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Solidarity Forever: 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. Alaska AFL-CIO:Electric May Day celebration in Anchorage, Alaska yesterday! Our community came together to stand up for workers in every sector and demand answers from our federal delegation.One Union. One Alaska. One Fight. ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/rZW2pYFvZF— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Arizona AFL-CIO:✊Today is International Workers' Day! We celebrate the strength and solidarity of the labor movement and say "enough." We are fighting back on illegal attacks on our jobs, our unions, our contracts, and our freedoms.https://t.co/HSVGdh5wLs pic.twitter.com/LumNIfOyxW— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We stand in strong solidarity with @UPTECWA and @afscme3299, who are on strike today protesting unfair labor practices at the University of California. Here’s a photo from the UPTE action in Sacramento! #MayDay pic.twitter.com/Xa6NhhY85l— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 1, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:The Colorado House just heard the Worker Protection Act! This bill is a fair shot at strong unions and an economy that works for all of us. ⁦@GovofCO⁩ , sign this bill & stand with the workers who power our economy every day. ⁦@baconforco⁩ #coleg pic.twitter.com/tDSB15jjiS— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:Incredible support from Day 1 on the IAM strike line in East Hartford! We appreciate you all and we'll be here every day until the members get a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/uxzysvFbjR— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Senate Labor Chair Robert Peters joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about his journey into politics, Illinois' pro-worker legislation and efforts to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the trades.Tune in here: https://t.co/HGhieHGQH1 pic.twitter.com/JfFG78lRV7— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Happy International Workers’ Day! Today the world celebrates the courage and resolve of workers who have fought for safety, dignity and justice at work. Solidarity Forever! ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/X0XUpTtW2E— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:"Unfortunately, [our staffing is] subject to potential reductions through the [Congressional] budget reconciliation process," said Bangor air traffic controller Bryan Loquet, @NATCA State Coordinator for Maine. https://t.co/D7dV9vNhpm— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Support Macy's Workers Fighting for a better future! @ufcw1445https://t.co/ygvXwKmbe6 pic.twitter.com/7vMgCsWkjh— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 6, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:Satellite company CEOs are being greedy and pushing to funnel more of the money intended for fiber buildout to unreliable satellite internet service. Enough is Enough. Protect our work and reliable, affordable internet service NOW: https://t.co/XNR6akvDqw pic.twitter.com/fSnqHaFXMS— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:Join us on June 29th! #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/zf8GmzOBtp— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:As Trump & his DOGE team attack our union contracts and basic freedoms, we must stand united in our fight for a better future for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength. You come for one of us, you come for ALL OF US. https://t.co/atG8VHy6AT— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Our rights weren’t given. They were fought for and won by workers who refused to accept dismal working conditions.On International Workers' Day and every day, the labor movement carries their strength in our fight for worker justice. #MayDay2025 pic.twitter.com/brlO5XBLAC— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:This afternoon we joined SEIU 1107 at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center professionals at their rally for quality patient care and tetention! pic.twitter.com/OUgUg73XLP— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 6, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Statement of President Mario Cilento on Unemployment Insurance Benefit: https://t.co/gKfivGHCjv— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 5, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Workers, veterans and retirees are speaking out about how North Carolinians are being hurt by DOGE cuts to our essential services. Why is @SenThomTillis so afraid of hearing from his constituents? pic.twitter.com/DUFqSDOyQQ— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 29, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:Oregon State Representatives are considering a key labor bill, SB 916A, which extends unemployment benefits to striking workers. Stand with Oregon workers today and send a letter asking lawmakers to Vote YES on SB 916A. https://t.co/TEH1DkhEjk pic.twitter.com/cEWmV0lND4— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The U.S. Department of Labor exists to protect workers—like coal miners. But they are trying to dismantle those protections piece by piece. Without a strong DOL, worker safety isn’t just at risk—it’s gone. pic.twitter.com/5MOJn1KqMl— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 5, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:Solidarity with workers at Austin’s @alamodrafthouse Slaughter Lane who just voted to join @UAW! Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! (via @KVUE) #ATX #UnionStrong https://t.co/hbMjuBXvve— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:NIOSH keeps Workers safe. Call and demand Congress save NIOSH from DOGE's reckless cuts! https://t.co/hSCyIRrMKQ— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Worker safety agency NIOSH lays off most remaining staff https://t.co/3blbSUikep via @CBSNews— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 5, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:15Continue reading→

