Worker Wins: A Fight We Won
Worker Wins: A Fight We Won
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Maryland Public University Nontenure-Track Faculty Win Collective Bargaining Rights: The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation extending collective bargaining rights to the majority of nontenure track faculty at Maryland’s four-year public universities. This victory was a direct result of the tireless organizing done by unions like AFT-Maryland, United Academics of Maryland—an affiliate of American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and AFT—Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 and the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO. The bill now heads to Gov. Wes Moore’s desk for his signature. “For years, I have heard from faculty who have been showing up for their students while barely keeping their heads above water and without a seat at the table,” said AFT-Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Today, we celebrate, and tomorrow we keep fighting – fighting to organize our non-tenure track faculty so they have a voice and fighting to extend collective bargaining rights to all faculty.” “Our universities are under attack,” said Karin Rosemblatt, president of the University of Maryland–College Park chapter of the United Academics of Maryland. “Our academic freedom is being radically curtailed by the illegal moves of the Trump administration, and our administrations feel their hands are tied. Funding for higher education has been stagnant for almost two decades. Students are forced to learn under the pressure of debt and overcrowded classrooms. Our shared governance structures are routinely circumvented or sidelined. But collective bargaining will help faculty fight back. With a union, they will win the job security and resources that will make for better work, better teaching, and better research.”Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts: Nonfiction television staff represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment ratified new collective bargaining agreements. These members are responsible for producing popular shows like “The Food That Built America,” “To Catch a Smuggler,” “90 Day Fiancé” and more. Both bargaining units secured major wins around minimum rate increases and other working condition improvements. “Nonfiction production workers are the backbone of some of the most-watched television,” said Michael Rauch, vice president of Film/TV/Streaming at WGAE, in a press release. “These newly-ratified contracts reflect what workers across the industry deserve — fair pay, real protections, and stability in an unpredictable work environment. Lucky 8’s first contract, and Sharp’s third, show that organizing works, and the energy we saw at this weekend’s summit makes clear that workers are ready to keep building. Nonfiction workers know their value, and the WGAE is here to help them fight for it.”Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract: Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have unanimously voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Living Center in Rochester, New York. Staff at the skilled nursing facility work as licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, activity aides, unit secretaries and physical therapy aides. Their previous agreement expired earlier this year. Throughout seven months of bargaining, the issues of staffing, recruitment and retention, and compensation remained core sticking points. The new contract was reached one month after a powerful informational picket. Highlights of the deal include an 8.75% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, an additional floating holiday, an attendance bonus and other provisions that will help support overworked and underpaid staff. “I feel happy about our new union contract. It was a fight that we won and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” LPN Kiara Grey-Bradley said in a press release.NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB). These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more. “Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”New Jersey Cannabis Workers Celebrate Union Election Victory Ahead of 4/20: Workers at cannabis products producer Sun Extractions have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, marking another win for the union’s ongoing campaign to ensure fair labor protections in the emergent industry. Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the state are on track to exceed $2 billion, and the workers who make those profits possible are organizing to ensure that they can secure wages and benefits that reflect that success. “New Jersey’s cannabis industry is stronger today, thanks to this vote by Sun Extractions workers,” said Hugh Giordano, director of organizing at UFCW Local 360. “Sustainable success for businesses, employees, and communities starts with fair treatment, strong standards and shared commitments. That’s how jobs in the cannabis industry become long-term careers, and it’s the future these employees are working towards.” “We have more reasons than ever to celebrate 4/20 this year. We’re welcoming the workers of Sun Extractions into the Local 360 family, seeing the hard work of our members move an entire industry forward, and talking to other states as they look to New Jersey as a model of how to do it right,” UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. said. “It’s another proof-point for what we always say: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities. And that’s worth celebrating.”Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW: Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer. “It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.” “This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 04/23/2026 – 11:40
Tags:
Organizing
IAM Organizing Department Scores Another Victory, Organizes 130 National Park Service Workers
The IAM Organizing Department has secured another win, successfully organizing 130 National Park Service workers at the Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta. The workers are spread across multiple locations throughout the region. The newly organized unit includes critical roles that help protect and manage public lands, including Biological Science Technicians, Hydrologic Technicians, Outdoor Recreation Planners,
The post IAM Organizing Department Scores Another Victory, Organizes 130 National Park Service Workers appeared first on IAM Union.
