Teamsters Continue Bargaining with Costco
(SAN DIEGO) – Despite reporting record-breaking profits in 2024, Costco has rejected the Teamsters’ comprehensive economic proposal. Instead, the wholesale giant offered an insulting counterproposal that fails to reflect its historic financial success and provides no increased retirement benefits — a shameful disregard for the hardworking employees who make the company’s success possible. “Costco executives […]
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Clerk Craft Fills Two Vacant NBA Positions
January 7, 2025Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division, at APWU headquarters and Robert “Bob” Kessler retired, after over 44 years, from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region.
Clerk CraftClerk Division Lamont Brooks
Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division, at APWU headquarters and Robert “Bob” Kessler retired, after over 44 years, from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region.
In accordance with the APWU Constitution & By-Laws, Clerk Division Director Lamont Brooks was tasked with filling these NBA vacancies, with approval of the Clerk Division Executive Council. By unanimous vote from the Clerk Division NBAs, Kim Miller, Keystone, PA Area Local, was appointed to National Business Agent, Philadelphia Region. Sharon Curtis, Greater Kansas City, MO Area Local, was named to the position of National Business Agent, St. Louis Region by another unanimous vote from the NBAs.
Miller attended Mansfield University and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, in addition to serving honorably in the United States Army from 1996-2000. She began her postal career in Harrisburg, PA on August 12, 2000, joining the APWU on the same day. In 2005, she began her union career as a steward. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Keystone, PA Area Local. She also served as a state officer for the Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union, first as Business Agent and then as President.
Miller was also local president for the Keystone Area Local from 2014-2024. She attended arbitration advocacy training in 2015, served on the Constitution Committee twice, and was Co-Chair of the current APWU Rank and File Committee.
Curtis began her postal career as a PTF clerk in Cameron, MO while attending night school to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She also worked in the Saint Joseph, MO Post Office and Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City, during which time she became active in her local union. She has held several positions in the APWU, including steward, editor, and secretary-treasurer. She was also an area vice-president for the Missouri Postal Workers Union.
She has attended APWU’s well-known National Advocacy school organized and prepared by Research and Education Director Joyce Robinson. For the past seven years, she has successfully served as an arbitration advocate in her area.
Both Miller and Curtis officially took office as National Business Agents on January 6, 2025. The Clerk Division officers and the entire APWU congratulate both new officers and wish them the best during their term of office.
Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division, at APWU headquarters and Robert “Bob” Kessler retired, after over 44 years, from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region.0
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Clerk Division Fills Two Vacant NBA Positions
January 7, 2025Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division position at APWU headquarters. Additionally. Robert “Bob” Kessler retired from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region after over 44 years.
Clerk CraftClerk Division Lamont Brooks
Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division position at APWU headquarters. Additionally, Robert “Bob” Kessler retired from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region after over 44 years.
In accordance with the APWU Constitution & By-Laws, Clerk Division Director Lamont Brooks was tasked with filling these NBA vacancies, with approval of the Clerk Division Executive Council. By unanimous vote from the Clerk Division NBAs, Keystone Area Local President Kim Miller was appointed to National Business Agent, Philadelphia Region and Greater Kansas City Metro Area Local Secretary-Treasurer Sharon Curtis was appointed National Business Agent, St. Louis Region by another unanimous vote from the NBAs.
Miller attended Mansfield University and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, in addition to serving honorably in the U.S. Army from 1996-2000. She began her postal career in Harrisburg, PA on August 12, 2000, joining the APWU on the same day. In 2005, she began her union career as a steward. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Keystone Area Local. She also served as a state officer for the Pennsylvania Postal Workers Union, first as business agent and then as president.
Miller was also local president of the Keystone Area Local from 2014-2024. She attended arbitration advocacy training in 2015, served on the Constitution Committee twice, and was co-chair of the current APWU Rank and File Committee.
Curtis began her postal career as a PTF clerk in Cameron, MO while attending night school to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She also worked in the Saint Joseph, MO Post Office and Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City, during which time she became active in her local union. She has held several positions in the APWU, including steward, editor, and secretary-treasurer. She was also an area vice-president for the Missouri Postal Workers Union.
She has attended the APWU’s well-known National Advocacy School organized and prepared by Research and Education Director Joyce Robinson. For the past seven years, she has successfully served as an arbitration advocate in her area.
Both Miller and Curtis officially took office as NBAs on Jan. 6, 2025. The Clerk Division officers and the entire APWU congratulate both new officers and wish them the best during their terms of office.
Recently, two National Business Agent (NBA) positions became vacant in the Clerk Division. Robert “Bob” Romanowski left his NBA job in the Philadelphia Region when he was promoted to the newly established Assistant Director “C”, Clerk Division, at APWU headquarters and Robert “Bob” Kessler retired, after over 44 years, from his position as NBA for the St. Louis Region.0
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Passage of Social Security Fairness Act Increases Earned Benefits for Millions of Public Sector Workers
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the IAM-endorsed Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws that reduce or even eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of public sector workers. President Biden has signed the legislation into law. The
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Maine Lobstering Union’s Lobster 207 Receives in Excess of $5 Million Settlement in Giant Step Forward for Maine’s Lobstering Communities
PORTLAND, Maine, Jan. 6, 2025 — Lobster 207, a co-op formed by the Maine Lobstering Union, is pleased to announce that it has emerged with a more than a $5 million settlement in its favor after five years of litigation against a former CEO, Warren Pettegrow, his parents, their companies and another alleged co-conspirator. The Maine Lobstering
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IAM Union Continues to Champion Expansion of Domestic U.S. Navy Shipbuilding
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, issued this statement on incoming President Trump’s recent remarks about outsourcing domestic Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations: “As International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and a former pipefitter
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Happy New Year: In the States Roundup
Happy New Year: 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).
