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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Years of Advocacy from SMART-TD and ATU Lead to Critical Bus Operator Safety Legislation 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. Following years of vocal advocacy by bus and transit members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Transportation Division (SMART-TD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), lawmakers have now introduced the bipartisan Bus Operator Safety and Security Act.This legislation would require newly purchased, federally funded fixed-route buses—with a length of 30 feet or longer—to include protective barriers fully enclosing the operator’s workstation. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Jack Reed (R.I.) and Josh Hawley (Mo.), and its House of Representatives companion bill was introduced by Reps. Shomari Figures (Ala.) and Jefferson Van Drew (N.J.). SMART-TD is hailing the tireless efforts of its Bus Department, National Legislative Department, and Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee as key to helping this issue break through in the halls of Congress.“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear about one of our members being shot, stabbed, spit on, verbally abused, and more. Every day, at least 42 transit workers are assaulted on U.S. transit systems,” said ATU International President John Costa in a press release. “The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act invests in critical transit security measures, including an enclosed driver workstation, to better protect our transit workers, riders, and communities. Operator safety is about public safety.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/13/2026 - 10:09Continue reading→

Building Union Power: 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:ICYMI - The latest Theatre Spotlight gives the stage to Theatre Raleigh! This company is bringing high-quality productions to the Research Triangle, making a major impact on the theatre industry in a fast-growing metropolitan area. https://bit.ly/4bmZqXF[image or embed]— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) August 9, 2026 at 10:20 AMAFGE:Workers, Congress, and the flying public deserve to know what's happening with TSA's Gold+ program. That's why we're taking the agency to court. https://t.co/A4HwIzbsRv— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 5, 2026AFSCME:BREAKING: Together with the @AFLCIO, @AFTunion and @NationalNurses, we are filing a lawsuit challenging the Dept. of Education's new rule that would harm public service workers that serve our communities in some of the most critical & understaffed professions. pic.twitter.com/w1RrsFjn2D— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 11, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:Members of the Texas Alliance gathered in Beaumont and Dallas this week in honor of Social Security's 91st anniversary. It's been a great way for our members to organize as we work to keep our benefits strong for generations to come! pic.twitter.com/SVXkWTk1Ia— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 12, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 1208 JTRAN members will not back down until they get a fair and just contract they deserve. Show your solidarity by giving them a shout out in comments below. #OurVoiceOurPower #1u #UnionStrong @AFLCIO https://t.co/FCtmondLJL— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 12, 2026American Federation of Teachers:When Jeff Freitas, president of @cftunion.bsky.social, started as an educator, he wasn't comfortable coming out. But getting involved in his union enabled him to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and dignity. In AFT Voices, Freitas says fighting for labor rights means fighting for trans and queer rights.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) August 12, 2026 at 11:45 AM — American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) August 7, 2026 at 1:15 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Postal workers take pride in our work, especially when it comes to election mail. Vote-by-Mail is safe and secure, and we're ready to take it on this election cycle. https://t.co/TaU2yRX9tP— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) August 12, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:AFA EAP is a free, confidential resource for AFA members & our families to help us deal with issues we may have on & off the job. No matter the problem, trained AFA peer representatives are here to support you. This is our union at work. Call 800-424-2406 to get started. pic.twitter.com/n7fAHNHvsE— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 10, 2026Boilermakers:Ready, Set, Give Back. Local 92 #Boilermakers spent their weekend volunteering at the 5K for Change hosted by the Louise W Calhoun Foundation.https://t.co/qBy2SBO41S pic.twitter.com/i53EVXC9mt— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 11, 2026Bricklayers:We’re fighting for fair wages and protecting good union jobs and every worker’s fundamental right to organize. We need to pass the Pro Act. - @RepDebDingell #ProAct #solidarity #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/30I67o2xuR— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 12, 2026Communications Workers of America:On Tuesday, Aug 18, we're holding rallies across the US and Canada to call out layoffs and corporate greed in the gaming industry, and to demand fair first contracts across Microsoft’s gaming studios.Find an event near you: https://t.co/1Dl2dIefPt pic.twitter.com/cBU4au7Hvq— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 11, 2026Electrical Workers:New Jersey #IBEW nuclear members to bring manufacture of important isotope to U.S. https://t.co/QWKGP3fVYS— IBEW (@IBEW) August 11, 2026Fire Fighters:REMINDER: The 58th #IAFFConvention is livestreaming for members only. 