Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Bookmans Workers in Flagstaff, Tucson Ratify First Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Bookmans Workers in Flagstaff, Tucson Ratify First Union Contract
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 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Flagstaff, Arizona, have ratified their first union contract. Staff at two other locations in Tucson also are covered by the deal.United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99 notes that these are the first booksellers in the state with a collective bargaining agreement. The contract includes guaranteed wage increases and department premiums, paid holiday and vacation, paid sick leave and bereavement leave, health insurance for both part-time and full-time employees, a 401(k) plan with an employer match, a progressive discipline and grievance procedure, and the establishment of an employee safety committee.“I feel hopeful for the future, excitement, and I’m so proud of my coworkers,” said Tony Taurman, an electronics buyer at Bookmans Flagstaff. “It seems today that people are expected to go about life without their community, but in starting a union I learned that you don’t have to. And in fact, we can’t. We have to stand together if we want to change things for the better.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 03/13/2026 – 09:56
Updates from Around Support Services
(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) 10 Roads Express Shuts Down Operations Union siblings, 242 members at 10 Roads Express were informed on Dec. 1, 2025, that the company would cease operations on Jan. 30, 2026. The APWU successfully negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), where 10 […]
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It Is Still Our Work!
(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) The Motor Vehicle Division continues to initiate national disputes challenging the Postal Service’s violations of various articles of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); however, we continue to focus on Article 32 Subcontracting and management’s use of non-postal personnel performing bargaining unit […]
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Palm Springs City Workers Join Teamsters
(PALM SPRINGS, Calif.) – More than 250 workers in the City of Palm Springs voted to join Teamsters Local 1932, marking a significant milestone for workers seeking a stronger voice in the workplace and better representation in negotiations with the city. The new Teamsters provide essential services that help keep Palm Springs running smoothly for residents and visitors alike.
“Palm Springs workers made it clear that they want a real voice on the job,” said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1932. “We are proud to welcome these hardworking public workers into the Teamsters family and look forward to working alongside them to secure a strong contract that reflects the important work they do every day.”
This organizing effort represents a growing movement of workers across the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire who are organizing with the Teamsters to strengthen their rights and improve workplace conditions.
“We care deeply about the work we do for the residents of Palm Springs,” said Kathy Simonette, a new Teamster in the City of Palm Springs. “We chose Teamsters because we want a stronger voice on the job and a union that will stand with us as we work to improve our workplaces and the services we provide to our community.”
Teamsters Local 1932 represents more than 16,000 workers across the Inland Empire. For more information, visit teamsters1932.org.
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Clerk Division Officer Assignments
(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) Lamont Brooks Director Clerk Division Per the APWU constitution, I am responsible for the Division; for processing all Clerk Division grievances and being a member of the Labor-Management Committee and the National Negotiations Committee. I am the supervisor of the APWU […]
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Teamsters: Without Worker Protections, DOJ Must Block Paramount-Warner Merger
(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters told the Department of Justice (DOJ) this week that the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery poses a direct threat to film and television workers nationwide, including nearly 15,000 rank-and-file Motion Picture Teamsters. The 1.3-million-member union submitted a detailed report this week to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division outlining these concerns and is urging the DOJ to intervene and block the deal unless substantial and enforceable safeguards are put in place to increase domestic production and protect jobs.
“This merger threatens the livelihoods of the very workers who built these studios into industry giants,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We’ve seen what happens when corporations consolidate power: jobs disappear, production leaves American communities, and workers pay the price. The DOJ has a responsibility to stop deals that eliminate competition and harm working families. Unless Paramount and Warner Bros. can guarantee enforceable protections for domestic production and labor standards, this merger can’t be allowed to move forward.”
The merger would consolidate two of the five major studios in Hollywood and combine streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+, further concentrating decision-making power in an industry already dominated by only a few corporations. Previous mergers have a well-documented track record of harming workers — Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox resulted in eliminated production units, significant job losses, and canceled projects. Paramount and Warner Bros. have not yet announced any enforceable merger-specific benefits to workers or standards to combat these risks and have done nothing to suggest they will.
