Worker Wins: We Did This Together
Worker Wins: We Did This Together
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Journalists Secure First Contract at Wisconsin Nonprofit News Outlet: Milwaukee NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34051-represented journalists at Wisconsin Watch ratified their first union contract on Friday. Members of the Wisconsin Watch Union unanimously voted to accept the agreement after more than a year of negotiations. Highlights of the deal include higher salary minimums, annual cost of living increases, remote work protections, expanded leave and more. “We did this together,” said Phoebe Petrovic, investigative reporter and an initial Wisconsin Watch Union organizer, in a TNG-CWA press release. “We’ll continue to do great journalism knowing our workplace is more structured, secure and protected.”UNITE HERE Members at Philadelphia Stadiums Reach Tentative Agreements: After a series of historic strikes, UNITE HERE Local 274 members who staff concession stands at major sports venues in Philadelphia have won tentative agreements (TAs) with their employer, Aramark. The most recent contract covering food service workers at the Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center expired in March 2024. The TAs ensure a $20 an hour wage floor for nontipped workers—which will increase again to $29 in 2029—expanded health care coverage, more paid holidays and other hard-fought victories. “We fought hard for this contract. No department was left behind. We stuck together and that’s why we were able to set a new standard for Aramark workers and stadium workers,” said Sam Spector, who works as a club attendant and bartender at all three complexes, in a Local 274 press release. “I went years without health insurance. This is a big deal that stadium food service workers will be able to qualify for healthcare.”Nurses at Wynn Hospital in New York Ratify Contract: Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), who work at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS)—Wynn Hospital voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement last week. MVHS was created via a 2014 merger between the former Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and the former St. Elizabeth Medical Center—after which nurses at both facilities combined their bargaining units under NYSNA. The medical center moved to its current location in downtown Utica in 2023, and staff have reported persistent staffing issues. This marks the first contract between the union and MVHS. Highlights of the deal include across-the-board pay raises (with retroactivity dating back to Jan. 1 of this year), wage increases to retain experienced nurses, improved safe staffing enforcement and more. “Over the last few months, nurses have been fighting for a contract that ensures the hospital have a plan to recruit and retain nurses to ensure safe patient care,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans. “This contract is a win for nurses and a win for the future of healthcare in Utica. Now we need the rest of Central New York to follow suit to ensure that ALL patients in New York receive the best care possible.” Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union: After a yearslong organizing campaign, faculty members at Ohio University are celebrating a powerful victory in their election to form the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), which is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Of the staff who voted, over 70% cast a ballot in favor of organizing, according to the State Employment Relations Board. While the petition to join UAOU was filed in March 2024, faculty have been discussing a union four years prior after dozens of their colleagues were fired during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they turn their attention to bargaining, members are hoping to secure a contract with improved job security, fair pay and a stronger collective voice at work. “I am so proud to be part of OU faculty coming together to vote yes for our union,” said Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology. “I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio. The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.”Unifi Aviation Ramp Workers Vote to Join IAM: Ramp workers at Unifi Aviation in Cleveland have overwhelmingly voted to join the Machinists (IAM). These staff are critical to daily operations at airports, with responsibilities like loading and unloading planes, handling baggage, directing planes to gates, and more. Ramp agents cite concerns around excessive workloads and management’s failure to improve their working conditions as core motivators for organizing. “The organizing campaign was built on strong worker solidarity and open conversations,” said IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Tim Verlinden. “We created a space for daily discussions and strategic planning within the internal committee, allowing us to navigate the many challenges we faced during this process. By staying united and committed, these workers were able to push forward and make their voices heard.”Activision User Research Workers Vote to Join CWA: A supermajority of user research workers at video game publisher Activision voted on Friday to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9400. User researchers study consumer opinions and behaviors for video game developers so they can produce the best experience for players. As part of the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees-CWA (CODE-CWA), these workers are joining the ranks of more than 2,000 colleagues at other Microsoft-owned studios who have organized under the tech giant’s neutrality agreement with CWA. “A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about,” said organizing committee member Pat Dimaandal in a press release. “Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that’s why we’re organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.”Community College of Philadelphia Strike Averted After Tentative Agreement Secured by Union: Early Wednesday morning, members of the Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia (FSFCCP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 2026, reached a tentative agreement just hours before faculty and staff were set to walk off the job. Negotiations over separate four-year contracts for CCP’s full-time professors, adjuncts and school staffers concluded after a final 19-hour bargaining session. Workers have been without a contract since August and, earlier this month, in a powerful display of unity, 97% of voting members voted to authorize a strike if necessary. Details of the deals are not publicly available until a ratification vote has taken place, but FSFCCP said that they contain historic raises, more manageable classroom sizes and some critical elements of members’ staffing demands. Representatives from the union said, “We believe we reached a tentative agreement that will significantly improve the lives of our faculty and staff members and will improve the learning conditions of CCP’s students. CCP is the heart of Philly.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 04/02/2025 – 15:45
Tags:
Organizing
IAM Union Statement on Whirlpool’s Announced Layoffs at Amana, Iowa Facility
AMANA, Iowa, April 1, 2025 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement regarding Whirlpool’s announcement that it will lay off approximately 650 IAM Local 1526 (District 6) members at its Amana, Iowa manufacturing facility: “Our hearts go out to every member and family affected by Whirlpool management’s
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IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued a statement on President Trump’s tariffs announcement: “We must confront the legacy of trade policies and tariff rollouts that treat workers as pawns.
