. The contract includes retirement security, competitive wages for bus operators and mechanics, and other key union priorities. Local members will be returning to work on Friday.

“Our members stood shoulder to shoulder throughout this ordeal. Transdev tried to divide us,” said Local 689 President and Business Agent Ray Jackson. “This strike showed that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for dignity and justice. I want to thank them for their fortitude and for all our allies for coming out and standing in solidarity with us. This is proof that when working people fight, we win. Anyone who thinks otherwise should take notice.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:59

Women's History Month Profiles: Tyra McClelland

AFL-CIO - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 07:18
Women's History Month Profiles: Tyra McClelland

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Tyra McClelland of AFGE.

Tyra McClelland is the secretary-treasurer of AFGE Local 727. She is currently the AFGE District 14 National Women's Advisory coordinator and was recently elected the secretary of the AFGE Law Enforcement Officer Committee and chair of AFGE’s National Women’s Advisory Coordinators. McClelland represents AFGE on the National Executive Board of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) and is a proud member of the Washington, D.C., chapter of CLUW.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/06/2024 - 09:18

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Enter The 2024 IAM Photo Contest

AFL-CIO - Wed, 03/06/2024 - 07:08
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Enter The 2024 IAM Photo Contest

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.

Attention all IAM members who enjoy taking photos. The 2024 IAM Photography contest is now open, so get out your cameras or smartphones and start snapping some pics of your Union sisters and brothers.

The official call letter and entry forms can be found here.

Submit your pictures of IAM members in their workplace, union function, or performing community service for a chance to win a cash prize and have your photo featured in the 2024 IAM Calendar. The entry deadline is May 24, 2024.

Two dollars from each calendar sale is donated to Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). You can order your 2024 Calendar here.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/06/2024 - 09:08

Shuler: We All Share the Same Fight

AFL-CIO - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 08:22
Shuler: We All Share the Same Fight

Recently, the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations released data that showed the number of striking workers in the United States climbed 141 percent from 2022 to 2023.

That’s numbers-backed proof of the energy and hope that we feel every day, isn’t it? We are in a generation-defining moment—one in which workers are rightfully seizing our power and unrigging our economy so that it works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy.

Researchers documented 470 work stoppages involving about 539,000 workers last year. These work stoppages resulted in a total of roughly 24,874,522 strike days.

Across all those millions of days spent walking picket lines—regardless of in which part of the country our shoes hit the concrete—better pay, improved health and safety, and increased staffing were the top three demands.

And that tells me one thing for certain: At the end of the day, we all share the same fight. Regardless of whether we clock in to work in scrubs or a hard hat, whether we are educating the leaders of tomorrow or writing the next award-winning show of the season, or whether we work 9-to-5 or the night shift, our fight for a better future is one and the same. And we’re just getting started.

This post originally appeared at the Labor Tribune.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:22

Women's History Month Profiles: Christine Cambizaca

AFL-CIO - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 08:16
Women's History Month Profiles: Christine Cambizaca

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Christine Cambizaca of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).

In addition to being a proud member of NALC Connecticut Merged Branch 20, Christine Cambizaca is also a hero to her community. She had only been delivering mail for one month when she encountered a woman in danger. The woman had blood and bruises on her face and was being followed by a man with a knife. Cambizaca didn’t hesitate to offer her truck as a safe place for the woman to wait until police could apprehend the man. For her actions, Cambizaca was recognized as NALC 2022 National Hero of the Year. 

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:16

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Farmers Markets Workers in the DMV Area Ratify First Union Contract

AFL-CIO - Tue, 03/05/2024 - 08:05
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Farmers Markets Workers in the DMV Area Ratify 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.

About 25 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 who work at nearly 30 local FreshFarm farmers markets in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia voted in favor of ratifying their first union contract. This ratification is the first time farmers market workers in the country have secured a collective bargaining agreement. The contract includes higher wages, guaranteed annual raises, vacation time for seasonal employees, improved workplace conditions and safety standards, a labor-management committee to address ongoing concerns, and grievance and arbitration procedures to guarantee just discipline.