🔥 Stay #AllIn and watch the action.▶️ https://t.co/7eyz921Lji pic.twitter.com/JaRTv7rvx1— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) August 12, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:HUGE WORKER WIN: A federal appeals court upheld the two-person freight crew rule, rejecting railroad industry challenges and affirming 2-PC is in effect across the country!https://t.co/C0zTNxZzKf— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) August 12, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Henson Joins Nuclear Energy Representatives at Key Industry Conferencehttps://t.co/QHxXEdXVy2— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 6, 2026International Union of Police Associations:The I.U.P.A. brings you the NewsWatch every week. Click on this link to see the latest news for I.U.P.A. members! https://t.co/LT4QTIHYNG— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) August 12, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Poll Worker Recruitment Day is right around the corner! Learn more about being a poll worker and apply at https://t.co/B28b8Qs33Y @PowerThePolls #PollWorkerRecruitmentDay #PowerThePolls pic.twitter.com/A62zjALI3E— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 6, 2026Laborers:A LIUNA Local 1298 brother lost his life and two others were seriously injured. They were doing what Laborers do every day, working hard to build and maintain our communities. Our hearts are with their families, their brothers and sisters of Local 1298 and everyone mourning this… pic.twitter.com/KlQ2gZwGAO— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 11, 2026Machinists:IAM CREST is helping young workers build skills for the job and for life.38 students recently received financial education as part of an apprenticeship pathway preparing them for careers as automotive and diesel technicians.https://t.co/ByooF3350N— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 12, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Our hearts go out to all of those who have been affected by the devastating earthquakes in Colombia.@PELOTEROS_MLB pic.twitter.com/tbojTaYcZz— MLBPA (@MLBPA) August 11, 2026Major League Soccer Players Association:Statement on today's Earthquake in Colombia.Comunicado sobre el terremoto ocurrido hoy en Colombia. pic.twitter.com/YRAxIBI9GW— MLSPA (@MLSPA) August 10, 2026Maritime Trades Department:IFPTE organizes NOAA Fisheries@IFPTE https://t.co/iNJYGt0Nee— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) August 7, 2026Musical Artists:Highlights from AGMA’s New Three-Year Agreement with Oregon Ballet Theatre: www.musicalartists.org/highlights-f...[image or embed]— American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) August 7, 2026 at 1:15 PMNational Air Traffic Controllers Association:Air traffic controllers keep you safe - no matter what the challenge or circumstance. #NATCA #WeGuideYouHome #GuardiansOfTheSky #ATC #AirTrafficControllers #union pic.twitter.com/LE8AALElWb— NATCA (@NATCA) August 10, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:The financial future of the Postal Service is in Congress’s hands. It’s time for action. ✅ Increasing USPS’s borrowing authority✅ A new investment strategy for USPS retiree health and pensions funds✅ A fair recalculation of USPS’s CSRS pension obligations…— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 11, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:Big news: NDWA has been nominated as an August 2026 @CREDOMobile grant recipient. Now we need your help! The amount of funding we receive depends on how many people vote for us by August 31. Voting is free and quick at https://t.co/7KhRtlqqjb ✨ Vote for domestic workers. pic.twitter.com/ojQumAxqkk— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 7, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:The 2026 #NHLPARookieShowcase marked a new crop of NHL talent partaking in many memorable moments to kickstart their careers in professional hockey, including receiving their first @UpperDeckSports rookie card. pic.twitter.com/Mv0rrzeKcA— NHLPA (@NHLPA) August 6, 2026National Nurses United:Chicago nurses and community members came together to sound the alarm on how federal budget cuts could impact Community First Medical Center.