Pressure Comes from the People: 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. U.S. Labor Unions Demand 'Brother' Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Return from El Salvador: “The letter was signed by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation; James Williams, Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT; Gwen Mills, president of the hospitality union Unite Here; and Michael Coleman, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, or SMART, which is Abrego Garcia’s union.”Writers Guild Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union: “The Writers Guild of America West has voluntarily recognized its staff’s intent to unionize with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, allowing the bargaining unit to move forward on its first labor contract. ‘We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,’ WGAW Operations Coordinator II and Writers Guild Staff Union leader Doug MacIsaac said. ‘We’re happy to be able to advocate for ourselves and look forward to negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement.’”AFL-CIO President Visits Maine to Highlight Potential Impacts of Veterans Administration Cuts: “Union officials are warning that potential cuts to the veterans’ administration will result in longer wait times for services and benefits. Last month, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs announced a reorganization plan that calls for reducing the VA workforce by 83,000 employees this year, one of many federal cost cutting measures. In response, members of the AFL-CIO gathered in Augusta Wednesday to share their stories as part of a roundtable discussion with National President Liz Shuler. She’s been traveling the country to meet with workers in places like Maine, that ‘aren’t strongholds for either political party,’ she said. ‘This is about capturing workers’ voices and bringing their stories to life because often they are left out of the conversation,’ she said.”Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Agree on New Contract: “Established in Kansas in 1944, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra has recently come to an agreement with its musicians to increase their salaries, among other deals. In all, 45 members of the Wichita Musicians’ Association, local union No. 297 of the American Federation of Musicians, unanimously approved the contract, which will run through June 2028 and cover around 80 orchestra musicians.”Coalition of Nonprofits, Unions Launch Challenge to Trump's 'Unlawful' Attack on Government: “‘The Trump administration's reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security,’ said AFGE national president Everett Kelley. ‘This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this coalition to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves.’”Too Many Workers Die on the Job Every Year. Trump’s Attacks on OSHA Will Kill More: “This Monday marked Workers Memorial Day, an annual international day of remembrance of workers who have died on the job, as well as a day of action to continue the fight for workplace safety. An estimated 140,587 U.S. workers died from hazardous working conditions in 2023, according to a new AFL-CIO report. This amounts to roughly 385 workplace-related deaths a day. While mourning these lives lost, there is also reason to fear this death toll will only rise due to aggressive Trump administration attacks on basic health and safety protections long taken for granted in most U.S. workplaces.”Referendum to Repeal Anti-Union Law Meets Threshold to Qualify for 2026 Ballot: “Labor groups have met the requirements to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to repeal a law banning police, firefighters and teachers unions from representing their members in contract negotiations. As of Monday morning, the referendum backers had reached their target in the required 15 senate districts, in addition to the 146,480 verified signatures statewide, according to the lieutenant governor’s office.”SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal: “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025’s Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three.”AFL-CIO President on Mass Protests: ‘Pressure Comes from the People’: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins The Weekend to discuss how to keep the momentum going following massive anti-Trump protests this month.”Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Its Attack on Union Rights: “Trump’s executive order, which AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called ‘the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history,’ applied to workers at a wide swath of agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Shuler applauded Friedman’s injunction. ‘We commend the court for recognizing the Trump administration’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights for what it was: illegal, retaliatory union-busting,’ Shuler said in a statement. ‘This was the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history, and if Trump was allowed to do it to federal workers, he would be able to do it to every worker in America, in every workplace and every industry.’” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:11Continue reading→

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Ili Meaole For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ili Meaole of AFGE. Ili Meaole has dedicated more than 21 years of her life to the labor movement, fighting tirelessly for the rights of workers. Her journey began in 2002 when she joined the union and became a steward, driven by a desire to advocate for her colleagues. In 2008, she was elected as local secretary, working relentlessly to ensure equality in the workplace. Meaole continues to lead with determination as AFGE District 11's elected National Fair Practice and Affirmative Action Coordinator. She is also a proud member of the AFGE Council of Prison Locals.  Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 09:42Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Members at Pratt & Whitney Go on Strike Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Approximately 3,000 members of Machinists (IAM) locals 700 and 1746 in Connecticut rejected the latest proposal from their employer, Pratt & Whitney, and launched a work stoppage early Monday morning to secure a fair contract.Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of defense company RTX, produces engines for both commercial and military jets. Workers at the aerospace manufacturer voted with about 77% in support of a strike after management failed to provide a deal that sufficiently addressed concerns over wages, retirement and job security.“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision—we will continue to fight for a fair contract.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 09:32Continue reading→

