Working People Gain Powerful Voice as IAM Union Member Taylor Rehmet Sworn in to Texas Senate
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) proudly congratulates IAM District 776 member, labor activist, and union leader Taylor Rehmet on being sworn in as the State Senator representing Texas Senate District 9. Rehmet, who serves as President of IAM Local 776B and President of the
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Black History Month Profiles: Amber Armour
Black History Month Profiles: Amber Armour
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Amber Armour of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Amber Armour exemplifies leadership, dedication and service in the labor movement and her community. As an organizer, chair of the IBEW Local 640 examining board, treasurer of the local’s women’s committee, recording secretary of the local Coalition of Labor Union Women chapter, an apprenticeship instructor and a member of the local’s minority caucus, she champions equity, education and empowerment. Armour shows tireless commitment to mentoring apprentices, advocating for women in the trades and strengthening union solidarity.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 10:22
Tags:
Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New England UFCW Members Ratify New Agreements with Stop & Shop; Secure Raises and Other Benefits
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New England UFCW Members Ratify New Agreements with Stop & Shop; Secure Raises and Other Benefits
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.
Five United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals in New England have ratified new four-year contracts with Stop & Shop.The agreements reached by locals 328, 371, 919, 1445 and 1459 cover a total of 28,000 workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The previous contracts at the regional supermarket chain were set to expire later this month.“In addition to annual wage increases, this proposed agreement preserves the strengthand stability of our health insurance and pension benefits, maintaining the highstandards that our membership has worked hard to achieve,” said the UFCW Local 1459’s bargaining committee in the union’s tentative agreement announcement.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 10:21
Nebraska State Council Gains Strength Ahead of Midterm Elections
IAM Union members from across the Cornhusker State recently gathered for the bi-annual meeting of the Nebraska State Council, the political arm of the IAM Union, to coordinate advocacy efforts, elevate member involvement, and prepare for the critical months ahead. Delegates from Locals 31, 180, 602, 612, 1569, and District 6 met to discuss legislative
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IAM Union Condemns Whirlpool’s Latest Round of Layoffs as Pattern of Corporate Abandonment
AMANA, Iowa, Feb. 18, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) issued a statement condemning Whirlpool Corporation’s layoff announcement at its Amana, Iowa, manufacturing facility, affecting nearly 400 IAM Union Local 1526 (District 6) members, effective March 9, 2026: “Our hearts go out to every member and family impacted by Whirlpool’s
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Vestis Teamsters in Iowa Ratify New Contracts
(IOWA) – Teamsters drivers and plant workers at several Vestis facilities throughout Iowa have overwhelmingly ratified collective bargaining agreements for their respective job classifications. The 120 drivers are represented by Teamsters Locals 90, 120, 238, and 554. The 58 plant workers are represented by Locals 238 and 554.
“Vestis Teamsters in Iowa continue to raise the bar for contracts throughout the laundry industry,” said Rocco Calo, Director of the Teamsters Industrial Trades Division. “Winning strong contract after strong contract just goes to show that Teamsters never waiver when fighting for our members. From Sioux City to Waterloo and all facilities in between, Vestis Teamsters are providing essential laundry and linen services for businesses, hospitals, and restaurants across the state and deserve the best possible contract that rewards them for their work.”
The new three-year contracts include wage increases, 401(k) language with employer contributions, and protected health care premiums throughout the life of the contract for both groups of workers.
“The hard work that went into this contract cannot be overstated,” said Tom Harms, a route service representative at Vestis. “We could not be more excited to have new benefits for commission-based drivers, a solidified pay structure for sick and vacation time, and we were able to maintain our current health care premiums. We are proud of this contract and look forward to the next three years.”
“Because of our union, we continue to make gains with each new contract,” said Theresa Muhe, a 36-year Teamster and Vestis plant worker. “As long as we stick together and stay strong, we will continue to prosper in future contracts.”
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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Looking Back to Move Forward: In the States Roundup
Looking Back to Move Forward: In the States Roundup
It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X.
