A Worker-Centered Vision of America: 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.
U.S. Working Class Mobilizes Ahead of Nationwide ‘May Day Strong’ Rallies: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO—which represents nearly 15 million workers and 65 affiliated unions—said Wednesday that ‘for the labor movement, Workers Memorial Day and May Day aren’t just days of reflection—they are days of demand.’ ‘Amid attacks on our health and safety, our civil rights, and our very freedom to organize, we are standing up for a worker-centered vision of America,’ Shuler continued. ‘From now through November, the AFL-CIO, our state and local labor movements, and allies across the country will be in the streets and at worksites to peacefully engage our co-workers and neighbors on the issues at stake in the next election so we can ensure that everyone can vote and every vote is counted and unify working people around our economic demands.’ ‘This week and for the months to come, we will continue to fight for our vision of a worker-centered America,’ she added.”
SAG-AFTRA Launches ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast; First Guests Include Quinta Brunson, Kate Hudson, Mariska Hargitay, Kerry Washington: “At the beginning of every Actor Awards (the kudocast formerly known as the SAG Awards), actors give a speech from their chairs in the room, sharing their origin stories. It’s usually about their big break, or how they first got their SAG-AFTRA card. The anecdotes can be amusing, serious or emotional, but they always end the same way: With the performer sharing their name, then proudly declaring, ‘I am an actor.’ That’s the inspiration behind ‘I Am An Actor,’ a new podcast from SAG-AFTRA that launches on May 7. The show, available on all podcast platforms, will be hosted by Actor Awards showrunner Jon Brockett and actor Jamie Chung (‘Dexter: New Blood,’ ‘Lovecraft Country’).”
Philadelphia’s Union Movement Gains Momentum with New Organizing Drives Across the City: “Philadelphia’s reputation as a union stronghold is being reinforced by a wave of new organizing efforts spanning from the University of Pennsylvania to local coffee shops. Labor activity has intensified across the city over the past five years, with six new unions forming at the University of Pennsylvania. Workers at businesses like Starbucks, World Cafe Live and Whole Foods have also launched their own unionization campaigns.”
Six Local Schools Compete in Annual Welding Contest at Wheeling Ironworkers Local 549: “Sparks flew at the Wheeling Ironworkers 549 as students from six local schools put their welding skills to the test in the second annual welding competition. The welders were judged on their skills and how their techniques would translate in a real-world environment. ‘It’s not just welding that we do, but this gives them an eyeopener of al the different aspects of ironworking,’ said Stephen Sipos, an apprenticeship coordinator. ‘It allows them to see our shop, see what they can do with their hands, the kind of pay and benefits we offer because we’re also upstairs explaining different things to them.’”
‘Death on the Job’ Report Details Workplace Safety Decline Under Trump: “‘Every worker should be able to go home safe and healthy at the end of their shift—but 55 years after the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, that fundamental right is in danger,’ warned AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler.”
AFL-CIO President Calls AI ‘Single Biggest Threat to Working People of Our Lifetime’: “The head of the AFL-CIO said Tuesday that artificial intelligence threatens worker safety, privacy and job security if left unregulated, and called for immediate legislative guardrails. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the national federation of 65 unions representing nearly 15 million workers, said that employers are deploying AI across industries without sufficient oversight.”
Alabama Labor Groups Host Workers’ Week of Action Kickoff: “During a kickoff event for the Alabama Workers’ Week of Action, labor and community organization advocates discussed labor campaigns and events planned across the state. The livestream, hosted by the Valley Labor Report, highlighted events and labor campaigns put together by organizations participating in the week of action, scheduled around Workers Memorial Day on April 28 and May Day, or International Workers Day, on May 1. The event’s panel was hosted by Jacob Morrison, president of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, a regional council of labor unions and body of the AFL-CIO, and featured representatives of the United Campus Workers of Jacksonville, Jobs to Move America, Alabama Arise, the Southern Workers Assembly, United Auto Workers and Communication Workers of America.”
Screenwriters Overwhelmingly Approve a 4-Year Contract with Hollywood Studios: “Members of the screenwriters union overwhelmingly ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios and streamers on Friday, bringing an end to a surprisingly smooth and quick process that brought a prolonged strike the last time around. Union leaders said 90% voted to approve the deal struck between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Studios will now shift to negotiations with actors and directors.”