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Worker Wins: Real Progress for Working People Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. WGAE Members Ratify First Contract Under New Gizmodo Management: Nine months after the online tech news outlet was acquired by a European media company, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at Gizmodo have ratified their first contract with new management. The 14-person bargaining unit unanimously approved the new deal with Keleops Media that builds on victories secured in previous agreements. Highlights of the three-year contract include artificial intelligence safeguards, raises, a higher 401(k) match rate, maintenance of successorship language and more. “The Gizmodo USA Union is excited to have a new contract with Keleops,” said the bargaining unit in a press release. “We are looking forward to continuing to cover the tech industry with integrity. We’re excited to collaborate with management and grow in ways we were stifled before.”Judge Orders Post-Gazette to Restore Striking Workers’ Health Care and Resume Bargaining: A U.S. Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that Pittsburgh Post-Gazette management must restore health care benefits to its striking journalists and resume bargaining with the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 38061. Members have been on strike since October of 2022 after management at the news outlet refused to bargain in good faith and illegally made unilateral changes to the workers’ health care plan. This ruling is a major win and massive development because it directly addresses the core demands of this work stoppage—which is now the longest ongoing strike in the United States. “Members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh have stood and fought against the Post-Gazette’s illegal union busting since October 2022, and today we have been given the victory that we’ve held the picket line waiting for so long,” said Zack Tanner, president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, in a press release. “Our win today is a major victory not just for us striking workers, but for all workers in Pittsburgh who want to stand up and fight.” “NewsGuild-CWA members have a saying: whatever it takes,” NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss added. “Guild members have struck for 29 months knowing we were right and the company broke federal law. Today the 3rd [U.S.] Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with us. We’re thrilled and will continue doing our job holding power to account, especially when it’s the boss.”Oregon Senate Passes Bill Extending Unemployment to Striking Workers: Oregon state senators voted on Thursday to pass legislation that would level the playing field in contract negotiations by making striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it will be considered by the Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. If passed, Senate Bill 916 would make Oregon the first state in the country to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers in both the public and private sectors. Payments would kick in after two weeks on the picket line under this legislation—a reasonable timeline, given that 86% of strikes last less than 14 days. “The Oregon AFL-CIO applauds the Senate’s passage of SB 916, a critical step toward ensuring that every worker in Oregon has a fair shot at economic security,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor in a press release. “This bill represents real progress for working people, those who’ve too often been left behind by policies that favor the wealthy and powerful. We’re proud to stand with the workers and community advocates who fought tirelessly to get us here, and we urge the House to move swiftly to send SB 916 to Governor [Tina] Kotek’s desk.”CLC Support Was Key to Bloomington Workers’ Contract Victory: Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) members at the Bloomington, Illinois, Barnes & Noble ratified their first-ever contract earlier this month. Workers at the storefront credit their huge victory in part to the outpouring of support from their union brothers, sisters and siblings at Bloomington-Normal Trades and Labor Assembly (BNTLA). BNTLA has 30 affiliated locals over a four-county, central Illinois area, with about 4,000 members. Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 197—which opened its union hall to Barnes & Noble Union members to use for bargaining—and other unions from around the area mobilized to support the bookstore staff at various actions and walkouts over the course of negotiations to show that the labor movement had their backs in this fight. “The support from other unions was absolutely crucial for our success,” said Zane Crockett, the lead bookseller at the Bloomington store. “Having support on the picket lines, and encouragement within the store raised our group’s morale. The company definitely took notice, and this assisted us in finalizing our contract. We are very grateful for the Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly and all the work they do.” BNTLA President Jason Pascal, a Laborers (LIUNA) Local 362 member, added: “The Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly is not a huge central labor council, but we strive to practice our union solidarity.  Anytime there’s an organizing drive, we want to be there one hundred percent. Many of our affiliated locals are less than 100 members, so we know those unions depend upon solidarity to survive and build spirit.”Skidmore Faculty Ratifies First Union Contract: Faculty represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United at Skidmore College unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last week. The new agreement between Skidmore Faculty Forward and the private liberal arts school covers full- and part-time faculty who are not on the tenure track. The core bargaining goal for members was longer renewable appointments—before the CBA, they worked on short contracts that lasted one to three years and then were terminated with no guarantee of being rehired. Fixing this serial job insecurity was a major highlight of the deal, in addition to increased salary minimums, full parental leave and more. “We are elated that our first collective bargaining agreement has been ratified,” the union said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and thankful for the contributions, big and small, from so many of our colleagues and fellow union members. This contract would not be the life-changing and uplifting document that it is without their support. Thank you to the entire campus