🚌 ➡️ Next stop: Bangor, ME on 9/19!https://t.co/HXgErt0pSX pic.twitter.com/sv2M8qD4EB— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) August 11, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Dear Friends, We cannot thank you enough for your generous and kind support! We are grateful to report that we have reached the fundraising goal and will be able to cover the funeral costs for brother Coulibaly. Once the plans are final, we will hold a memorial in Harlem before… https://t.co/Edzae7BM9u pic.twitter.com/g7024hqtk3— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 12, 2026NFL Players Association:A special day for five of the game’s greats. Congratulations to the @ProFootballHOF Class of 2026. pic.twitter.com/HOoN6dddq5— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 8, 2026North America's Building Trades Unions:📢BREAKING NEWS: NABTU and @Meta are partnering to strengthen Registered Apprenticeship pathways and invest in the unionized skilled trades workforce building the infrastructure behind America’s data revolution.The future is for everyone. The future is union-built.Learn more:… pic.twitter.com/6b544l1Xn0— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 12, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:We had a powerful first day of our Building Union Power Summit!Rank-and-file members joined staff and officers in workshops focused on offensive bargaining, union democracy, using our power on the jobsite, mentorship, and even creating chants for the picket line. pic.twitter.com/oHwQOYGb3x— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 11, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Gen Z is the most pro-union generation in decades. 🌟 Today we celebrate the young workers who are refusing to accept the status quo. You are the future of labor! #InternationalYouthDay #NextGenLabor #FutureOfWork pic.twitter.com/gBjQh2OBwU— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 12, 2026SAG-AFTRA:TAKE 5 🎬 What do intimacy coordinators do? SAG-AFTRA member and intimacy coordinator Alicia Rodis explains. #Take5SagAftra pic.twitter.com/VmT5fkslOs— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 12, 2026Service Employees International Union:Repeating this for those in the back… tech workers are fighting to win #UnionsForAll to push back against these mass layoffs. It’s why video game designers & other employees at @RockstarGames are using the timing of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 release date as leverage to… https://t.co/0e9hSuteYC— SEIU (@SEIU) August 12, 2026Solidarity Center:The @ituc's's 2026 Global Rights Index makes plain what workers around the world experience every day: democracy is backsliding. The good news? Workers have the power to save it ✊🏾 Check out the full Index here ➡️ https://t.co/qxKH73085C pic.twitter.com/yvFUAiTcNg— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 10, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Today is Poll Worker Recruitment Day! IATSE is proud to once again be partnering with @PowerThePolls, a nonpartisan initiative for recruiting a new wave of poll workers. 1,290 IATSE members have signed up to serve as poll workers in their local communities through this… pic.twitter.com/5XiLJmS8B8— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 11, 2026Transport Workers Union:.@NYCferry workers voted unanimously to join the TWU, New York's fightback union! "NYC Ferry workers saw the fight were bringing on all fronts on behalf of vulnerable work groups and know we will fight like hell for them. We're the first union on the property and the workers…— TWU (@transportworker) August 7, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Congrats to the @NYCferry Marine Diesel Technicians and Welders who voted unanimously to join the @transportworker union! Read more: https://t.co/chNON8TXAv pic.twitter.com/lK5siHGch4— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 11, 2026UAW:"Guides understand that the museum is a nonprofit organization that has to raise its own funds for staffing and programs; we also understand that we generate revenue by giving paying visitors an experience they recommend to others — as the many positive reviews affirm."…— UAW (@UAW) August 12, 2026UNITE HERE:Congrats UNITE HERE Local 1 on their contract victory at the Midway Club Lounge!Workers won their first union contract:✅ Free quality health insurance ✅ Free legal benefits✅ 100% employer-paid pension✅ Immediate raises of $2–$3.50 per hour✅ Another raise Jan 1 pic.twitter.com/M0X1riafCs— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 12, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:The Countdown is on. #UASolidarity2026 pic.twitter.com/fXQyUBevp4— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) August 10, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Big Red Liquors workers at 713 West 17th in Indiana, have joined L700!Now, with the power of the union, these workers are ready to fight for improved conditions, restored hours, higher wages, and most importantly, a real voice on the job!https://t.co/nJk5G7iAgh pic.twitter.com/1DDi9KOy3O— UFCW (@UFCW) August 10, 2026United Steelworkers:Heat is the leading cause of weather-related workplace deaths and it’s preventable. Yet the U.S. still has no federal heat safety standard. On Solidarity Works, USW's Steve Sallman breaks down why heat protections matter, and how workers can stay safe. https://t.co/vpow8quTLT pic.twitter.com/KlDowFETEU— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) August 11, 2026Writers Guild of America East:Before you start sending your work to agents, producers, actors or other industry folks, make sure you protect your material with the WGAE's Script Registration! www.wgaeast.org/mo/script_re...[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) August 11, 2026 at 12:09 PM Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/12/2026 - 11:55Continue reading→