“The film and television industry has been in a fragile and fluctuating state for the last several years and entertainment workers are simply trying to survive through that instability. Another mega‑merger is the last thing this industry needs,” said Teamsters Motion Picture Division Director Lindsay Dougherty. “This story is not new. Greed-fueled consolidation of corporate power is a direct threat to good union jobs and the livelihood of our members. We will not stand by while corporate executives try to consolidate power even further at the expense of the people who make every movie, every show, and every streaming platform possible. Motion Picture Teamsters are urgently reminding the DOJ that it has an obligation to step in to protect workers and prevent any further damage. Our number one priority continues to be the employment of our members, and we will continue to call for opposition across all levels of government to reject any deal that threatens jobs while consolidating power and market share.”
Under federal antitrust law, the DOJ must challenge mergers that threaten competition in any market. The Teamsters will only support a deal that includes enforceable commitments to increasing and maintaining domestic production, strong labor standards, and guarantees against layoffs and erosion of union jobs. Without such protections, the Teamsters call on the DOJ to sue to block the merger entirely.
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.
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The American Postal Workers Union Doubles Down on Safety with Campaign for Safe Jobs
(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine) On April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day, APWU members across the country will double downon our shared commitment to protecting the health and safety of postal workers by standing up to management to say, “Talk is cheap: safety matters.” Recognized annually, Workers’ […]
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Veterans Coordinator Rich Evans Appointed Assistant Director of Retirees and Membership Assistance Department
IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed history-making IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans as Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, effective March 1, 2026. “As Assistant Director of the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, Evans will help lead the IAM’s programs that support retired members, assist IAM families facing
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‘All Are Welcome and Safe Here’: What Working People Are Doing This Week
‘All Are Welcome and Safe Here’: 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:Equity’s National Officer and Council elections are upon us. Candidate Information packets are now available via the member portal. Click here for more information on the 2026 election – https://members.actorsequity.org/get-involved/union-governance/elections/elections-2026[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) March 10, 2026 at 12:50 PMAFSCME:In a federal lawsuit filed today, AFSCME and @afscme31 have sued the Trump-Vance administration, which is unlawfully terminating hundreds of millions of dollars in public health grants for political reasons. https://t.co/5WYlvOJhZm— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 11, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:🚨 A former DOGE employee may have stolen millions of Americans’ private, personal Social Security data, copying it onto a thumb drive. That’s a crime. We demand transparency, prompt investigations from Congress and the SSA IG, and accountability for anyone who violated the law. pic.twitter.com/gClUiAhZSK— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 11, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:CTA’s new safety falls short in protecting our Chicago members and riders. #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/CUgiVkR6pa— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 12, 2026American Federation of Teachers:“All are welcome and safe here.” That’s not just a slogan; it’s a promise we make to our students every day. This week we took that promise to the streets. Thank you to everyone who rallied, marched and spoke up for dignity and respect for every child. We see you.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) March 5, 2026 at 12:31 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:https://t.co/lsxMxE3h66— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) March 10, 2026Boilermakers:On International Women’s Day and every day, the IBB proudly stands with the women leading and shaping the future of the trades. pic.twitter.com/vIQ9LwGyRj— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 8, 2026Bricklayers:It’s #WorksiteWednesday at the Akron Zoo! 🐾We’re checking in on the progress of the new Veterinary Hospital with BAC Local 23 Apprentice/Job Steward Tray Collins and Journeyworker Scott Schooley. Great work, team!