Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores
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.
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) members who work at Barnes & Noble at three New York City locations ratified their first union contracts, covering more than 200 workers across the Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street locations. The three-year agreements include wage increases, healthcare coverage, and safety provisions.”Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 03/07/2025 – 10:05
Editable Turnout Flyer – March 20, 2025
https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/editable_flyer.pdfA turnout flyer for local and state leaders to use to share information about their events for March 20.
Read More....APWU Announces Day of Action to Defend the Public Postal Service
March 6, 2025On March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service
The Postal Service is facing one of the most serious threats in its 250-year history. The new administration has announced plans to strip the Postal Service of its independence by moving it under the Commerce Department, placing it under the control of billionaire interests rather than the American people. This is nothing short of an illegal hostile takeover, a direct threat to the public institution that serves 169 million addresses across the country, no matter who we are or where we live.
Elon Musk, the President’s ‘Special Advisor’ has just today made it clear that he wants to see the Postal Service privatized, claiming it would be more “efficient” under corporate control. Let’s be real—when billionaires talk about “efficiency,” they mean slashing jobs, gutting services, and jacking up prices to pad their profits
The APWU is fighting back.
On March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service! The APWU’s Day of Action will join postal workers and the public against these threats of privatization and political interference on the public Postal Service. Find an event near you!
Why We’re Taking Action
The Postal Service is enshrined in the Constitution, created by Congress, and belongs to the people—not billionaires and private corporations. If this administration succeeds in taking over the USPS, it will set off a chain reaction that leads to higher prices, reduced service, and the destruction of tens of thousands of union jobs—many held by military veterans. The Postal Service is the low-cost anchor of a $1.2 trillion mail and package industry that sustains over 7 million jobs. Undermining it threatens not just postal workers, but communities nationwide.
Stand With Us – Take Action
On March 20, APWU members and allies will rally to demand that Congress and the American people stand against this illegal takeover. Here’s how you can join the fight:
Find a rally near you and commit to taking action.
Tell Congress: Hands Off Our Public Postal Service!
Email your senators and representatives urging them to protect the USPS.
Call your senators to demand they fight back against this threat.
Record a short video sharing why the Postal Service matters to you and your community.
Find all these actions and more at apwu.org/action.
The public Postal Service is a democratic right, and we won’t back down in defending it. On March 20, join us in the streets to fight for our jobs, our service, and our future.
Together, we say: The U.S. Mail Is Not For Sale
March 20 Announcement WNAOn March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service!0
Read More....NY TIMES: As Trump Eyes the Postal Service, Concerns Grow Over Its Independence
March 6, 2025President Trump’s attempt to exert more control over the U.S. Postal Service has fueled concerns that those efforts could hurt the agency’s ability to reliably deliver mail to all corners of the country, a mandate that is core to its mission.
No PrivatizationAs Trump Eyes the Postal Service, Concerns Grow Over Its Independence0
Mahoney Environmental Workers Win Strike
(JOLIET, Ill.) – After being forced to strike for nearly three months, a group of more than 50 drivers and helpers at Mahoney Environmental represented by Teamsters Local 710 has ratified a strong Teamsters contract. Mahoney Environmental provides solid waste services throughout the Chicagoland area. In their new three-year contract, workers have earned big raises, […]
Read More....Women in Construction Week: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Women in Construction Week: 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 saddened to learn that former Equity stage manager councilor Frank Hartenstein has passed away. His career included serving 10 years on council and work on 29 Broadway productions, including the original A Chorus Line. He will be sorely missed.https://t.co/ds2wKwPvCs— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 5, 2025AFGE:This ruling by Judge Alsup is an important initial victory for patriotic Americans across this country who were illegally fired from their jobs by an agency (@USOPM) that had no authority to do so.https://t.co/wrYrOShczX— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 28, 2025AFSCME:Federal budget cuts CANNOT be made without slashing Medicaid & Medicare. Millions of families will lose health care & it would devastate public services.CALL NOW & tell your member of Congress: Save the vital programs we depend on. 