In Demand Like Never Before: What Working People Are Doing This Week

In Demand Like Never Before: 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:Swings from around the country sent in their thoughts on various aspects of the work they do. Swipe through for some thoughts from #equityteamswing! pic.twitter.com/L7M89j0SjY— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 15, 2025AFGE:We say this time and time again. Federal workers do NOT engage in political work while on government time. That is explicitly prohibited by the Hatch Act and our union adheres to that law.Period.— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 15, 2025AFSCME:In 2024, cultural workers from coast to coast organized for a voice on the job or celebrated contract wins as members of @cwuafscme. Watch this video. https://t.co/pzN9t45iYK— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 14, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:If the Supreme Court overturns the ACA’s preventive care mandate, it will be harder for older Americans to get critical screenings and wellness visits. #ProtectOurCare https://t.co/XLgJ8hlvm4— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 14, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Congratulations to our bus mechanic apprenticeship graduates at Local 1070-Indianapolis, IN, and IndyGo. This is the ATU’s first bus mechanic apprenticeship program under the leadership of International President John Costa. The graduates included IndyGo’s first female bus…— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 14, 2025American Federation of Musicians:Check out DOL’s guest post on NEA’s blog spotlighting the Philadelphia Theatre Company, where AFM, Equity, and IATSE members have negotiated for pay & policies to promote sustainable careers… https://t.co/UxHivGnATD— AFM (@The_AFM) January 15, 2025American Federation of Teachers:A broken system hurts every patient & every family. In Oregon, physicians, RNs, & others are on strike to demand Providence address unsafe staffing levels in emergency rooms & unfair wages. Add your name & tell Providence to put #PatientsBeforeProfits. https://t.co/agwzDmffZl— AFT (@AFTunion) January 14, 2025American Postal Workers Union:“Postal workers proved once again that, when given the proper resources, you can sort and deliver mail promptly and efficiently – just as the law requires.” Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash calls on members to oppose any degradation of service. https://t.co/AAoKiiulvp— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) January 15, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:It’s been 16 years since US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the icy waters of New York’s Hudson River. The “Miracle on the Hudson” would not have been a miracle without everyone doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. We are aviation’s first responders. pic.twitter.com/x3uTo3cBZJ— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 15, 2025Boilermakers:The winter issue of the #Boilermaker Reporter is on the way or in your mailbox now. 📫 Be sure to read your copy or find it online: https://t.co/k0xOziuYh0 pic.twitter.com/rZFry2COJI— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 14, 2025Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday everyone! This week, we have a video from our brothers over at BAC ADC of NJ Locals 4 & 5 and signatory contractor Baumgardner Finishings Company at Ocean County Vo-Tech School! Keep up the good work guys!#BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/1ocP8bVS30— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 15, 2025Communications Workers of America:Physical and occupational therapists at Alternate Solutions Health Network (ASHN) in Northern Virginia – members of CWA Local 2252 – are holding a 1-day ULP strike. It is time for ASHN to bargain in good faith! pic.twitter.com/bBRmhu7tgQ— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 13, 2025Department for Professional Employees:We continue to stand with @IATSE members at the Atlantic Theater Company on strike because management refuses to negotiate a fair contract. https://t.co/ouSwIunuLw— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 14, 2025Electrical Workers:Electrical work is in demand like never before. Here’s how the #IBEW will win it. https://t.co/LB4ZxJLwXo pic.twitter.com/wFHy5muFBp— IBEW (@IBEW) January 14, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Our thoughts & prayers are with our Brothers & Sisters impacted by the California wildfires.If you are a member in need of assistance due to displacement or damage, please contact our International office for support.