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More Freedom for Working People: What Working People Are Doing This Week

More Freedom for Working People: 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:Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for July 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/myvtrd4Ufv pic.twitter.com/Ck1c3B8GWp— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 21, 2024AFGE:Thank you @RepMarkTakano for working tirelessly to improve our VA medical centers and the workplace rights of those who serve our nation’s heroes. pic.twitter.com/G2zo9Rqu5I— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2024AFSCME:ICYMI: AFSCME backs @KamalaHarris for president because she believe in “more freedom for working people,” President Saunders said at #DNC2024. https://t.co/86PYM4udOz— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 20, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Affordable health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are on the ballot this year. https://t.co/JVPEeqg7tB— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Day 2 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was just as exciting as the first. Representing the ATU were #DNC New Jersey Delegate International President John Costa, International Vice President Yvette Trujillo, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice… pic.twitter.com/wnkQQCx9pf— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 21, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Are you absolutely sure that you're registered to vote?Couldn't hurt to check. Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Flight Attendants save lives. We are aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense in aviation security. We are the first impression and the smile of aviation connecting the people of our nations.Happy National Aviation Day to Aviation’s First Responders! pic.twitter.com/EmNC7roE7l— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 19, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024Boilermakers:‼️ Breaking News: IBB announces leadership changes: https://t.co/QMz9Hcpvqq pic.twitter.com/kAnuH7Fuxz— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2024Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, Justin Guillermo, Jeris Orian, and Joe Ermitano from BAC local 1 Hawaii are working on the Wahiawa Civic Center!Thank you for your hard work!#Unionstrong #thebesthandsinthebusiness pic.twitter.com/wevdu6PwPL— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 21, 2024Coalition of Labor Union Women:Sylvia Lieberman Recalls First CLUW Convention. #CLUW50 https://t.co/Xt7NNGc6ki— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 19, 2024Communications Workers of America:🚨Strike Alert! 🚨CWA members at AT&T Southeast are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract. pic.twitter.com/qb4iCXdyzX— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 16, 2024Department for Professional Employees:ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024Electrical Workers:. @UnionSportsmen brings you Major League Fishing Angler Jesse Spellicy who shares five baits you need in your tacklebox. https://t.co/KrWt0oJ5uY— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Asbestos Memorial🕊️During the 2024 Officers Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, General President, Terry Larkin & former IVP, Anthony Ceraldi, visited the Memorial. ➡️Read more: https://t.co/NInou94huB #InsulatorsUnion #HFIAW #asbestos #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/VCyZzCTBAx— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 19, 2024Jobs With Justice:We just heard from union leaders at the #DNC. They are right—it’s time for workers to be able to freely organize w/o interference from billionaire CEOs, take home family-sustaining wages, and retire w/ dignity. #UnionYes @AFLCIO @AFSCME @IBEW @CWAUnion @SEIU @LIUNA— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 20, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Eliminating the Department of Education under #Project2025 would have devastating effects on our society and communities. Historically, authoritarian regimes target education to control citizens and impose conservative ideals, undermining democratic values. pic.twitter.com/tUtC8EWNZA— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 21, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:No Contract, No Cartoons."After weekend rallies, The Animation Guild (TAG) started contract talks w/the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. "We're defending the soul of this industry," said TAG President Jeanette Moreno KingRead more: https://t.co/8ual57wPpt pic.twitter.com/SWpigI22g4— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 21, 2024Laborers:Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024Machinists:Celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, IAM Western Territory Locals united with community organizations in her honor. Their service magnifies the dedication Maria had for our communities. https://t.co/9aWtkhzpYc.— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 21, 2024Mine Workers:“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength..." - Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024Musical Artists:Save the San Francisco Symphony Chorus: Send a Letter to Management - https://t.co/OfUYN7k9AO pic.twitter.com/EJYjSxAAyT— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 19, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Are you keeping your contact information current on MyNATCA? It's crucial for all NATCA members to regularly update their preferred contact details on MyNATCA to ensure they receive important communications.Visit https://t.co/snJux6foFR and log in with your credentials. pic.twitter.com/6Iys6A3Tey— NATCA (@NATCA) August 20, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:This #MemberMonday, we're giving a shout-out to New Castle, PA Branch 22 carrier Bill Rubin. For Scott Collar, a customer with disabilities who lives on Bill's route, the kindness that Bill delivers each day makes him more than a mailman – he's become a true friend. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/nc2YQCgM1U— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 19, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:Coming up next month!