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Women's History Month Profiles: Joan Mah
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 Joan Mah of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Joan Mah is a Western Region vice president representing Engineers and Scientists of California, IFPTE Local 20. Mah’s local represents over 8,000 licensed engineers, scientists, health care professionals and attorneys at employers throughout Northern California. Mah is an optometrist and steward at the Kaiser Permanente San Rafael facility. She has practiced optometry since 1991. She completed her undergraduate degrees in microbiology and immunology and physiological optics, and her doctorate of optometry degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Mah is the founding chair of the Local 20 Women’s Committee.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:09Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SEGA Workers Reach Landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers who are members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) at SEGA of America voted to ratify their first union contract. The contract covers a range of job titles, including designers, translators, editors, producers, quality assurance testers, marketing managers and more. The contract includes base-building raises for every worker in the unit, just cause protections, layoff protections, commitment to crediting all workers for their contributions to video games, clarification of the noncompete policy and other benefits.
“This is a watershed moment for workers in the video game industry. We’ve proven that a collectively bargained contract with substantial improvements and protections is possible even when management takes an initially hostile stance toward worker organizing. We’re hopeful that in the midst of extensive layoffs, workers across the video game industry will see organizing as a pathway to improve working conditions for all of us,” said Jasmin Hernandez, short-form animation production manager and member of the Allied Employees Guild Improving SEGA (AEGIS-CWA).
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:00Women's History Month Profiles: Jessica Ackler
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 Jessica Ackler of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Jessica Ackler, a 16-year member of HFIU Local 14, embodies the spirit of resilience and service as a U.S. Army veteran, a devoted mother of three and a trailblazer in her union. Both of her grandfathers and her father were insulators and Ackler carries on the family legacy with pride and dedication. Her marriage to a fellow insulator reflects a shared commitment to hard work and strong union ethics. Ackler's unwavering determination, coupled with her passion for empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries, serves as a beacon of inspiration and advocacy not only for her fellow union members, but for women everywhere.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:19Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Medical School Residents at Western Michigan University Vote to Unionize
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.
Residents at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine voted to unionize with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Over 90% of residents voted for the union. The primary concerns the workers are seeking to address are safety conditions and compensation.
“We essentially sign a contract before we even know where we’re going just by entering the match system, saying we’re going to work at a place for 3 to 5 years. And we can’t leave our job once we get there if we’re not satisfied with the conditions or the pay. We don’t really have much of an ability to negotiate,” said resident physician in psychiatry Jamil Khondker.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:17Women's History Month Profiles: Addie Jewell Britt
For Women's History Month, BCTGM member Addie Britt talks about how joining the labor movement has improved her life.
Watch this video to hear her story:
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/26/2024 - 15:23Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Blayne Joseph
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 Blayne Joseph of the Laborers (LIUNA).
Balancing a Laborers apprenticeship with caring for her children, Blayne Joseph graduated top of her class in pipeline training and became the first female stringing foreman on the Alaska North Slope. She is a true trailblazer, breaking barriers and promoting gender equality in traditionally male-dominated professions.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/26/2024 - 10:28Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Florida Paramedics Win Never Quit Awards for Rescuing Tornado Victims
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.
AFSCME members Heath Schmidt and Paul Tucker were in the Florida Panhandle on Jan. 9. The two paramedics, who work for UF Health ShandsCair in Gainesville, were off-duty and had traveled to the Panama City area, some 200 miles away from home, on union business.
It was 5 o’clock in the morning when their cell phones went off announcing a tornado warning. Soon the electricity went out. Then Tucker’s cell phone rang—it was one of their co-workers back in Gainesville.
“He’d heard that we were in the Panhandle area, and he told us that his son was in a campsite where a tornado had gone through and now he was trapped under the roof of his cabin, and he couldn’t get help,” Tucker said. “It turned out his son was only five miles away. I told him we would head there.”
Tucker and Schmidt knew that what they were about to do was risky because the storms were still coming.
“We knew we could get ourselves into a bad situation,” Schmidt said. “When you’re working with your department and you need assistance, you always know there’s someone coming behind you. But in this case, we were on our own.”
As they drove out there, “There were power lines all over the ground, and we came across a washed-out bridge,” Tucker recalled. “What we walked into was mind-blowing: buildings collapsed, RVs flipped over. It looked like a war zone.”
They arrived at the campsite as their colleague’s son was being loaded for transport to a hospital—he had some pretty bad lacerations to his legs, Tucker said. Then he and Schmidt talked to the first responders who had done a primary search of the area.