community for your support over the years. Together, we won huge gains and improvements in our working conditions and ultimately in our students’ learning conditions.”Courier Staff Secures Voluntary Recognition: The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and digital media company Courier announced Thursday that management has agreed to voluntarily recognize Courier’s staff union. The bargaining unit includes reporters, editors, designers and social media managers. Members of Courier United report productive conversations with the publication and are looking forward to negotiating a contract that ensures the company’s mission. “We are pleased that COURIER has opted to voluntarily recognize our union at this crucial time when media workers everywhere are fighting for stronger protections against layoffs and better pay,” the Courier United Organizing Committee said in a press release. Sara David, WGAE vice president of online media, added, “I’m so happy to welcome the COURIER staff to the Writers Guild of America East. We appreciate that management at COURIER upheld its progressive values by working quickly to recognize the union. Every newsroom benefits from a strong union contract.”Federal Court Blocks DOGE Access to Social Security Data: On Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary order preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans. The ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of AFSCME, the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “The court saw that Elon Musk and his unqualified lackeys present a grave danger to Social Security and have illegally accessed the data of millions of Americans,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders in a press release. “This decision will not only force them to delete any data they have currently saved, but it will also block them from further sharing, accessing or disclosing our Social Security information.” “We are grateful that the court took strong action to protect every American’s personal data,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in a press release. “Seniors must be able to trust the Social Security Administration will protect their personal information and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.”Federal Court Blocks DOGE Access to Social Security Data: On Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary order preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans. The ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of AFSCME, the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “The court saw that Elon Musk and his unqualified lackeys present a grave danger to Social Security and have illegally accessed the data of millions of Americans,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders in a press release. “This decision will not only force them to delete any data they have currently saved, but it will also block them from further sharing, accessing or disclosing our Social Security information.” “We are grateful that the court took strong action to protect every American’s personal data,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in a press release. “Seniors must be able to trust the Social Security Administration will protect their personal information and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:38 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

Take Action: No Cuts to Social Security Phone Bank Social Security is a lifeline for America’s taxpayers, providing income and dignity after a lifetime of hard work. Which is why it’s so mind-boggling that Elon Musk and DOGE would attack such a successful, cost-effective and popular program.As of last week, Musk’s pseudo-government agency listed 47 Social Security offices across the country that it intends to close—at the same time that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending mixed messages about whether or not it will shut down Social Security’s toll-free phone support service. The website has crashed four times in 10 days this month. And according to reports over the past month, the SSA could be planning to fire 50% of its workforce, jeopardizing the timely delivery of checks that people depend on to pay their bills. That’s why we’re sharing this important virtual phone bank from our friends at the Alliance for Retired Americans. Founded by the AFL-CIO in 2001, the alliance now has 40 state alliances and members in every state.The alliance is holding a virtual phone bank on Thursday to call America’s seniors to let them know about the DOGE threats to Social Security and urge them to call their members of Congress. Can you join the Alliance for Retired Americans? Here are the details: WHAT: Save Social Security Virtual Phone BankWHEN: Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. ETREGISTER HERECan’t make it on Thursday afternoon? Call your own representative and senators here and urge them to protect Social Security.Thank you for taking action to say, “Hands off our Social Security!”  Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:00Continue reading→

Stand Together As A Union: 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:Today is Equal Pay Day – the day of a new year at which women’s average earnings make up the difference from men’s pay from the preceding year. Workers of all demographics and identities deserve equal pay for equal labor. Learn more and get activated at https://t.co/UApJyhUGvr pic.twitter.com/dzbdV5V5Rt— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 25, 2025AFGE:AFGE has fought alongside TSA Officers for decades and we're not stopping now.The only way to fight back is to stand together as a union.https://t.co/hzd7D05wz8— AFGE (@AFGENational) March 26, 2025AFSCME:🚨UNION BUSTING ALERT🚨 Extremists in the House are taking up bills aimed at eliminating your voice on the job. Here's a sample of their anti-worker agenda: pic.twitter.com/qrx4cl85bK— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 25, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Wow. Not a good look to say you "love" the SSA field office closures, staff reductions, and general chaos caused by DOGE.pic.twitter.com/kMajHSzSDJ— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 25, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:#UnionSolidarity #bvgberlin pic.twitter.com/eLdaYvVFI5— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 26, 2025American Postal Workers Union:"[...]any attack on the Postal Service is part of the ongoing oligarchs’ coup against the vital public services our members and other public servants provide the country. We know that privatized postal