#BringHumanRightsHome https://t.co/x6jgzPxeM6— NDLON (@NDLON) August 20, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:More workers than ever need paid time off for mental health conditions and are getting denied. Employers must support the well-being of their employees. That means investing in care. https://t.co/HeWXEO2RNu— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 15, 2024National Nurses United:Nurses met with @RevDrBarber today at #DNCConvention2024!We’re excited and honored to be fighting alongside such a powerful champion for working families. #NursesForKamala pic.twitter.com/pVInzv04cc— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 20, 2024NFL Players Association:Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning tackled back-to-school prep at a block party last week, where 100 kids and their families scored school supplies and a day of fun at the team’s training facility. 📚✏️ pic.twitter.com/mWm4Q4knai— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 16, 2024North America's Building Trades Unions:Brent Booker, @LIUNA General President, says Trump made empty promises, while the Biden-Harris Administration delivered. As President, Kamala Harris will fight for the workers who are building America.https://t.co/zngunCZixh— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 21, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Standardized patients at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia are fighting for a fair contract!Tell university administrators to stop union-busting and pay them a fair wage! ↓↓↓ #UnionStrong https://t.co/KbvUUTanQ5— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 20, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:As we approach our General Convention, we reflect on each and every one of our members who have shaped the IUPAT into the strong and fighting union that we are today.For over 137 years, our members' commitments and our union's collective efforts have ignited a force of change… pic.twitter.com/EYtfCXqRkK— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 12, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024Pride At Work:Join us to organize this election season and ensure LGBTQIA+ worker power is a priority!Sign up here: https://t.co/jkPXJ0Ym8c #organize #solidarityforever pic.twitter.com/x1FtxpmvK7— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 19, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:.@RWDSU President @sappelbaum opens the 2nd @DemConvention Labor Council meeting. Asst. to the President Jessica Garcia who has spearheaded the planning led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. #DemConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/WQfY6rNCYY— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Certain weather conditions can be hazardous for roofers. Follow these tips to stay safe! https://t.co/4J2VP83XzI #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/XPjZABkM3D— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 21, 2024SAG-AFTRA:🎙️ “Voice Actor and Movement Performers, we love this work.” Check out the full Game Actors on Game Actors: SAG-AFTRA Panel At Comic-Con 2024: https://t.co/D7AguPJaC0 pic.twitter.com/sxkMuaMnSc— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 21, 2024Solidarity Center:“We will leave no one behind.”Amid victory against union busting after a month-long campaign, #Sofitel workers' unions continue to lead the push for job security for all workers.🔗https://t.co/Oy6exvFsLu#StandWithSofitelWorkers #Philippines #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/qAN9sA8Suo— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 21, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨On Sunday evening, Adrian Szkolar – a member of the @CTnewsguild organizing committee – was fired. This comes a mere ten days after the guild went public with their union drive.Tell Hearst CT Media Group: Reinstate Adrian & recognize @CTnewsguild 👇https://t.co/8DjIkU4bh6— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 19, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:“As a union member, it’s important that we have candidates who support our values,” IATSE Local 720 (Nevada) Member Matt Kimball said.“Donald Trump crossed my union’s picket line in ‘04, and that’s something I can never forgive him for and never will.” https://t.co/SoqFek4XxA— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 21, 2024Transport Workers Union:pic.twitter.com/USvu57iqy2— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024Transportation Trades Department:The @seattletimes Editorial Board nails it with a message for the Washington State Ferry System: pay your workers! Low staffing levels, noncompetitive wages, and overworked @MEBAUNION marine engineers = compromised service. Read more: https://t.co/W4DjOzEPU8— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 20, 2024UAW:Cornell University has a $10 billion endowment. Management could easily afford to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. Instead, Cornell is attempting to union bust by encouraging retirees and faculty to scab.This is textbook corporate greed. @UAWregion9 pic.twitter.com/pyTIMaTxcx— UAW (@UAW) August 21, 2024Union Veterans Council:We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans' legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024UNITE HERE:Hotel workers are at a breaking point – and thousands have now authorized strikes.Wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. Staffing cuts have made hotel jobs more painful than ever.But we know that when we fight, we win. pic.twitter.com/faAi8vrvTu— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock a wide variety of online degrees & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/BxpXkoA1kv— UFCW (@UFCW) August 20, 2024United Steelworkers:Congrats to USW Local 819, Pactiv Evergreen, in Turlock, Calif., for ratifying a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement after more than 18 months of difficult bargaining. pic.twitter.com/FaxuwJG75W— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 21, 2024Utility Workers:Louder for the folks in the back! 📣Every worker deserves the opportunity to join a union, and those with the lowest wages, fewest benefits, and the most unpredictable schedules have the most to gain by organizing! #UnionYeshttps://t.co/89SAkeba70— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2024Writers Guild of America East:A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum - and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:10Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United 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. After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more.“It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:03Continue reading→

Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Reaches Local Agreement with CSX Transportation

Today, TCU reached a tentative agreement with CSX Transportation. The tentative agreement is a five (5) year term which provides 17.5% in General Wage Increases (18.77% compounded), improves vacation agreement entitlements, secures improvements in health and welfare benefits while maintaining the current 15% monthly contribution and modifies local work rules currently in effect. This is The post Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Reaches Local Agreement with CSX Transportation appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Western Territory Celebrates Life of Maria Santiago Lillis by Serving Community

IAM Western Territory locals celebrated the life and memory of the late IAM Grand Lodge Representative Maria Santiago Lillis by working with community organizations that serve in a capacity that honors Sister Maria’s legacy. IAM Local 1998 worked with their partner and neighbor, “The Pantry – Honolulu.” In just a few hours on Aug. 10, The post Western Territory Celebrates Life of Maria Santiago Lillis by Serving Community appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Wood, Pulp and Paper ‘Chillin’ and Grillin” BBQ Benefits Guide Dogs

The IAM Wood, Pulp, and Paper Council (WPPC) recently held its fifth annual virtual barbecue to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines. Seventeen teams and over 30 cooks around North America barbecued and raised more than $20,000 for the IAM’s charity of choice. Watch the video report here. Wood, Pulp and Paper The post Wood, Pulp and Paper ‘Chillin’ and Grillin” BBQ Benefits Guide Dogs appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

District 141 IAM CREST Instructors Complete Hazardous Material Train-the-Trainer Program at Winpisinger Center

During the week of Aug. 5-9, 2024, 10 new I.A.M. C.R.E.S.T Associate Instructors from IAM District 141 representing American Airlines and Spirit Airlines completed a Train-the-Trainer program. This class is designed specifically to provide the skills to train other workers about the hazards of storing, shipping, loading and unloading dangerous goods in the airline industry. The post District 141 IAM CREST Instructors Complete Hazardous Material Train-the-Trainer Program at Winpisinger Center appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Charlotte Air Transport Local 1725 Brings Comfort and Care to Unhoused Community Members

Members of IAM Local 1725’s Human Rights Committee in Charlotte, N.C., led by Chair Mark Cain, recently joined forces with Hope Vibes of Charlotte to provide support for homeless individuals. The local provided funds for committee members to make 100 sandwiches that they distributed to those in need. Then, with Hope Vibes of Charlotte, about The post Charlotte Air Transport Local 1725 Brings Comfort and Care to Unhoused Community Members appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Succeeds in Gaining 900 New Federal Sector NFFE-IAM Members Through Internal Organizing

The IAM is celebrating the recruitment of 900 new National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) members from four months of internal organizing in the federal sector. “We just wrapped up our second big push of the year on internal organizing in the Federal Sector and we are very proud to report the amazing success of The post IAM Succeeds in Gaining 900 New Federal Sector NFFE-IAM Members Through Internal Organizing appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Life Is Better In A Union: In the States Roundup