GlacierPoint Workers in Chicago Join Teamsters
(CHICAGO) – More than 70 drivers and helpers at GlacierPoint outside Chicago have overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 703. GlacierPoint is a regional distributor of ice cream, milk, and other frozen and refrigerated products, supplying grocery stores and other foodservice operations throughout the Midwest.
“This is a major win for our members and our union,” said Thomas W. Stiede, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 703 and President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “GlacierPoint workers stood together and made it clear they are ready for the respect, wages, and benefits they deserve. Local 703 is proud to welcome them to the Teamsters, and we look forward to negotiating a strong first contract.”
This victory showcases the growing momentum across the dairy industry, where workers are organizing with the Teamsters to secure better wages, benefits, job security, and a more stable future for their families.
“The company tried to hit us with tricks, misinformation, and threats to stop us from organizing,” said Norm Fret Jr., a GlacierPoint driver and a new member of Local 703. “But we were prepared, and their efforts only showed us that we made the right decision. With our brothers and sisters behind us, we’re ready to negotiate our first contract and move forward together.”
Teamsters Local 703 represents more than 4,000 workers across Northern Illinois and the Chicago area in the grocery, food processing, landscaping, construction, and brewery industries. For more information, visit teamsterslocal703.com.
###
The post GlacierPoint Workers in Chicago Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike
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.
Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB).These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more.“Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 04/23/2026 – 09:22
IAM Union Mourns Passing of Congressman David Scott, a Lifelong Champion for Working People
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) mourns the passing of U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), who passed away at the age of 80. Congressman Scott served Georgia’s 13th Congressional District for more than two decades. He was not only a good friend of tens of thousands of IAM members who call
The post IAM Union Mourns Passing of Congressman David Scott, a Lifelong Champion for Working People appeared first on IAM Union.
Happy Earth Day: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Happy Earth Day: 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:On Monday, Equity honored Afra Hines with the Legacy Robe at the Broadway opening of SCHMIGADOON! This season marks the 75th anniversary of this historic tradition. Check out our profile for interviews with past recipients 🎭 [image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) April 22, 2026 at 11:25 AMAFGE:It’s time for Congress to do its job and fund DHS.https://t.co/MruMPlAfMx— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 22, 2026AFSCME:As extreme weather events become more common, public service workers are showing up on the front lines to keep communities running.This Earth Day, we’re organizing for extreme weather solutions that protect workers and create good union jobs. https://t.co/AYiMFv0fck— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 22, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:🚨 @GovernorVA cut a backroom deal with airline lobbyists and stripped aviation worker protections from HB 5 — protections both chambers voted for. Tell VA legislators: reject her amendments on April 22. https://t.co/6gRUhUR9V9 pic.twitter.com/P7yUFBI7QH— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) April 21, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:🤖🏥 Alliance Executive Director Richard Fiesta was on @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about WISeR, a pilot program that allows for-profit AI corporations to decide whether Medicare will cover certain treatments. Listen to why this is a dangerous idea. 🎧: https://t.co/3vbkt0Yypq— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 21, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Happy Earth Day from the ATU! #earthday2026 pic.twitter.com/T3NY5N1pCP— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 22, 2026American Federation of Teachers:Bring #EarthDay to your classroom with @sharemylesson.bsky.social’s collection of resources for all subject areas covering conservation, recycling, tree planting, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability and environmental justice. Check them out here ⤵️ sharemylesson.com/collections/…[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) April 22, 2026 at 10:33 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Millions of Americans rely on Vote-By-Mail. Let’s make sure to protect and preserve it so we all can vote, no matter how difficult it is to get to the polls. pic.twitter.com/0vbVCqMzQe— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) April 16, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:.@afa_cwa and @ALPAPilots are pushing VA legislators to reject amendments that would strip sick leave protections from crewmembers. 