Giving Back to the Community: The Working People Weekly List
Giving Back to the Community: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Unions Bash AI as Opposition Grows: ‘We Believe in Human Beings’: “‘We are here to sound the alarms on AI,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. ‘This race that everybody seems to think we’re in to advance AI at all costs—with no guardrails or protections for people—is reckless and dangerous.’”Unions Sue U.S. Labor Board Over Bid to Concentrate Legal Powers in D.C.: “A group of unions has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the U.S. agency that oversees union elections for federal employees from stripping career staffers of the power to order elections and giving it to a panel appointed by the president. The unions in a complaint filed in Boston federal court on Wednesday said the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s policy change, which was announced last month and is set to take effect April 23, was not adequately explained and will upend a system developed over decades with just 30 days’ notice.”Roxanne Brown: Why This Union Paramedic Treats an Epidemic of Inequality: “Dominick Sapien and a fellow paramedic arrived at a home in Central Wyoming to find the victim of a fall lying helpless on the floor, one knee split in half, part of the mangled mass of flesh and bone jiggling up and down. Sapien, president of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9012, prepared to transport the person to the hospital for emergency surgery. But the patient, writhing in pain and unable to move without help, balked at going. ‘I can’t,’ the patient said, describing the cost of an ambulance ride and hospital care as simply unaffordable. ‘I’ll just rest.’ Tragic, isn’t it? Rest alone was never going to help Sapien’s patient walk again. Yet this is the kind of story we hear more and more often in a nation where a handful of billionaires possess obscene wealth while growing numbers of ordinary people go without food, health care, and other essentials. It’s an epidemic of inequality.”Doctors at This Central Valley Hospital Voted to Unionize. Here’s Why: “Doctors in training at the largest hospital in Tulare County have voted to form a union, saying they are underpaid and overworked at the under-resourced hospital. A ‘super majority’ of 150 residents at Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia voted in favor of representation, the Committee of Interns and Residents of the Service Employees International Union said in a news release.”Hundreds of Students Participate in FORGE Welding Competition in Rochester: “The annual FORGE Welding Competition took place at Local 6 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center on Wednesday with about 500 students participating. According to Training Coordinator Jeremy Thompson, the competition is a hands-on event that works to connect students with careers in the trades, manufacturing and engineering sectors. ‘It’s a great opportunity for us as the host of the competition too, because where else could you have an opportunity to get 500 high school students into the training center to see what we do,’ he said.”Postal Service Union Rolls Out ‘America Needs Vote by Mail’ Ad Campaign Amid Trump Attacks: “The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has rolled out a pro-mail-in voting advertisement following President Trump’s recent attacks on the practice. The ad, titled ‘America Needs Vote by Mail,’ features people in multiple occupations and circumstances, from a flight attendant to a college student to a farmer, discussing their reasoning for voting by mail.”Threats to Library Funding End with Settlement by Trump Administration: “The American Library Association, a nonprofit that promotes libraries, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit arguing that the cuts violated the Constitution and federal law by usurping Congress’s authority over how federal funds are spent.”NJ Transit Light-Rail Mechanics Join TWU: “Mechanics working on New Jersey Transit’s Hudson-Bergen light-rail system yesterday voted to join the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). All employees of the light-rail system are now part of TWU, union officials said in a press release. The mechanics and car cleaners are both employed by North Central Transit Services, while operators and maintenance-of-way employees work for ACI-Herzog. ‘With [the] mechanics…joining the TWU, we now have a unified workforce ready to fight more effectively,’ TWU International President John Samuelsen said. ‘Today’s successful vote now sets up bargaining for a first contract that will lead to better pay, quality-of-life and working conditions for NJ Transit mechanics.’”LAUSD, SEIU Reach Deal: “Why now: Two days after LAUSD reached new deals with its teachers union and its principals union, the district tentatively agreed on a contract with SEIU Local 99. Why it matters: The unions gave the district an April 14 deadline to reach a deal, or face a walkout. A strike by all three would have shut down district schools and disrupted the education of about 400,000 students and the lives of families scrambling for child care.”UFCW, JBS Ratify Agreement at Colorado Facility: “United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with JBS USA on April 12 at the beef plant in Greeley, Colo. The terms of the new deal run through April 2028 and affect nearly 3,800 workers at the facility, which has the capacity to process up to 6,000 head of cattle per day. The agreement was reached after both sides held talks on April 9-10, following a union strike since March 16. UFCW announced workers would return to their jobs on April 7 before the agreement was completed.”UAW Members Give Back Through Monthly Food Distribution: “Members of the local labor union representing workers from the Stellantis plant in Belvidere give back to the community even after the plant’s shutdown. UAW Local 1268 partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to host a food distribution event Saturday morning, offering resources like food, clothing, shoes and books to families in need.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 04/20/2026 – 10:01
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New 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.
Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have unanimously voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Living Center in Rochester, New York.Staff at the skilled nursing facility work as licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, activity aides, unit secretaries and physical therapy aides. Their previous agreement expired earlier this year. Throughout seven months of bargaining, the issues of staffing, recruitment and retention, and compensation remained core sticking points. The new contract was reached one month after a powerful informational picket. Highlights of the deal include an 8.75% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, an additional floating holiday, an attendance bonus and other provisions that will help support overworked and underpaid staff.“I feel happy about our new union contract. It was a fight that we won and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” LPN Kiara Grey-Bradley said in a press release.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 04/20/2026 – 09:33
Tags:
Organizing
Member Mobilization Institute Postponed
We have been busy preparing an incredible week of content for over 225 registered delegates to our upcoming Member Mobilization Institute at Black Lake! Unfortunately, you may be aware that Northern Michigan is currently experiencing severe weather resulting in flooding throughout many areas, including the Black Lake region. While our Walter and May Reuther Family […]
The post Member Mobilization Institute Postponed appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
Action Alert: How’s Your Tax Return?
Action Alert: How’s Your Tax Return?
President Trump promised working people back in January that our tax refunds would increase by $1,000 this year. Well it’s Tax Day, and surprise, surprise—that’s not even close to what most of us are actually getting back.
Even if you’re one of the lucky ones getting a big check from the IRS this year, where will that money go?Higher gas prices from the attacks on Iran.Higher health care prices from throwing millions of people off their insurance.Higher rent, groceries, utilities, child care and everything else. Heck, the administration even shuttered the new Direct File system that let us easily file our federal taxes for free.Shit’s too expensive, and our government hasn’t done a thing except give even more tax breaks to big corporations and billionaires who don’t need it.Those big, ugly tax cuts for the rich—the biggest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history—passed last summer have already resulted in devastating cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs for struggling families. And the president’s newest budget proposal, released earlier this month, would make even bigger cuts to food, housing, education, heating and workforce development programs.This Tax Day, we need our fellow Americans to understand that it’s time for the rich to pay their fair share so we can stop the cuts to the programs working people rely on. Share our #TaxDay post with or without our suggested message. First, you’ll need to fill in your occupation: “I’m a ___, and I paid more in taxes than billionaires this #TaxDay. It’s time for our elected leaders in Washington, D.C., to make big corporations and billionaire CEOs pay their fair share. @aflcio.”SHARE ON BLUESKYSHARE ON TIKTOKSHARE ON FACEBOOKSHARE ON XSHARE ON THREADSSHARE ON INSTAGRAMWhile costs keep going up, most workers’ paychecks aren’t keeping up. That’s why unions are fighting every day for higher wages (and better health care, safer working conditions and a stronger retirement) for our members, and for all working people.In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and at the ballot box, working people are rising up and fighting to take our power back.Show your power this Tax Day by spreading a critical message: Working people shouldn’t pay more in taxes than billionaire CEOs. Thank you for standing up for working people on Tax Day and every day.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 04/17/2026 – 11:37
Teamsters Statement on Nestlé’s Anti-Worker Agenda
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, regarding Nestlé’s failure to respect workers’ union rights:
“Nestlé is actively engaging in union-busting at facilities where workers with Teamsters Local 238 are fighting for a voice on the job — a direct contradiction of the company’s own global commitments to respect the right to organize.
“Around the world, Nestlé claims to uphold policies that protect workers’ freedom to form and join unions without interference. But in the United States, the company is doing the opposite — deploying pressure tactics, stalling organizing efforts, and denying workers a fair process.
“They market themselves as a global leader in human rights and corporate responsibility, but behind the branding and polished reports is a very different reality. For workers in America, Nestlé has created a double standard — neutrality abroad, union-busting at home.
“You can’t claim to support human rights globally while undermining them in your own facilities. Nestlé’s commitments mean nothing if they refuse to honor the basic principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining in the United States.
“The Teamsters are calling on Nestlé to immediately end all anti-union activity and adopt true neutrality and card check recognition nationwide. Workers deserve the right to decide their future free from coercion, intimidation, or delay.