Life Is Better In A Union: 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 (formerly Twitter). Alabama AFL-CIO:August 12, 2024 downtown Montgomery Alabama with a room full of labor leaders from across the state to endorse candidates for this years election and not one candidate #inattendence pic.twitter.com/IURccTxlrd— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 12, 2024Alaska AFL-CIO:When someone shows you who they are, believe them. https://t.co/2uNEll3ylH— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Arizona AFL-CIO:Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S. A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:#UnionizeCalifornia https://t.co/SC9fUNvGLG— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 15, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Management at Hearst have FIRED a union organizer in a clear case of retaliation. Tell Hearst to reinstate Adrian and recognize the @CTnewsguild! #UnionBustingIsDisgusting https://t.co/z0bDpceGI4— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:Today is Florida's Primary Election, and polls are open from 7am to 7pm. If you haven't already, go vote! pic.twitter.com/5yop33AyV9— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 20, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:#Thankful for all the #aviation workers #❤️ #AviationDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll https://t.co/UG5be23hhO— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 19, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:#unionsforharriswalz because life is better in a union. #1u pic.twitter.com/Ml3Em0jkQR— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Stage Hands Local 114 are celebrating their 120th Anniversary! Check out our story about the founders of Local 114 during the vaudeville era in 1905 & the rebirth of live stage events in Portland from the late 1970s to the present.https://t.co/kkNdFKjiXN @IATSE114 @IATSE— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:“Unions built the middle class” - @JoeBiden The Biden-Harris admin. has our backs every day: 15 million new jobs, billions in infrastructure, bringing manufacturing back home to America, and saving our pensions #DNC #ThankYouJoe #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarrisWalz @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/LtedLJq6Cw— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 20, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:This November, Michiganders will be faced with a choice between the candidates who stand with working people, and the ones who stand with corporate billionaires. We're proud to announce our endorsements of pro-labor champions up and down the ballot.https://t.co/y5aSi4UGtS— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Under the legislation, which went into effect on July 1, companies in Minnesota are barred from entering into new contracts that contain restrictive covenants, which function like noncompete agreements but have previously slipped past the prohibitions. #1u https://t.co/70nFyktrVj— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:We’re voting YES on Proposition A to bring #PaidSickDays to MO and #RaiseTheWage to $15/hr by 2026. It’s time to prioritize the people who keep our communities thriving. pic.twitter.com/vrFLf483e2— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 17, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:7️⃣9️⃣ days until the election! Thank you to everyone who came to our Superwalk kickoff in both Northern and Southern Nevada, our speakers who energized the room, and our volunteers who are spending their sunny Saturday knocking on doors & phone banking.LETS WIN THIS THING🗳️ pic.twitter.com/c81lHJo1Tu— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 17, 2024New Hampshire AFL-CIO:We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024New Jersey State AFL-CIO:At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Standing with our UAW family fighting for a fair contract at Cornell University today ✊ #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/VADRCuxUdU— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 16, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Get the @UAW shirt today! #UnionsForHarris #ItsBetterInAUnion#TrumpIsAScab https://t.co/vPfwhk88Pz— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 20, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Oregon workers are #StrongerTogether. Find out how to organize by going to https://t.co/WphIRB4ySr pic.twitter.com/dw4QrE9cER— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 18, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Glad you asked!In Pennsylvania, both the number of union members and the number of workers with union representation is the highest it’s been in over a decade. https://t.co/823aBSengh pic.twitter.com/sSj4PldTGa— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 20, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:See how we rep Texas workers at the DNC?Very demure. Very mindful. pic.twitter.com/z3GdrUcrLW— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:The WI AFL-CIO was proud to host a press conference this morning in support of Kamala Harris for President. Standing against the chaos and division of another Trump Presidency, we heard from Former Racine Police Chief Art Howell and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. pic.twitter.com/Uqu3ezOltH— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 16, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:32Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike 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 the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, ratified a new contract after striking for 14 months. The new three-year contract gives all workers a 30.5% wage increase, a return-to-work bonuses, an increase in banquet workers’ gratuities, transparency and other tip protections, and new health benefits. More than 85% of the union members voted in favor of the new contract.“This new agreement sets the union on a new path with Larco Hospitality, and we look forward to forging ahead in a productive and positive working relationship with them,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:08Continue reading→

UAW Stellantis Locals Prepare Grievances Over Company’s Failure to Keep Product Commitments, Paving Way for Strike Action, if Necessary

