Workers Who Maintain DC-Area Trees Under Siege by Employer That Refuses to Bargain
Management at a Washington, D.C.-area non-profit are continuing to ignore the law by stonewalling their own employees from bargaining a union contract. Casey Trees workers, who plant and maintain trees across the DC area, voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM in August 2024. Workers have been seeking an increased voice in their work, which is
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Black History Month Profiles: Ralphe Armstrong
Black History Month Profiles: Ralphe Armstrong
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 Ralphe Armstrong of American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Ralphe Armstrong started playing in Detroit clubs at the age of 13. One of his first gigs was at a now-demolished jazz club called the Latin Quarter Theater. “I had no idea it was a union house,” he said. And that was when his mom stepped in. “Detroit is and always was a union town. My dad was in the UAW. I come from the era when if you wanted to be in the big time, you had to join the AFM….I’ve had so many good things happen to me because I was a union member, especially doing so much TV work and recordings. But the federation looks after my interests just as much as it looks after those who have other jobs and maybe just play music for fun, or gig to make some extra money.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/20/2025 – 09:35
Tags:
Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Keystone Ski Resort
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Keystone Ski Resort
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 United Professional Ski Patrols of America (UPSPA), Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, who work at Keystone Resort have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on their first contract with Vail Resorts.Organized under the name Keystone Ski Patrol (KSP) Union, workers have been in negotiations with the largest resort operator in North America since September 2024. Over the course of bargaining, patrollers have staged a protest and filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.“Keystone Resort and the Keystone Ski Patrol Union are pleased to announce that they have reached a new tentative agreement through May 31, 2027,” the union and management said in a joint statement. “Together, the resort and union are looking forward to a great rest of the season.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/20/2025 – 09:27
Virginia Postal Workers Union 2025 Spring Seminar and Convention
Spring Seminar: April 30 – May 1; Convention: May 1 – 3 | Room rate: 173.00/night (plus applicable taxes and fees). Reservation deadline: April 7. Block rate available for dates 4/29 – 5/4. | Click here to book group rate for Virginia Postal Workers Union | Registration: Convention delegate/Guest: $50; Seminar $50. Click for the VPWU Seminar Schedule and VPWU Convention flyer. Register at VAPWU.org
April 30, 2025 – 9:30AM to May 3, 2025 – 5:00PMDelta Hotels Virginia Beach2800 Shore Drive,
VA Beach, VA 23451
LocalNoYes2025-02-19 00:00:00Virginia Postal Workers Union 2025 Spring Seminar and ConventionThe VPWU Executive Board is excited to announce the convening of our State Convention on May 1, 2025 @ 1:30 PM through May 3, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA. The Board is working hard to ensure all delegates have a comfortable learning environment. Therefore, please notify us not later than April 4, 2025 if you have a special need request. We have also planned our Spring Seminar (April 30-May 1) which includes information and training to help move us forward in the struggle to protect the rights of our members. Click for the VPWU Seminar Schedule and VPWU Convention flyer.
Hotel
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach
2800 Shore Drive,
VA Beach, VA 23451
Room rate: 173.00/night (plus applicable taxes and fees). Reservation deadline: April 7. Block rate available for dates 4/29 – 5/4.
Click here to book group rate for Virginia Postal Workers Union Check In-4:00pm, Check Out-11:00am
Registration
Convention Delegate/Guest fee: $100.00, Spring Seminar fee: $50.00 (include 1 ½ days of instruction and information)
Click for the VPWU Seminar Schedule and VPWU Convention flyer.
Please visit VAPWU.Org for directions to submit registration fees for the State Convention and Spring Seminar
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Teamsters Condemn Stop & Shop’s Attack on Workers, Vow Action
(BOSTON) – The following is a statement from Tom Erickson, Teamsters Warehouse Division Director, and Thomas G. Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, regarding Stop & Shop’s blatant union busting and threats to strip workers of their health care. “The Teamsters unequivocally condemn Stop & Shop‘s threats to subcontract work and close the Freetown, Mass., […]
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IAM Union, Labor Coalition Urge Trump Administration to Stand Up to China’s Unfair Shipbuilding Industry
Today, IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, along with three other petitioners of a 301 complaint against the Chinese government’s predatory trade practices in the shipbuilding, logistics and maritime industries, sent a letter to President Trump urging his Administration to enforce strong penalties against China and to implement policies that will restore U.S. maritime power and
The post IAM Union, Labor Coalition Urge Trump Administration to Stand Up to China’s Unfair Shipbuilding Industry appeared first on IAMAW.