services will lead to higher postage prices, and lower service quality to the… pic.twitter.com/iIauHwuPVk— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) March 26, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:“We are just starting to see United get serious at the table,” Ken Diaz, president of United AFA, said Wednesday. “This management team has delayed, delayed, delayed. They are starting to take some of their concessions off the table.” @tedreednc https://t.co/87IGeyhSx7— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 20, 2025Boilermakers:National Rosie the Riveter Day was extra special for Local 549 #Boilermakers as they celebrated with the original Rosies from the Kaiser Shipyards pic.twitter.com/gq1caXCOYT— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 24, 2025Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday!This week’s worksite has a beautiful terrazzo pour from our brothers at BAC Local 7 Tile, Marble & Terrazzo NY & NJ!Thanks Zonca Terrazzo and Mosaic, LLC for highlighting our members!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/G3ElmUbEeB— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 26, 2025Communications Workers of America:Many CWA members work at locally-owned PBS & NPR stations and play a crucial role in keeping our communities informed. Without public television and radio stations, we will lose access to critical local news and programming https://t.co/31ZGnZd8dF— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 26, 2025Department for Professional Employees:DPE commends @SenThomTillis and @MarkWarner for reintroducing PATPA, which will restore tax fairness for middle class entertainment workers. Here's our full statement: https://t.co/PUl29YfJ3V pic.twitter.com/lqx6O3QHb9— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) March 25, 2025Electrical Workers:The country needs more electricity – and more electricians. https://t.co/RKctPgnfi9— IBEW (@IBEW) March 26, 2025Fire Fighters:🔥 #OnThisDay in 1911, New York City fire fighters responded to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers. The tragedy led to new laws protecting workers and to the development of @osha_dol. pic.twitter.com/CHyMBi4tet— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 25, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Did you know the journal is now available on our website & in the app?📲As leaders of sustainable practices, we believe how we produce our quarterly journal should reflect our commitment to a greener tomorrow.Want to go paperless? Update your settings in your membership… pic.twitter.com/5z63O4NZz8— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) March 19, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️☕In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Dora Cervantes, Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM, LCLAA Vice President, and a trailblazing Latina leader in the labor movement. 💪🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/6n3tUvRGPV— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 25, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:🎭 Register now for the 2025 LHF Arts Exchange, June 20-22 in Silver Spring! Celebrate labor arts, unity & resilience. Space is limited! Info & sign-up: https://t.co/m0ZMk7Ykx9 pic.twitter.com/e0a4t68LQk— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 25, 2025Laborers:Safety isn’t optional. It’s #UNIONMADE. Laborers build North America’s future—working smart in the heat, staying protected with PPE, and backed by the unstoppable POWER of a union that fights for us. Join the movement 👉 https://t.co/N1htJdvA4k#FeelThePower #UnionStrong… pic.twitter.com/T95lLLbgoo— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 26, 2025Metal Trades Department:AFGE Continues to Represent TSA Officers, Protect Their Workplace Rights https://t.co/ZX6ATSbDh1— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 25, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCAvists are building relationships on Capitol Hill to strengthen the NAS and our profession. Share your photos! Email publicaffairs@natca.org, post with #NATCAinWashington, and tag @NATCA (FB/X) & @NATCAnational (IG). https://t.co/55rz01tlAt pic.twitter.com/602JECPsiC— NATCA (@NATCA) March 25, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Letter carriers deliver more than just mail — we provide a vital service that connects all Americans. But none of it happens without a strong, public Postal Service and the dedication of 640,000 USPS employees. Privatization poses a direct threat to that service. We say #HellNo! pic.twitter.com/LhcDWUXATP— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) March 26, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:WATCH: Jess, a Medicaid recipient in Utah, describes how Medicaid program cuts would affect her life."I currently use Medicaid for my prescriptions, most prominently, and those aren't something I would be able to afford on my own."#HandsOffMedicaid pic.twitter.com/X2Zuxj02BT— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 21, 2025National Nurses United:The VA consistently outperforms the private sector when it comes to care, but critics are trying to dismantle the system and privatize it. Who will feel the worst impacts of these attacks? Our veteran patients.Southern nurses send a message to our VA siblings: Stand strong! pic.twitter.com/IvKDf5EXLm— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 25, 2025NFL Players Association:A successful first day out on the links for the #NFLPAClassic 🏌️‍♂️📸Tune into the @golfchannel tomorrow from 6-8pm ET to see who’s taking home this year’s championship title. 