LRS Workers Unionize With Teamsters
(Wauconda, Ill.) – A group of 46 drivers at Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) has voted to join the Teamsters. They are now among the ranks of hundreds of LRS workers nationwide who have secured Teamsters representation. “This wasn’t an easy fight, but it was well worth it,” said Rafael Gavina Jr., a driver at LRS. […]
Read More....Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward
Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election: On Monday, workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods Market voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776, making them the first union store in Amazon’s grocery chain. The e-commerce giant has owned Whole Foods since 2017. Since taking over, Amazon has rolled back numerous worker benefits, cut staffing and changed things like attendance policies for the worse. As expected, this campaign was faced with numerous instances of anti-union retaliation and intimidation tactics, forcing UFCW to file unfair labor practice charges against the grocer. Full- and part-time staff cite the need for livable wages, affordable health care and better retirement packages as key motivators for organizing. But members of Whole Foods Workers United also hope their story of taking on a union-busting behemoth—and winning—will also inspire their counterparts at hundreds of locations across the country. “I expect others to follow, and that will increase the leverage that we have at the bargaining table,” said Ben Lovett, a member of Whole Foods Workers United. “We’ve shown them that it’s possible to organize at Amazon.” “This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”Boston Commuter Rail Workers Unions Secure New Contracts: Commuter rail workers represented by Machinists (IAM) Local 318, TCU/IAM, the Brotherhood Railway Carmen of America, and the American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association (ARASA) have all ratified new contracts with Keolis Commuter Services. Keolis operates the commuter rail system on behalf of Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in the Boston metro area and parts of Rhode Island. The union coalition—which includes members who handle core responsibilities like engineering, locomotives and maintenance—garnered support from local lawmakers who called for a fair deal. “These union members stood together. We all came together as a coalition to demand that Keolis step up to meet the reasonable needs of the workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “We showed a lot of solidarity, and we’re happy to deliver new contracts to our unions’ hard-working rail members in Boston.” “Our members are dedicated to serving Boston’s commuters and worked under an outdated contract with no raises for two years until Keolis could make a fair deal,” said IAM District 19 Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “We never disrupted commuters’ lives, but we made it known that we would not settle for less than these members deserve.”Delaware County District Library Workers Win Union Election: Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board certified on Monday that staff at Delaware County District Library (DCDL) have successfully voted to organize with the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Under the name Delaware County United Library Staff (DCULS), the new unit covers 85 librarians and library workers. Despite the library’s board of trustees voting to remain neutral during the organizing effort, DCDL’s director included union-busting talking points at a mandatory staff meeting. Under Ohio law, the library is required to allow the same amount of time for a pro-union message, but workers were forced to file an unfair labor practice charge when management refused to do so. Now that DCULS members have won their representation by 82%, they’re looking forward to starting negotiations for a first contract. “Having grown up in Delaware County and seen its changes over my lifetime, there have been enormous changes that we never even imagined. Our community size and its needs have changed, but our commitment to the Delaware County community hasn’t,” said Kaleb Kramer, an Adult Services specialist at the Liberty Branch Library. “Our new union empowers all levels of staff to leverage our community relationships and experiences in partnership with our management and Board to keep pace with the rapid changes happening in our county.”UAW Welcomes Stellantis Recommitment to Restart Illinois Factory After Pressure Campaign: After months of the UAW organizing to keep the manufacturer accountable, Stellantis announced last week it will be producing a new mid-sized pickup truck at its shuttered assembly plant in Illinois and building the next-generation Dodge Durango SUV in Detroit. Stellantis—which owns Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and other brands—closed the Belvidere facility in 2023, then later that year agreed to reopen it as part of an agreement with the UAW. The corporation attempted to walk back that promise in August 2024, prompting the union to launch its Keep the Promise campaign that included demonstrations, grievance filings and other actions. “This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” said UAW President Shawn Fain in a press release. “We’ve shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.”PASS Ratifies Second Contract with Federal Aviation Administration: Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker (right) and Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) National President Dave Spero (left) signed a new contract this month covering approximately 7,200 employees in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. PASS members voted to ratify the new five-year deal with 88% approval in early January. This contract went into effect right before a series of anti-federal employee executive orders were handed down by the new Trump administration. The contract offers financial incentives to workers, strengthens telework and remote work provisions, and increases rest requirements for this safety-critical workforce. “Although the process took longer than we would have liked, PASS bargained as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Spero. “PASS did not get everything we wanted but we made many improvements that will enhance employees’ work lives and address staffing issues at air traffic control facilities that have difficulty retaining workers. I’m proud of the work our team did at the bargaining table. It was challenging at times, but in the end, we achieved a strong collective bargaining agreement. I want to thank our members for their support and patience during the process.”Culinary Union Members Ratify Contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Ending Strike: On Wednesday, members of UNITE HERE’s Nevada affiliates—Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—who work at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas unanimously ratified a new contract. This victory ends 69 days of around-the-clock picket lines, the longest work stoppage in decades for these hospitality workers. Staff at the hotel-casino bravely held the line throughout the duration of the strike and received an outpouring of support—including from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which publicly pledged a boycott. In a joint statement, the unions and employer said: “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary and Bartenders Unions are pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property. Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract. Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more. “The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 01/30/2025 – 10:23
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement
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.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract.Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more.“The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 01/30/2025 – 10:15
Cancer survivor: Skye Downs
Dedham, MA Local 1735 member Skye Downs discovered a thyroid lump during a Facetime call, leading to a dual cancer diagnosis, surgeries, and treatment, but after a year-long battle, she is now cancer-free and advocates for early detection and fire fighter cancer prevention.
