Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Cornell Approve New Contract, Ending Strike
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Cornell Approve New Contract, Ending 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.
Members of the UAW at Cornell University voted to approve a new contract with the university, officially ending a 15-day strike. More than 75% of the members voted yes. The $43 million contract covers four years and provides raises of 21%-25.4%. The contract also eliminates the tiered wage system that had been a major sticking point in negotiations, provides lump sum transition payments, and cost-of-living adjustment protections.“I’m disappointed by Cornell’s commitment to not paying its workers a living wage, but I’m incredibly proud of my union and so grateful to the community that had our backs,” said UAW member Stephanie Heslop.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/05/2024 – 10:02
Standing Strong and United: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Standing Strong and United: 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:Actors’ Equity President Brooke Shields spoke with the Washington Post about her new role, using her platform to “ask for more for the members,” and the importance of arts funding. https://t.co/mtuwPmHTlE— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) September 2, 2024AFGE:The math isn’t mathing.The Voice of America agency is cutting the jobs of bargaining unit employees while promoting managers to SES positions.https://t.co/oYlBAqtDhE— AFGE (@AFGENational) September 5, 2024AFSCME:The Biden-Harris administration has announced even more public service workers will finally see their student loans forgiven under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. https://t.co/cuEXKsJB3R— AFSCME (@AFSCME) September 4, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:The race gets even closer when you look at the senior vote in these 6 key swing states: https://t.co/Qhw16PSE3p https://t.co/k6UFHuyA39— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) September 4, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 1208-Jackson, MS, members are standing strong and united on their picket lines. We will not back down until MV treats our members and riders with respect. #ATUStrongerTogether #1u #UnionStrong @AflMississippi pic.twitter.com/qKxKGA0HAH— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) September 5, 2024American Federation of Musicians:This Labor Day, let’s honor those who have paved the way for fair wages, safe working conditions, equity, and the protection of artistic rights. Let’s also remember the important role unions have played in improving our quality of life and safeguarding our livelihoods.Whether… pic.twitter.com/3GXbxfFaJc— AFM (@The_AFM) September 2, 2024American Federation of Teachers:From early adopters to skeptics, the consensus was clear: a strong educator-labor voice is crucial in AI’s future, and the AFT-Microsoft collaboration might just be the key. Read more about the “AI in Education and Beyond” conference held in Chicago. https://t.co/9CLVit5Ul1— AFT (@AFTunion) September 5, 2024American Postal Workers Union:Human Relations Director Daleo Freeman shares takeaways from the 27th Biennial National Convention, and more of what’s to come from the Human Relations Department.https://t.co/4xNAystzXW— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) September 3, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Every day we work with the responsibility of serving as aviation’s last line of defense. And every year we remember why. Nothing unites us more than honoring our heroes. No matter the uniform we wear or the years we have worn our wings, we will remember the events of Sept. 11th. pic.twitter.com/QaWrNifMCN— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) September 4, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:ORGANIZING ALERT: On August 27th, 22 maintenance unit workers employed at Hearthside Food Solutions in Michigan City, Ind. filed for an election to be represented by the BCTGM. https://t.co/t5qeOQghBY— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) September 4, 2024Boilermakers:👀 Some great #Boilermakers UNION news: Tentative agreement reached with Norfolk Southern, including wage increases, vacation and insurance. Read more ➡️ https://t.co/i4JdrWpE6y #UnionStrong— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) September 3, 2024Bricklayers:”Workers are growing our power in this country in a way we haven’t been in a generation.70% of Americans support unions and we are seen as a force to be reckoned with.”Read @AFLCIO president @LizShuler’s full Op-Ed here: https://t.co/tWi3GIX87z— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) September 5, 2024Communications Workers of America:17,000 CWA members in the Southeast are still on strike at AT&T. Donate to their strike fund here: https://t.co/NYle21JBmz pic.twitter.com/nem8lPTfJ2— CWA (@CWAUnion) September 4, 2024Department for Professional Employees:Interested in learning more about forming a union in your workplace? Contact us at organize@dpeaflcio.org! https://t.co/E3XFgiKrki— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) September 5, 2024Electrical Workers:The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investment in clean energy for rural America means good jobs for communities across the nation. https://t.co/yqZbKQbfhM— IBEW (@IBEW) September 5, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Gameday Insulation!