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #SkilledTrades #BuildingTomorrowTogether pic.twitter.com/oRa2ueJkmf— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 11, 2026Coalition of Labor Union Women:The Coalition of Labor Union Women celebrates Women’s History Month, recognizing women’s contributions to organized labor, advancing social justice, and increasing political advocacy. All month long, we will be highlighting impactful women throughout the labor movement!🌹🥖 pic.twitter.com/5QyOqrSvFV— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) March 2, 2026Communications Workers of America:Independent video game studio Heart Machine have formed a union with CWA Local 9003, joining thousands of video game workers who have organized with CWA at some of the industry’s largest studios!https://t.co/9ORDosjX7p— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 9, 2026Department for Professional Employees:Congratulations to @uam-umd.bsky.social faculty at Chesapeake College who secured wage increases, a pathway to promotion, and improvements to working conditions and benefits with their first union contract. www.stardem.com/news/local_n…[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) March 11, 2026 at 4:26 PMElectrical Workers:“Deregulation, offshoring and union busting decimated jobs…Factories closed, railroads consolidated, and telecom companies shed their workforce. But for the first time in years, we have the chance to build back IBEW power in these industries.” https://t.co/fDw2gofLvx— IBEW (@IBEW) March 11, 2026Fire Fighters:🔥🏛️ When #firefighters make their voices heard, change happens.The Honor Act, repeal of WEP and GPO, and permanent funding for the 9/11 WTCHP are proof of what we can achieve together.Thank you to everyone who came to #LegCon26! #UnionStrong 💪 pic.twitter.com/BWK8lD31yr— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 11, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:SMART joined building, engineering and other industry professionals to co-host the “Indoor Air Quality for a Healthier America” Congressional Briefing to highlight the critical role SMART members play in helping deliver clean indoor air. https://t.co/hq7bKb7l7J— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) March 9, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:NASA’s decision to bust its unions will harm its mission and all but eliminate the once-very productive labor-management partnership. “It’s both shameful and sad.”https://t.co/T7U8WSM7Q1— IFPTE (@IFPTE) March 11, 2026International Union of Police Associations:Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs Law Enforcement Associates, I.U.P.A. Local #27 Member Police Officer Severin Erickson was honored with the Mark Brinkman Distinguished Service Award. https://t.co/YyQ0JgRJWN pic.twitter.com/6neI4zWnzs— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) March 12, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:This Women’s History Month, we recognize the women organizing, leading, and strengthening our labor movement✊#WomensHistoryMonth #UnionStrong #WomenInLabor @aflcio https://t.co/mtl25yD2rI— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 10, 2026Laborers:When workers stand TOGETHER, they WIN! The 21 production and maintenance workers at Oldcastle APG Northeast in Rehoboth, MA voted 19-0 to join the Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council of LIUNA. A clean SWEEP! @LIUNANewEngland #LIUNADifference… pic.twitter.com/jcXFt739hi— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 11, 2026Machinists:Whirlpool is moving hundreds of IAM Union jobs to Mexico. 😪 The Amana workforce has helped make Whirlpool the successful, trusted brand that it is today. Tell Whirlpool to save our jobs! 🗣️ https://t.co/kz5cumoc08— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) March 10, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Luis Severino is taking care of the next generation. He shares a moment with teammate Elvis Alvarado as they prepare for the noise of the World Baseball Classic. pic.twitter.com/ZGXnUWrwDc— MLBPA (@MLBPA) March 12, 2026Maritime Trades Department:Maritime Unions Issue Joint Statement Following Attack on U.S.-Flag Vessel Amid Rising Gulf Tensionhttps://t.co/NzgmsCTItj— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) March 4, 2026Musical Artists:Despite the soundbite suggesting opera and ballet are “dying,” these art forms remain living, breathing, evolving expressions of the human experience. 