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Actors and Artistes This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 63 of our affiliates. Next up is the Actors and Artistes (4As). Name of Union: Associated Actors and Artistes of America.Current Leadership of Union: Gabrielle Carteris, president.Mission: The 4As works to advance and protect the welfare of the people who work to entertain and inform others in person and through every medium of recording and transmission. There are five member unions that make up the 4As. Actors’ Equity Association, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and SAG-AFTRA are directly affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Two other unions are part of the AFL-CIO through their membership in the 4As: the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) and the Italian American Actors (GIAA). Administrative functions of the 4As are handled by the Department for Professional Employees (DPE).  American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)Mission: To represent performing artists and stage managers for live performances in the variety field.Current Leadership of Union: Judy Little serves as executive president. Other officers include Christopher Johnson (executive vice president), Susanne K. Doris (executive secretary-treasurer), Thania Guzman (director of membership) and Darlene Wendy Frank (national comptroller).Members Work as: Variety performers, including singers and dancers in touring shows and in theatrical revues, theme park performers, skaters, circus performers, comedians and stand-up comics, cabaret and club artists, lecturers, poets, monologists, spokespersons, and those working at private parties and special events.Industries Represented: Any performances in the variety area.History: AGVA was founded in 1939.Current Campaigns and Community Efforts: The AGVA Welfare Trust Fund is a self-funded major medical insurance plan, governed by a board of trustees, for the purpose of providing medical, optical and dental insurance coverage to eligible AGVA performers. AGVA offers current and previous members assistance through the Margie Coate Sick and Relief Fund, which is also regularly involved with other industry-related charities that benefit AGVA members, such as the Entertainment Community Fund, Episcopal Actors’ Guild, Catholic Actors Guild, Better Wellness, the New York Health Fair, Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, Central Labor Rehabilitation Council, St. Malachy’s Actors’ Chapel and various telethons. The fund also presents regular variety shows using the talents of AGVA member performers (for which they are paid a fee for expenses) at various senior citizen facilities, hospitals, care centers, schools and public service locations throughout the country. AGVA also provides members with visa application assistance. Learn More: Website, Facebook, X Italian American Actors (GIAA)Mission: Helping advance, promote, foster and protect the welfare of its members within its own jurisdiction and its sister unions. To preserve the history and awareness of Italian heritage among its members.Current Leadership of Union: Carlo Fiorletta is the president of GIAA. Other officers include Carolyn McDonough (first vice president), Debbie Klaar (second vice president), Mara Lesemann (secretary/treasurer), Simcha Borenstein (councilor), Ashley Wagner (councilor), Ron Piretti (alternate councilor), Regina M. Cafarelli (alternate councilor), Elaine LeGaro (alternate councilor) and Paul Borghese (president emeritus).Members Work as: Actors.Industries Represented: The arts and entertainment industries.History: GIAA was founded in 1937 as the Italian Actors Union to provide a voice for small ethnic theater groups. Since the 1990s, the group has been known as the Guild of Italian American Actors. Current Campaigns and Community Efforts: GIAA provides news and casting opportunities to its members. If members choose to have their headshot and resume included on the website, their information will be available to casting directors and agents who regularly use the site as a resource.Learn More: Website, Facebook Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 13:05Continue reading→

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Angie Nguyen For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Angie Nguyen of AFSCME. Angie Nguyen is a home care provider in California, caring for her mother and aunt, both in their 80s. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to California in 1993 through help from the Humanitarian Operation Program. Nguyen has been a proud United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME) member since 2008 and currently serves as a board member, committed to lifting up home care and family child care providers, clients and communities through collective action. She has helped grow the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance's (APALA’s) membership in Orange County, organized activists for community actions and local elections, and worked with the Orange County Labor Federation to advance APALA’s mission. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 10:24Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Ask Congress to Demand That President Trump Reinstate Fired NIOSH 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. On Thursday, the AFL-CIO and 27 labor unions urged members of Congress to pressure the Trump administration to reverse its effort to gut the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). More than 85% of NIOSH staff have been placed on administrative leave and will be terminated in June without action. NIOSH plays a crucial role in protecting workers on the job, and without a fully staffed and functioning agency, the number of tragic and avoidable workplace injuries and fatalities will increase.“[I]n its attempt to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services using artificial intelligence, the so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ functionally dismantled NIOSH—one of the most critical and impactful agencies to every worker in America, their families and to industries alike,” the labor organizations wrote. “This decision must be immediately reversed as it will take working conditions back centuries, when chronic occupational diseases and fatalities skyrocketed with no government agency to help identify causes and research interventions.”Read the full letter and list of signatories here.  Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 09:53Continue reading→