“Paul and I decided to do a secondary search, and we ended up finding two people who were injured inside RVs that had rolled over from the tornado,” Schmidt said. “They were able to holler back and say they were injured. And we were able to assist them.”
For their service to their community, Schmidt and Tucker, who are vice president and president, respectively, of Local 260 (AFSCME Florida), are winners of our union’s Never Quit Service Award, which recognizes public service workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make their communities better.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/26/2024 - 10:08Women's History Month Profiles: Judy Beard
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 Judy Beard of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).
Judy Beard is a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) and she currently serves as the organization's treasurer. She is the director of the political department of APWU. She is also a founding member of APWU's women's committee, Post Office Women for Equal Rights (POWER). She teaches fiduciary responsibilities for both CLUW and women's programs around the country.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:13Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Celebrating CLUW's 50th Anniversary
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.
It's CLUW's 50th anniversary! Founded March 24, 1974, the Coalition of Labor Union Women is America's only national organization for union women.
Watch this video to learn more:
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:02Women's History Month Profiles: Teresa D'Asaro
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 Teresa D'Asaro of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Teresa D’Asaro is a fourth-generation union member and recent retiree from UFCW Local 99. D'Asaro started in the labor movement in 1994, working at a Smith’s grocery store. After becoming a shop steward, D'Asaro was recruited to work for her union as a special project union representative signing up new members to join Local 99. In 1997, she was hired as a union representative and, over 27 years, she worked as a field coordinator, field director and community outreach director. Following her retirement in 2023, D'Asaro has continued to be a champion for working Arizonans through her role on the board of the UFCW Women’s Network and as co-chair of the Maricopa Area Labor Federation.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/24/2024 - 09:57Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Alana Schaeffer
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 Alana Schaeffer of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA).
In 2020, UA Local 788 member Alana Schaeffer of Kittery, Maine, became the first woman elected president of the Metal Trades Council, an association of a dozen unions representing 3,000 employees across 10 trades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She and her members are currently working on passing state legislation to allow federal employees to qualify for state-backed, no-interest loans when they are furloughed or forced to work without pay during a federal government shutdown.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/23/2024 - 09:57Tags: Women's History Month
When Workers Organize and Fight It Pays Off: 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.
Georgia Republicans Pass Bill Punishing Union-Friendly Employers: “Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO labor federation, took to X on Wednesday to call the bill ‘appalling,’ saying that it ‘attacks the fundamental freedoms’ of both workers and employers. She also said that it violates ‘long-held precedent’ under the National Labor Relations Act.”
Lawmakers Propose a New Federal Office to Regulate Workplace Surveillance Tech: “A pair of House Democrats have introduced legislation that would require employers to be more transparent about their use of surveillance technologies to monitor their workers. The bill, known as the Stop Spying Bosses Act, was introduced on March 15 by Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and would ‘prohibit, or require disclosure of, the surveillance, monitoring and collection of certain worker data by employers.’ The legislation has been endorsed by several worker advocacy organizations and unions, including the Communications Workers of America and the AFL-CIO.”
New Wage Data Shows When Workers Organize and Fight 'It Pays Off—Literally': “A new analysis shows that unionized workers across the United States secured historic wage increases under contracts negotiated last year, further demonstrating the power of collective bargaining. According to Bloomberg Law, 2023 union contracts ‘gave workers an average first-year wage increase of 6.6%’—the highest raise since at least 1988. ‘With signing bonuses and other lump-sum payments added to the calculations,’ the outlet added, ‘2023's average first-year wage increase was 7.3%, also a record high, according to Bloomberg Law's latest Quarterly Union Wage Data report.’ The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the U.S., highlighted the findings on social media Thursday, writing, ‘When we fight together, it pays off—literally.’”
EPA Is Banning the Import and Use of Asbestos: “In a separate release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the rule ‘will undoubtedly save lives and prevent countless exposures that endanger working families.’ Shuler added: ‘This rule is a landmark protection for workers, banning and phasing out all current uses and imports of chrysotile asbestos, and eliminating these exposures in workplaces and throughout the supply chain.’ EPA published a proposed rule to ban the use of chrysotile asbestos in April 2022.”
Biden Wins United Steelworkers Union Endorsement After Opposing U.S. Steel Sale to Nippon: “Less than a week after President Joe Biden came out in opposition of the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-based Nippon Steel Corporation, the company’s union has endorsed his 2024 reelection bid. ‘With his track record of supporting working people, we're eager for his administration's continued progress on our core issues,’ the union announced in a Tweet Wednesday. The United Steelworkers union, which also backed Biden in 2020, represents 850,000 workers in steel mills, manufacturing plants, mines, rubber plants and railyards as well as nursing homes, legal clinics, social agencies, call centers and credit unions, among other sectors.”