Several UAW locals representing tens of thousands of workers under the national UAW Stellantis agreement are prepared to file grievances over the company’s failure to keep its investment commitments and honor the union contract, paving the way for a national strike at Stellantis, if necessary.  For more information, visit UAW.org/KeepThePromise. “This company made a commitment […] The post UAW Stellantis Locals Prepare Grievances Over Company’s Failure to Keep Product Commitments, Paving Way for Strike Action, if Necessary appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

IAM Union Statement on Former President Trump’s Visit to Pennsylvania Manufacturing Facility

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement on former President Trump’s visit to an IAM Union-represented facility, Precision Custom Components, in York, Pa.: “As former President Donald Trump prepares to visit Precision Custom Components, we must remember the hard truths about his record with The post IAM Union Statement on Former President Trump’s Visit to Pennsylvania Manufacturing Facility appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Worker Wins: What We Deserve

Worker Wins: What We Deserve Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. NWSL Players Association Scores Historic New Contract: This morning, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced that they have secured an historic new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections and other provisions that will help create a more equitable league. “Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together….The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!” Read the AFL-CIO’s full statement here.Las Vegas Venetian Workers Win Historic TA with Major Pay Boosts: On Tuesday, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE—announced with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas that they have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new four-year contract. Before workers organized in June 2023 through a card-check neutrality agreement, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas—which includes both The Venetian and The Palazzo properties—had been a decades-long holdout under the previous ownership as the Las Vegas Strip’s only nonunion property. If ratified by members, this would be the first union contract covering the more than 4,000 food, beverage, housekeeping, bar, lounge and bell department workers at the casino resorts. A committee of more than 100 staff participated in every main table negotiating session and subcommittee meeting over the past year, resulting in a milestone TA with standard protections, such as health care benefits, language on increased worker security regarding sexual harassment and immigration, a pension and more. The deal also secured wins including the largest wage increases ever, workload reductions, daily room cleaning for guest room attendants, safety protections for workers on the job and recall rights. “I’m happy to have the union protections and voice we deserve,” said Sergio Javier Andrade, floor attendant at The Venetian Resort for 17 years, in a union press release. “This new contract is a game-changer for all of us—getting such a significant wage increase and a pension, is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and to see it happen this morning is exciting, and I appreciate the Culinary Union and The Venetian Resort working together to make it happen. We’ve worked hard for this for over a year, and I feel very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. By voting yes to ratify, we’re setting ourselves up for a better, more secure future.”WMATA Metro Workers Ratify New Contract: With 90% in approval, Washington Metro workers overwhelmingly ratified a new contract between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board and their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. The ratification vote took place Monday, and Local 689 announced Wednesday that the WMATA Board has concurred, making the new agreement official. ATU represents over 8,500 workers across the regional transit system who are indispensable in keeping the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area moving. The new contract includes major victories to improve members’ livelihoods, WMATA’s fiscal responsibility and system accountability. “The contract overwhelmingly approved by Metro workers is a huge win for the dedicated transit professionals who move our region day in and day out,” said ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “We negotiated a fair and equitable deal with the Authority ensuring our members continue to receive fair compensation they’ve earned while also enforcing accountability throughout the system. Notably, we were able to get retiree healthcare back for many of our members while also guaranteeing that everyone would see raises through the life of this contract.”Workers at Hyatt Regency Crystal City Vote Decisively to Organize Despite Anti-Union Campaign: Despite weeks of aggressive anti-union campaigning from hotel management, a majority of housekeepers at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, voted Friday to join UNITE HERE Local 25. After a supermajority of staff signed union authorization cards, housekeepers at the hotel filed for a union election on July 12. Hyatt then began an intensive anti-union crusade inside, which included regular anti-union meetings and distribution of anti-union literature. In the face of these attempts at undermining their organizing, workers picketed outside the hotel every Saturday with the support of labor allies and local lawmakers until their scheduled National Labor Relations Board election this past Friday. While the fight isn’t over, housekeepers are hoping that forming a union will help them address their workload and benefits concerns. “We are so excited and proud,” said Olga Ortiz, a housekeeper at the hotel and a leader on the organizing campaign. “It didn’t matter what the company threw at us—we stood strong and stood together. Now we are preparing to win our first contract with fairer workloads, higher pay and