News

TCU/IAM Safety Instructors at Amtrak Complete Training Program

p >During the week of July 29 through Aug. 2, 2024, three new IAM CREST Associate Instructors from TCU/IAM Local 6649 representing Amtrak successfully completed a Train-the-Trainer program.  This specialized training is designed to equip instructors with the skills necessary to educate others about the risks associated with storing, shipping, loading, and unloading hazardous materials in The post TCU/IAM Safety Instructors at Amtrak Complete Training Program appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Human Rights Department Empowers Members at Winpisinger Center

The IAM Human Rights Department recently hosted an exhilarating week packed with training at the IAM’s Education and Technology Center. This was brought about from the IAM Diversity Initiative’s request on September 6, 2023.  The 30 participants embraced a variety of perspectives and dove right in the many issues workers may encounter on the shop The post IAM Human Rights Department Empowers Members at Winpisinger Center appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

APWU Supports Protecting the Right to Vote, Vote-by-Mail Initiatives

August 22, 2024APWU staunchly supports “Get Out the Vote” and vote at home initiatives to elect leaders who will fight for postal workers and our issues. We will continue to fight for legislation such as the Vote at Home Act of 2023 and Freedom to Vote Act that expands safe and secure voting access for all.  vote by mailvoting rightsLegislative and Political In November, voters will make decisions at the ballot box on numerous federal, state, and local candidates, and multiple initiatives and referendums. Issues like our public Postal Service, workers’ rights, infrastructure, climate, and voting rights are all on the line and in the hands of voters. That’s why the APWU staunchly supports “Get Out the Vote” and vote at home initiatives to elect leaders who will fight for postal workers and our issues. We know that by guaranteeing the ability of our neighbors to vote safely and easily, we are giving them a say in how our government works for the people.  We know that it’s not always easy to make the time to go vote, especially for working families. That’s why we lobby Congress to pass Vote-by-Mail initiatives, such as the Vote at Home Act of 2023, (S.700 in the Senate and its companion bill H.R. 1439 in the House). If passed, this legislation would: Require automatic voter registration. Allow every registered voter to receive a ballot with pre-paid return postage. Grant the Postal Service funds to cover election mail costs. Voting at home with Vote-by-Mail ballots means less time at the polling place and more time to make informed decisions about your vote. This bill seeks to expand access to the ballot box for all, especially those with disabilities who may have difficulty leaving their home.  The APWU also ardently supports voter protection legislation, such as the Freedom to Vote Act (H.R. 11 and S. 2344). This bill would strengthen and expand voting rights by: Making Election Day a federal holiday. Mandating two weeks of early voting. Expanding voter registration through automatic, same-day, and online registration. Requiring states to allow Vote-by-Mail and eliminate burdensome excuse requirements. Banning partisan gerrymandering. Strengthening disclosure requirements for money in politics. The APWU has always fought to protect the right to vote. Although Congress passed the Voting Rights Act nearly 60 years ago, most states have put up barriers to voting access. Tactics to suppress voter turnout include restrictions on voter registration, strict ID requirements, voter roll purges, partisan gerrymandering, and limited access to early voting and Vote-by-Mail. The APWU will continue to fight for legislation that guarantees safe and secure elections for all, removes excessive voter ID requirements, makes Election Day a federal holiday, and expands early voting and Vote-by-Mail. We know that voting by mail will always be a key part of making sure that working people’s voices are heard. The APWU is proud to defend the integrity of Vote-by-Mail and continue the Postal Service’s more than 150-year tradition of enabling the American people to safely and securely send their ballots in the mail. “It is crucial that everyone goes to vote.org to check their voter registration status today!” said Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard. “Due to recent voter roll purges across the country, ask your coworkers, friends, and family to check their status as well to ensure they are all active voters.” For information about how you can get involved, visit: Labor Votes AFL-CIO.   APWU Supports Protecting the Right to Vote, Vote-by-Mail Initiatives0Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement 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 National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced their historic new collective bargaining agreement, which 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. For the first time ever in American professional sports, this contract also eliminates the draft, empowering athlete workers to have a real say over their futures.“The new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a reflection of the collective power of the Players,” said NWSLPA President Tori Huster. “Together, we secured freedoms that empower the Players to have autonomy over their careers and in doing so, reshaped American sports.”“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 revolutionary victories they secured—from eliminating the draft to requiring player consent for trades to safeguarding player health—advance the critical work of professional sports associations to let players decide what’s best for their families. Collective bargaining is a powerful tool in achieving women’s equality in any workplace, and these results are a testament to the visionary leadership of President Tori Huster, Executive Director Meghann Burke, Vice President Simone Charley, the bargaining committee and all members of the Players Association who are dedicated to creating a better, fairer League. 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!” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2024 - 09:58Continue reading→

IAM District 837 Joins Together to Feed St. Louis Families in Need

IAM District 837 members recently made a significant impact in their community by participating in an IAM H.E.L.P.S. event at the St. Louis Area Food Bank in Bridgeton, Mo. Through a day of dedicated effort, members successfully organized and packaged 18,927 meals for distribution within their community. The Food Bank reported that the total weight The post IAM District 837 Joins Together to Feed St. Louis Families in Need appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

UAW Members and Leaders to Rally in Belvidere, Illinois to Call on Stellantis to Keep the Promise

Belvidere, IL – On Thursday, August 22nd, UAW members and leaders, including UAW President Shawn Fain, Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell, and Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen, will rally in Belvidere, Illinois to call on Stellantis to keep the commitment the company made to reopen Belvidere Assembly and invest in thousands of jobs in that community.  […] The post UAW Members and Leaders to Rally in Belvidere, Illinois to Call on Stellantis to Keep the Promise appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

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→