We Proudly Celebrate Black History Month
We Proudly Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month. And while we celebrate Black labor leaders and union members, both past and present, who have advanced real change, we won’t ignore the moment we find ourselves in right now.
It already has been an extraordinarily difficult year for people of color, as the White House rolls back critical initiatives to protect diversity and inclusion, erases hard-fought civil rights protections, and fires Black federal workers who keep our country running. These attacks on our families and communities place an even heavier weight on the ongoing fight to end systemic racism and achieve economic justice.But there is a reason that the civil rights movement and labor movement rose together at the same time a generation ago. Together, we will not despair—we will stand in our power and our agency.As the renowned labor leader Bayard Rustin once said, “To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.” And we know our truth. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), the first Black labor union in America to become part of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). We recall BSCP members’ courage, and use it as we work to build a country that ensures dignity for all working people. We’re proudly highlighting Black workers this month who continue to stand in the tradition of activism in the labor movement. See our Black History Month profiles we’ve featured on our blog so far. Together, we will advance the march toward progress.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/19/2025 – 11:04
Tags:
Black History Month
IAFF 2024 Media Award Winners Announced
The results are in, and we are happy to announce the IAFF’s 2024 Media Awards winners!
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Making Their Voices Heard Loud and Clear: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Making Their Voices Heard Loud and Clear: 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:Final Equity #StageManagerDay fact drop! No.3 pic.twitter.com/8OhDnZb8mq— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 16, 2025AFGE:Congrats, AFGE! We passed 325,000 members on our Drive to 325 campaign! It’s up to all of us to keep growing our union, growing our voice, and growing our power! pic.twitter.com/GzZyyZVOVi— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 15, 2025AFSCME:State workers in Alaska are making their voices heard loud and clear in their fight to shore up staffing. https://t.co/HCtTLFkMdV— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 18, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Our statement on DOGE at SSA: pic.twitter.com/Y5VIg3EfaU— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 19, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:In the wake of the tragic stabbing death of our Local 587 Brother Yim, senseless gun violence on a Seattle bus. More needs to be done to protect our members and riders. #NotOneMore https://t.co/AL59SZsVuJ— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 19, 2025American Federation of Teachers:On March 4, we’re mobilizing to Protect our kids from the Trump administration’s plans to gut the U.S. Department of Education and slash federal funding.Want to learn more? Join our call tonight! Register here: https://t.co/ZVd6xOtTJv pic.twitter.com/iTmNpVOepH— AFT (@AFTunion) February 19, 2025American Postal Workers Union:Postmaster General (PMG) Louis DeJoy has informed the Postal Board of Governors that he will soon depart the Postal Service. The Board of Governors, who by law is solely responsible for hiring the PMG, will begin the process of identifying DeJoy’s successor and DeJoy has… pic.twitter.com/5skPTyloPG— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) February 18, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Aviation’s first responders save lives. Listen to your Flight Attendants. pic.twitter.com/CueAIMcaLB— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 18, 2025Boilermakers:🎓There are ONLY two weeks left until the 2025 Boilermaker International Scholarship Program applications close. Don’t miss it! Submit by March 1, 2025 to qualify. https://t.co/XDMQa14ddo pic.twitter.com/wluhXZ2yTB— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 15, 2025Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday!This week, we’re working in the @Local1BAC training center upgrading their skills with the Historic Masonry Preservation certification!Want to see your worksite featured? DM us your worksite pictures!#SkilledTrades #BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/kq81bM3rzJ— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) February 19, 2025Communications Workers of America:On Feb 3, 47 workers at the Alamo Drafthouse in Colorado were illegally laid off with little to no warning or severance.In response to these illegal layoffs, the workers have walked off the job in an Unfair Labor Practice Strike. https://t.co/xGTzgmX51v— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 18, 2025Department for Professional Employees:”We can expand the labor movement’s reach by unionizing our own workplaces.” https://t.co/i2MnoLJzyI— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 18, 2025Electrical Workers:”Trade careers aren’t always what people think of when they hear about high school education, but that’s exactly what Ritenour School District is hoping to provide through a new program supported by green energy companies and local unions.” https://t.co/ottJ0Eb0yz— IBEW (@IBEW) February 18, 2025Fire Fighters:🚒 A monopoly of fire truck and ambulance manufacturing in the U.S. is driving costs higher, said @iaffpresident in the @nytimes.