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Watchdog Report Reveals Big Banks Are Salivating Over Prospect of Postal Privatization
April 2, 2025Truthout, an independent news organization, recently reported on a Revolving Door Project analysis that revealed big banks are salivating over the prospect that the Postal Service will soon be broken up and privatized by the new Administration.
US Mail Not for SaleU.S. Mail is Not for Sale!
Truthout, an independent news organization, recently reported on a Revolving Door Project analysis that revealed big banks are salivating over the prospect that the Postal Service will soon be broken up and privatized by the new Administration. In February, Wells Fargo equity analysts circulated a document within the banking industry arguing that postal privatization could be a huge money-maker for investors. They advise the Administration to sell off the most profitable parts of the service – primarily packages and parcels, while putting taxpayers on the hook for the rest.
They called the Postal Service, which generates nearly $80 billion in revenue each year, “an obvious source of value.” That is $80 billion in the public domain that Wall Street investors can’t get their hands on.
Privatization would lead to significant price increases – potentially doubling them, and mass layoffs. These layoffs could drastically reduce the number of unionized employees in the U.S., as 91 percent of the Postal Service’s 640,000 employees are unionized.
“We know that privatized postal services will lead to higher postage prices, and lower service quality to the public,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein in a statement about the leaked Wells Fargo report.
Read the entire Wells Fargo report HERE
Find the Truthout breakdown of the report HERE
Watchdog Report Reveals Big Banks Are Salivating Over Prospect of Postal Privatization0
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How to talk to your kids about tough emergency calls
When fire fighters get the call to go on a dangerous and/or long-term call, life continues at home. The kids might be scared, concerned or have questions. This article takes a look at how to talk to your kids in these situations.
Read More....Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union
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 a yearslong organizing campaign, faculty members at Ohio University are celebrating a powerful victory in their election to form the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), which is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).Of the staff who voted, over 70% cast a ballot in favor of organizing, according to the State Employment Relations Board. While the petition to join UAOU was filed in March 2024, faculty have been discussing a union four years prior after dozens of their colleagues were fired during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they turn their attention to bargaining, members are hoping to secure a contract with improved job security, fair pay and a stronger collective voice at work.“I am so proud to be part of OU faculty coming together to vote yes for our union,” said Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology. “I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio. The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 04/02/2025 – 09:58
Tony Blevins Appointed Director of Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines as IAM Thanks Russ Gittlen for Leading Union’s Favorite Charity
The Board of Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines has appointed Tony Blevins as the charity’s Director. Blevins, a longtime IAM leader and advocate for the IAM’s favorite charity, had been appointed as GDA | TLC’s President by IAM International President Brian Bryant on Jan. 1, 2025. Blevins, now the GDA | TLC President and
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Maryland Governor Honors Local I460 Members, Eastern Territory for Solidarity During IKEA Strike
IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and IAM Local I460 (District 4) members, were recently honored by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in Annapolis with a Governor’s Citation. Their efforts in a 64-day strike at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Md., highlight the significance of standing up for fair wages, better working conditions,
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Stand Up and Support Federal Workers: In the States Roundup
Stand Up and Support Federal Workers: 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:Today, we honor the life and legacy of César Chávez, a generational labor leader born on this day in 1927. ¡Sí se puede! #CesarChavezDay pic.twitter.com/0ds9Ffgta0— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 31, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:This Saturday, April 5, unions across California and across the country will come together with allies of labor to send a message to the federal government: #HandsOff our unions and contracts!Find an event near you: https://t.co/uTTjWDq1V3 pic.twitter.com/qcp2ZitCy3— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) April 1, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:Don’t get it wrong, the fight for worker justice is the fight for trans rights. Trans workers are our siblings in this struggle. And we proudly fight alongside them. Happy Trans Day of Visibility!Say it loud, say it proud: trans rights are workers rights! period. 