90 years ago TODAY, AGMA was established. www.musicalartists.org/agma-celebra…[image or embed]— American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) March 11, 2026 at 12:12 PMNational Air Traffic Controllers Association:Join the Reloaded Committee for NATCA 101 on March 15 at 4 p.m. ET for NATCA 101! This is a special opportunity to participate in NATCA 101 as the Reloaded Committee works to revamp its training webinars going forward. Sign up on https://t.co/3QJfz1orWG. pic.twitter.com/eMkEjBY8G7— NATCA (@NATCA) March 12, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Letter carriers are the eyes and ears of our communities, often the first to respond and lend a helping hand in a crisis. Each year, NALC proudly honors those who display extraordinary courage as Heroes of the Year.First up: National Hero of the Year, Christopher Perez of… pic.twitter.com/2YlYRvux3y— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) March 12, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:Caring for loved ones means truly knowing them—what supports them and what helps them thrive. Whether it’s a bottle of Ensure and a warm blanket, or their daily meds, it’s the little things that make all the difference. pic.twitter.com/QgkjyU68dg— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 2, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:From one woman to another 🤝 On #IWD2026, NHLPA employees provide their insights, advice and perspectives as women working in hockey. pic.twitter.com/N7jMgSFAVL— NHLPA (@NHLPA) March 8, 2026National Lacrosse League Players’ Association:🔥 Shop NLLPA Merchandise! 🔥Tap the link in bio and shop the freshest gear now — perfect for style that makes a statement.💻 Scroll.🛍️ Pick your favorites.❤️ Wear them with pride.Shop now 👉 🔗 https://t.co/7s3hQ95FQy#NewArrivals #ShopNow pic.twitter.com/0rcnSoNBjs— NLLPA (@NLLPA) March 3, 2026National Nurses United:You ignored nurses at the bedside. Now we’ve got a bullhorn. 📣 Some cuts don’t heal, and we refuse to watch years of hard work dismantled by administrators who’ve never held a patient’s hand.Nurses will not be silent. pic.twitter.com/hS5LGKW3FR— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) March 9, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:NYTWA members are excited to testify at today’s 1 PM @NYCCouncil rules committee hearing in support of @NYCMayor’s appointment of Midori Valdivia as the Chair of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. We support Ms. Valdivia because of her years of experience in the industry and… pic.twitter.com/LeNQdcxmco— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) March 12, 2026NFL Players Association:Join us in congratulating NFLPA Executive Committee member Ryan Kelly on an outstanding 10-year career. Thank you for your leadership and service to your fellow players — your commitment to the locker room and the union made a lasting impact. pic.twitter.com/MGq5WfrEZd— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 6, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:Yesterday, NABTU President Sean McGarvey spoke at @BlackRock’s 2026 Infrastructure Summit.NABTU is proud to lead in ensuring that the construction of AI-related infrastructure supports union careers, strengthens union-registered apprenticeship programs, and creates economic… pic.twitter.com/9BMyq67CPJ— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 12, 2026Operating Engineers:🎉 The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators named IUOE as its Platinum Level training provider for 2025 during #ConExpo2026 last week, leading with 6,000+ tests at our centers. #IUOE #NCCCO #CraneCertification 🏗️ pic.twitter.com/BLuaUkliRP— International Union of Operating Engineers (@iuoe_union) March 9, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Happy National Equal Pay Day!Collective bargaining agreements help end racial and gender wage gaps by leveling the playing field for all workers and ensuring wages and raises are based on time served.Live better by working union! pic.twitter.com/lu9ofNFPHE— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 12, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:Congratulations to the @PWHLPA on joining the @AFLCIO. We are proud to stand in solidarity with you as we work to strengthen the voice of professional hockey players. 🏒 ✊ https://t.co/58xc6IS1SK— PHPA (@thephpa) March 5, 2026Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Congratulations to PASS members Donald Davis, Brian Dickey & Al Minton for their work running new data cables, fiber optics & installing servers, software for new Georgia Enterprise Center in the interest of air traffic control safety & efficency! #ATCAConnect #PublicService https://t.co/Gjm6rQxfUe— PASS (@PASSNational) March 4, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Union stewards are the backbone of strong workplaces. Thank you for answering questions, standing firm, and showing up for coworkers every day.