🏈 Kick off the football season by checking out Local 5’s touchdown caliber work to get SoFi Stadium Super Bowl ready! ➡️ Read more: https://t.co/p831beiEoL #InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #football #nflseason pic.twitter.com/lmsU1Ux4Rl— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) September 4, 2024International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:“Thank A Worker” – A Labor Day Letter from IFPTE’s Executive Officershttps://t.co/HbTXVWXsvd— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 30, 2024International Labor Communications Association:WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: the comms team behind last year’s massive @sagaftra strike will present on Strike Preparedness and how the union achieved such successful messaging throughout the strike! Join us at the ILCA-CALM Mini Conference in NYC, Sept 5-7: https://t.co/mfkdKjwIam pic.twitter.com/DyRnEbeP7d— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) September 3, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Georgia! Poll worker applications close soon. Don’t wait—apply now to help ensure every vote counts! @PowerThePolls #Vote #Georgia #Empower24 pic.twitter.com/Od8cVleOr0— LCLAA (@LCLAA) September 5, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:Save the date! 🗓️ The 2025 Great Labor Arts Exchange is set for June 20-22 in Silver Spring, MD. Join activists & artists in celebrating labor arts like music, film, poetry, & more! Sign up to stay updated: https://t.co/6QksPdWasP pic.twitter.com/kwmXFcJ6Qc— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) September 5, 2024Laborers:A lot has changed in Construction over the last 121 years, but the one thing that hasn’t is the strength and grit of #Laborers. Here’s to another 121+ years of #LIUNA strength and #solidarity ✊ 💪 pic.twitter.com/JW8Px9faCp— LIUNA (@LIUNA) September 5, 2024Machinists:Since the early 1900s, IAM members in North America have enjoyed lucrative contracts and built planes and spacecraft. Our union has helped send men to the moon and produced aircraft that fly millions of people around the globe annually. #IAM2024 pic.twitter.com/8q5tp405gF— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) September 5, 2024Maritime Trades Department:The MTD wishes everyone on and off the waterfront a happy and restful Labor Day! Remember that workers fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy.— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) September 2, 2024Mine Workers:“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength…” – Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024Musical Artists:AGMA Endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for President and Vice President in 2024 Election: https://t.co/aTWjgHqKeb pic.twitter.com/Fh3evXrO79— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) September 5, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:During the NALC 73rd Biennial Convention, delegates had the chance to see the final design of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. Watch this video to learn about the development & features of the vehicle. More info about the NGDV & its predecessors here: https://t.co/KSneSUIUfS pic.twitter.com/WKdePC3td4— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) September 4, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:“The minimum Mexico can do for the migrant community is to recognize their work and offer them the Bienestar pension; the reality is that many don’t even have enough to eat.”Angela Sambrano from #NDLON on what to do. https://t.co/EH18BUC8zn— NDLON (@NDLON) September 4, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:The YWomenVote 2024 Gen Z National Town Hall is more than just an event; it’s a movement toward ensuring young voices are heard loud and clear. Join in with @YWCAUSA virtually or in-person: https://t.co/u3Dhr8w1L7— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) September 5, 2024National Federation of Federal Employees:Labor Day Message, Letter on New WFF Occ. Series, Continued Organizing Success, and more – https://t.co/O9mxiWJKKx pic.twitter.com/jYGUAVvCGY— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) August 30, 2024National Nurses United:Union nurses are always ready to do what it takes for our patients!Asheville nurses overwhelmingly authorize a strike at @HCAhealthcare Mission Hospital. ✊https://t.co/pcPWsnBAzF— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) September 4, 2024NFL Players Association:From zero contract negotiations & no player movement to now, players have and continue to fight for more: “It means that you care, not just for you, but you care for the actual game itself.” #LaborDay #1u #leadership pic.twitter.com/OLXBI7mu9p— NFLPA (@NFLPA) September 2, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:Joining the trades is easy through a Registered Apprenticeship Program.Full @ENRnews episode: https://t.co/u2duN1Vt6B pic.twitter.com/BNVB2Cir2r— The Building Trades (@NABTU) September 5, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Happy Labor Day from your union! Here’s to building upon the union power we’ve built together ✊ #UnionStrong #LaborDay pic.twitter.com/6nJarD1Cfm— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) September 2, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:Our union would like to spotlight the work of @IUPAT53 Local 1144 members Codey Bettinger, Collin Derenberger, Gerad Lockhart, Skylar Bland, Delmer Offenger, Timothy Cline, along-lastingan currently working at Blennerhassett Middle School in Parkersburg, WV.Our members… pic.twitter.com/ZvMhFhg1wY— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) September 5, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:How do we elect people who care about workers and our families? By showing up on Election Day. Register to vote here. It takes less than two minutes on average.https://t.co/W7VrgLhMf8 pic.twitter.com/6rFLc7zXiu— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) September 3, 2024Pride At Work:#ItsBetterInAUnion. Don’t believe us? Try ➡️ ✅18% higher wages ✅Better health care ✅Safer workplaces ✅Job security 🎉 Happy Labor Day! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/av1iHzC1ht— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) September 2, 2024Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:PASS natl officer vote results: Exec Board members reelected to current positions @PASSprezdc Spero to begin 2nd term; @PASScfodc Aguirre to begin 3rd term. Proud to represent workers @FAANews & @MCASCPPA #unionsolidarity #publicservice #AviationSafetyhttps://t.co/Vk2jrOcZyP— PASS (@PASSNational) September 4, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:CONTRACT VICTORY: congrats to @RWDSU members at Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, OH, who ratified their union contract in August! The new agreement includes increases to PTO, bereavement, and pension contribution, and up to a 35% wage increase through the life of the contract! pic.twitter.com/AnWK1GnjMm— RWDSU (@RWDSU) September 5, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Labeling hole covers can prevent roofers from falling through skylights and holes. Learn more at: https://t.co/V8iwYJQU4H #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/BJTyj4YIub— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) September 5, 2024SAG-AFTRA:“Lightspeed LA has always recognized and valued the irreplaceable role of talent, which injects creativity, innovation, and the human touch into video games.” – @Steve_C_Martin Thank you for caring about actors as much as we do @LightspeedLAstu! https://t.co/uHs8QEBA9X— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) September 4, 2024Solidarity Center:We’re still buzzing with excitement from the news out of Liberia this past weekend where thousands of workers at Firestone’s rubber plantation voted UNION YES. Click the link to learn more about their journey to the election.https://t.co/7oGhJVXpln #Solidarity #1u— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) September 5, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:This Labor Day 2024, we’re ready to strike!NewsGuild President Jon Schleuss (@gaufre) celebrates a year of wins:👥 1,400 workers unionized✍️ 90+ first contracts secured✊ 39 workplaces strikeWe’re stronger than ever and committed to a better future! pic.twitter.com/P9EnMiSDoq— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) September 2, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:Here’s a reminder to join Locals 892 and 871 at the Local 892 office (3919 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505) on Sunday, 9/8 from 9am-3pm for the IATSE Blood Drive! To Schedule your life saving appointment, go to https://t.co/kUFhOinyot and use the sponsor code “IATSE871”. pic.twitter.com/R3bXNMBpB4— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) September 4, 2024Transport Workers Union:The TWU is empowering workers in Florida so they can fight for better wages and economic security, and not just accept the crumbs that corporations like @GoBrightline are willing to drop to them. @TwuSamuelsen https://t.co/EKYBdEWgT8— TWU (@transportworker) September 2, 2024Transportation Trades Department:VICTORY! 🚨 The American Train Dispatchers Association successfully organized the train dispatchers at Genesee & Wyoming in St Albans, VT.The dispatchers control rail traffic in 43 states & 13,000 miles of track for the largest U.S. short-line railroad. https://t.co/DSoLaliiNb— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) September 5, 2024UAW:Battery workers are seizing their power! Today, 1,000 workers at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill, TN, voted to join the UAW. They are the second Ultium plant built in the US and the second to go union. The first was Lordstown, OH, in 2022. pic.twitter.com/dOlbED34if— UAW (@UAW) September 4, 2024UNITE HERE:This Labor Day weekend, over 10,000 hotel workers in nine cities stood up to their bosses to fight for raises, fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.Hotel workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win. pic.twitter.com/0w8BbOc526— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) September 5, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:Clerical workers at Toms River Fire Commissioners District #1 in Toms River, NJ, & @ufcwlocal152 members, have ratified a NEW contract! The 3 year contract includes improved wages & benefits, as well as a provision that ends “at-will” employment. ➡️ https://t.co/IjMBcZ86eS pic.twitter.com/BVIslleBqg— UFCW (@UFCW) September 3, 2024United Steelworkers:When the things that we value most are on the line, we get out and vote.Are you ready for November? Check your voter registration status, make a plan to cast your ballot, and share info with your loved ones so they too can be prepared: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/acLWuQaZhz— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) September 5, 2024Utility Workers:Retirees know #ItsBetterInAUnion!”The day we became union with UWUA, my life improved immensely. For 20 years I worked for Eastern Utilities Associates, a small electric company in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.’ 🧵 pic.twitter.com/SGrtfKYvjI— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) September 5, 2024Working America:Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate every worker and the historic achievements of the labor movement. We honor our past, celebrate the present, and tomorrow, we’ll continue the fight for more.#LaborDay #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/oov6qL3vC7— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) September 2, 2024Writers Guild of America East:Join us at the NYC Labor Day Parade this Saturday! Show your union pride by marching with the WGAE and thousands of local union members. RSVP & details: https://t.co/zXy9MvzvsN pic.twitter.com/ulSvnPEGPw— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) September 5, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/05/2024 – 10:00
Crafting New Movements for Change in the Midwest
The Midwest Territory is changing how they organize to meet the unique challenges of workers in non-traditional industries that seek to join the IAM.
