Worker Wins: ‘We Work Together for A Purpose’
Worker Wins: ‘We Work Together for A Purpose’
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
UAW Bargaining Units Reach Tentative Deal with UC, Averting Strike: Three UAW bargaining units reached tentative agreements Friday with the University of California (UC) system after months of negotiations. If ratified, these would be the first union contracts for members of Student Services and Advising Professionals-UAW (SSAP-UAW) and Research and Public Service Professionals-UAW (RPSP-UAW). The previous deal covering members of UAW Local 4811—who work as teaching assistants, student researchers, postdocs and in other academic roles—had expired at the end of February. All three collective bargaining agreements contain powerful wage increases. RPSP-UAW and SSAP-UAW also secured major wins around health care costs, job security, professional development language and more. Local 4811 is celebrating expanded child care access and new provisions establishing a legal fund for international workers.Oregon Health Care Staff Joins SEIU: Workers at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital in Oregon have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49, successfully securing fair representation for staff at all Samaritan facilities. The new bargaining unit covers roles like nutrition services, housekeeping and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Workers were motivated to organize to secure the fair pay and affordable health care that their counterparts at other locations have won in their collective bargaining agreements. “The union is something so cool because you can make decisions together with administration,” CNA Adilson Nuñez said, “and we both create something that is good for us as employees. We work together for a purpose, we work together for the same goal.” “One of the ultimate goals in all of this is providing workers with a better life through their contracts with good benefits,” added Alan Dubinsky, Local 49’s communications director, “and recognizing how that also helps the communities that they serve.”Court Orders Restoration of AFGE Veterans Affairs Union Contract: On Friday, a U.S. district court judge ordered the reinstatement of the master collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council (AFGE/NVAC). Secretary Doug Collins terminated the AFGE/NVAC contract on Aug. 6, ripping away collective bargaining rights from nurses, doctors, benefits specialists, housekeepers, electricians, painters, food service workers, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, crisis responders, mental health specialists, cemetery workers, janitors and more. “As unionists, it’s our duty to stand up for what’s right and hold the VA accountable,” said NVAC President Mary Jean “MJ” Burke. “Every American knows the importance of free speech, the separation of powers, and the protections guaranteed to us in our nation’s Constitution. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to the veterans and servicemembers who fought to defend these principles. We are grateful for today’s court decision, but there is still work to do. The Union will not be deterred. Our members will continue carrying out the VA’s mission every day in service to those who served.” “Today’s ruling holds this administration accountable and makes clear: No one can retaliate against workers for standing up for their rights,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “We are pleased the court has restored the largest union contract of VA employees and protected both the federal workforce and the veterans who depend on them.”ALPA Secures Tentative Agreement with Air Transport International: Members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) who work for Air Transport International (ATI) are set to vote on a new tentative agreement that will provide approximately $114 million in value over the life of the contract. ATI pilot leadership has voted to move the deal to a membership vote after more than five years of negotiations with the Ohio-based airline that operates cargo jets in Amazon’s air logistics network. Highlights of the new contract include immediate pay increases, a ratification bonus, company-funded contribution to retirement funds, improvements to scheduling and more. “This tentative agreement reflects not only our value to the company but is also the direct result of the unity and tenacity of every ATI pilot,” said Capt. Michael Sterling, chair of the ATI Master Executive Council (MEC). “This agreement will go a long way to improving the lives of our fellow pilots. As we move from the negotiation process to member ratification, I want to express my thanks to my fellow negotiators, the National Mediation Board, and every ATI pilot—all of whom stood in solidarity for almost six years. We are proud of our relationship as Amazon’s largest airline, and we believe this agreement will help reinforce our continuing partnership moving forward.”Fort Worth Report Staff Win Election to Form Union: On Monday, staff at the Fort Worth Report announced they have overwhelmingly voted in favor of forming a union with Media Guild of the West, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 39213. The nonprofit newsroom’s leadership declined to voluntarily recognize the Fort Worth Reporters Guild, but workers were not deterred. After overcoming repeated attempts from management to interfere with the organizing process—including hiring a third-party union-avoidance firm—the newly minted members are celebrating a powerful National Labor Relations Board election victory and preparing for their first union negotiations. “These results were not based on mob rule, but rather a reflection of every single unit member who has been heavily involved in this process since its launch,” the Guild’s organizing committee said in a press statement. “This is the next and vital step for our community newsroom, and we look forward to steering trusted news forward in Tarrant County together.”Motion Capture Workers Ratify First Contract: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members at 2K’s motion capture studio have successfully ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The Petaluma, California, video game studio operated by parent company Take-Two Interactive is known for popular titles such as NBA 2K and WWE 2K. The new contract is a historic first for motion capture video game workers and establishes major wins such as wage floor minimums, yearly pay increases, protected benefits, an