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Unions Rally for Social Security Fairness on Capitol Hill

September 19, 2024With just over a week before members of Congress leave Washington, D.C. until after the November elections, the time is now to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) (H.R. 82, S. 597)! https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/dimondstein_ssfa.jpgSocial SecurityCongressLegislative and Political (Update: As of 5 p.m. on September 19, the discharge petition has successfully moved the Social Security Fairness Act to the House floor for a vote. With the finish line in sight, we must now switch our focus from the discharge petition to passage of H.R. 82 on the House floor later this month!  With just over a week before members of Congress leave Washington, D.C. until after the November elections, the time is now to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) (H.R. 82, S. 597)! Joined by a number of public-sector union leaders, including APWU President Mark Dimondstein, the leaders of this bill, Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), held a press conference on Thursday morning in support of the SSFA. If passed, this bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which are parts of Social Security law that unfairly reduce, or sometimes eliminate, Social Security benefits for almost three million civil servants, including postal workers, many state employees, and federal annuitants, as well as their survivors. The GPO and WEP penalize postal and federal Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees that meet the requirements for Social Security benefits and have paid their fair share into the program. Although the bill has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, it has not been able to move out of committee to the House floor for a vote. That’s why Rep. Graves and Rep. Spanberger now support a discharge petition, H. Res. 1410. A discharge petition is a process to bring any bill sitting in committee to the House floor for a vote as long as at least 218 members of Congress sign the petition. “We are really proud and pleased that we are at the cusp of finally righting this wrong and getting some real justice moving forward - stopping the theft, stopping the raid on our pensions, and letting those civil service retirees live their retirement [with] the dignity and the financial security that [they] earn,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “We urge all the Congress folks who have not yet signed the discharge petition to do so. Let’s bring this to a vote…let the needs and the voices of the people be heard…and we’ll finally get the justice our retirees have earned today and into the future,” he concluded. Thanks to the hard work of our members and allies from all 50 states who made phone calls to their representatives during our “Call Congress Day of Action” last week, we are now only 13 signatures away from a successful discharge petition! “Today I witnessed what we can accomplish when we work together,” said APWU Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard. “We thank Rep. Graves and Rep. Spanberger for their support in this fight for justice. Regardless of party, each speaker at today’s press conference said the same thing – GPO and WEP are wrong, and they must be repealed now! Due to the hard work of our members, along with other unions and affected organizations, we have built a strong movement that will get this bill to the House floor!”       Unions Rally for Social Security Fairness on Capitol Hill0Continue reading→

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Here's who we've featured so far:Omayra Sánchez, Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU)Amanda Filpo, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)Roy Zuniga, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)Elizabeth Mercado, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2024 - 13:41Continue reading→

APWU Pleased USPS Will Reverse Some Consolidation Efforts and More Facilities Will ‘Keep Local Mail Local ‘

September 19, 2024The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network. Plant Consolidationnetwork modernization The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network. The union has consistently opposed local mail being consolidated and sorted hundreds of miles away only to then return to the local area.  Such a process can only further delay mail.  As such, the union has consistently advocated that mail generated in a local area, for delivery in the local area, should stay and be processed and sorted in the local area. Recently management has announced a reversal of some previous consolidation efforts and now plan to keep processing of “local mail local” in a number of locations previously expected to have that work moved long distances as part of management’s network modernization plans. “While the union is still assessing these newly announced changes and seeking more clarification and details, we welcome what appears to be some positive steps in the right direction,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Postal workers, elected representatives and communities across the country have made their voices heard to keep local mail local and to avoid any further slow-down in the mail.” However, along with some positive developments are negative ones.  Postal management and the Postal Board of Governors are also filing a case with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that we believe will further slowdown mail service for many areas of the country, particularly in rural America. “The APWU believes that USPS must modernize its network in a way that speeds up and improves service” said Dimondstein. “While we are pleased that more facilities will keep their local mail local, we have serious concerns about the latest service standard proposal. We are prepared to engage in the PRC review and to organize in our communities to defend the quality mail service we all deserve.”     The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network.0Continue reading→

APWU Welcomes Reversal of Partial USPS Consolidation Efforts, Keeping Mail Processing Local at More Facilities

September 19, 2024The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network. Plant Consolidationnetwork modernization The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network. The union has consistently opposed local mail being consolidated and sorted hundreds of miles away only to then return to the local area.  Such a process can only further delay mail.  As such, the union has consistently advocated that mail generated in a local area, for delivery in the local area, should stay and be processed and sorted in the local area. Recently management has announced a reversal of some previous consolidation efforts and now plan to keep processing of “local mail local” in a number of locations previously expected to have that work moved long distances as part of management’s network modernization plans. “While the union is still assessing these newly announced changes and seeking more clarification and details, we welcome what appears to be some positive steps in the right direction,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Postal workers, elected representatives and communities across the country have made their voices heard to keep local mail local and to avoid any further slow-down in the mail.” However, along with some positive developments are negative ones.  Postal management and the Postal Board of Governors are also filing a case with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that we believe will further slowdown mail service for many areas of the country, particularly in rural America. “The APWU believes that USPS must modernize its network in a way that speeds up and improves service” said Dimondstein. “While we are pleased that more facilities will keep their local mail local, we have serious concerns about the latest service standard proposal. We are prepared to engage in the PRC review and to organize in our communities to defend the quality mail service we all deserve.”     The APWU and the 200,000 dedicated postal workers we represent stand with the people of the country for improved postal services. There is too much delayed mail resulting from too much short staffing and a chaotic implementation of changes to the postal network.0Continue reading→