A Win Worth Protecting: 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. Alaska AFL-CIO:Paid sick leave didn't just happen.Alaska voters passed it, 58–42. Lawmakers tried to gut it. We fought back.One year later, it's still standing because Alaskans fought for it.#AlaskaAFLCIO pic.twitter.com/dWYJZHv9Za— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 11, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Did you get a raise recently or maybe your car broke down? Did you know corporations are trying to exploit your personal info to raise your prices? Our bill, AB 2564, would put an end to this. Find out what it does here:https://t.co/jIsE4ROLw6— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 11, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:The Connecticut labor movement mourns the passing of former Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, a champion of working people. pic.twitter.com/AZSIkVvPZX— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 12, 2026Florida AFL-CIO:"The purpose of a ballot summary is to explain what an amendment would do, not to advocate for its adoption." We're happy to see the court recognize Amendment 3 for how misleading it truly is—a burden and cost shift on working families being disguised and sold as "savings." https://t.co/tagOUdN1uB— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 4, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:In Illinois, it gets HOT in the summer. Heat safety standards keep workers safe and job sites running smoothly. These protections should be strengthened, not rolled back.https://t.co/IWzyu2HRnT— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 8, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:We are proud to be a part of this important initiative ✊✊✊ https://t.co/MCM11Scc53— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 4, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Last night, the Michigan AFL-CIO and @waynestate 's Labor@Wayne Labor School celebrated our new partnership to educate and empower workers across Michigan. It's this simple: Learning. Leading. Labor. To find out more: https://t.co/aqVx71gUb1 pic.twitter.com/8gbwhJe2Vd— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 12, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:⛳️ https://t.co/O7OYtnk9FY— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 10, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:We stood shoulder to shoulder with our sisters & brothers of SEIU 1107 as HCA healthcare workers took to the picket line to demand the respect they deserve. Every healthcare worker deserves safe staffing, fair wages, & a workplace where they can provide the best possible care. pic.twitter.com/SAOSczA1cg— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 7, 2026New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Tickets + Sponsorships are now on sale for the 2026 @NHAFLCIO #LaborDay Breakfast. Get your tickets today by following this link: https://t.co/8fA6YvkvXO#NHLabor #Solidarity #NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/dvKdk17gge— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 3, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:TUIF. pic.twitter.com/qyjIXi3VqY— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 31, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Oregon Labor is proud to stand in solidarity with the women's basketball players at @OregonState and all of the courageous college athletes organizing to secure a real seat at the table! #Organize https://t.co/2lqB5U4ppa pic.twitter.com/JcZGxMPVOD— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 11, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Building your union? Yeah, that looks good on you. ✊ pic.twitter.com/GxTrS6eVFH— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 11, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:JUST ANNOUNCED: We're awarding $37.5K for college and career-building scholarships for Texas union members and their families! 📚https://t.co/lpg3HxTxGU— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 11, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Proud to endorse David Crowley for Wisconsin Governor. pic.twitter.com/4BzhTalNJo— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 12, 2026 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/12/2026 - 10:24Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IBB Sponsors 5K Charity Run 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. Boilermakers (IBB) Local 92 in Los Angeles recently supported the 5K for Change race, hosted by the Louise W. Calhoun Foundation. An annual event, the 5K raises funds for youth and veteran scholarships and supports community programs. Local 92 sponsored 20 children to participate in the 5K. Members of the local also volunteered and participated in the race.“The event filled me with an incredible sense of pride,” said Local 92 Recording Secretary Jamesee Yoakum. “Being able to explain to the next generation that there’s a spot for them in our union and explaining just how much the Boilermakers changed my life and can change theirs gives me great joy that we’re helping build a stronger future.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/12/2026 - 10:10Continue reading→