There's a Big Wealth Gap Between Union and Nonunion Workers: “There's a massive wealth gap between workers in unions and nonunionized workers, across education levels, finds a new analysis from the liberal think tank Center for American Progress shared first with Axios. Why it matters: Typically, unionized workers earn about 10%-20% more than their nonunion peers, but these wealth gaps are far wider, an indication that the benefits of union membership accrue to workers over time.”
OPM’s Labor-Management Forum Guidance Charts New Ground for Union Policies: “The Office of Personnel Management last week issued new guidance aimed at helping federal agencies reinstitute forums for management and federal employee unions to work collaboratively to solve problems and, for the first time, measure how the initiative affects employee engagement and agency mission fulfillment. Earlier this month, President Biden signed an executive order restoring labor-management partnerships at federal agencies, rescinding a Trump-era edict banning the practice, as well as encouraging agencies to expand the use of registered apprenticeship programs to boost recruitment of young jobseekers into public service.”
Man of Steel: “You’d think it would be hard for Biden to top his full-on embrace of the UAW and their stunningly successful strike against the Big Three automakers. But Biden has just done it by declaring that he opposes the takeover by Japan’s Nippon Steel of U.S. Steel. The U.S. needs to ‘maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers,’ Biden declared, adding: ‘U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.’”
Boeing Labor Contract Is Opportunity for Overdue Culture Change: “You know a company is in deep trouble when comedians and stock analysts take similar jabs. With almost every day bringing more negative headlines about the quality and airworthiness of its products, Boeing is both a punchline and a cautionary tale. In response, the company has made a series of moves to reassure nervous airline customers, investors and the flying public. Much of it has been deemed too little, too late.”
VW Workers Seek Union Vote at Tennessee Plant for Third Time: “Volkswagen employees in Tennessee who are hoping to join the United Automobile Workers asked a federal agency on Monday to hold an election, a key step toward the union’s longtime goal of organizing nonunion factories across the South. With the union’s backing, Volkswagen workers filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board asking for a vote on UAW representation, saying that more than 70% of the 4,000 eligible workers at the plant had signed cards supporting the union. ‘Today, we are one step closer to making a good job at Volkswagen into a great career,’ Isaac Meadows, an assembly worker at the plant, said in a statement.”
Auto Workers Are Unionizing at Harvard University: “The United Auto Workers are unionizing at Harvard, or, to be precise, among the prestigious and influential university’s non-tenure-track research and teaching employees. ‘In a miraculous come from behind win we @HAWorkers have our elections in early April!! Totally thrilled to be able to VOTE YES and get to bargaining the first historic contract for HLS clinical workers,’ tweeted law school worker Rebecca Greening, one of the lead organizers of the drive.”
Regional Labor, Energy Leaders Call for Union-Powered Offshore Wind Advancements: “In just over 10 days, this coalition ‘will be closing bids on a massive, 6-gigawatt offshore wind proposal,’ said Patrick Crowley, secretary-treasurer for the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, calling this action ‘a massive step forward’ in a national initiative to create 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. ‘In southern New England, we were the home of the nation’s first Industrial Revolution,’ Crowley said—a movement that gave rise to rapid mechanical and manufacturing advancements, but at the cost of ‘massive exploitation of workers and the environment.’ With offshore wind, Crowley continued, the northeast now has an opportunity to once again lead the nation, but without these past failures. ‘This time, we’re going to get it right,’ Crowley continued. ‘It’s going to be worker-led and committed to healing the environment.’ Crowley was joined by Michael Sabitoni, general secretary treasurer of the Laborers’ International Union of North America and president of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council; Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO; and other Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut officials and workers. The industry has endured some announcements over the past year, with Shuler calling last year ‘challenging…for offshore wind.’”
Kansas City Nurses Kick Off Contract Talks Saying They’re Prepared to Strike: “About 1,000 nurses at the two hospitals are working under a contract that will expire May 31. Their union, National Nurses United (NNU), said 150 nurses left jobs at Research last year, while 89 left Menorah. The union wants HCA to improve nurse retention and schedule more nurses to work each shift. The union said nurses are ‘prepared to make demands for their new agreements that will improve patient care by addressing critical issues with staffing and safety, and services at their hospitals.’”