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in California is $16.50 an hour for all employers. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state’s rate. Take a look and see if your city/county falls into this category. Everyone deserves a living wage! pic.twitter.com/2xDKkS0nJo— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 3, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:Colorado AFL-CIO Wrapped! As we move into the new year, we wanted to reflect on our wins from 2024:1️⃣ We hosted the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School with great feedback and with the highest attendance in recent recorded history, with nearly 300 people! pic.twitter.com/YodeBUWz18— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 1, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:IAM members at Pratt protest forced unpaid furlough days and prepare for upcoming contract negotiations! Proud to stand with the @MachinistsUnion! #solidarity pic.twitter.com/YPd3DqgCed— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 3, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:It’s that time of year again — the lame duck session, held before the new legislature is sworn in. Follow along on https://t.co/Nf2sTD34wT to learn how your union is impacted by state government! pic.twitter.com/HD0rWsDtk4— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 4, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Workers deserve a dignified retirement. Public sector workers and union members across the nation will now have the benefits they’ve earned. https://t.co/5E9io6c5y0— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 6, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:Senator Kari Dziedzic will forever hold a place in Minnesota history for her leadership in making our state one of the best for working people. Minnesota’s Labor Movement grieves with the many who knew her and we wish peace to her family and friends. https://t.co/PW8M6vzzdT— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) December 28, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:❄️ Shoutout to the Snow Plow Drivers!Thank you for braving the cold, working long hours, and working to clear roadways. Your hard work makes a difference for everyone! pic.twitter.com/C4zsd5ojaL— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 5, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:”If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” Save the date so Nebraska Legislatures know workers have a voice in our state! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/ebOopcwzC8— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) January 3, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:28 days left to apply! Nevada high school seniors in the graduating class of 2025 with a 2.0 or higher GPA may apply for this scholarship.One parent must be an active or retired member in good standing of any local union affiliated with the Nevada State AFL-CIO. pic.twitter.com/Uh5PvcXCVC— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 3, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Best way to improve your wages, benefits and working conditions in 2025? Go union. pic.twitter.com/BfApI5J4AE— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) December 30, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:In 2024, unions of working people in NC overcame corporate power, natural disasters, and national political headwinds to win record contracts, rebuild communities, and elect labor champions. Read our 2024 Annual Report: https://t.co/1McT8PVg7V #1u— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) December 31, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:#Ohio @AFLCIO President Tim Burga is with @Oapse4 @AFSCME President Lois Carson and @SherrodBrown as @POTUS signs the Social Security Fairness Act to ensure every public servant gets the full retirement they earned. pic.twitter.com/i0n7GZEGgE— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 5, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:It was fantastic closing out 2024 with another organizing win in Ashland. Let’s push to give even more workers the chance to change their lives by joining a union in 2025! https://t.co/eWnyXSVRWu— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 3, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? Join a union! pic.twitter.com/130CgzsVGu— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 1, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:Why do we always hear about retail theft but not wage theft?In TX, min. wage violations cost individual workers nearly $4K/year on average.And the state doesn’t care: From 2010-2020, it ordered $99M in back wages – but 80% of those payments haven’t been received by workers.— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 3, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 01/07/2025 – 14:14
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philadelphia Museum Workers Vote to Ratify First Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philadelphia Museum Workers Vote to Ratify First Contract
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.
Workers represented by AFSCME at the Please Touch Museum (PTM) in Philadelphia have voted to approve their first-ever collective bargaining agreement at the institution.Staff voted to form Please Touch Museum United in April 2023, becoming the city’s first children’s museum to form a union and yet another organizing victory forged through the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign. Wins in the agreement include a 13.3% immediate increase in minimum pay—with guaranteed raises up to 24% over the lifetime of the contract—the ability to rollover sick time and vacation, reductions in health insurance cost-shares and more.“Museum and cultural workers have traditionally accepted low pay and precarious conditions as a trade-off for doing mission-driven work,” said AFSCME District Council 47 President April Gigetts. “But those conditions aren’t sustainable for people who need a paycheck to live. As museums become more racially and economically diverse workplaces, workers are increasingly demanding the same rights and protections as those in other industries.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 01/07/2025 – 10:01
Connecticut Locals 700 and 1746, Allies Rally Against Furloughs as Pratt & Whitney Contract Negotiations Near
In a show of solidarity and determination, IAM Local 700 and 1746 members rallied outside Pratt & Whitney’s Connecticut facilities this week to protest recent furloughs. According to members of Local 700 in Middletown and 1746 in East Hartford, the move by the company sends a bad message with just three months until negotiations begin.
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IAFF shows resilience at ALTS 2025 following New Orleans terrorist attack
General President Edward Kelly honors the bravery and unity of IAFF members during General Session.
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