“At the end of the day, absent competition, monopoly capitalism is a shakedown.” https://t.co/lEmnGoWTBl— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) February 18, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:One Union. ✅Hear from International Representative, Jaime André on the power of organizing.Andre joined Local 95 out of Cornwall, Ontario, in 1997. He credits his success in joining the Union to his late father Réo André, & uncle Ernest André, who were proud Local 95 members.… pic.twitter.com/OppVE2MXtK— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 17, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:On Monday, the LCLAA Sacramento Chapter took action today, standing in solidarity with workers and immigrants who help build this nation. Together, we fight for dignity, justice, and fair labor rights for all! ✊🏽 #LCLAA #DayOfAction #ImmigrantsBuildNations pic.twitter.com/xyxAcYE66R— LCLAA (@LCLAA) February 18, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:Sara Nelson confirmed for “Gonna Take Us All” Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, joining us at the ball!https://t.co/F47NWGNSi9 pic.twitter.com/YXJBYvPUpu— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) February 18, 2025Laborers:Real skills. Real training. Real money. 🎯LIUNA’s hands-on training programs don’t just teach the trade—they set you up for a career that pays what you’re worth!Find #LIUNA training near you: https://t.co/P9a5gAf51l pic.twitter.com/vPeLCE3iuc— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 19, 2025Machinists:Right now we’re outside of Amtrak Auto Train to let the public know that Drummac is dragging their feet in negotiations, stalling @TCUnionHQ’s members first contract. pic.twitter.com/wtbo0K37dS— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) February 19, 2025Metal Trades Department:This is why we need people who know what they are doing in office. You can’t fire all the experts and then wing it when it comes to national security.— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 17, 2025Mine Workers:Today, February 19, 2025, marks 35 years since rank-and-file miners at the Pittston Coal Company ratified a new contract, putting a victorious exclamation point on one of the most historic strikes in American history. pic.twitter.com/yL4hF9fTDm— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 19, 2025Musical Artists:😎 The Choristers of Handel and Haydn Society Unionize with AGMA Following Voluntary Recognition: https://t.co/n7Ayo9d5I2 pic.twitter.com/THqHS2a5Uq— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 11, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:The business of Convention starts early. Delegates should plan to be in their seats and ready for the first gavel at 8:30 a.m. sharp on Friday, May 9. Don’t miss any part of the discussion that will shape our Union’s future.https://t.co/lu7JgBqxQQ pic.twitter.com/Mq785ECUqh— NATCA (@NATCA) February 17, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Thank you to everyone who showed up and stood with us today for the #FightLikeHell kick-off. NALC members have never backed down from a fight—and we won’t start now. Together, we keep moving forward! pic.twitter.com/3eDoQVxVG0— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 13, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:We’re fighting for a future where everyone—not only the ultra wealthy—can live, work, and care with dignity.— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 19, 2025National Federation of Federal Employees:NFFE Local 2189 member Doug Allen has been spotlighted for excellent work in his position as chief steward at the Red River Army Depot! Congratulations and thank you for the hard work, Doug. NFFE strong! pic.twitter.com/Ti5KlIBuJq— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) February 18, 2025National Nurses United:The federal government just destroyed @OSHA’s publications on preventing #WorkplaceViolence in health care, along with 17 other safety resources! This is critical information to keep health care workers and our patients safe. https://t.co/CI5aDT1JXy— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 18, 2025NFL Players Association:Statement On College Group Licensing pic.twitter.com/TiBjB8TEOt— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 15, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:Join us at the John P. Murtha Reception to honor the Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program! Secure your tickets today and be part of this special evening at the Washington Hilton on April 7, 2025.🎟️ Get your tickets & learn more: https://t.co/jILA5ZVvm6 pic.twitter.com/CBIKt49Z1S— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 18, 2025Office and Professional Employees:As an @OPEIULocal8 shop steward at Kaiser Permanente in Tacoma, Charles Anthony Floyd advocates for patients and co-workers alike. We’re proud to spotlight him and his contributions to the labor movement this #BlackHistoryMonth. pic.twitter.com/GuCkqWMVJF— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) February 17, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:Our union apprentices are the most skilled at what they do!We’d like to welcome @DC50Hawaii’s Painter and Taper apprentices back for the Spring semester. We’re excited for you to take advantage of the hands-on training and valuable insights shared by our experienced… pic.twitter.com/NZ9y5U2ntA— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 17, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:One of many interviews @PASSprezdc conducted today on behalf of the mission critical @FAANews probationary employees terminated on Friday night. Thank you @InsideWithPsaki for the opportunity. #publicservice #federalemployees #aviatonsafety. https://t.co/9WsIEWTuNr— PASS (@PASSNational) February 18, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Today, the @RWDSU announces our endorsement of @MarkLevineNYC for NYC Comptroller! “We know Mark Levine has always put New York’s working people first and he will continue to do that as Comptroller, which is why we are proud to endorse him today,” says RWDSU President @sappelbaum pic.twitter.com/DEWm2mizUW— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 18, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Working with a nail gun? Choose the safest trigger option – a full sequential trigger. It can prevent serious, even fatal, injuries. For more tips on using nail guns safely, visit: https://t.co/wW5nSvc55h #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/2imDYdk5XN— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) February 18, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Tune into the SAG-AFTRA podcast as #SagAftraMember leaders highlight and unpack key moments from the 6th Annual #LITSummit. A.I. contract negotiations and worker protections, international union solidarity and more! 🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/tZxZXr4ckV pic.twitter.com/6BQL0LYmfU— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 18, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):When workers unite, our voices can’t be ignored. Keep pushing for the schools, wages, and resources students & staff are owed! https://t.co/CJI7v1GZD4— SEIU (@SEIU) February 19, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Working in theater production is physically demanding, and accidents can happen. That’s why striking workers at Atlantic Theater Company are fighting for guaranteed health benefits—because no one should have to put their body on the line without protections pic.twitter.com/2IvAkJhyCm— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) February 18, 2025Transport Workers Union:“Dispatchers @SunCountryAir approved a new contract that immediately raises pay by at least 36%. The TWU is the largest union for Air Dispatchers. We will always fight to advance our members.”@TwuSamuelsen Read more below!— TWU (@transportworker) February 14, 2025Transportation Trades Department:We applaud the swift and heroic actions of the train crew who helped escort passengers to safety. https://t.co/ZnK6iTsZtE— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) February 18, 2025UAW:We back each other up. 100%. That’s what union strong means — and that’s what it will take to win a great first contract. #Solidarity #StandUpVW pic.twitter.com/Dkab2VMslp— UAW (@UAW) February 12, 2025UNITE HERE:BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHTS ✨ Rayshone Austin, Delaware North at Boston Logan Airport—”I decided to become a Shop Steward because I was tired of the bosses mistreating people…We need to enforce the contract to make sure the bosses stay in line & treat all workers fairly.” pic.twitter.com/vSFw9Akksj— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) February 18, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at the Gaylord Chemical plant in Tuscaloosa voted to join the ICWUC by an overwhelming margin!In a right-to-work state like Alabama, this victory shows just how strong their push for better wages & conditions really is.Let’s get to work!➡️https://t.co/AobCdnc19p pic.twitter.com/wgjxgUdSjN— UFCW (@UFCW) February 18, 2025United Steelworkers:We’re celebrating Black History Month by highlighting members like Earkiel Eaton Jr. He made history as the first Black president of Local 593 and helped launch Buffalo’s first Black Labor Week. In 2023, he was named District 4 Buffalo Activist of the Year! pic.twitter.com/q9hwRAK6zE— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) February 18, 2025Utility Workers:Thank you to the federal workers at OSHA who help enforce workplace safety regulations!Hat tip: UWUA Local 304 pic.twitter.com/MlXbkSlEfo— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 19, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Congratulations to all the 77th Annual #WritersGuildAwards winners! View the full list: https://t.co/QVqrQWXmq7 pic.twitter.com/4e3aniKqow— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) February 16, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/19/2025 – 09:43
Black History Month Profiles: Joe Diggs
Black History Month Profiles: Joe Diggs
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 Joe Diggs of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and National Treasury Employees Union, AFGE.
Joe Diggs joined CWA Local 2300 in 1985 and went on to become a steward at Local 2300 and later CWA Local 2323. During his 12 years of working for the phone company, he earned his bachelor’s degree in labor relations from the University of Maryland. After 12 years, four strikes and two winning organizing campaigns, Diggs left to work for the National Treasury Employees Union. Then he joined AFGE, where he worked for 25 years. During that time, Diggs served CWA Local 2385 as a staff representative and contract negotiator. Diggs volunteered to start a chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute in Phoenix.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/19/2025 – 09:34