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:UNAC/UHCP has been on strike now for four weeks, fighting for safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages and respect at the bargaining table. Meanwhile, Kaiser continues to engage in unfair labor practices that deny patients access to the quality of care… pic.twitter.com/xd7fg8u6lg— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 18, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our newly sworn in executive board members!Rob Baril, SEIU District 1199 New EnglandGreg Schultz, Ironworkers Local 424 pic.twitter.com/zDBG1rI5uZ— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 13, 2026Florida AFL-CIO:Ahead of Second Half of the Legislative Session, catch up on the latest from your Working Family Lobby Corps with this Week 5 Recap! https://t.co/U5UKWCtARf— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Rain, shine, snow or sleet: the Illinois labor movement is out knocking doors for endorsed candidates. The primary election is around the corner and we won’t rest until we make sure everyone understands why Springfield needs candidates that support working families. #1u pic.twitter.com/7NtagIMEvU— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:When Jesse Jackson came to Maine in 1987 to support striking paper workers, he changed hearts & minds.”Yesterday I wouldn’t think of voting for a Black man for president,” a woman striker said. “Tonight I gave him a check for his campaign.”https://t.co/SysAFv3Zhq— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Rev. Jackson fought tirelessly for workers, both at home and around the world. He upheld the labor movement’s highest ideals—walking picket lines, supporting workers at the bargaining table, and insisting that women and people of color be fully included in union protections. RIP https://t.co/4UqrAvVLCN— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 17, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Sometimes you have to look back to move forwards. pic.twitter.com/SjY3doy9Ly— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 16, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:Organized by the AFL-CIO, this protest was held in Hermantown, with attendees calling on the 8th district congressman to talk about the impact of ICE operations in the state. #iceoutmn https://t.co/SGBdN0J7cR— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 13, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy Presidents’ Day! pic.twitter.com/8jdjZH6qI6— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 16, 2026Oregon AFL-CIO:Hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem, urging the legislature to fund affordable childcare, healthcare, schools, public safety, and other essential services. The choice facing Oregon leaders is simple: expand tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy individuals or protect… pic.twitter.com/fAHB2cFjON— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO joins communities across our Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Reverend Jessie Jackson, a steadfast voice for justice and a tireless advocate for workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/zxDIyKqr3N— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 17, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:Workers want a voice in how new technology is designed and implemented to improve our job quality and agency.At the Texas AFL-CIO U.S. Senate Debate, ILA Local 24 1st Business Agent Calvin Mackie asked both @jamestalarico & @JasmineForUS how they’d tackle AI. Their answers: pic.twitter.com/Zm4MBkrUnZ— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 18, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:We applaud the State Senators who voted to pass the Millionaires Tax to fund education, health care, and child care. WA is one step closer to sustainable revenue & a more fair tax code. pic.twitter.com/50Bu39QVP7— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 18, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 11:31
Black History Month Profiles: Colleen Carter
Black History Month Profiles: Colleen Carter
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Colleen Carter of AFSCME.
Colleen Carter has worked for the State of Connecticut for almost 40 years. She is the vice president of AFSCME Local 704, an executive board member for the state AFL-CIO and a vice president for District Council 4, where she co-chairs the civil rights committee. She believes strongly in employees’ rights and human rights, and works tirelessly in support of them.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 09:37
Tags:
Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Homeless Services Staff Vote to Join SEIU
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Homeless Services Staff Vote to Join SEIU
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.
A majority of workers at Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) staff have signed union authorization cards to join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721.USHS is the largest agency in San Gabriel Valley, California, providing housing support and employment services to homeless and very low-income adults and families. Workers at the nonprofit secured voluntary recognition from management and will soon begin negotiating a contract with fair wages and quality benefits that will help retain staff so they can continue supporting communities in need.“This is a huge step forward for workers at Union Station Homeless Services,” said Danielle Leal, a care coordinator at USHS. “We’re glad to now have a strong voice on the job to advocate for the resources we need to serve our clients and to gain the supportive working conditions we deserve. Our union will make our organization stronger and help ensure that we can provide the best services possible to the most vulnerable among us.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/18/2026 – 09:32
Tags:
Organizing
APWU President Jonathan Smith Sits down with Federal News Network
APWU President Jonathan Smith Sits down with Federal News Network reporter Jory Heckman to talk about his vision for the future of the Postal Service, and why it is important to fight off privatizers. Click here to read the interview.
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