15 F-35 Instructor Pilots and Simulator Technicians Vote Unanimously to Join IAM

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is thrilled to announce that on Sept. 11, 2024 a distinguished group of 15 F-35 Instructor Pilots and Simulator Technicians unanimously voted to join our union. This landmark decision reflects the trust and confidence these skilled professionals have placed in the IAM to represent The post 15 F-35 Instructor Pilots and Simulator Technicians Vote Unanimously to Join IAM appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Union-Built Naval Ship Commissioned for Duty

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) departed from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., recently en route to its commissioning site at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Approximately 220 members of IAM Local 1133 (District W2021), are part of 13 different unions building the ship. IAM Local 1133 members are The post IAM Union-Built Naval Ship Commissioned for Duty appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Elizabeth Mercado

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Elizabeth Mercado Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Elizabeth Mercado of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Elizabeth Mercado has been a CWA union activist and leader for more than 23 years. She has held many positions in both her union and her community—from serving on her local school board as the first Puerto Rican woman (and, eventually, president), to chairing the CWA National Women’s Committee from 2021 to 2023, working as a Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Trabajadoras Fellow and beyond, Mercado continuously demonstrates her commitment to the community, workers’ rights and human rights. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:23Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga Rally to Win Strong First Contract

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga Rally to Win Strong First 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. After a historic union election victory earlier this year, UAW members who work for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are gearing up to begin negotiating a powerful first contract with the automotive giant later this week.More than 400 newly minted UAW members, their family members and community supporters rallied on Sunday to channel momentum from the vote to securing a contract that raises workplace standards, increases wages, improves benefits and codifies protections similar to those secured by autoworkers in other unionized plants. Other demands from Volkswagen workers include corporate accountability, workplace respect, retirement security and better paid time off. With representation across every department and shift at the facility, the 20-person elected bargaining committee has been meeting for weeks already to analyze survey data about members’ goals for the first agreement.“Our victory in April was just the beginning,” said Samuel Gallardo, an assembly line worker at Volkswagen. “Now we are focused on winning a contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of every worker here. We’ve shown that when we stand together, we win—first our union, and soon a contract that guarantees higher wages, better benefits, and a brighter future for all.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:03Continue reading→

IAM Members Recognized for 50 Golden Years of Membership at Convention

Seventeen IAM members were honored during the final day of the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City. Each had passed the threshold of over 50 years of service to our organization. 50 years of service earns a gold membership card for the honoree. It is a treasured recognition within the IAM. “As The post IAM Members Recognized for 50 Golden Years of Membership at Convention appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

UAW Serves Strike Notice at Ford’s River Rouge – Tool & Die Unit Over Local Agreement Issues Including Job Security, Wage Parity and Work Rules

The Tool & Die Unit at Ford’s River Rouge Complex will strike on Thursday, September 26 if local contract issues are not resolved. The post UAW Serves Strike Notice at Ford’s River Rouge – Tool & Die Unit Over Local Agreement Issues Including Job Security, Wage Parity and Work Rules appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Roy Zuniga

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Roy Zuniga Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Roy Zuniga of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). In addition to delivering mail to the customers on his route, Roy Zuniga goes the extra mile to serve his fellow letter carriers as a shop steward, on-the-job instructor and NALC activist. Reflecting on why being involved in his union is important to him, Zuniga shared the following: “What I enjoy most is passing on to the new members what was passed on to me and more. When you see new brothers and sisters at a meeting or they call you because they have a question, it makes it all worth it.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/18/2024 - 10:02Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Wins Tentative Agreement at AT&T Southeast

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Wins Tentative Agreement at AT&T Southeast 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. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Sunday that the union has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with AT&T Southeast, ending the longest telecommunications strike in the region.The new contract covers technicians, customer service representatives, and other workers who install, maintain, and support residential and commercial services in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Wages and health care costs were key issues for members. The deal includes across-the-board wage increases of 19.33%, with additional 3% increases for wire technicians and utility operations, and provisions that hold health care premiums steady in the first year and then lowers them in the second and third years.“I believe in the power of unity, and the unity our members and retirees have shown during these contract negotiations has been outstanding and gave our bargaining teams the backing they needed to deliver strong contracts,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “CWA members and retirees from every region and sector of our union mobilized in support of our bargaining teams, including by distributing flyers with information about the strike at AT&T Wireless stores.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/18/2024 - 10:02Continue reading→