Hormel Workers Picket Central Iowa Plant After Union Unanimously Rejects First Offer: “Hormel workers in Knoxville displayed their frustration with ongoing contract talks by picketing the plant there Thursday, carrying signs with slogans such as ‘We Keep Hormel Running.’ Negotiations between United Food and Commercial Workers Local 431 and the company will resume next week, said Mark McRoberts, a business agent with the union. If a deal isn’t reached then, McRoberts said, the union is prepared for a strike at the Marion County facility, one of Knoxville's largest employers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/22/2024 - 10:14Women's History Month Profiles: Cindy Marlow
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 Cindy Marlow of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Even throughout her battle with cancer, Cindy Marlow continues to volunteer in her community and advocate for workers. Marlow, who has served as president of USW Local 3609, recently joined a group of Women of Steel in hanging scarves throughout the Lincoln Park neighborhood for those in need.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/22/2024 - 09:57Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nitehawk Cinema Workers in New York Join Union Despite Union-Busting Campaign
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 notifying management last month of their intention to organize with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 2179, workers at Nitehawk Cinema’s Prospect Park location in Brooklyn voted in favor of the union last weekend.
Staff at the dine-in theater cited unfair labor practices, unstable pay, harassment and scheduling and safety concerns as core reasons for forming a union. The Nitehawk Workers Union bargaining unit includes full and part-time bartenders, line cooks, food runners, porters and servers. While the Nighthawk owner and management deployed scare tactics, spread misinformation about unions and intimidated staff across departments, workers secured a victory in their election.
“I have seen my co-workers persist and adapt through unimaginable understaffing that continues to overwork and exhaust us,” said Nitehawk lead server Sabrina, in a statement when workers first went public with the campaign. “We deserve safe working conditions and a livable wage reflective of the competitive nature of our job. We have put up with a lack of respect from management for far too long.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/22/2024 - 09:52Tags: Organizing
Women's History Month Profiles: Susie Martinez
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 Susie Martinez of the Nevada AFL-CIO.
Susie Martinez is the current executive secretary-treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, a 35-year dues paying union member of Teamsters Local 986, a native Nevadan and a former Nevada Assemblywoman from 2018 to 2022. She is the first Latina to hold the Assembly District 12 position and the executive secretary-treasurer position with the Nevada State AFL-CIO.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:28Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Lucia Aloi
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 Lucia Aloi of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Lucia Aloi is a member of IATSE locals 21 and 311, where she serves as chief trustee. She serves as the IATSE Women’s Committee District 10 coordinator and co-chairs Local 21’s Women’s Committee. She has reached hundreds of IATSE women and men through her “Words Matter” Zoom presentations, an initiative created to illustrate the impact of language on women’s opportunities and advancement in their crafts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:09Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: RTC Bus Drivers Vote to Approve 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.
RTC bus drivers in Las Vegas, represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1637, voted to accept a new contract after months of negotiations, threats of a strike, and a previous tentative contract agreement that was rejected. There were 363 members who voted to approve the new contract. RTC workers cite improved safety and better pay as their primary concerns.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:00Workers Have Something To Say: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Workers across the south and especially here in Alabama have something to say. #StandUpUAW #1U
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) March 15, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
BREAKING: 70% of Alaskan voters are OPPOSED to @GovDunleavy's veto of SB 140.
Lawmakers - Alaskans are on your side. Vote to override! #akleg #akgov pic.twitter.com/2Z0e2keHE6
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Our 2024 Joint Legislative Conference Leading the Way on Labor Solidarity Award Winner is none other than the unanimously elected leader of the @CA_Bldg_Trades #ChrisHannan #UnionizeCalifornia #LaborAllStars pic.twitter.com/6I3yjpRtwl
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) March 19, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
We say: ‘No crew, no engine, NO WAY that’s safe!’https://t.co/pfQTW9ki8P#coleg #copolitics
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) March 16, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
"Every climate job should be a good job. We can’t build our way out of the climate crisis with low-paying, exploitative jobs." –CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 on labor's push for pro-worker plan in offshore wind development https://t.co/Mx3XUjhMMq
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) March 15, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
UPDATE: the House floor vote on SB 362 has been postponed until this Wednesday. Now is the time to keep up the pressure! We have the power of numbers on our side — don’t let lawmakers forget that working people say NO to SB 362. Take action here: https://t.co/VjenLQz9YQ https://t.co/91IhVb42xb pic.twitter.com/x87dC0daEe
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) March 18, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
We are standing with @UniteHereLocal1 Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile workers who are fighting for a first contract and affordable health insurance!