➡️ Contact us or share with a member in need:… pic.twitter.com/Yv9VWCYGC4— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 10, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🔥 The wildfires in South California have left countless families in need of urgent support. Together we can make a difference! Donate to the LCLAA Emergency Relief Fund to provide relief and resources to those affected. pic.twitter.com/kPDYjOFvVk— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 14, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:Voting in the first-ever Labor Grammys closes on January 17!https://t.co/BTCQb5gwFI pic.twitter.com/ksybcKCVUi— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 14, 2025Laborers:👏 Thank you to the thousands of LIUNA members who made your voices heard! Your letters to OSHA in support of heat safety standards are a step toward creating safer workplaces for all. Together, we’re raising the bar for worker protections and building a stronger future.… pic.twitter.com/7ULeaCEHgz— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 15, 2025Machinists:This webinar will feature Q&A with an IAM member from Tempus AI, Rebecca Sellnow, who is a molecular technologist!Tune in to hear about how professional employees can get started with unionizing ⚙️💪 https://t.co/WxU7JOKsDr— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 14, 2025Metal Trades Department:U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has concluded that China uses unfair policies and practices to dominate the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. https://t.co/2SEWz6TeL9— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 13, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Mark your calendars 📅 for Saturday, May 10, 2025: The #StampOutHunger Food Drive is just around the corner! Letter carriers nationwide will collect donations to help restock local food banks. Together, we can help neighbors in need and make a difference! pic.twitter.com/ulePjTRF3n— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 14, 2025National Day Laborer Organizing Network:“Roberto Morales, another day laborer who volunteered his time in the Service Brigade said he felt very thankful and emotional to see the amount of volunteers.”https://t.co/goCmcUk2iz— NDLON (@NDLON) January 10, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:Thank you @harpersbazaarus for highlighting our ‘We Care: Domestic Workers Relief Fund’ providing emergency financial assistance, medical care, and supplies to domestic workers.https://t.co/jv9DktitKw— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 14, 2025National Nurses United:This week: Nurses will march nationwide in support of safe staffing and patient protections against #AI. In our National Day of Action, thousands of nurses will demand the hospital industry ensure patient safety amidst fast-growing A.I. https://t.co/1ci3hbMOe1— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 14, 2025NFL Players Association:Our hearts are with those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. pic.twitter.com/2qMysAdM69— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 10, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:NABTU’s partnership with @RowanUniversity is shaping the next generation of construction managers. Courses are entirely online, providing flexible, affordable, and accessible learning tailored to adult students’ schedules.https://t.co/tIBWGG1tuo— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 14, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Stand in solidarity with the staff of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, who are unionizing with OPEIU Local 98!Sign your name in support ➡️ https://t.co/ikqaPmu7g8 pic.twitter.com/yTZBaVIzJp— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 14, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:IUPAT members, we’d love to hear from you and spotlight current or past projects. Post in the comments, or send us a DM with the best pictures you have! pic.twitter.com/b3YjpeKbXP— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 15, 2025Plasterers and Cement Masons:“Registered Apprenticeships let young people & adults ‘earn & learn’, combining hands-on training with coursework—and they are paid to do it… The average apprenticeship grad earns $80,000 annually, far above the state’s median household income.” https://t.co/pYW6KoJxu8— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 13, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:”PASS told a Senate committee that the FAA is too slow to develop its technical workforce and is not moving fast enough to stay ahead of aging infrastructure.” @PASSprezdc Dave Spero on @FederalNewsNet Federal Drive w/Tom Temin #aviationsafety #federalemployees @publicservice— PASS (@PASSNational) January 8, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr! We’ll never forget all the times that MLK showed up for our union. Check out this scan of a 1991 RWDSU Record featuring the entire timeline of MLK’s