📸 @sgpekarsky supports sick leave for crew! https://t.co/KNivhIudc0 pic.twitter.com/GK1jlJWQbK— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 22, 2026Boilermakers:🚂 All aboard #Boilermakers! Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is rolling coast-to-coast, Western States Boilermakers and their families already got an up-close look at the steam behemoth. The tour heads East on May 25. Share your photos and videos at https://t.co/p2xpmGOahS pic.twitter.com/Ixe839vTW4— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 21, 2026Bricklayers:Shoutout to BAC Local 23 OH member Chris Vetterly! 🧱Chris is on-site with Lencyk Masonry at the Mill Creek Fellowship Gardens in #Youngstown. We’re proud of the craftsmanship our members bring to local landmarks.⚒️ Keep it up, Chris! 👏#WorksiteWednesday #SkilledTrades pic.twitter.com/tmTMsOYANk— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) April 22, 2026Communications Workers of America:We’re escalating pressure on @LanguageLine Solutions and its parent company, Teleperformance. Interpreters are fighting back against low pay, high stress and deteriorating service conditions!https://t.co/wKNxn91OM8— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 21, 2026Department for Professional Employees:Solidarity with the musicians of the True Concord Voices and Orchestra who are organizing with @afm-union.bsky.social! www.kold.com/2026/04/20/l…[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) April 21, 2026 at 9:21 AMElectrical Workers:#IBEW public service: San Francisco Local 6 member looks out for workers as airport commissioner. https://t.co/jM3hy6KyYe— IBEW (@IBEW) April 22, 2026Fire Fighters:🔥Across North America, the IAFF is fighting alongside affiliates to secure the staffing levels required to keep communities and #firefighters safe during emergencies.Learn more in the NEW spring edition of #FireFighter International Magazine. 🚒📖https://t.co/bqaE4u7I5z— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) April 21, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:Kicking off day two of the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference! pic.twitter.com/J2SwZza7du— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) April 22, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders An End to DOD Collective Bargaining – IFPTE Locals are Currently Protected by Court Injunctionhttps://t.co/gUnisPEW24— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 20, 2026International Union of Police Associations:The I.U.P.A. brings you the NewsWatch every week. Click on this link to see the latest news for I.U.P.A. members! https://t.co/bHZ78Ee0Ap pic.twitter.com/sgXcAHFkfy— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) April 22, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Cuando priorizamos la salud, fortalecemos nuestros lugares de trabajo y nuestro futuro colectivo. 💪🏽Léa el boletín informativo de LCLAA Amándome a Mí para Amarte a Tí para aprender más: https://t.co/TklLvbWODU pic.twitter.com/GJ54i0pfLH— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 15, 2026Laborers:Go Orange. Stand with the workers building our roads. #GoOrange #Orange4Safety #WorkZoneAwareness #NWZAW pic.twitter.com/Q7Jhr1clAs— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 22, 2026Machinists:Congratulations and welcome to your union! 🍩✊ Solidarity forever.https://t.co/LrH1joPVkE— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) April 22, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:The 2025 Marvin Miller Man of the Year officially received his hardware! Brent Suter, a member of the MLBPA Executive Subcommittee and recently named Players Trust Ambassador, stopped by the office to receive his Players Choice Award. Brent also toured the displays that… pic.twitter.com/KsRAXNwMnW— MLBPA (@MLBPA) April 22, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:At every altitude, in every moment, air traffic controllers protect our national airspace, working with unwavering commitment to keep the flying public safe.From takeoff to landing, their vigilance never ceases. pic.twitter.com/wIngpXBuVt— NATCA (@NATCA) April 20, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:For NALC members, serving our communities extends far beyond our mail routes. On Saturday, May 9, letter carriers nationwide will collect donations of non-perishable food to help stock local food banks. Join us in this important effort to #StampOutHunger! 🥫📬 pic.twitter.com/o6INPdJXYS— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 18, 2026National Day Laborer Organizing Network:NDLON Co-Executive Director PabloAlvarado and Legal Director Chris Newman backstage with @springsteen We are grateful for this moment and for the opportunity to be featured charity tonight-lifting up the voices of immigrant workers and families.