📺 pic.twitter.com/ekpNGCotX7— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 26, 2025North America's Building Trades Unions:In: skilled tradesOut: college loanshttps://t.co/8OwIaQ3cDy— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 24, 2025Office and Professional Employees:This week’s #WomensHistoryMonth spotlight is Wendy Pope of OPEIU Local 29! As chief shop steward at Elevance, she is the first line of defense for co-workers experiencing issues at work. pic.twitter.com/v5UxT4wLk0— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 24, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:Unionized construction workers earn 42% more on average than our non-union counterparts.That's the difference unions like ours make. pic.twitter.com/ipafqedNPe— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 25, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:March 25, 1911: fire tore through NY Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killing 146 workers—mostly women & girls. Out of tragedy came stronger workplace protections through labor unions. Attempts to roll back provisions endangers lives, sets our country back. #NeverForget #trianglefire pic.twitter.com/dqK8XiB0qO— PASS (@PASSNational) March 25, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:The @RWDSU is proud to announce our endorsement of @EryckaMontoya for NYC Council in District 21! As a native New Yorker who was raised in a union family in Queens, we know that Erycka will fight for working people! pic.twitter.com/jdovRApIr4— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 26, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Choose the right anchorage for your personal fall arrest system – engineered anchor point systems typicallyexceed regulations and are the safest option. Learn more: https://t.co/KeV5KO6x7y #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/aQcVml0xqY— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 26, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Did you hear @linsayrousseau? 2 YEARS of negotiations. We are fighting for proper A.I. protections: transparency, consent & compensation. It's time for the video game employers to #LevelUpTheContract! Show your support & learn more at https://t.co/ob855yNcHq. #VideoGameStrike pic.twitter.com/GzQVGUPlxT— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 22, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):Medicaid is healthcare for nearly 80 million Americans. We’re here in DC reminding Congress that people matter, not billionaire tax breaks. ✊🏽 #ProtectMedicaid pic.twitter.com/eiZvJWpanK— SEIU (@SEIU) March 26, 2025Solidarity Center:In 2021, state-organized forced labor - including child labor - in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector ended. Workers have been organizing for fair wages, safe conditions & a voice on the job - creating a path for cotton products that benefit working people, brands & the global market. pic.twitter.com/lP7c9zn7q2— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 20, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: Today, we joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media and others for their efforts to shutter the agency and close several international newsrooms – forcing our members at Radio Free Asia off the job. pic.twitter.com/gEvTTNgc0i— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) March 21, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:BREAKING: Atlantic Theater Company Production Workers Ratify First Union Contract, End StrikeProduction crewmembers at Atlantic Theater Company have voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached on March 10th and are set to become among the first not-for-profit theater company… pic.twitter.com/eFvHbNXhal— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 25, 2025Transport Workers Union:The TWU successfully fought in Albany & NYC for a bigger in-house workforce to carry out the MTA Capital Plan. Our allies @NYSenDems and @NYSA_Majority stood with @twulocal100. A safer, more reliable transit system is coming if NYS funds the plan. @TwuSamuelsen https://t.co/TgYcCH0g5z— TWU (@transportworker) March 25, 2025Transportation Trades Department:It’s better in a union! 💪It was great to meet with @SenLBR to discuss her transportation priorities for Delaware and her committee assignments this Congress. #TransportationTuesday pic.twitter.com/aVUhNwFltx— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 25, 2025UAW:"Cummins should stop stalling, stop using bully tactics (private security bullies), and scare tactics (scabs), and come back to the table ready to negotiate in good faith." -- Paul Youngblood, UAW Local 291, UAW Region 4 | #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GElOahKP4d— UAW (@UAW) March 26, 2025UNITE HERE:Alongside Working Families United and other allies, UNITE HERE Local 2 demonstrated our commitment Monday to protect TPS. We made our voices heard outside the courthouse on Monday before a judge heard a motion to postpone Homeland Security’s termination of TPS for Venezuelans. pic.twitter.com/b7wRsKBPqy— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 26, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:It is not too late to sign up for the 2025 Free Foreign Language Program Spring quarter! Whether it’s for travel, for work, or just for fun, this program offers members the ability to learn over 70 languages for free online.🌐: https://t.co/61IC0Gx1LG pic.twitter.com/3uM1c6xC7r— UFCW (@UFCW) March 25, 2025United Steelworkers:The @SolidarityCntr, part of the @AFLCIO family, stands with workers across the🌎 facing some of the toughest working conditions. Their work is driven by labor's shared vision: all workers have the right to organize, earn fair wages & work w/ dignity. https://t.co/92OF4UlA3e pic.twitter.com/k2eCqDqd95— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 26, 2025Utility Workers:Active members like Dana Pew of UWUA Local G-555 make #WomensHistory and #LaborHistory at the same time. https://t.co/GXKatzpfmJ— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 26, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Management loves to say we’re all family - it’s time to start treating workers like it. Fill out the interest form if you’re a nonfiction production worker looking for better conditions! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/NybzKZEGsk— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 25, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:05Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers 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. Early Monday morning, the Machinists (IAM) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) gathered to show support for federal workers alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (pictured above) and community allies. Rally attendees spoke with commuters and held signs thanking federal employees for their critical work keeping our essential services running.“We often take federal employees for granted, yet they dedicate their lives to serving the American people, often under challenging circumstances,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It's crucial that we take time to recognize their hard work and commitment, not just on special occasions, but every day. They are going through a difficult time, and we are proud to support them with a simple thank you.”Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE-IAM, added: “They deserve our respect, our support, and fair treatment. This event is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:23Continue reading→