relationship with the RWDSU.Learn more about RWDSU’s MLK history: https://t.co/ZyzWLJwyeC pic.twitter.com/nV5ywhSvnt— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 15, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Just a reminder to never cross a picket line! Hope our @Culinary226 sisters and brothers at @VirginHotelsLV get the contract they deserve. #Solidarity #UnionStrong https://t.co/BeLv44R6xv— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 15, 2025SAG-AFTRA:WATCH NOW! SAG-AFTRA NED @DuncanCI and @sagaftraFOUND ED Cyd Wilson had a conversation about the Los Angeles wildfire resources available to #SagAftraMembers. Watch on Instagram!Part 1: https://t.co/5c0yxv8vZLPart 2: https://t.co/H4eHMh9UnbPart 3: https://t.co/lHfNTfyHue pic.twitter.com/rbAPSmMFVn— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 14, 2025Service Employees International Union:2M SEIU Members 🤝 13M AFL-CIO MembersSEIU just joined America’s biggest federation of labor unions, the @AFLCIO. Together, we’re taking on corporate union busters and changing the rules so every worker who wants a union can have one. Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/KK0cKnSSYW— SEIU (@SEIU) January 9, 2025Solidarity Center:The Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia – FAWUL – is bargaining for better living & working conditions at Bridgestone’s Liberia rubber plantation ✊🏿 Stand in solidarity with our partners by signing their petition. 🖋️ sign here https://t.co/o2xVtcGHlv#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 12, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:Destructive wildfires in Southern California have destroyed the homes of at least three of our members. At least 30 Guild members have been directly impacted in evacuation zones along with 220 other CWA members: https://t.co/usJ1OsxYv5— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 13, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Workers worked so hard to put on their shows, but the unit of nearly 100 workers at the Atlantic Theater Company UNANIMOUSLY voted to authorize a strike because they deserve healthcare and a living wage!Segment featured on Fox 5, Good Day New York pic.twitter.com/QsXd5dRHGB— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 15, 2025Transport Workers Union:Onboard @GoBrightline workers have voted 2-1 to join the Transport Workers Union, overcoming opposition from management that urged a contingent of more than 100 employees not to organize. @SunSentinel https://t.co/7R56VGgKCj— TWU (@transportworker) January 15, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Once again, workers refuse to be silenced by corporate greed and union busting tactics. Congratulations to @transportworker and Brightline workers on this organizing victory! https://t.co/iG4MuvCXlu— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 14, 2025UAW:UAW National Ford and Sub-Council meetings are taking place this week in Chattanooga, TN. These meetings are an important opportunity for local and national leadership to come together and strategize for the coming year. pic.twitter.com/tKaiGE2Ms5— UAW (@UAW) January 15, 2025UNITE HERE:UNITE HERE leaders joined our siblings from across the labor movement in Las Vegas this week for CES and the #LITSummit.@SAGAFTRA @AFTunion @WeAreALPA @ATUComm @MachinistsUnion @IATSE @NationalNurses @RWDSU @TTDAFLCIO @transportworker pic.twitter.com/dPzyDebirq— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 10, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Recently, workers at The Convalarium of Dublin nursing home in OH, have officially joined UFCW Local 1059!The now members, reached out to the local after conversations revealed shared concerns about erratic scheduling & pay inaccuracies.➡️ https://t.co/hvJeh2KqKi pic.twitter.com/0dqzEXyziT— UFCW (@UFCW) January 14, 2025United Steelworkers:In 2024, we achieved significant victories for workers through Rapid Response, our grassroots education and action program addressing legislative issues that affect working families. Let’s take a moment to celebrate what we achieved together over the past year 👏. pic.twitter.com/x9NAmkvfhc— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 15, 2025Utility Workers:On an average day, Melissa Suarez of UWUA local 129 handles around 100 calls. Every call is different, which keeps things interesting. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/Asczmv1Y1N— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 15, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Nonfiction production workers at Lucky 8 have UNIONIZED with the WGAE! There’s no need for management to roll the dice, our demand is clear: voluntary recognition without delay or division. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/LU8XAicdpa— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 14, 2025