enforceable framework for promotions, staffing and subcontracting protections, work-from-home policies, protections related to artificial intelligence, and more. “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together and bargain for the future of their craft,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb. “These workers made history when they organized, and they have made history again by ratifying the first union contract for motion capture video game workers in the United States.” “We went into the negotiating process understanding there would be a strong fight ahead,” said stage technician Connor Bredbeck. “We were united in our goals, shared in solidarity with one another, and focused on protecting the work we love while acknowledging our critical efforts in making games at 2K. We are pleased that 2K was willing to negotiate and made the effort to understand, honor and recognize the contributions of our team.”USW Members Secure New Master Agreement at Domtar: United Steelworkers (USW) members across nine local unions voted overwhelmingly this winter to approve a new master contract covering workers at Domtar paper facilities around the United States. This new agreement is the first after a series of acquisitions in 2021 and 2023. But thanks to the steadfast unity displayed by members nationwide and well-established internal communications channels, they won the best wage increases the USW has ever negotiated with Domtar. “With new ownership and leadership at the table, we knew this round of bargaining would be challenging,” said USW International Vice President Luis Mendoza, who oversees the union’s paper sector. “It wasn’t easy, but with working families seeing expenses rising across the board, and the industry in a time of uncertainty, members should be proud of the progress they made in this agreement. By standing together, members achieved a fair agreement that rewards their hard work but also positions the company for success and protects workers’ future in a changing industry.”New York Transit Museum Workers Organize to Join AFSCME: Workers at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn have filed for a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with AFSCME District Council 37. Following a successful organizing drive by their co-workers in the museum gift shop to join Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 last year, museum educators, visitor experience staff and others are now fighting for union representation, too. Workers went public with their effort to form the New York Transit Museum Collective in early February. Management has yet to voluntarily recognize AFSCME as their bargaining representative, but staff remain committed to fighting for a contract that addresses low wages, lost benefits and other core concerns. “Our museum tells stories that wouldn’t exist without organized labor,” said Ava Dennis, a part-time museum educator. “We tell these stories, we uplift them and remember them. We deserve that same sort of opportunity.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/19/2026 – 11:53
Tags:
Organizing
Women’s History Month Profiles: Shaunna Winton
Women’s History Month Profiles: Shaunna Winton
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 Shaunna Winton of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Shaunna Winton is a 20-year member of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001. She began her career at Boeing as a material review board engineer. She remains a strong advocate for her fellow union members and is the incoming SPEEA treasurer. Winton is passionate about encouraging young women in STEM careers. She is an active career-long member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and served as lead coordinator of the SWE Team Tech collegiate technical competition.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/19/2026 – 10:25
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New York Transit Museum Workers Organize to Join AFSCME
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New York Transit Museum Workers Organize to Join AFSCME
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 at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn have filed for a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with AFSCME District Council 37.Following a successful organizing drive by their co-workers in the museum gift shop to join Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 last year, museum educators, visitor experience staff and others are now fighting for union representation, too. Workers went public with their effort to form the New York Transit Museum Collective in early February. Management has yet to voluntarily recognize AFSCME as their bargaining representative, but staff remain committed to fighting for a contract that addresses low wages, lost benefits and other core concerns.“Our museum tells stories that wouldn’t exist without organized labor,” said Ava Dennis, a part-time museum educator. “We tell these stories, we uplift them and remember them. We deserve that same sort of opportunity.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/19/2026 – 10:19
IAM California State Council Mobilizes in Sacramento
Delegates from the IAM California State Council recently gathered in Sacramento for the spring meeting, bringing together delegates from across the state to focus on legislative priorities, union strategy, and the road ahead for working families in 2026. WATCH: Energizing IAM Voters in the Golden State The one-day meeting opened with a keynote address from
The post IAM California State Council Mobilizes in Sacramento appeared first on IAM Union.
House Subcommittee Reveals Debate Over Postal Service’s Future
The House Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing on March 17 to discuss “Oversight of the U.S. Postal Service: The Financial Future Under Postmaster General Steiner.” In addition to the postmaster general (PMG), David Marroni of the Government Accountability Office was called to testify. The PMG’s testimony underscored the financial difficulties facing the USPS. […]
The post House Subcommittee Reveals Debate Over Postal Service’s Future appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.
Lorain County Job and Family Services Workers Hit One-Month Strike Milestone, Call on Commissioners to Get Back to Table Ahead of Mediation Next Week
On Wednesday, March 25, JFS workers meet with County Commissioners for state-mandated mediation for the first time since walking out on strike.