💅 pic.twitter.com/h8T9Ehu0yS— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) April 1, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:”Social Security is an earned benefit. It may be called an entitlement program by those who wish to ransack it to increase their personal bottom line but working people contribute to Social Security with every single paycheck, it’s our money!” -CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/qynYk1QWMi— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 31, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Central Labor Council’s are where the action is. The Vermilion County Federation of Labor joined over 100 individuals in Mahomet, IL earlier this month to demand a town hall meeting from Congresswoman Mary Miller. #1u pic.twitter.com/eCvGDTDBti— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 31, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Senator @ChuckGrassley and his staff tried to keep his “town hall” in Hampton today quiet by not publishing it, but word got out. This is the overflow of people who couldn’t get into the event. People are sick and tired of the Trump/Musk agenda! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/47QMVskUea— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) March 21, 2025Kentucky State AFL-CIO:Stand up. Fight back. Walk-in!This morning, union members and community allies stood alongside educators and students during walk-ins across Kentucky, showing up to defend public schools and the people who make them strong. Watch out for more walk-ins through March 21 ✊ pic.twitter.com/QObp1tVUGR— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 19, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:“We see this as a full on assault on our rights, and we’re banding together and we’re fighting back against it. It’s totally illegal and it’s unacceptable.” https://t.co/tEiEvXEXXN— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 1, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:We were proud to stand with @UAWRegion9A workers on strike at Wellesley College today! pic.twitter.com/kurwcqD9Iw— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 27, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:STATEMENT: We Applaud @GovWhitmer’s Investment in Registered Apprenticeships through the Michigan Workforce Development Institutehttps://t.co/tneZAWmiKR pic.twitter.com/Imttp5W5pR— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 1, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:Minnesota has lower poverty; a slightly higher proportion of its population with health coverage; better education outcomes; and lower violent crime rates. It is hard to conclude that our higher taxes did not make these achievements possible. #mnleg https://t.co/zCepVKI3Bq— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 1, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:We were proud to stand up and support federal workers this weekend with @AFGENational, thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke up against illegal firings and attacks on #Unions! #Solidarity #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/8WIQ8BziOH— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 31, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Join on April 8th in Lincoln and show your support of VA workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/00ufvpJtZs— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) April 1, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:An injury to one is an injury to all. pic.twitter.com/EwGGw0LQ1K— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 29, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Statement from President Cilento on the federal collective bargaining executive order stripping workers of their right to unionize: https://t.co/wkxOoPq4Wc— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 28, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:We will not be silenced! NC AFL-CIO Condemns Union Busting Executive Order: https://t.co/LC4EA29D7N #countmein #1u 🧵 pic.twitter.com/rieTg0VANe— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 28, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:“Flight attendants are living in their cars, they’re living in crash pads,” said Rebecca Black, AFA. “They can’t afford rent and apartments, they’re having to live with their families.”We will stand with our @afa_cwa Siblings until a deal is done.https://t.co/eEnE5AUeWc— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) March 27, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:This month, we recognize and celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. In 1979, Oregon was the first state to elect an Arab American governor – Victor George Atiyeh. 1/ pic.twitter.com/HgvbdjCp10— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 1, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:We voted to prioritize American workers and families, not special jobs for CEOs and propping of dictators. Our leaders must put America first. pic.twitter.com/VRMeoK2dZR— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 1, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:🚨 ACTION ALERT: @GregAbbott_TX’s private school voucher scam is moving through the Texas House this week. Call your State Represenative NOW (click to call at the link below) and tell them Texans don’t want vouchers – vote NO on #HB3 and #SB2! #txlege https://t.co/03f3402K9W— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 31, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:All the 💐🌷🌹🌻🌺 to Verlene and Jacquie! https://t.co/pifHU5lI9M— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 31, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/aJ8mZcFL4z— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 1, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 04/01/2025 – 12:32
Trump Tariffs on Canada Jeopardize Aerospace, Defense, and Manufacturing Sectors While Threatening National Security
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, today issued a strong rebuke of President Trump’s tariffs, warning of severe economic consequences and job losses across the United States and Canada: “President Trump’s scatter-shot tariffs are a direct
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