For First Time, Uber and Lyft Drivers in Emerging Coalition Unite at Illinois Capitol to Demand Right to Unionize
SPRINGFIELD, IL — On Wednesday, May 7, rideshare drivers from across Illinois gathered at the Howlett Secretary of State Building in Springfield to call on state lawmakers to support upcoming legislation that grants app-based drivers the right to collectively bargain under the union of their choice. The event, organized by the Illinois Drivers Alliance, featured
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kristy Pham
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kristy Pham
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Kristy Pham of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Kristy Pham is a member of Communications Workers (CWA) Local 9510. Currently, she serves as the District 9 representative of the CWA National Minority Caucus, the secretary-treasurer of Local 9510 and the chair of the Women’s Committee. Her union experience includes roles as a shop steward and executive board member. In 2022, Pham was honored as the Orange County Labor Federation Delegate of the Year. Pham is a passionate advocate for equity, fair wages and social justice.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 08:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge
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.
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) overruled every objection filed by Whole Foods regarding a landmark January election where workers at a Philadelphia location voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1776.After a majority of workers at the Amazon-owned grocer’s flagship storefront cast ballots in support of organizing a union, the corporate giant filed numerous objections with the NLRB to challenge the election results. Amazon argued that UFCW unfairly offered workers transportation to the polling site, that the NLRB could not certify the union because it lacked quorum and more. Following a two-day hearing that included testimony from 10 witnesses, Philadelphia-region Hearing Officer Deena Kobel rejected those arguments.“This ruling is definitive—Whole Foods lost, the workers won, and it’s time for the company to respect the results,” said Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV. “Amazon’s tired playbook of delay and obstruction has failed. We call on Whole Foods to stop wasting time and taxpayer resources with baseless legal challenges and sit down at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 08:50
RSVP TODAY: Airport Workers Virtual Roundtable
RSVP TODAY: Airport Workers Virtual Roundtable
Join workers, advocates, and community partners at the Airport Workers United’s Virtual Roundtable on May 7th at 12 pm ET featuring SEIU International President April Verrett, airport worker leaders from across the country, elected champions and other partners for an important conversation about the intersecting crisis of poverty and safety at our nation’s airports.
Special guests will share their experiences within the aviation system and highlight a new report Flight Path to Safe, Secure and Accessible Airports: The Case for centering fair workplaces, community needs, and passenger choice over airline’s soaring profits. This comprehensive report highlights workers’ experiences and conditions at PHX, DFW, and CLT airports and illustrates how lifting standards and enforcing protections for this workforce advances the safety, security, and needs of the entire airport ecosystem — workers, passengers, and surrounding communities all benefit. Special Guests confirmed to participate in the virtual roundtable:Airport Service Worker Leaders from each featured airports in white paper PHX, DFW, CLTApril Verrett, SEIU International PresidentUS Representative Yassamin Ansari, (AZ 3)Enrique Lopezlira, Ph.D., Director, Low-Wage Work Program, UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and EducationColleen Flanagan, Disability Rights AdvocateRSVP today HERE!For more information about the roundtable or SEIU’s Airport Workers United please contact Isaiah Wilson at isaiah.wilson@seiu.org.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 07:06
Voters’ Views on Privatization of the Postal Service
https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/me-14968_postal_privatization.pdfHart Research and North Star Research have conducted a national survey of 1,402 registered voters that provides a deep exploration of voter attitudes on the question of postal service privatization and related issues. This memo reviews the survey’s key findings.