#NDLON #LandOfHopeAndDreams pic.twitter.com/hNqcXdEupD— NDLON (@NDLON) April 10, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:It’s National Library Week 📚Librarians are real care champions—supporting kids growth. Thank you for reminding us @mychal3ts! Right now, there are children at Dilley detention center who are being denied that same care. Every child deserves to learn, grow, and be loved. pic.twitter.com/0wGlZdJ5z4— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 20, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:🫡 Until next year.See the full results and details from the 2025-26 #NHLPAPlayerPoll: https://t.co/ibguKDfA5x pic.twitter.com/nlXl6MFmG3— NHLPA (@NHLPA) April 17, 2026National Nurses United:New Orleans nurses at @UMCNO are going on a 5-day strike starting on May 1! 🪧Management has spent 2+ years dragging out and frustrating negotiations through bad-faith bargaining, and we won’t stand for it. Nurses and our patients deserve better! https://t.co/Han0iwhwCW— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) April 21, 2026NFL Players Association:Our charitable arm, the Professional Athletes Foundation, continues to lead the way in supporting former players and their spouses beyond the game after hosting vital health screenings this weekend in Atlanta focused on prevention, wellness, and long-term care.Read more:… pic.twitter.com/KwDsPv0mSf— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 21, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:“In a time when too many forget the meaning of their own signature… The Building Trades are here to remind America: a deal is a deal.” – President McGarvey pic.twitter.com/sZlJEsH6AX— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 21, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Happy Earth Day!In the words of UAW President Walter Reuther, “The labor movement is about that problem we face tomorrow morning. Damn right! But to make that the sole purpose of the labor movement is to miss the main target. I mean, what good is a dollar an hour more in wages… pic.twitter.com/b3hNAAsFqp— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 22, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:Over the course of the 2025-26 season, 97 members made the leap to the NHL. Congrats to these players who recently made their NHL debuts: sea pic.twitter.com/BSSJmYdGMt— PHPA (@thephpa) April 17, 2026Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Thanks @SenJeffMerkley for meeting Natl Safety Rep (AVS), FAA aviation safety inspector Chris Mazurkiewicz, to discuss modernization, staffing & more. Funding from @SenateApprops @AppropsGOP critical for success of frontline FAA workers serving flying public! #federalemployees pic.twitter.com/nVCAOAIKWL— PASS (@PASSNational) April 20, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:This #EarthDay, we demand sustainable jobs and safe environments. Our health shouldn’t be the price of a paycheck. 🌿✊ #GreenLabor pic.twitter.com/oK3jQO2gkV— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 22, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Falls are preventable! https://t.co/yxaaxjxN8V has a number of resources to help you prevent falls, including videos and webinars on a variety of fall-related topics. To view the collection, visit: https://t.co/SbkQenifNN #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/BgVutGOrsd— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 20, 2026SAG-AFTRA:Sustainability is the next Hollywood star! 🌟 This #EarthDay, we’re showing gratitude for the planet we call home and acknowledging the work we all need to do to keep it a beautiful place to live. Learn more at https://t.co/epkeRkWMOY. pic.twitter.com/0hgO9NbDuf— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 22, 2026Service Employees International Union:“Trump’s supersized Pentagon budget will hurt millions of Americans because Trump, to help finance that budget, is pushing for painful cuts in health, education, and housing programs.” https://t.co/srCijeOcjR— SEIU (@SEIU) April 22, 2026Solidarity Center:What is the @ilo? 🤔#ILC2026 #WorkerRights #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/rFk27gCWzk— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 21, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:We join our family @NUJofficial in condemning the BBC’s plans to cut about 2,000 jobs. We stand in solidarity with NUJ and the media workers at the BBC. https://t.co/pqxBqjr0xu— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 16, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:President Matthew D. Loeb says “The US risks turning its back on a signature American industry.” pic.twitter.com/DEA1CxET1F— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 21, 2026Transport Workers Union:New Senate Bill would extend No Tax on Overtime to all transport workers. “80,000 TWU members are currently ineligible for the overtime earnings tax break and the TWU will keep fighting this disparity. Pro-worker lawmakers are stepping up for transport workers.” @TwuSamuelsen— TWU (@transportworker) April 17, 2026Transportation Trades Department:We’re proud to welcome @TTDAFLCIO’s newest Legislative Representative, Nawaid Ladak. Originally from Florida, Nawaid has over a decade of experience on Capitol Hill working on a variety of policy issue areas, including transportation and trade. pic.twitter.com/Ic27kgQU4r— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) April 21, 2026UAW:UAW members made history at the Michigan Democratic Party convention! Representing 35 counties, all 13 MI congressional districts, and over 90 UAW locals, we showed the power of solidarity—making up more than 10% of the largest MDP convention ever. Together, we’re fighting for a… pic.twitter.com/vAQoRsByBS— UAW (@UAW) April 21, 2026UNITE HERE:When we fight, we win! 