#ThankAUnionSteward #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/7qlxYPSLvI— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 12, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:WE are going be building the future of AI–the infrastructure needed for computing facilities, electrical transmission, and energy generation.Read about the new partnership between North America’s Building Trades Unions and OpenAI. https://t.co/QxNroMv8NX— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 11, 2026SAG-AFTRA:Serving face and serving looks at The 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA. ✨Watch NOW on Netflix: https://t.co/2LZMzdJ5Ix. #MiaGoth #ConnorStorrie #TeyanaTaylor pic.twitter.com/aPqjH5OM6Z— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 12, 2026Service Employees International Union:NEW READ on the Amazon unionized employee experience: “I couldn’t think of anything more worthwhile than to help build a union at one of the biggest and most powerful employers in the United States.” https://t.co/hB04pwEJkG— SEIU (@SEIU) March 11, 2026Solidarity Center:As union density declines in many countries, workers are getting creative with their efforts to organize. One way they’re winning: lawyers. @ILAW_Network outlines how lawyers can support unions in their new issue of the Global Labor Rights Reporter ➡️ https://t.co/4i1py3n8rr pic.twitter.com/WzHg1OQy7L— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 11, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:Rich Quan worked remotely as a caregiver for 6 years, but is now being told to abandon his 96-year-old father, who is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, for…office culture?This is corporate sadism disguised as policy. SHAME on @nytimes 👎 https://t.co/Rea7iK9YTw— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) March 12, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Meet today’s #WomensHistoryMonth member spotlight, Jessica Westra of Local 26. A 19-year IA member, Jessica shows up for her Local and her union kin, by helping push for stronger workplace protections and more inclusive contracts. Jessica, you make us proud! pic.twitter.com/VoiNx0zu2m— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 11, 2026Transport Workers Union:Victory in Pittsburgh! POGOH bikeshare workers vote to join the TWU. “Today’s victory is a big step forward for POGOH workers who want the benefits of a contract and being a part of the country’s largest bikeshare union. The work now begins on a first contract.” @Twusamuelsen pic.twitter.com/DANKSInuzr— TWU (@transportworker) March 3, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Today we joined our union siblings to call for revisions on the ALERT Act, which is set to be marked up by @TransportDems & @TransportGOP next week. It is crucial that Congress accounts for @NTSBgov’s recommendations to keep the flying public safe: https://t.co/TIsta82slu pic.twitter.com/sTm02puVCZ— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 11, 2026UAW:In 2008, workers at American Axle in Three Rivers, MI, made major sacrifices to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession.Some workers took a pay cut of up to $14 an hour. Now, inspired by the success of the UAW’s 2023 Stand Up Strike at Ford, GM, and… pic.twitter.com/Hhm8YAe9CH— UAW (@UAW) March 11, 2026UNITE HERE:📢 No contract, no peace!! Workers from Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel rallied last week for a Fair Contract! pic.twitter.com/IBAlk2suDW— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 11, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at Top Quality “TQ” Baking in NJ, have ratified a strong new contract with Local 152!Members secured guaranteed wage increases, stronger health care coverage, improved retirement benefits, additional vacation time, & new safety protections.https://t.co/o7J0bTwnuI pic.twitter.com/UorNGUFMSs— UFCW (@UFCW) March 10, 2026United Steelworkers:Our union welcomes the U.S. Trade Representative’s announcement of Section 301 trade investigations regarding overcapacity in multiple manufacturing sectors and forced labor. Read the full statement from International President Roxanne Brown here: https://t.co/LVv34aImmM pic.twitter.com/ySEQRCwRrU— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) March 12, 2026Writers Guild of America East:WGAE Secretary-Treasurer @sashastewart.bsky.social joined the @afm-union.bsky.social rally for Al protections and fair pay today. The WGAE stands in solidarity with the AFM as they enter the second round of Sound Recording Labor Agreement negotiations![image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) March 11, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/12/2026 – 12:09
Teressa Peart Appointed IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Special Representative
IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed longtime union leader and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Teressa Peart as a Special Representative in the IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department, where she will focus primarily on veterans’ claims and disaster relief efforts for IAM members and their families. The appointment is effective April 1, 2026. “We’re
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