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DFA Teamsters Take Action Across the Midwest
Yesterday, Teamsters across the Midwest took action to demand fair contracts and better working conditions at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). Teamsters Local 120 members in Rochester, Minn., held a practice picket, Teamsters Local 20 members in Toledo, Ohio, held a rally, and Teamsters Local 554 members in Le Mars, Iowa, submitted a petition to […]
Read More....Solidarity Forever: In the States Roundup
Solidarity Forever: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:Electric May Day celebration in Anchorage, Alaska yesterday! Our community came together to stand up for workers in every sector and demand answers from our federal delegation.One Union. One Alaska. One Fight. ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/rZW2pYFvZF— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Arizona AFL-CIO:✊Today is International Workers’ Day! We celebrate the strength and solidarity of the labor movement and say “enough.” We are fighting back on illegal attacks on our jobs, our unions, our contracts, and our freedoms.https://t.co/HSVGdh5wLs pic.twitter.com/LumNIfOyxW— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We stand in strong solidarity with @UPTECWA and @afscme3299, who are on strike today protesting unfair labor practices at the University of California. Here’s a photo from the UPTE action in Sacramento! #MayDay pic.twitter.com/Xa6NhhY85l— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 1, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:The Colorado House just heard the Worker Protection Act! This bill is a fair shot at strong unions and an economy that works for all of us. @GovofCO , sign this bill & stand with the workers who power our economy every day. @baconforco #coleg pic.twitter.com/tDSB15jjiS— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:Incredible support from Day 1 on the IAM strike line in East Hartford! We appreciate you all and we’ll be here every day until the members get a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/uxzysvFbjR— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Senate Labor Chair Robert Peters joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about his journey into politics, Illinois’ pro-worker legislation and efforts to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the trades.Tune in here: https://t.co/HGhieHGQH1 pic.twitter.com/JfFG78lRV7— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Happy International Workers’ Day! Today the world celebrates the courage and resolve of workers who have fought for safety, dignity and justice at work. Solidarity Forever! ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/X0XUpTtW2E— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:”Unfortunately, [our staffing is] subject to potential reductions through the [Congressional] budget reconciliation process,” said Bangor air traffic controller Bryan Loquet, @NATCA State Coordinator for Maine. https://t.co/D7dV9vNhpm— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Support Macy’s Workers Fighting for a better future! @ufcw1445https://t.co/ygvXwKmbe6 pic.twitter.com/7vMgCsWkjh— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 6, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:Satellite company CEOs are being greedy and pushing to funnel more of the money intended for fiber buildout to unreliable satellite internet service. Enough is Enough. Protect our work and reliable, affordable internet service NOW: https://t.co/XNR6akvDqw pic.twitter.com/fSnqHaFXMS— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:Join us on June 29th! #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/zf8GmzOBtp— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:As Trump & his DOGE team attack our union contracts and basic freedoms, we must stand united in our fight for a better future for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength. You come for one of us, you come for ALL OF US. https://t.co/atG8VHy6AT— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Our rights weren’t given. They were fought for and won by workers who refused to accept dismal working conditions.On International Workers’ Day and every day, the labor movement carries their strength in our fight for worker justice. #MayDay2025 pic.twitter.com/brlO5XBLAC— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:This afternoon we joined SEIU 1107 at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center professionals at their rally for quality patient care and tetention! pic.twitter.com/OUgUg73XLP— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 6, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Statement of President Mario Cilento on Unemployment Insurance Benefit: https://t.co/gKfivGHCjv— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 5, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Workers, veterans and retirees are speaking out about how North Carolinians are being hurt by DOGE cuts to our essential services. Why is @SenThomTillis so afraid of hearing from his constituents? pic.twitter.com/DUFqSDOyQQ— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 29, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:Oregon State Representatives are considering a key labor bill, SB 916A, which extends unemployment benefits to striking workers. Stand with Oregon workers today and send a letter asking lawmakers to Vote YES on SB 916A. https://t.co/TEH1DkhEjk pic.twitter.com/cEWmV0lND4— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The U.S. Department of Labor exists to protect workers—like coal miners. But they are trying to dismantle those protections piece by piece. Without a strong DOL, worker safety isn’t just at risk—it’s gone. pic.twitter.com/5MOJn1KqMl— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 5, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:Solidarity with workers at Austin’s @alamodrafthouse Slaughter Lane who just voted to join @UAW! Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! (via @KVUE) #ATX #UnionStrong https://t.co/hbMjuBXvve— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:NIOSH keeps Workers safe. Call and demand Congress save NIOSH from DOGE’s reckless cuts! https://t.co/hSCyIRrMKQ— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Worker safety agency NIOSH lays off most remaining staff https://t.co/3blbSUikep via @CBSNews— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 5, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 11:15