The post Crafting New Movements for Change in the Midwest appeared first on IAMAW.
Ending Violence in Our Workplaces and Beyond: IAM 41st Convention Welcomes ‘Be More Than a Bystander’ Program Leader
The IAM Grand Lodge Convention welcomed Ashley Humphrys, Manager of Social Enterprises for the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia to the stage for an inspiring message about a program that teaches people about intervening safely to prevent and mitigate violence against women. Humphrys leads the “Be More Than a Bystander” program, an unparalleled training
The post Ending Violence in Our Workplaces and Beyond: IAM 41st Convention Welcomes ‘Be More Than a Bystander’ Program Leader appeared first on IAMAW.
“When We Show Solidarity, We Cannot be Stopped” – AFL-CIO President Shuler Champions Union Solidarity and Strength
In a rousing address at the IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler lauded the remarkable resilience, unity, and recent victories of IAM members, setting a tone of optimism and solidarity for the labor movement’s future. “But if you look around right now something amazing is happening. All over this country workers are
The post “When We Show Solidarity, We Cannot be Stopped” – AFL-CIO President Shuler Champions Union Solidarity and Strength appeared first on IAMAW.
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su Advocates for Stronger Unions and Worker First Economy at IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su provided remarks during the IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention expressing support for IAM members and the labor movement, emphasizing the growth and importance of unions in America. Acting Secretary Su expressed gratitude to influential figures in the labor movement, including IAM President Brian Bryant, for his decades of service
The post Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su Advocates for Stronger Unions and Worker First Economy at IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention appeared first on IAMAW.
A New Look for the IAM: Committee on the Future Members Discuss Rebranding the Union
In their tour of IAM locations near and far, the IAM Committee on the Future (COTF) uncovered members’ desire to upgrade and modernize the union’s brand while preserving original qualities of the IAM’s traditional identity. Director of the William W. Winpisinger Center Mary McHugh moderated the panel discussion with IAM COTF members to discuss members’
The post A New Look for the IAM: Committee on the Future Members Discuss Rebranding the Union appeared first on IAMAW.
Rail Division Convention Report
IAM Special Assistant to the International President Josh Hartford, Rail Division presented his report at the Grand Lodge Convention where he briefed the delegates about how the division is on the move. The division had many important victories over the past two years that are explained in this video update.
The post Rail Division Convention Report appeared first on IAMAW.
Labor Powerhouse Randi Weingarten Inspires at IAM 41st Convention
Longstanding labor movement leader and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten rallied 2024 IAM Convention delegates to remain focused and hopeful about growing union support, as thousands of new union members across the country win union elections and better contracts. “You, IAM, have been doing this for decades upon decades, and other working
The post Labor Powerhouse Randi Weingarten Inspires at IAM 41st Convention appeared first on IAMAW.
“A United Working Class Will Win a Better Future For All of Us” – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Ortiz Fires Up Delegates Embracing Transformative Change for Working People and Taking on Corporate Greed
At the highly anticipated IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention held in New York City, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Ortiz (D-NY) delivered a riveting address to over 1,200 delegates and attendees. She championed the cause of the working class and called for a united front against corporate greed. Her message was clear and resonant: a united working
The post “A United Working Class Will Win a Better Future For All of Us” – Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Ortiz Fires Up Delegates Embracing Transformative Change for Working People and Taking on Corporate Greed appeared first on IAMAW.