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/15/2025 – 10:01

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Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program

The registration deadline for the first Human Rights Program of 2025 is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Find the call letter and registration instructions here. The IAM Human Rights Department is offering this course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. This year’s schedule is as follows: Human Rights Program March
The post Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program appeared first on IAMAW.

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Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program

The registration deadline for the first Human Rights Program of 2025 is Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Find the call letter and registration instructions here. The IAM Human Rights Department is offering this course at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. This year’s schedule is as follows: Human Rights Program March
The post Deadline Approaching to Register for the IAM Human Rights Program appeared first on IAMAW.

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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union at Alabama Chemical Plant

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union at Alabama Chemical Plant

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.

Production and maintenance workers at the Gaylord Chemical manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, voted last week to join the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC), part of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).Workers at the plant—who make chemical compounds used in medical and industrial solvents and food additives—reached out to the union a few months ago to begin their organizing efforts. Their landslide election win is even more exciting in the context of Alabama’s “right to work” laws and vocally anti-union lawmakers.“I just want to thank the [ICWUC] for getting behind us and supporting us. As soon as we reached out to them, they were quick to respond,” one Gaylord Chemical worker stated.Jordan Easley, ICWUC’s national organizing coordinator, said of the campaign victory: “[Workers] excelled when it came to open support, public support, and the numbers reflected that. They got what they deserve. Obviously most employers don’t want a union, but I think [Gaylord Chemical] were stopped in their tracks. They are reminded that you need workers more than workers need you.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/15/2025 – 09:41

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Updated Function Four Operation Numbers

January 15, 2025“Clerks should ensure that they are on the correct workhour operation. Standby codes are NOT work hours.” – Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks
magazineClerk Division Lamont Brooks

Actual vs. ‘Earned’ Complement
The APWU objects to the Postal Service using “Earned Hours” as opposed to actual “Work Hours” to determine staffing. The APWU asserts that this violates Article 37.3.A.1., which requires the Postal Service to use all available “work hours” for Clerk Craft assignments.
If we challenge the models or tools management uses, it should only be as a rebuttal to their position and should not be the main argument. We should not devote significant time to rebutting management’s staffing models and tools. Our main focus should be advancing our extremely strong Article 37.3.A.1. language, and referencing the three National Goldberg awards and two Step 4 settlements.
In its April 3, 2017, reply to Lamont Brooks, the Postal Service took the position that “earned hours” are simply “internal management tools” to provide data to local management and ensure compliance with the contract. They insist that earned hours should match work hours. That is why actual work hours are the controlling method to determine staffing. We must fight to adequately staff the window and mail processing. Delayed mail and long lines in the lobby are contrary to proper staffing. Lead Clerks should be assisting management to properly staff the offices.
The most important clock rings are as follows:
Begin Tour
Out to Lunch
In from Lunch
End Tour
Clerks should ensure that they are on the correct workhour operation. Standby codes are NOT work hours.
When clerks are not clocking on the proper operation it becomes a management excuse to reduce the complement. Operation 956 SOV is used for loaner hours. The Postal Service informed the Clerk Division that local management can add operation numbers that may be missing on an MDD/IO scanner.
We remain in discussions on Operation 352, which the parties negotiated at the national level for retail lobby assistance duties prior to reaching the window. Detailed descriptions of operation numbers are in the M-32 Handbook.
The updated list of Function Four Operation codes is as follows:
TAC140R2 – v4.002 – (09) National Authorized Operations
Operation
Operation Desc
CAG A-L (F1) Non-Supv LDC
CAG A-L (F1) Supv LDC
2280
Express mail delivery
4800
2000
2410
Allied distribution
4300
—-
3150
SDUS incoming parcels
4100
—-
3170
SDUS Sunday parcels
4100
—-
3180
Small DU sorters (SDUS) bundle
4100
—-
3190
Small DU sorters (SDUS) SCF
4100
—-
3530
Operational standby cust srv
4800
2000
3550
Window services
4500
—-
3570
Government services
4500
—-
5440
Cages serving carriers
4800
—-
5580
Office work & records-CS
4800
2000
6060
Institutional standby cust srv
4800
—-
6080
Stewards – Clerks – CS
4800
—-
6210
Travel customer service
4800
2000
6250
Stewards-mail handler-CS
4800
—-
6310
Meeting time-customer services
4800
2000
6370
Postage due/BRM/MRS/PRS
4200
—-
6670
CFS Miscellaneous Support
4900
—-
7420
Misc activity-Cust Serv
4800
2000
7690
Box section
4400
—-
7970
CFS manual forward/RTS Oper
4900
2000
9050
ADUS incoming parcels
4100
—-
9080
Auto DU Sorters (ADUS) bundle
4100
—-
9090
Auto DU sorters (ADUS) SCF
4100
—-
9100
ADUS Sunday parcels
4100
—-
9560
SOV activities
4700
—-
0770
Sunday parcel distribution
4300
2000
0850
CFS COA scanning
4900
—-