The post Lorain County Job and Family Services Workers Hit One-Month Strike Milestone, Call on Commissioners to Get Back to Table Ahead of Mediation Next Week appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
Teamsters at Keurig Dr Pepper Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike
(JONESBORO, Ga.) – Members of Teamsters Local 528 at Keurig Dr Pepper facilities in Norcross and Union City, Ga., have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The vote comes after the company continuously failed to offer workers a fair contract.
“These drivers and warehouse workers deserve an agreement that reflects the hard work they put in every day,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “It’s time for this company to stop dragging its feet. If KDP wants to strike themselves, they’re on the right path.”
“Our members are loud and clear that they will not settle for anything less than a fair contract,” said Kip Cortez, Local 528 Business Agent. “They don’t want to strike, but if the company does not get serious and bring a deal to the table fast, they are ready to act.”
The 150 drivers and warehouse workers voted down Keurig Pepper’s last, best, and final offer by a 13-to-1 margin. The company has continuously dragged out negotiations and has committed numerous unfair labor practices. Keurig Dr Pepper has a legal obligation to bargain in good faith.
“Negotiations were going well until everything became ‘no’ from the company,” said Andre Polk, chief steward and eight-year warehouse worker at Keurig Dr Pepper. “The company started trying to bust our union and bully workers. We want respect in our workplace, and we are ready to strike until KDP gives us the respect we deserve.” Local 528 represents thousands of working men and women throughout the state of Georgia. For more information, please visit teamsterslocal528.org.
The post Teamsters at Keurig Dr Pepper Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Women’s History Month Profiles: Tatishka Thomas
Women’s History Month Profiles: Tatishka Thomas
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 Tatishka Thomas of AFGE.
Tatishka Thomas joined AFGE in 2004 and was elected as president of Local 548 in 2007, quickly growing the local to well over 1,100 members. In May 2023, Thomas made history when she was elected as the first Black woman to serve as national vice president for AFGE’s 5th District. Thomas retired from service as a proud VA employee in 2025, but she remains active in her local, council and community affiliates.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/18/2026 – 09:46
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW Members Secure New Master Agreement at Domtar
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW Members Secure New Master Agreement at Domtar
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.
United Steelworkers (USW) members across nine local unions voted overwhelmingly this winter to approve a new master contract covering workers at Domtar paper facilities around the United States.This new agreement is the first after a series of acquisitions in 2021 and 2023. But thanks to the steadfast unity displayed by members nationwide and well-established internal communications channels, they won the best wage increases the USW has ever negotiated with Domtar.“With new ownership and leadership at the table, we knew this round of bargaining would be challenging,” said USW International Vice President Luis Mendoza, who oversees the union’s paper sector. “It wasn’t easy, but with working families seeing expenses rising across the board, and the industry in a time of uncertainty, members should be proud of the progress they made in this agreement. By standing together, members achieved a fair agreement that rewards their hard work but also positions the company for success and protects workers’ future in a changing industry.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/18/2026 – 09:42
INEOS Teamsters in Ohio Unanimously Authorize a Strike
(ASHTABULA, Ohio) – Members of Teamsters Local 377 at INEOS, one of the world’s largest chemical producers, have unanimously authorized a strike ahead of their contract expiration on March 31. Just three years ago, these same workers had to strike to get their first collective bargaining agreement.
The 43 Teamsters are covered by a joint collective bargaining agreement with 66 chemical workers, represented by International Chemical Workers Union Council (UCWUC) Local 1033C, who will also strike if a fair contract is not reached by the end of the month.
“INEOS has been nothing but disrespectful to workers throughout the life of the current contract and have continued that behavior at the bargaining table,” said Steven Anzevino, President of Local 377. “Our members work hard and put in long hours — including hundreds of hours in overtime annually — to make this company profitable, while being extremely understaffed.”
The unions have met with INEOS management more than a dozen times to negotiate a new agreement, and the company has made nothing but insulting proposals like cutting sick time and personal days. Meanwhile, current staffing levels are dangerously low and a single call-off can shut down the entire plant.
“The company continues to demand cuts to sick leave while pushing for additional overtime, despite workers already clocking between 500 and 1,300 overtime hours annually. Their focus on profit over the well-being of our families is unacceptable. We are fighting to be treated as people, not machines,” said Julie Bihlajama, Secretary-Treasurer of ICWUC Local 1033C.
“There’s a clear disconnect between management and employees, and it has become very apparent during negotiations,” said Nathan Summers, a steward at INEOS. “Our employer is engaging in surface bargaining and making proposals like reducing sick time while proposing increased forced overtime which the company knows we will not accept.”
Teamsters Local 377 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northeastern Ohio.
The post INEOS Teamsters in Ohio Unanimously Authorize a Strike appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.