📲 202-559-1165 https://t.co/2cBzx3zscm— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 6, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Elon Musk called Social Security a “Ponzi Scheme.” He wants you to believe that we can’t afford earned benefits.But the truth is, we could actually expand benefits if wealthy people like him paid their fair share into the system. #ScrapTheCap pic.twitter.com/oiqRAd1NQW— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 6, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 587-Seattle WA, pushed the City Council to form this important task force on safety. #NotOneMore #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/3KGYTO1BNv— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 6, 2025American Federation of Musicians:News of the Trump Administration’s misguided trade war must remind us of our values and our mission. All musicians have the right to live and work in dignity. At every level of governance, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada remains committed to… pic.twitter.com/Tbd0DpSUso— AFM (@The_AFM) March 5, 2025American Federation of Teachers:The #FINNxHumbleHouse Future of Education Summit is today! @rweingarten and other speakers will discuss innovative ideas, solutions, and policies needed to advance the teaching profession and improve educational outcomes for all students. See you there #SXSWEdu! pic.twitter.com/HVQHfcfOMT— AFT (@AFTunion) March 6, 2025American Postal Workers Union:✊✊Defend our public Postal Service!Keep up the pressure – in light of recent threats, it’s important to tell your legislators to defend our public postal service against any upcoming attacks. Send an email to your legislators right now!https://t.co/7YfqJ8DhBH— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) February 27, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:“Safety & security doesn’t just happen. It is the product of our collective mission to make it happen. We encourage you to continue to look to the experts on the frontlines, promote sufficient & steady funding to staff, maintain, & modernize our workplace.”https://t.co/2qPu3i3bi4 pic.twitter.com/RgKD9X6vY8— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 4, 2025Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:BCTGM Disappointed by President Trump’s Misguided #Tariffs on Canadahttps://t.co/yFQOj7yrfc— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) March 6, 2025Boilermakers:Women in Construction Week is the perfect time to encourage your daughter, niece, grand-daughter or any woman in your life to consider a career in the trades. Here’s what Linda Tribble, L-D194 has to say. https://t.co/dLmecTNPOy pic.twitter.com/kdBFXiHacr— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 5, 2025Bricklayers:“Before I joined, I was looking at $10 less than what I started as an apprentice with no benefits. Coming in as an apprentice, having medical, thats more than most other jobs. I dont have to worry about medical benefits for my kids.” – Priscilla Rocco of BAC Local 1 NY#WIC2025 pic.twitter.com/yoEsmykYfj— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 6, 2025Communications Workers of America:As House Republicans debate the future of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $42B program to build high-speed internet & Musk seeks to divert public money for private profit, CWA defends program that would bring high-speed internet & jobs to all Americanshttps://t.co/cSzFQRqC3J— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 6, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Happy Birthday @IAFFofficial! We are proud to have you as a DPE affiliate. https://t.co/amhKsE2Nvo— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 28, 2025Electrical Workers:”CT has immediate needs for infrastructure investment… We need a regulatory environment that protects customers and workers while allowing for continuous and long-term investments in the electric grid.” – @IVPMikeMonahan https://t.co/cNgilhw9Py— IBEW (@IBEW) March 5, 2025Fire Fighters:⏲️ #DaylightSaving is this weekend. As we prepare to spring forward, take a moment to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A small step that makes a big difference in keeping your community safe. pic.twitter.com/bICmpWrhcj— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 6, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Become a Union Member 💪Whether you have experience working in the Insulation industry or are new to the trade — now is the time to earn a higher wage & better benefits.➡️Learn more & become a member today: https://t.co/yjahHngRTW#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride… pic.twitter.com/QlXF7OlH6l— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 26, 2025International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE stands in Solidarity with Postal Workers and denounces any efforts to privatize our Postal Service https://t.co/Os8dNlCb7t— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 22, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:LCLAA reaffirms its commitment to continue fighting to protect the rights of latino workers, their children, and their families against threats that undermine access to education #ProtectOurChildren #SavePublicEducation— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 5, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:LABOR QUOTE OF THE WEEK“I’m a big believer in unions! They have our backs, they bring us into community, and they give us power!”Jane Fonda, at the 2025 SAG-AFTRA awards https://t.co/5TMvdEdqob pic.twitter.com/kfAlg1F44g— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 3, 2025Laborers:121+ years strong & STILL fighting! For over a century, #LIUNA has taken on worker exploitation, demanding fair wages, safety protections, & dignity on the job. The job sites may have changed, but our mission never will – protecting the Laborers who build this nation.… pic.twitter.com/g5Ctf8qLDj— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 6, 2025Machinists:Safe staffing matters. Tasking workers with multiple conflicting duties can leave patients feeling abandoned. Not on our watch! Our IAM Healthcare PCAs and PCTs at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center are fighting for what’s right. pic.twitter.com/ZMIFEL3pOC— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) March 6, 2025Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association:150 years ago today, M.E.B.A. founding fathers formed the first national maritime organization to fight against the dangerous working conditions of the day. Today, M.E.B.A. members enjoy contracts with the best wages, benefits, and protections in the industry. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/c4mQZP4gcd— M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) February 23, 2025Metal Trades Department:The big unknown still hanging over the plan is whether the Trump administration will thwart efforts that the Biden administration put in place to develop more clean electricity generation. https://t.co/MNnatY6FZa— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 6, 2025Mine Workers:The January/February issue of the journal proudly features Belinda Biafore as its Associate Membership Spotlight.Belinda Biafore is an Associate Member and long-time supporter of the United Mine Workers. Sister Biafore is the former West Virginia…https://t.co/5tMbj1wAGI— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 27, 2025Musical Artists:AGMA Joins the Human Artistry Campaign to Advocate for the Rights of Artists in the Age of AI: https://t.co/c7MToluWjw @human_artistry pic.twitter.com/DfOcw6CSf6— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 26, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:During his testimony today before @TransportGOP @TransportDems NATCA President Nick Daniels provided the union’s position on critical issues facing the aviation industry including controller staffing, safety, integration of new users, FAA reform, and modernization. pic.twitter.com/Nv2UnVOOox— NATCA (@NATCA) March 4, 2025National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:#protectpublictvandradio pic.twitter.com/J5A0mFGFgQ— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) March 2, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:📢 Calling all branches! On March 23, join NALC members nationwide to rally & say #HELLNO to dismantling USPS Contact your NBA’s office to get involved. Together, we’ll #FightLikeHell to protect our jobs, service & the future of USPS. More info ➡️ https://t.co/V560ijIosA pic.twitter.com/VbOOkNMUiZ— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 28, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:As our work has made America prosper. But a greedy few are risking Medicaid, HeadStart, and other critical programs to redirect resources from our communities into their pockets.Stop putting billionaires’ profits over families’ care.— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 5, 2025National Nurses United:Nurses are sounding the alarm at @MissionHealthNC after a patient died in the ER during severe short-staffing. It’s time our bosses put #PeopleOverProfit and fix the staffing crisis so nurses can provide the safe care every patient deserves. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/2EovpiHL7Z— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 6, 2025National Taxi Workers Alliance:Congrats @workersjustice @LosDeliveristas who win against all odds. Gig economy uber-wealth is built on wage theft + poverty pay & cemented by forced arbitration preventing workers from their day in court. @NewYorkStateAG coming through has been the light in the darkness. https://t.co/dxkvyzdeBs— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 25, 2025NFL Players Association:Our Chief Strategy Officer, @JCTretter, joined the @RichEisenShow to talk about this year’s team report cards, which shine a light on player issues so that we can continue raising the workplace standard across the NFL.Watch it here: https://t.co/JDojkxIze5— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 5, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:Women are reshaping the labor movement, driving growth and pushing for stronger protections in every industry. Their leadership is making unions more inclusive and powerful than ever. #WomenInConstructionWeekhttps://t.co/EvJxKGSziY pic.twitter.com/BnYTTilrfx— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 5, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. pic.twitter.com/LqG0w6fM3g— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 3, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:During Women in Construction Week, Telemundo spotlighted one of our DC9 sisters, Evelyn, who talked about the challenges of being a woman in construction and the opportunities for growth for women in the trades. Hear more about it here: https://t.co/uMLDAOOiz7— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 5, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Thank you @NTEUnews President Greenwald for inviting @PASSprezdc to speak at rally today. Neither the rain nor DOGE will keep federal unions from speaking out against the chaos being inflicted upon the dedicated public servants who work for the American people. #publicservice pic.twitter.com/gIFruWrSEh— PASS (@PASSNational) March 5, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:New Yorkers: #ShopUnion at bookstores unionized with @RWDSU & @UAW Local 2179! Together, we represent ~40% of locations of the major corporate & independent chain bookstores in NYC. With @BNWorkers ratifying their 1st contracts this week, it’s easier than ever to support unions! pic.twitter.com/VwNga94vYW— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 6, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:What an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and showcase the skills and dedication that define the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers.A special shoutout to Local 11 and everyone else for stopping by our booth!#RoofingExpo#RoofersUnion#UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/4UTMiXBXeb— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 6, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Introducing Take 5. 🎬 When it’s time to take a beat, tune into educational videos on key SAG-AFTRA topics. Stay informed about your union with this informative, engaging and empowering series. #Take5SagAftraCheck out the first video now! 