💪 https://t.co/IEhWI4AkV9— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 22, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:Our office professionals are the backbone of the UA. Happy #AdminProfessionalsDay from the UA General Officers! pic.twitter.com/RQrli4TTBF— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) April 22, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:UFCW is America’s cannabis union AND the union behind your favorite munchies. From the dispensary to the snack aisle, our workers have you covered today.Remember: The grass is always greener with a unionWant to organize your workplace? https://t.co/Gn2w6kIBRX pic.twitter.com/y3Nw7rhEW5— UFCW (@UFCW) April 20, 2026United Steelworkers:We took our message of solidarity all the way to Houston: BP needs to end the illegal lockout of Local 7-1 members now! pic.twitter.com/YKFOrdDRSr— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) April 16, 2026Writers Guild of America East:”After making headway in the nonfiction television space for more than a decade, the WGA East is continuing its push to organize reality TV- and documentary-focused production companies.” www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus…[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) April 14, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 04/22/2026 – 10:31
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW
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.
Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27.These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer.“It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.”“This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 04/22/2026 – 10:19
Tags:
Organizing
IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House
The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is enthusiastically supporting the newly-introduced, bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness Act in the U.S. Senate and House to correct Railroad Retirement benefits for working retirees. The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Josh Hawley
The post IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House appeared first on IAM Union.
IAM Union Reaffirms Support for SHIPS for America Act, Urges Immediate Congressional Action on Critical National Security Issue
The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) is reaffirming its strong support for the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act as Congress holds a joint hearing on revitalizing shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base before key House subcommittees. Today, just 80 U.S.-flagged vessels operate in international commerce, compared to roughly
The post IAM Union Reaffirms Support for SHIPS for America Act, Urges Immediate Congressional Action on Critical National Security Issue appeared first on IAM Union.
Teamsters Support Know Your Labor Rights Act
(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters supports the introduction of the Know Your Labor Rights Act by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Representatives Riley Moore (R-WV) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), legislation that would strengthen workplace transparency by requiring employers to clearly inform workers of their federally protected labor rights.
“Greedy corporations and corrupt managers in nearly every sector of the economy put in overtime trying to stop working people from organizing,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “But the right to organize is sacred, and American workers should be informed of their legal right to do so. The Know Your Labor Rights Act would help put power back in the hands of working people. It would mandate that employers post information about labor rights in an easily accessible place so that workers remain informed and empowered.”
Under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), passed by Congress in 1935, workers are guaranteed the right to organize, join a union, and collectively bargain. Despite these longstanding protections, employers are not required to inform workers of these rights. The Know Your Labor Rights Act would change that by requiring employers to display information about labor rights in visible areas and notify new employees, or face penalties for non-compliance.
Recent polling shows broad bipartisan support, with 71 percent of Americans favoring a requirement that employers post notices of NLRA rights, underscoring the public’s strong backing for workplace transparency and fairness.
Hawley’s legislation builds on growing bipartisan momentum in Congress to strengthen workers’ rights and protections. The Faster Labor Contracts Act, introduced in the House of Representatives in September, would require employers to begin collective bargaining within 10 days of a successful union vote.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
The post Teamsters Support Know Your Labor Rights Act appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