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Dual initiatives boost fire fighter cancer awareness in St. John’s
St. John’s fire fighters recently secured a commitment that the department will transition to PFAS-free turnout gear, and rolled out cancer awareness themed fire engine in partnership with the employer.
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IAM Union Statement on Tragedy at Reagan Washington National Airport
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 – The 600,000-memeber IAM Union, the largest airline and defense labor union in North America, which represents maintenance and stores members at PSA Airlines, released the following statements: “As a union with deep ties in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries, as well as a significant presence in Wichita, we are
The post IAM Union Statement on Tragedy at Reagan Washington National Airport appeared first on IAMAW.
Derek Cearley Appointed Southern Territory Special Representative
IAM International President Brian Bryant has announced the appointment of Derek Cearley as an IAM Southern Territory Special Representative, effective Feb. 1, 2025. Cearley, who has been serving as the Business Representative for IAM District 776 in Texas since 2020, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. A seasoned leader and
The post Derek Cearley Appointed Southern Territory Special Representative appeared first on IAMAW.
Teamsters Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract with AEI
(WASHINGTON) – Over 500 Teamsters at domestic air freight company Air Express International (AEI), a subsidiary of shipping giant DHL, have ratified a new four-year contract by an overwhelming 95 percent margin. The new agreement immediately boosts hourly wages by $2.50, with total increases reaching $6 per hour over four years. Company contributions to health […]
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Cancer survivor: Paul Cheek
Long Beach, CA Local 372 member and fire chaplain Paul Cheek survived two battles with melanoma, crediting immunotherapy, faith, and community support for his recovery, and now advocates for fire fighter cancer prevention and spiritual care.
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Building the Skills to Fight for Working Families: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Building the Skills to Fight for Working Families: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here’s a look at the broad range of activities we’re engaged in this week.
Actors’ Equity:We are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Paul Robeson Award! Know an individual or organization that best exemplifies and practices the principles and ideals of Paul Robeson, please submit nominations by Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – https://t.co/bYVtsxMzdE pic.twitter.com/G2yqcUrNuQ— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 29, 2025AFGE:AFGE is urging ALL members and civil servants NOT to make a hasty decision to resign until you have further details. https://t.co/XMgUnOR7Vx— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 29, 2025AFSCME:Billionaires have amassed more power and influence than ever, and they are using it now to rob working people. This freeze on federal assistance funding comes straight from Project 2025 and threatens to hurt working families. https://t.co/3GrBpYOTf5— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 28, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Alliance members are already showing up to support workers this year! @TX4TARA members joined a ULP strike against Amazon and PA Alliance members helped shutdown Starbucks in White Hall. #1u #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/k1I6e7kJEW— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 28, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Local 616-Windsor, ON, joined with riders to push the City to save this critical bus service that many citizens rely on. #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab #1u #Windsor @OFLabour https://t.co/YY2mVv4nWV— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 28, 2025American Federation of Musicians:Thank you, @VernBuchanan and @RepJudyChu, for reintroducing the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act (PAPTA) to restore the ability of performing artists to deduct their ordinary and necessary unreimbursed business expenses. https://t.co/gZ6R1279EO— AFM (@The_AFM) January 27, 2025American Federation of Teachers:Working families are struggling to make ends meet while billionaires & corporations rake in record profits. Giving those at the top more tax breaks won’t lower costs for families, it will just make our economy even more rigged. Renewing the #TrumpTaxCuts is a scam. pic.twitter.com/nSqZiHhnPC— AFT (@AFTunion) January 27, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Reminder: Scholarship deadlines are approaching!Our AFA membership provides opportunities for scholarships, & the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees & books. More info, incl. @CWAUnion & @UnionPlus scholarships: https://t.co/xJeWNjAKe3— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 27, 2025Boilermakers:#Boilermaker travelers joined L-13 and