Updated Function Four Operation Numbers0

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Costco Teamsters Practice Picket in California and Washington

(WASHINGTON) – Costco workers represented by Teamsters Local 150, Local 174, and Local 853 organized practice picket lines today in Hayward, Calif., and Sumner, Wash., as the January 31 expiration of the Costco Teamsters National Master Agreement draws near. Teamsters are demanding a contract that reflects the company’s record-breaking profits and are ready to strike […]

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Teamsters at US Foods Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

(LIVERMORE, Calif.) – Drivers at US Foods in Livermore, Calif., represented by Teamsters Local 853, have overwhelmingly authorized a strike. The more than 170 workers are demanding US Foods bargain in good faith and deliver a fair collective bargaining agreement. “We’re fighting for fair wages, quality health care, and a strong first union contract that […]

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Maitenance PTR Payment Distribution Is on the Way

January 14, 2025BREAKING NEWS: Your share of the PTR payment distribution is on the way
Awards and SettlementsMaintenance DivisionIdowu Balogun

The Maintenance Division received information that some PTR employee received their share of the settlement in the latest pay period. The USPS informed APWU that as of January 13, 2025, the rest of the settlement recipients will be receiving their payout within the next two pay periods. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment.
If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail (possibly sent to your last office of employment). Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to above mentioned delays.
In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. 

BREAKING NEWS: Your share of the PTR payment distribution is on the way
The Maintenance Division received information that some PTR employee received their share of the settlement in the latest pay period. The USPS informed us as of today (1/13/2025) that the rest of the recipients will be receiving their payout within the next two pay periods. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment. If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail. (possibly sent to your last office of employment). Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to above mentioned delays.

In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. 0

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Maintenance PTR Payment Distribution Is on the Way

January 14, 2025BREAKING NEWS: Your share of the PTR payment distribution is on the way
Awards and SettlementsMaintenance DivisionIdowu Balogun

The Maintenance Division received information that some part-time regular (PTR) employees received their share of the settlement in the latest pay period. The USPS informed APWU that as of Jan. 13, 2025, the rest of the settlement recipients will be receiving their payout within the next two pay periods. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment.
If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail (possibly sent to your last office of employment). Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to above mentioned delays.
In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. 

BREAKING NEWS: Your share of the PTR payment distribution is on the way
The Maintenance Division received information that some PTR employees received their share of the settlement in the latest pay period. The USPS informed us as of today (1/13/2025) that the rest of the recipients will be receiving their payout within the next two pay periods. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment. If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail. (possibly sent to your last office of employment). Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to above mentioned delays.

In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. 0

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Illinois Teamsters Call on Gov. Pritzker to Sign Warehouse Worker Protection Bill

(CHICAGO) – Teamsters are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign House Bill 2547, the Illinois Warehouse Worker Protection Act (WWPA), into law. “There’s no reason that companies like Amazon should be able to endanger its workforce with grievous bodily harm through predatory and reckless behavior,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Gov. Pritzker […]

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