Pressure Comes from the People: The Working People Weekly List
Pressure Comes from the People: 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. Labor Unions Demand ‘Brother’ Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Return from El Salvador: “The letter was signed by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation; James Williams, Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT; Gwen Mills, president of the hospitality union Unite Here; and Michael Coleman, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, or SMART, which is Abrego Garcia’s union.”Writers Guild Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union: “The Writers Guild of America West has voluntarily recognized its staff’s intent to unionize with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, allowing the bargaining unit to move forward on its first labor contract. ‘We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,’ WGAW Operations Coordinator II and Writers Guild Staff Union leader Doug MacIsaac said. ‘We’re happy to be able to advocate for ourselves and look forward to negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement.’”AFL-CIO President Visits Maine to Highlight Potential Impacts of Veterans Administration Cuts: “Union officials are warning that potential cuts to the veterans’ administration will result in longer wait times for services and benefits. Last month, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs announced a reorganization plan that calls for reducing the VA workforce by 83,000 employees this year, one of many federal cost cutting measures. In response, members of the AFL-CIO gathered in Augusta Wednesday to share their stories as part of a roundtable discussion with National President Liz Shuler. She’s been traveling the country to meet with workers in places like Maine, that ‘aren’t strongholds for either political party,’ she said. ‘This is about capturing workers’ voices and bringing their stories to life because often they are left out of the conversation,’ she said.”Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Agree on New Contract: “Established in Kansas in 1944, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra has recently come to an agreement with its musicians to increase their salaries, among other deals. In all, 45 members of the Wichita Musicians’ Association, local union No. 297 of the American Federation of Musicians, unanimously approved the contract, which will run through June 2028 and cover around 80 orchestra musicians.”Coalition of Nonprofits, Unions Launch Challenge to Trump’s ‘Unlawful’ Attack on Government: “‘The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security,’ said AFGE national president Everett Kelley. ‘This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this coalition to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves.’”Too Many Workers Die on the Job Every Year. Trump’s Attacks on OSHA Will Kill More: “This Monday marked Workers Memorial Day, an annual international day of remembrance of workers who have died on the job, as well as a day of action to continue the fight for workplace safety. An estimated 140,587 U.S. workers died from hazardous working conditions in 2023, according to a new AFL-CIO report. This amounts to roughly 385 workplace-related deaths a day. While mourning these lives lost, there is also reason to fear this death toll will only rise due to aggressive Trump administration attacks on basic health and safety protections long taken for granted in most U.S. workplaces.”Referendum to Repeal Anti-Union Law Meets Threshold to Qualify for 2026 Ballot: “Labor groups have met the requirements to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to repeal a law banning police, firefighters and teachers unions from representing their members in contract negotiations. As of Monday morning, the referendum backers had reached their target in the required 15 senate districts, in addition to the 146,480 verified signatures statewide, according to the lieutenant governor’s office.”SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal: “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025’s Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three.”AFL-CIO President on Mass Protests: ‘Pressure Comes from the People’: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins The Weekend to discuss how to keep the momentum going following massive anti-Trump protests this month.”Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Its Attack on Union Rights: “Trump’s executive order, which AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called ‘the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history,’ applied to workers at a wide swath of agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Shuler applauded Friedman’s injunction. ‘We commend the court for recognizing the Trump administration’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights for what it was: illegal, retaliatory union-busting,’ Shuler said in a statement. ‘This was the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history, and if Trump was allowed to do it to federal workers, he would be able to do it to every worker in America, in every workplace and every industry.’”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 11:11
TCU/IAM Financial Officers Learn Skills at Winpisinger Center, Visit IAM Headquarters
Chicago TCU/IAM Local 6608 member Troy Andrew spent a week at the IAM’s Winpisinger Center to learn about the responsibilities of a financial secretary. His training covered topics such as bookkeeping, tax systems, and overall financial management. After the week, Andrew and his classmates visited the IAM’s International Headquarters for a tour and found it
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Registration Open for the IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference
Registration is now open for the 2025 IAM Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Conference from Sept. 15 to 19 at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The cut off date is Thursday, Aug. 14. Click here for the registration form and the conference call letter. Please complete the form and return
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