👇 https://t.co/7jvxpiapSO— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 6, 2025Seafarers:Op-Ed: How the SHIPS for America Act can restore U.S. maritime leadership https://t.co/JHv4Zo9Epi— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) March 4, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):This triumph showcases the power of collective action in the fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. https://t.co/kJi9GuUFq6— SEIU (@SEIU) March 6, 2025Solidarity Center:New way to stay in touch 🦋 ! pic.twitter.com/eW4SrLAuKG— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 6, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Encore’s Clients in San Diego pay up to $170/hr per worker, but the company starts workers at less than $18/hr!It’s time for Encore to do the right thing. Years of training, expertise, and hard work are worth more! pic.twitter.com/HjgLi2Ux2H— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 6, 2025Transport Workers Union:The TWU strongly backs the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requiring contract talks within 10 days of a union vote. “This new bill would eliminate a frequent anti-worker tactic used by the bosses and give workers more collective power to secure and improve their jobs.” @TwuSamuelsen— TWU (@transportworker) March 6, 2025Transportation Trades Department:It’s time to reform U.S. labor law to protect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain for fair pay, better benefits and safe working conditions without fear or intimidation.We support the PRO Act as a pathway to achieving these reforms. https://t.co/XFPIaTo4u6— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 6, 2025UAW:Workers at the Volkswagen Parts Distribution Center in New Jersey know that there’s strength in numbers. That’s why they’re coming together to demand a voice on the job and to join the 4,000 VW workers in Chattanooga who joined the UAW last year.”There is a kind of fear in the… pic.twitter.com/ugLRbj8jwy— UAW (@UAW) March 4, 2025Union Veterans Council:Thread 1/4: Union Veterans Council Condemns Trump Administration’s Betrayal of Veterans with Proposed VA Layoffs.Washington, DC — The Union Veterans Council strongly condemns the Trump administration’s proposed layoffs of up to 80,000 VA employees—an outright betrayal! pic.twitter.com/YQxFVscnVD— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) March 6, 2025UNITE HERE:Organizing new workers must be the #1 priority of the labor movement — but American labor law is fundamentally broken — and tilted heavily in the boss’s favor. That’s why workers are out today to support the reintroduction of the PRO Act, which creates an equal playing field. pic.twitter.com/4kvQ1tvoYU— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 5, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Nearly 100 @UFCWLocal152 members at Berks Foods have ratified a strong new contract!The 3-year contract includes annual wage increases, a longevity bonus, affordable health benefits, improved vacation policies, & extended funeral leave.➡️ https://t.co/ULa0ImD45B pic.twitter.com/Oq9LpoefeI— UFCW (@UFCW) February 27, 2025United Steelworkers:🚨 The SAVE Act is a threat to workers—especially our Women of Steel siblings. 🚨This Republican-backed bill would make voter registration harder because: pic.twitter.com/YCMnbjeuE2— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 6, 2025Utility Workers:💪🏾💪🏼💪🏿💪🏻💪🏽 We are so excited to announce that Michigan-based Vesta Wind Technicians voted to join UWUA! Read all about it: https://t.co/71VcLGZfty #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5vhRgjl3Dk— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 6, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Solidarity with our @cbsdigitalunion members as we begin bargaining today. We’re fighting for a strong first contract for workers at CBS’ digital platforms including https://t.co/oRDQdzifLY, their social media and the CBS News app. Fair contract here we come! 💪 #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5047eRHIH1— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/06/2025 – 12:34
February 2025 Wrench and Wood Newsletter
The post February 2025 Wrench and Wood Newsletter appeared first on IAMAW.
Read More....
Government of Canada announces new actions on PFAS
Steps to add PFAS as a full class of chemicals under Canada’s environmental laws and to further restrict their use in firefighting foams were announced March 5 at a Montreal firehall.
Read More....Women’s History Month Profiles: Diana Valles
Women’s History Month Profiles: Diana Valles
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Diana Valles of UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union.
Diana Valles is a proud immigrant who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. In 1988, she moved to Las Vegas, where she has been a member of the Culinary Union for 36 years. She is passionate about continuing to mentor and develop leaders so that workers can organize and win a better standard of living for their families. Valles was elected president of the Culinary Union Local 226 in 2022.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/06/2025 – 10:11
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals
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.
After three years of bargaining and a walkout pledge, journalists represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, at six of the largest Gannett-owned papers in New Jersey and New York have reached tentative agreements.The APP-MCJ Guild and the Hudson Valley News Guild bargained separately but have been coordinating closely to secure victories for all the covered newsrooms. Wins include life-changing wage increases, strong salary floors, artificial intelligence guardrails, just cause provisions and more.“This agreement is a testament to their strength, tenacity and solidarity and should serve as proof-positive for other Gannett newsrooms, who should stop asking nicely and start using their collective power to demand what they deserve,” said Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis, acting unit chair of the APP-MCJ Guild.“We fought for Gannett to invest in our communities, and in us,” said Journal News reporter Nancy Cutler, acting unit chair of the Hudson Valley News Guild. “And we won.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/06/2025 – 10:02