Workers Deserve More Power: The Working People Weekly List Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List. Unions Can Save Tech Workers and Tech Work: “Two University of California tech workers explain their unionization process—and how unions can help recapture the original promise of tech being used to better people’s lives rather than make the worst people in the world ever richer.”Providence St. Patrick Hospital Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unionize: “On Wednesday, workers at Providence St. Patrick Hospital voted overwhelmingly to unionize, 446-102. Now, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is headed to the negotiating table. ‘I chose healthcare because I want to take care of people, and I want to be a part of the community, and I think this union is gonna let me do that more,’ said Mishana Truitt, a surgical assistant at Providence St. Patrick Hospital.”CSEA Union Wins Raises, Benefits in 5-Year Contract with New York State: “Members of New York state's largest public-sector labor union have approved a five-year labor agreement with raises and benefits, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. The contracts with four Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) bargaining units include annual raises of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3% and 3% from April 2 of this year through April 1, 2031, the governor said. The agreements, which cover more than 55,000 state employees, also include ‘boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments,’ 20 additional hours of paid pre-natal leave, an increase in the sick leave accumulation cap and the elimination of of certain health insurance co-pays, Hochul said.”21st Century Solidarity: Laborers, Painters Unions Unite to Build More Power for the Working Class: “The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a historic industry-wide collaboration. ‘IUPAT and LIUNA stand as two pillars of the North American Labor Movement, each with proud histories of building nations and strengthening working class power,’ LIUNA and IUPAT said in a statement. ‘We recognize the challenges we face today, including aggressive anti-union legislation, corporate consolidation and technological disruption. Workers deserve more power and to get it requires 21st century solidarity.’”ABC News Digital Workers Unionize with WGA East in Unanimous Vote: “Employees at ABC News‘ digital division voted unanimously to form a union with the Writers Guild of America East. WGA East—which has repped unionized employees in ABC News’ TV operations for decades—said it reached an agreement with ABC regarding the union representation process for employees of ABCNews.com and ABC News’ social media platforms. The union said ABC and WGAE ‘have engaged in productive and constructive discussions, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining a collaborative and supportive workplace.’”Mystic Seaport Museum Workers OK Forming a Union: “Employees at Mystic Seaport Museum will join the largest cultural workers union in the country, which represents more than 50,000 people  across museums, libraries, zoos and cultural institutions. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 4 Cultural Workers United announced Monday that the workers voted to form a union with the council, and that the National Labor Relations Board certified the result last week, more than three months after the April 16 election.”Labor Watch: Big SUNY Contract Ratified: “United University Professions, the State University of New York system’s faculty union, cemented its contract win last week. It represents more than 42,000 faculty members, and most of them voted to ratify a new five-year contract that includes across-the-board pay raises each year, starting with a 4.5% bump in 2026, as well as provisions that expand due process and job security protections and minimize the role of student surveys in teacher effectiveness evaluations.”Millions Say They Would Join a Labor Union if They Could: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, who represents some 15 million workers, said tripling union membership is not a pipe dream. More than one in three private sector workers belonged to a union in the 1950s. ‘Back in the 1950s when, frankly, our wages were actually growing along with the economy and when economic growth meant that all of us won, not just the billionaires,’ Shuler emphasized.”Eric Carle Museum Workers Push for Union Vote: “Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? The Eric Carle Museum staff have started unionizing. Workers announced the news on Instagram on August 3, amid staff allegations of understaffing, a lack of promotions, and poor workplace conditions at the Massachusetts museum established by the beloved children’s book author and illustrator. According to their post, employees filed for a full-time and part-time staff election with the National Labor Relations Board. ‘We call upon Museum leadership not to interfere with or delay a union vote,’ the post reads. Under representation from the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2110, the group demanded that as many staff as possible be allowed to vote in the election, given they fit the eligibility criteria.”Missouri Cannabis Retail Workers Ratify State’s Second Union Contract: “Cannabis workers at a licensed retailer in Springfield, Missouri, ratified a union contract last week after years of negotiations, union officials said. The July 30 vote by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2-organized workers at Key Cannabis Dispensary is believed to be only the second instance of a unionized cannabis store in the $1.5 billion market securing a contract, according to the Springfield News-Leader.”