“We came together as a collective to improve our working conditions and create good jobs at FRESHFARM,” said Yuval Lev, who has been a FreshFarm market operator for three years. “We’re proud to codify these hard-fought gains in this historic contract and continue doing the work we love to serve the community. A big thank you goes out to everyone who has supported us—our fellow workers, farmers and vendors, and community members. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our unionized farmers markets!”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:05

This Is What Happens When Workers Get Power: The Working People Weekly List

AFL-CIO - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 07:59
This Is What Happens When Workers Get Power: 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.

We Must Start Preparing the U.S. Workforce for the Effects of AI—Now: “Recognizing that workers aren’t in a position to assess the downsides of AI, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO union federation, has called for having a government agency vet AI technologies to determine whether they’re harmful to workers—just as the FDA vets drugs to make ‘sure drugs don’t kill people before they’re put out into the world.’”

The Marshall Project, Pulitzer-Winning Nonprofit Newsroom, to Unionize: “Staffers at the criminal justice journalism nonprofit the Marshall Project announced Thursday that they are unionizing, a move that puts the award-winning newsroom among the growing ranks of organized labor in the digital and nonprofit media world. The Marshall Project Guild will be part of the NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, and as a ‘wall-to-wall’ union will represent about 50 staffers on the editorial and business sides. The union, which has the support of more than 80% of the staff, is receiving voluntary recognition.”

Twin Cities Workers Headed for Massive Coordinated Strikes: “More than 13,000 workers around the Twin Cities—Teachers, Laborers, Service Employees and United Food and Commercial Workers, transit workers—are headed for coordinated strikes in mid-March unless their bosses, including Minneapolis city officials, reach new pacts with their union locals. The potential strikes by the ‘What Could We Win Together?’ coalition could see 8,000 janitors and security guards, members of SEIU Local 26, take a hike. Joining them would be 3,700 teachers and staffers from the St. Paul Federation of Teachers/AFT, 1,000 workers at 12 nursing homes represented by Local 26 and by UFCW Local 663 and 400 Minneapolis city workers, members of Laborers Local 363. Also in the coalition: 2,000 Metro Transit workers in Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005.”

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Workers Vote to Unionize: “Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Workers voted to unionize on Feb. 8, according to the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals website. The ballot count revealed that 81% of workers voted to be represented by the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.”

Philadelphia School District Reaches Deal with Teachers Union: “The school district and the teachers union have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract extension to its current collective bargaining agreement. The current contract would have expired on Aug. 31. The union represents 13,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries and other school workers across 216 district schools. ‘This agreement, settled more than six months before the expiration of our current CBA (collective bargaining agreement), is a forward-thinking down payment on a long-term commitment to ensuring that our schools are fully staffed with qualified teachers and support staff,’ said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry T. Jordan in a statement.”

Tempe Hotel Workers Are Picketing Their Employer and Guests Are Checking Out in Solidarity: “After hotel employees won union representation in 2015 after conducting a hunger strike to protest poor working conditions, Hernandez said workers have been more open to fighting for better protections and pay. She said workers have rallied around Borg since his suspension and subsequent termination. ‘We know our rights, and we’re going to fight for what we deserve,’ Hernandez said. Some of the guests staying at Tempe Mission Palms have also shown support for the workers on the picket line, according to Rachele Smith, a communications organizer for UNITE HERE Local 11. Smith said some guests have checked out of the hotel after learning about the ongoing picket.”

Corporate Giants Aim to Hobble National Labor Relations Board: “Corporate giants are taking aim at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and attempting to hobble the agency in charge of protecting unions and their members. Amazon, Starbucks, SpaceX and Trader Joe’s are all facing complaints from the NLRB over their alleged harassment, intimidation and illegal firings of unionizing employees. The companies have responded by challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB in federal court, which could upend the structure of the New Deal-era agency.”

AMC Theatres’ Workers at Universal City Location Attempt to Unionize: “The latest coming attraction for Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood? A union election at the National Labor Relations Board. On Feb. 20, the crew union IATSE petitioned the NLRB for an election to determine if 44 staffers at the Universal City location will decide to join their ranks. The union is attempting to represent a broad swath of roles—including ushers, cooks, bartenders, janitors and others—at the sprawling, 19-theater location, situated on the same campus as the Universal Studios theme park.”

Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches Fired a Union Organizer—and Sparked an Organizing Drive: “Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches, a Seattle-based chain, was founded with the mission of creating a more sustainable food system; however, as one former employee tells TRNN, Homegrown’s business model is ‘not actually sustainable for their workers.’ Workers at Homegrown voted overwhelmingly to unionize with UNITE HERE Local 8 in late 2022, and they have been fighting for a first contract ever since. In fact, workers from two Homegrown stores have been on strike since late last fall in protest of the unfair termination of union leader Sydney Lankford, who was fired after speaking up at a union delegation. As of this week, workers at the Redmond Homegrown location have been on strike for over 100 days. We talk with Sydney Lankford and Perry, two members of the Homegrown workers union who are currently on strike.”

Part-Time Adjuncts in Cinematic Arts Unionize at Southern California: “Part‐time adjunct faculty who teach at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts have unionized. The mail-in election took place this month among non-tenure-track adjuncts who work for the school remotely or at the University Park campus, according to information from the National Labor Relations Board. The tally was 206 to 13 out of 290 eligible voters, the NLRB said.”

Harvard Proctors and Tutors Plan to Launch Unionization Push: “Some Harvard residential tutors, proctors, and house aides are planning to publicly launch a campaign for unionization, an effort they have been quietly working towards since last spring. The group, called Harvard Union of Residential Advisors, has been organizing privately since May and plans to file a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board.”

Starbucks and Union Agree to Work Out Framework for Contract Talks: “Starbucks and the union that represents employees in roughly 400 of its U.S. stores announced Tuesday that they were beginning discussions on a ‘foundational framework’ that would help the company reach labor agreements with unionized workers and resolve litigation between the two sides. The union greeted the development as a major shift in strategy for Starbucks, which has taken steps to resist union organizing at the company since the campaign began in 2021, moves that federal labor regulators have said violated labor law hundreds of times.”

Honoring Black History Month: “[February] marks…Black History Month. It can never be overstated the critical role Black unionists played and continue to play in building our modern Labor Movement, securing the hard-fought workplace protections that we all enjoy today, and advancing civil rights across the country. Black workers have been on the front lines of so many of the most pressing Labor rights issues of the times and have powerfully organized to fight systemic racism and exploitation. We still have so much to learn from the history of our country’s earliest Black trade unions; inspiring figures like A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Hattie Canty, Clara Holder, Arlene Holt Baker and so many others; pivotal moments like the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike; and the ongoing efforts of Black workers across our country who are walking picket lines, leading our unions and driving change as we speak.”

Wells Fargo Workers at Apopka Bank File Petition to Unionize: “Bank workers at a Wells Fargo branch in Apopka have officially gone public with their desire to join Wells Fargo United, a union affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This makes them the second Wells Fargo branch in Florida to seek unionization, and one of just a few nationwide.”

Nearly 60 New Members Join Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562: “Congratulations to the nearly 60 new members of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 who were initiated into the union last week. A few years back, Local 562 Business Manager John O’Mara started a new tradition with initiations by asking each individual to tell their ‘why.’ Here, a new member shares why he joined the union. ‘Hearing their answers and excitement to join the local is truly inspiring,’ Local 562 shared on its Facebook page. ‘Here is to keeping that same ‘why’ throughout your career, with the same enthusiasm.’”

AFSCME Members Vote to Ratify Agreement with Eastern Illinois University: “AFSCME members have voted to ratify the agreement with Eastern Illinois University. The union said the new contract will mean wage increases and parental leave for university employees. After nine months of bargaining and picketing that involved a federal mediator, a new union contract has been agreed upon.”

St. Paul Teachers Set March 11 Strike Date as Contract Talks Continue: “Leaders of the St. Paul Federation of Educators said Monday they’ve set March 11 as the date its members will strike if a contract deal with the district is not in place. Negotiations between the two sides continue. A mediation session is scheduled for Friday. In a statement, the union said while it did not make the decision lightly, it was necessary in order to ‘retain our educators in St. Paul through strong wages and affordable insurance, and continue to build the school communities that our students and their families deserve.’”