affordable benefits.”TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United: After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more. “It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”New Mexico School for the Deaf Educators Form Union: Staff at the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) joined AFT New Mexico earlier this month, forming a wall-to-wall union at the Santa Fe campus. The New Mexico School for the Deaf Faculty & Staff Association bargaining unit includes all workers, from educators to bus drivers to administrative secretaries and more. The state Public Employee Labor Relations Board voted Aug. 6 to ratify the results of a union card-check, and the union has described the organizing process as a “relatively amicable” one. The workers who staff the school—which serves students from prekindergarten to 12th grade—really united over the need to secure wages that keep up with the high costs of living in Santa Fe. Funding for the institution comes from the state, but unlike other public schools, the NMSD doesn’t get money on a per-student basis. So, if the New Mexico Legislature passes a raise for teachers, it doesn’t necessarily mean these staff will receive a pay increase. Members are hoping that with the union, they can better negotiate for transparency and consistency in their salaries and benefits.Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority: Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract. The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term. “We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”Maine Can Now Order Employers to Pay Workers Back Pay and Damages for Missed Wages: A new law went into effect Friday in Maine that will give the state Department of Labor more tools to hold businesses accountable for failure to pay workers the wages they are rightfully owed. Aimed at fighting wage theft, this legislation empowers the Labor Department to order an employer to pay both the unpaid wages as well as damages equal to twice the amount of those wages with interest. The bill is a major win in the effort to combat a widespread issue. The Maine Center for Economic Policy reports that minimum wage violations in Maine amounted to an estimated $30 million in 2017. Additionally, they found that between 2021 to 2023, employers who were caught violating wage and hour laws paid an average penalty of just $9.61 per violation. To make it worse, only 10.7% of the assessed fines were actually paid. “In my 25 years working in the construction industry I have seen countless examples of disreputable contractors taking advantage of non-union workers and cheating them out of their hard-earned wages and benefits,” said Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member, Grant Provost. “When the punishment for violating wage and hour protections is just a slap on the wrist, companies have a perverse incentive to break the law and treat fines as a cost of doing business. This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work.”NLRB Rules in Favor of NPEU Over Member’s Illegal Termination: The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) is celebrating a huge win after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled on Wednesday that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acted illegally when it terminated a worker who was punished for raising concerns about poor working conditions at the nonprofit. NPEU, a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), represents professionals employed at more than 50 nonprofit organizations. An administrative law judge for the agency found that the ACLU did in fact violate the National Labor Relations Act by denying NPEU member Kate Oh a transfer and discharging her in retaliation for exercising her right to engage in protected concerted activities. As a remedy, the judge ordered the ACLU to offer her reinstatement and to make her whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits. “This decision sends a clear message: no one is above the law, including and especially powerful management officials claiming to champion civil liberties with their words while illegally doing the opposite with their actions,” said Oh. “I am deeply grateful for my union having my back and for an NLRB that seeks to vindicate workers' rights.” Amy Chin-Lai, president of NPEU, added: “We are thrilled with the NLRB’s decision, which protects the fundamental rights of workers to advocate for better working conditions and speak out without fear of retaliation. Kate Oh’s dedication to her colleagues and her resilience in the face of unlawful treatment exemplify the spirit of our union. I am proud to call her a union sister. We look forward to finishing a first contract for all of our ACLU workers who fight for civil liberties, including Kate.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:24 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority 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. Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract.The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term.“We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:04Continue reading→

Over 1,000 UAW Members Go On Strike at Cornell University

ITHACA – After months of negotiations, over 1,000 UAW members have walked out on strike at Cornell University, as the university has failed to present a fair package and has not bargained in good faith, stalling and retaliating against protected union activity by the workers. The membership, made up of maintenance and facilities workers, dining workers, […] The post Over 1,000 UAW Members Go On Strike at Cornell University appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Climate Justice Network

Whether there’s rain or shine, postal ​workers serve our communities. And ​we believe the Postal Service can ​deliver more. Imagine a Postal ​Service- powered by EV trucks and a ​unionized workforce- that delivers ​clean energy, low-cost banking, and ​community care to every ​metropolitan area and rural town ​across the country. Imagine a Postal ​Service that serves us. Join the Climate Justice NetworkContinue reading→