Don’t Forget to Register to Vote: In the States Roundup

Don't Forget to Register to Vote: 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). Alaska AFL-CIO:If Project 2025 is implemented, roughly 15 million workers could be forced to pay taxes on their healthcare benefits. This is another prime example of how Project 2025 only aims to hurt working families. #LaborMonth2024 #1u pic.twitter.com/zr7AZISCFy— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 18, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:So… what are you doing Saturday? pic.twitter.com/nmwl3sbjDL— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 16, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:New Haven is a UNION TOWN! Working people are rallying with striking hotel workers at the Omni as they fight for fair wages, job security & respect for all hotel workers. #1u #strike @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/TGtzhyAekX— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 14, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:💪💪💪 https://t.co/2EbReTd9LE— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 18, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:🎉 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the power of unity! 🎉Labor unions have always been a pillar of strength for workers. Let’s honor our Hispanic brothers and sisters who have fought for workers’ rights. ✊🏽#1u #SpanishExcellenance pic.twitter.com/9mwfAHLjyK— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 15, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:#WaybackWednesday to 1973 when a group of trade unionists found @LCLAA, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Today the organization is the leading advocacy group for Latino/a working rights in the country. #1u pic.twitter.com/wzrZ3SnEMS— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 18, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:We're super excited to begin reading @GrimKim's book "Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor" for our next Labor Group Selection. All are welcome to join us!https://t.co/gKnJJmLzqe— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 17, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Join the MA Labor Movement this Saturday as we head north to knock doors with the @NHAFLCIO in support of endorsed labor champions! pic.twitter.com/cgoM5xUBCP— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 17, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:7 weeks until Election Day.Make sure you’re registered to vote. pic.twitter.com/E96G8Hk3pk— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 17, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:A collective union action pushing for better ventilation at work, for example, has a much higher impact than a single disabled worker asking for this accommodation. https://t.co/W0YoVyHNF4 #BetterInAUnion— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 17, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:David Gregory is out of touch with St. Louis voters. He hasn't won in his election but he is moving forward with a plan to build a literal CASTLE in Jefferson City. Let's not send him to the #moleg! Follow @perelesforMO and get involved in his campaign!https://t.co/rBqZ0WXsqT— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 16, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:“We were trained by the Reid machine.” - @LVSusanNV 💪🏼😎https://t.co/dPIaqWwZ3k— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 18, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:It's a beautiful day to REGISTER TO VOTE! Here's everything you need to know about voter registration in New York State: https://t.co/Rjq24pbBJZ #NationalVoterRegistrationDay pic.twitter.com/FLuGRyOfqS— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 17, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:"NC should be the #1 state for both workers and businesses. These two ideas are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are interconnected." @votebraxton #ncpol #1u Read more at: https://t.co/pAJwADk1Ce— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 9, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:On the one-year anniversary of the historic Big Three strike, @UAW President Shawn Fain was at a @UAPipeTrades Local 50 hall near #Toledo leading a @SherrodBrown chant! pic.twitter.com/G7WnhMzdOB— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 15, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Join #OregonLabor and @MachinistsUnion President @IAMBrianBryanton Thursday 9/19 at 11AM for a solidarity rally in support of Striking Boeing Workers.For details go to: https://t.co/qVIO73URup pic.twitter.com/RSkBAaQzMy— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 18, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Don’t be counted out on Election Day. Make sure your voice is heard - get registered to vote! #LaborVotes https://t.co/e9vlnW6ApL pic.twitter.com/8bgJCbisbR— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 17, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:🚨A Trump-appointed judge right here in Texas just sided with a company claiming the NLRB is unconstitutional.We can't afford four years of judges, like this one, who will enable corporations to exploit workers.We need Kamala Harris & Tim Walz in the White House.— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 17, 2024Virginia AFL-CIO:Today is National Voter Registration Day! 🚨🗳️ As workers, our collective voice shapes our future. Make sure you’re registered to vote and have a say in policies that impact us all. Visit https://t.co/t5LQe0pkAT to register or check your status today!#UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/UbtXVKdScl— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) September 17, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:As Machinists continue to strike Boeing, labor and community support is essential. Here’s how you can stand with the workers.This page will be continuously updated until the workers' demands are met.https://t.co/725C1m1GE9 pic.twitter.com/vAUnY4t2k8— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 16, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Ben Wikler chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin addresses delegates: "Trump's Project 2025 is Scott Walker's 2011" playbook super-charged. #upup24— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/18/2024 - 03:14Continue reading→

UAW President Shawn Fain Holding Facebook Live at 7 p.m. ET on the Fight for Good U.S. Jobs at Stellantis

UAW President Shawn Fain will address the UAW membership on Facebook Live at 7 p.m. ET tonight. He will discuss Stellantis’ refusal to fulfill the product and investment commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 contract and the union’s next steps to ensure the company invests in America.     The post UAW President Shawn Fain Holding Facebook Live at 7 p.m. ET on the Fight for Good U.S. Jobs at Stellantis appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→