Sign the petition: https://t.co/oAqSdU2p0V and show them the solidarity of the IL labor movement.#1u pic.twitter.com/2ixkboBzOp
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
We've got your backs! https://t.co/58JEEYjRDr
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) March 11, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
At our APRI dinner in Portland, Brother @STRedmond & Sister @aprilr_sims delivered some powerful & inspiring remarks about our racial justice work & how unions have transformed the lives of working class families like their own.https://t.co/qkINVzdKwU
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) March 14, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
This morning President @chrissylynch29 and our workforce development team attended a press conference announcing the Healey-Driscoll administration’s first workforce agenda and 2024-2028 Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan filed by Massachusetts with the US DOL pic.twitter.com/AC5pugEzJz
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 18, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Yesterday, Trump made it clear vital programs like Medicare & Social Security could be on the chopping block if he returns to the White House.
Today, @RepStephYoung, @StateRepTCarter and Michigan @ActiveRetirees are calling out Trump's open threat to our retirement security. pic.twitter.com/GnimGhWz8A
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 12, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
That’s why it’s time to begin balancing the scales in Minnesota and give striking workers access to unemployment insurance. Sign our petition! https://t.co/p1LxPKt5aX #1u #mnleg
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:
Butte, America was #unionstrong this St. Patrick's Day. #mtlabor #mtnews pic.twitter.com/U85s1zqm5n
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) March 18, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Welcome to the Nevada union family, @PatagoniaUnion! https://t.co/Acfk5MY91f
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 14, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Our @NHAFLCIO @PresBrackett testifying against ANOTHER “Right-to-Work” bill. This time, it is SB 516-FN, in the @TheNHSenate Commerce Committee.
Keep the state out of the business of private businesses. “Right-to-Work” is STILL WRONG for NH#NHPolitics #NHLabor #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/QzphaZbpDy
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) March 19, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
The NYS AFL-CIO endorses @kennedyforny26 for the NY-26 Special Election on April 30th. See our full statement here: https://t.co/l9LqmKOApB pic.twitter.com/8wtaIqi37F
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 18, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
We call on @RepWray to concede in HD 27! "The people of North Carolina House District 27 have spoken," said president @marybemcmillan. "We call on Michael Wray to respect the voters' choice and concede the race." #ncpol #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 15, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Our numbers bring us strength. Make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest actions and events to support #OregonLabor:
Visit https://t.co/Uf453uI5gp to receive our weekly newsletter and periodic action alerts. #UnionStrong #OregonLabor pic.twitter.com/22DASwXCp6
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 19, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
President Ferritto joined Second Lady Blayne Holmes and other women business leaders, advocates, and employers at K&L Gates in Pittsburgh last week to host a panel and discuss best practices to recruit and retain women in the workforce in celebration of International Women’s Day. pic.twitter.com/VDHeBrwpHC
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) March 19, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Things you love to see: the Biden admin's EPA has banned the last kind of asbestos that’s still in use!
Unions have been raising the alarm on this dangerous chemical for decades. We applaud this long-overdue step in protecting the health & safety of workers in Texas and beyond.
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 19, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with library workers at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District fighting for a fair contract!
Hit the link ⬇️ for solidarity actions to support them in this fight. https://t.co/tedm1716Xv
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 15, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
President Biden Committed to Building Strong Communities for Wisconsin’s Working Families - Statement by WI AFL-CIO President @s_bloomingdale on today's #POTUS visit to Wisconsinhttps://t.co/ZsFO9z5BUP
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 13, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:30Women's History Month Profiles: Grace Adams-Cunningham
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 Grace Adams-Cunningham of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Grace Adams-Cunningham serves as the chief shop steward at EmblemHealth, where she works as an account service representative. She also serves on the executive board of OPEIU Local 153, where she’s been a member for more than 20 years. On the connection between women’s history and labor history, she said: “If not for unions, there would not be a lot of women being paid what they are due.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:11Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Homegrown Workers in Seattle Win After 119-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.
Homegrown workers across Seattle voted 100 to 1 to ratify a new contract, after a strike to win reinstatement for an illegally fired coworker. Workers at the sandwich company's Redmond and Southcenter locations officially ended their strike after the reinstatement of union leader Sydney Lankford, who was fired Oct. 30.
“We won! It’s been such a long and hard fight, but we won,” said Kairi Beliz, a worker at the Homegrown's Southcenter location. “Even though it’s been super hard, I’m so proud of us and everyone who stood by our side, and all of the young workers who have had the courage to be out on the streets with us. I hope we can inspire other workers, especially food workers, to stand up for themselves against unfair labor practices, and see that service work is not lesser work.”
The Homegrown workers won affordable health care for themselves and their dependents, two years of successorship language that would protect the union in the event the company is sold, strong safety language, new tipping language, an immediate $3.25 across-the-board raise, a total of $7 in raises by 2026, heat pay language, paid 30-minute breaks, fair discipline and just cause language, air quality protections, and protections for immigrant workers, among other gains.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:56