L-28 to execute three impressive 450-ton reactor critical lifts. Have you boomed out for work? What’s your best Boilermaker travel story? https://t.co/oPbIjaQcd7 pic.twitter.com/zr0aZOhwIV— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 29, 2025Bricklayers:Recently, members from BAC Local 3 MA/ME/RI battled the elements to build the new Tobin Montessori School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Featuring 70 geothermal wells, a massive solar canopy, and is projected for LEED platinum certification!read more: https://t.co/RbAHMJV5Sv pic.twitter.com/zUIOOKHI3A— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 29, 2025Communications Workers of America:🙌 Thrilled to see our members stepping up at today’s legislative training in NY! Building the skills to fight for working families & make our voices heard in Albany. Together, we’re shaping a better future for all New Yorkers! 💪 #CWAStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/fs2a2ySSQ5— CWA District 1 (@CWADistrict1) January 27, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Today, the @BLS_gov released its annual union membership report which found that union professionals grew to 6.5 million in 2024. Here’s DPE’s full statement: https://t.co/8YISm3cj7M pic.twitter.com/igXWrdTjFI— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 28, 2025Electrical Workers:Happy Birthday, IBEW 569! For 105 years, 569 members have gathered in strength & solidarity, in unity for the dignity of our work, & safety of San Diego & Imperial Counties’ worksites, & for each other. Generations of electricians have benefited. #UnionStrong #IBEWProud pic.twitter.com/OobZ9FCyYh— IBEW569 (@IBEW569) January 29, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Students have rights! 🛑 Schools cannot disclose information about a student’s immigration status. It’s crucial to be prepared and know what to do in case of an immigration raid. Access resources to protect yourself and your family. Knowledge is power. 💪🏽 #StudentsRights pic.twitter.com/Cgg6CSGEXa— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 29, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:Listen now: MLK in Memphis https://t.co/cIykusMczB— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 26, 2025Laborers:When #LIUNA shows up, bosses listen! Like, these Mail Handlers on the picket line proving that #solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s our SUPERPOWER. Are you with us? pic.twitter.com/tklupMEJ36— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 29, 2025Machinists:(1/2) An IAM member lost their life on the job today at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The IAM is coordinating with authorities to conduct a full investigation. https://t.co/2OtSlP1wUd— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 28, 2025Musical Artists:Hats! Mugs! Totes! Announcing SwAGMA: the Union’s Official Merch Store. $5 from every purchase goes to the AGMA Relief Fund: https://t.co/k4IM8SZSEg pic.twitter.com/Nx4pEYsKon— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 28, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Limited edition merchandise for the NATCA Convention taking place in San Francisco May 9-11, 2025 is available to pre-order. Last day to order is February 1, 2025, for guaranteed pickup at NATCA Convention. https://t.co/oS5xfqlF5m pic.twitter.com/V5jTsi8WAw— NATCA (@NATCA) January 29, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Why is USPS consistently ranked as one of the most trusted government agencies?Because NALC members build community, serve with pride, and deliver dependability 💯 pic.twitter.com/fnT8q343gw— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 28, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:The Altadena fires have devastated many caregivers, adding financial strain on families raising children and taking care of aging parents without the protections and support they deserve.We must provide long-term solutions for care now.https://t.co/z1WWlnpey7— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 29, 2025National Nurses United:NNU nurses stand in solidarity with the @OregonNurses on strike demanding Providence put patients over profits! Hold the line! ✊ pic.twitter.com/2TYVdVqthM— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 28, 2025NFL Players Association:Our 2025-26 application window for the NFLPA Charitable Grants Partnership is now open!Clink the link to learn more about the program: https://t.co/Vi6oQPYYzh pic.twitter.com/GifsvapWUJ— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 29, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:There is power in a union. pic.twitter.com/N3qFixyszE— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 27, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Solidarity with the staff at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, who are one step closer to formalizing their union with OPEIU Local 98! https://t.co/UaDaSHbzsN— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 27, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:Four of our apprentices are competing this week at Surfaces — Jonathan Youn, a third year apprentice from DC 50 in Hawaii; Diana Jimenz, a third year apprentice from DC 36 in