UAW President Shawn Fain on Labor's Comeback: ‘This is What Happens When Workers Get Power’: “Earlier this month, President Joe Biden paid a visit to the critical battleground state of Michigan. He came to Detroit—Motor City—to court union voters. Mr. Biden had just won the United Auto Workers' endorsement, and he was eager to share the spotlight with UAW president Shawn Fain. Fain told the crowd, ‘You know what the hell's going to happen if this man's not president, because we've seen what happens. Labor went backwards.’ ‘You all are the ones that brung me to the dance,’ Mr. Biden told union workers. ‘And I never left it.’”

Can a Tech Giant Be Woke?: “Liz Shuler, the AFL-CIO’s president, said Microsoft had gone further in collaborating with organized labor than almost any other major company. She said she first met Mr. Smith to discuss labor issues almost two years ago, at which point he told her, ‘If workers want a union, why shouldn’t they be able to form one?’ Then he added: ‘This is the prevailing winds of change in the country. I think Microsoft should be adapting to it instead of resisting it.’”

Striking Workers Could Soon Qualify for Unemployment Benefits: “Many workers who go on strike could soon gain a new bit of leverage against their employers: unemployment benefits. Lawmakers in several states are considering the novel approach of extending unemployment insurance to workers who hit the picket lines, saying it would help level the playing field with deep-pocketed companies that can starve their workforces in contract fights. Strikers do not qualify for such benefits in the vast majority of states.”

Union Workers Ratify New Meijer Contracts with Wage Increases, More Time Off: “Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 voted this week to ratify new contracts with Meijer that contain improvements to wages, paid time off, 401(k), health care and pay for more than 25,000 Meijer employees. The three separate, four-year contracts approved this week are effective Feb. 25. The contracts cover employees working in retail, distribution centers and transportation and retail facility maintenance and offer immediate wage increases of up to $1.50 per hour.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:59

Women's History Month Profiles: Ann Flener-Gittlen

AFL-CIO - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 07:42
Women's History Month Profiles: Ann Flener-Gittlen

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Ann Flener-Gittlen of the United Steelworkers (USW).

Recently retired USW Women of Steel (WOS) Director Ann Flener-Gittlen was an active union member for over 50 years. Flener-Gittlen's long history of activism began in the 1970s with picket duty for several strikes against Rubbermaid Inc. She eventually became president of USW Local 302—after being told that a woman would never hold that position—and would go on to help establish the union’s WOS program. Flener-Gittlen has inspired steelworker women for decades and left a powerful mark on her union and beyond. 

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:42

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Desert Sun NewsGuild Workers Secure New Contract

AFL-CIO - Mon, 03/04/2024 - 07:22
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Desert Sun NewsGuild Workers Secure New 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.

Workers at the Desert Sun NewsGuild in California agreed to a new contract that sets the highest pay floor at a Gannett publication. Highlights of the contract include a total compensation of $456,000 more in compensation over the next three years, an average 16.5% raise upon formal ratification of the contract, annual raises for all during the life of the three-year contract, new requirements during the hiring process for editors to attend DEI conferences for education and job recruitment, a key provision to promote diversity in hiring, the strongest protections against the use of artificial intelligence that any unionized Gannett newsroom has secured, strong protections for reductions in force and severance packages among other benefits.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:22

Women's History Month Profiles: Lori Ulrich

AFL-CIO - Sun, 03/03/2024 - 07:42
Women's History Month Profiles: Lori Ulrich

This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Lori Ulrich of AFSCME.

As a disability services coordinator for Montgomery College, Lori Ulrich ensures that higher education is accessible to everyone. Once a Montgomery College student herself, Ulrich is passionate about helping every student succeed because she knows what it means to be in their shoes. She brings the ability to break down barriers with her to AFSCME Local 2380. Ulrich and her union brothers, sisters and siblings organize staff across the college's various campuses to advocate for additional resources and better services to help the students they support.

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/03/2024 - 09:42

Tags: Women's History Month

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