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
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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
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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
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On 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.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/29/2025 – 09:19
IAM District 8 Donates To Illinois Firefighters Toy Drive
The Aurora, Ill.,, Fire Department had help from the IAM this year, delivering toys to deserving children around Aurora, Il. As part of its annual toy drive, firefighters collect toys around the holidays and deliver them to homes, surprising many deserving children. Every year, firefighters receive donated toys from several individuals and organizations, including the
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Baltimore Museum of Industry Workers Vote to Join Teamsters
(BALTIMORE) – Workers at the Baltimore Museum of Industry have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 570. Workers organized with the Teamsters to boost salaries and secure stable work schedules. “It is difficult to make ends meet with low wages and inconsistent schedules,” said Zella Roberts, an educator with the museum who led the organizing […]
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