California; Harrison Aho, a second year apprentice from DC 5 in Washington; and Edgar Lopez, a fifth… pic.twitter.com/staMOZ5jBl— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 29, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Know your rights: you have the right to a safe workplace!Check out resources from RWDSU’s Health and Safety Department: https://t.co/6tmmHgYzhp pic.twitter.com/ZF6EbvSAup— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 26, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:This is truly historic–the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain. This is just the beginning. See what happens when workers unite against corporate greed and stand up to their union-busting tactics. #Solidarity https://t.co/uHrQv5Zq4X— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 28, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Check out the SAG-AFTRA podcast for key takeaways from #CES2025. EVP Linda Powell and NED Duncan Crabtree-Ireland are joined by members of the SAG-AFTRA National Innovation and New Technology Committee and A.I. Task Force Committee. Listen now: https://t.co/glo0fqULc1— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 24, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):🚨 SOLIDARITY WITH RICHMOND JANITORS! 150 union workers from @32BJSEIU are on the picket line with contracted janitors standing against Nu-Tech’s illegal firings, discrimination, & cruel treatment. Janitors—earning as little as $15/hr with no PTO—deserve dignity, not retaliation. pic.twitter.com/YI0k7S1eFe— SEIU (@SEIU) January 28, 2025Solidarity Center:Our partners the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) are bargaining for better living & working conditions at Bridgestone’s Liberia rubber plantation ✊🏿. Join us in showing support & #solidarity by signing their petition: https://t.co/o2xVtcG9vX#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 23, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: First contract win for staff at Democracy Works (@dwcollectiveTNG)!✊ Their contract includes:✅ Guaranteed wage increases ✅ Layoff protections + severance ✅ 12 weeks of paid parental leave✅Expanded protections against discriminationand more:https://t.co/r2Yl7KCOvZ— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 24, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:We talked to Liv Rigdon and Christian Soto, workers who were picketing outside of the Atlantic Theater to hear their thoughts surrounding the current strike for a fair contract. pic.twitter.com/04InIyp55P— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 28, 2025Transport Workers Union:Always great to bump into TWU retirees enjoying the retirement they earned, like Errol Bassit, MaBSTOA, @TWULocal100, at the airport in Miami. @TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/krYWcoY6By— TWU (@transportworker) January 29, 2025Transportation Trades Department:From DC to NYC and back again, we’re grateful for the @Amtrak workers who keep us moving! 🚆 pic.twitter.com/INd6mBgBs4— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 28, 2025UAW:“Our members, who get paid roughly $35 an hour, have been asked to somehow figure out how they can compete with workers that make $3 an hour,” said Jason Wade, an assistant to UAW President Shawn Fain. “Those workers should be paid either the exact same or in close proximity to…— UAW (@UAW) January 29, 2025UNITE HERE:The union difference matters for queer and trans workers. At #CreatingChange2025, UNITE HERE members from across the union shared stories about how affordable and inclusive health care, good wages, & non-discrimination protections changed workers’ lives. pic.twitter.com/csbEVmWRyA— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 27, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at the Cannabis 21+ dispensary in Mission Valley, San Diego, have voted to join @UFCW135With the union backing them, these workers intend to secure better wages, benefits, and conditions.Let’s get to work!➡️ https://t.co/Zy4796z7GR pic.twitter.com/ZtDYopFj5P— UFCW (@UFCW) January 23, 2025United Steelworkers:We honored former U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai with the Wellstone Award for her dedication to worker-centered trade, good jobs, and strong supply chains during her tenure under Biden. Named for Sen. Paul Wellstone, the award recognizes champions of labor and public service. pic.twitter.com/tEgcIMqzL0— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 28, 2025Utility Workers:👏👏👏 ICYMI: New members of UWUA Local 105 at Dearborn Industrial Gas secured a milestone first contract with the help of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council. 🧵 #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/3to09bSXI6— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 29, 2025Writers Guild of America East:CONGRATULATIONS to our members at ABC News who just ratified a groundbreaking contract that includes language protecting members from being laid-off due to the use of generative AI. ✊ #UnionStrong Read more details via https://t.co/K9tSQPmaTP pic.twitter.com/DOQv0KE6Gv— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 28, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/29/2025 – 09:32