‘A Reminder of Why We Have Unions’: Matewan Writer and Director on the Film’s Lessons for the Labor Movement: “When John Sayles, a student at Williams College taking time off from his summer factory job, was hitchhiking during the summer of 1970 in West Virginia, it was often coalminers who picked him off the main interstate highways. At the time, miners were amid the wake of a contentious union election within the United Mine Workers of America. Fierce tensions had led to the murder of the union reform candidate Joseph Yablonski and his wife in December 1969.”Over 100 Women’s NCAA Basketball Players Start Unionization Effort: “Women's college basketball players are looking to unionize. On Friday, the United College Athletes Association (UCAA) announced that more than 100 women's college basketball athletes joined its unionization campaign. The women are the largest group of college athletes to formally push for collective bargaining alongside the UCAA with the goal of adding members from other sports.”New York Immigration Coalition Employees Win Union Recognition: “Employees had announced their intent to form a union on June 9, delivering a petition to management signed by 70% of eligible staff. Calling themselves NYIC United, the employees, who are organizing with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153, gave management a deadline of June 12 to voluntarily recognize their union before going public.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/10/2026 - 13:32Continue reading→

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Allied Groups: Union Lawyers Alliance This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our allied groups. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all of the groups. Next up is the Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA). Name of Organization: Union Lawyers AllianceDescription: ULA is a bar association for lawyers who represent the AFL-CIO or its affiliated unions. It was created in 1983 as the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee. In 2021, the organization changed its name to the AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance with the intent of more clearly communicating its labor movement foundation and the strong ties between its members.Mission: To facilitate the exchange of information and strategies to assist ULA members in representing their union clients; inform and mobilize union-side lawyers in the labor movement’s support of legislative and political priorities, such as labor law reform, judicial nominations and voter protection; offer legal education, technical assistance and networking opportunities to the union-side bar; and assist ULA firms and legal departments in recruiting and retaining new lawyers and lawyers of color to the practice of labor law.Current Campaign: Protect Our Voice is the ULA’s contribution to the AFL-CIO’s Union P.O.W.E.R. (Protect. Organize. Win. Engage. Right Now.) initiative. The goals are to build labor’s legal capacity by training ULA attorneys on state-specific election laws; educate union clients with practical “know your rights” resources and voting rights guidance; deploy attorneys to support nonprofit election protection partners through poll monitoring, hotline assistance, ballot curing and rapid response; and prepare union leaders for emerging challenges by equipping ULA attorneys to advise union clients on workers’ legal rights, lawful civic engagement and mass mobilization if ballots are challenged, voting rights are threatened or significant election disputes arise.Regular Activities: The ULA hosts a three-day annual conference for its members. The conference includes up to 18 breakout sessions on legal developments affecting unions; three plenary gatherings where attendees hear from labor leaders, workers and other activists; and numerous social events to strengthen personal and professional ties within the close-knit labor bar.Each year, the ULA runs its Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities and Recruitment (DOOR) Program, which encourages law students of color to apply for summer clerkship opportunities at ULA law firms and legal departments. DOOR law clerks are invited to a two-day conference at the AFL-CIO where they participate in substantive legal training, meet affiliate general counsels and make connections among future colleagues in the labor bar. They are also offered the opportunity to be matched with a ULA member mentor to help them be successful in their summer employment and future career plans. The ULA offers many other opportunities for its members to connect and share information, including regional field meetings, webinars, informal classes, and virtual message boards and LISTSERVs.The ULA also maintains a list of labor law-related fellowships, scholarships and programs for law students, as well as a hiring hall for jobs related to labor law.Learn More: Website Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/10/2026 - 14:43Continue reading→