“If Nestlé continues to ignore its workforce and hide behind its carefully crafted public image, it will be forced to answer for that hypocrisy. Teamsters across North America are prepared to take coordinated action to expose the gap between what Nestlé says and what it does.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 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 post Teamsters Statement on Nestlé’s Anti-Worker Agenda appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Missouri Red Cross Workers Join Teamsters
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Collections workers at American Red Cross in Jefferson City have voted to join Teamsters Local 833 to secure strong union representation and a voice on the job. By choosing to organize with the Teamsters, these health care workers became immediately covered by the Teamsters’ National Master Agreement with American Red Cross that was ratified in 2024.
“American Red Cross workers know that they get more as Teamsters,” said Matt Hall, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 833. “Now, these Jefferson City workers will get to enjoy the benefits and protections hundreds of their Red Cross brothers and sisters have fought for. We could not be prouder of the solidarity they showed during this process.”
The Teamsters Union represents more than 1,800 American Red Cross workers across the country all covered by the National Master Agreement which includes increased wages, paid time off, flexible family leave and scheduling policies, as well as high safety and health standards.
“Being a part of the Teamsters is very exciting for me and my co-workers,” said Fanci Bennett, a collections specialist at American Red Cross. “We might be a small group but now we have the backing of 1.3 million of our brothers and sisters across the nation, including thousands in the state of Missouri.”
Teamsters Local 833 represents workers in many diverse industries across Central Missouri.
The post Missouri Red Cross Workers Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts
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.
Nonfiction television staff represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment ratified new collective bargaining agreements.These members are responsible for producing popular shows like “The Food That Built America,” “To Catch a Smuggler,” “90 Day Fiancé” and more. Both bargaining units secured major wins around minimum rate increases and other working condition improvements.“Nonfiction production workers are the backbone of some of the most-watched television,” said Michael Rauch, vice president of Film/TV/Streaming at WGAE, in a press release. “These newly-ratified contracts reflect what workers across the industry deserve—fair pay, real protections, and stability in an unpredictable work environment. Lucky 8’s first contract, and Sharp’s third, show that organizing works, and the energy we saw at this weekend’s summit makes clear that workers are ready to keep building. Nonfiction workers know their value, and the WGAE is here to help them fight for it.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 04/17/2026 – 09:49
Tags:
Organizing
Indio City Workers Join Teamsters
(INDIO, Calif.) – Administrative, public works, and street workers in the City of Indio have voted to join Teamsters Local 1932. The new members organized for improved workplace protections, fair wages, and a strong voice on the job.
The newly organized workers span multiple departments and play a vital role in delivering essential public services to the residents of Indio.
“This vote sends a clear message: workers in Indio are ready to stand together and have a real voice on the job,” said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1932. “We are proud to welcome these dedicated public servants into our union family and look forward to fighting alongside them for the respect and protections they deserve.”
The addition of Indio City workers continues a trend of growing unionization among public sector workers throughout the region, as workers seek stability, fairness, and accountability in the workplace. Local 1932 is moving the needle of union density throughout Southern California, specifically the desert region and Coachella Valley.
“Joining Local 1932 means we finally have a unified voice,” said Debbie Granger, an administrative assistant for the City of Indio. “We care deeply about the work we do for our community, and now we have the support and representation to make sure our voices are heard and our contributions are valued.”
Teamsters Local 1932 represents over 16,000 workers in the Inland Empire and continues to expand its reach as more workers organize for dignity, respect, and fairness on the job. For more information, go to teamsters1932.org.
The post Indio City Workers Join Teamsters appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
IAM Union Demands Olin Winchester Bargain in Good Faith as Ammunition Plant Strike Enters Third Week
KANSAS CITY, April 16, 2026 —IAM International President Brian Bryant and Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli joined striking members of IAM Local 778 on Thursday for a roundtable discussion at the IAM Local 778 Union Hall in Kansas City, Mo., demanding that Olin Winchester return to the bargaining table and reach a fair contract
The post IAM Union Demands Olin Winchester Bargain in Good Faith as Ammunition Plant Strike Enters Third Week appeared first on IAM Union.
Postal Workers to Push Back Against Efforts to Minimize and Delegitimize Voting by Mail, Launch in Ad Ohio
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has launched a nationwide campaign to defend and expand voting by mail, underscoring the essential role postal workers play in supporting the democratic process. The initiative includes the rollout of a new television advertisement and the release of bipartisan polling data showing strong public support for mail-in voting. The […]
The post Postal Workers to Push Back Against Efforts to Minimize and Delegitimize Voting by Mail, Launch in Ad Ohio appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.