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Women's History Month Profiles: Jessica Timo For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Jessica Timo of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU). Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. “Women’s History Month is important because it recognizes and amplifies our contributions, many of which have been overlooked or undervalued,” Timo said. “This month provides an opportunity to educate, reflect and inspire future generations to continue advocating for equality in the workplace and beyond.”  Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/10/2025 - 09:57 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: American Guild of Musical Artists and Cincinnati Opera Announce New Three-Year 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 American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Cincinnati Opera announced a new three-year contract. The contract was ratified by the AGMA Board of Governors on March 3, after being approved by the members. The contract secures wage increases, better financial support for non-local artists, stronger workplace protections, new policies addressing artificial intelligence, data security, and bereavement leave, expands rights for chorus members, corps dancers, and principal artists, enhances conditions for staging staff, and ensures fairer policies across all working groups.“These negotiations were a testament to the strength and solidarity of the artists of Cincinnati Opera,” said AGMA Counsel Martha Kinsella. “We advocated strongly for meaningful wage increases and achieved the best contractual raises in recent memory. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our negotiation committee, which represented nearly all working groups, for their dedication, strategic thinking, and unwavering advocacy throughout this process. I also want to thank Cincinnati Opera’s management team, who bargained in good faith from start to finish, demonstrating their commitment to the artists who bring these productions to life.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/10/2025 - 09:48Continue reading→

Women's History Month Profiles: Rina Saltzman For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Rina Saltzman of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). As an officer in her local, Rina Saltzman’s job is to run the day-to-day operations and act as a lead negotiator for agreements with employers across the U.S. She is also a mentor to a student through the NYU Tisch Drama Women’s Mentorship Program. “ATPAM has had many women leaders over the years who have put their imprint on the union. Along with those that came before us, the current women in leadership positions throughout ATPAM and the IATSE inspire me every day.” Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/09/2025 - 10:15 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

Women's History Month Profiles: Kanika Jones For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Kanika Jones of AFSCME. Kanika Jones, a case worker for Head Start, has dedicated her career to helping children thrive. As a single mother of three, she knows firsthand that access to education and proper nutrition is critical for a child’s long-term success. She lets her personal experiences guide her work every day, and as an active member of AFSCME Local 2960, she uses her seat at the table to advocate for more resources for parents and children across Phoenix. Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/08/2025 - 10:15 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

AFL-CIO and Affiliates Celebrate Reintroduction of the PRO Act AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act:Americans believe in the power of unions, and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. Shuler continued:The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge the elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families. We know it won’t be easy, but the labor movement never backs down from a righteous fight. And in today’s economy, where our workers’ hard-earned paychecks are covering less of what they need while still facing unsafe conditions and a lack of respect on the job, there’s no fight more righteous than ensuring that every single worker who wants a union has a fair shot to join or form one.Other pro-worker organizations weighed in on the legislation. Here are those who issued statements so far.Actors’ Equity Association Executive Director Al Vincent Jr.:Now, when workers’ rights in this country are under imminent threat, it is crucial that we finally pass the PRO Act. The National Labor Relations Act has shaped this country for the better for 90 years, and we have to shore it up. Passing the PRO Act will also send a message from Congress that they care about the wellbeing of American workers. That includes the right to organize, to receive a living wage and to combat misclassification.”The PRO Act includes several measures that fight back against union-busting tactics by employers and strengthens the National Labor Relations Act. For example, it prohibits the practice of some employers holding mandatory anti-organizing meetings for their staff and allows workers to file civil complaints against employers for violating their NLRB rights. The bill strengthens protections for workers who go on strike, and overrides so-called right-to-work laws.AFSCME President Lee Saunders:Working people want to be paid fairly. They want benefits like health care, a fair retirement, to know their jobs are secure and that their workplaces are safe and free from discrimination. They know the best way to secure these freedoms is through a union contract. That is why poll after poll shows unions are more popular than ever. But joining or forming a union is exceedingly difficult for far too many. As billionaires and wealthy companies rake in record profits, they are seeking even more control over our lives, using any means necessary to silence workers. Their anti-union extremism is deepening economic inequality, halting progress on health and safety, and harming millions. The PRO Act will loosen billionaires’ grip on our economic future and make clear that their days of using illegal union busting tactics without consequence are over. This legislation will level the playing field, giving workers the legal protections they need to organize without fear of retaliation or obstruction. It’s about time Congress prioritized workers over billionaires and gave them a fair shot at improving their workplaces.Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l President Capt. Jason Ambrosi:The right to organize has been fundamental in advancing safety and quality-of-life improvements for workers across the country. ALPA pilots know first-hand the benefits of union membership and advocacy, and we stand in solidarity with those fighting for the right to collectively bargain.We urge Congress to pass the PRO Act, which will help promote an economy that works for all working families. All workers deserve fair opportunities to negotiate for better working conditions, wages, and a more secure retirement. The collective bargaining rights within the PRO Act are foundational for strong and vibrant communities and are vital for our nation's continued success.American Federation of Musicians International President Tino Gagliardi:The PRO Act gives workers essential safeguards against anti-union attacks.  The American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada thank Reps. Scott and Fitzpatrick and Sen. Sanders for their leadership and recognition that all people have the right to join a union and negotiate for a fair contract.American Federation of Teachers:The PRO Act is about ensuring every worker has rights on the job and can form a union. It:✊Protects workers’ basic rights to form & join a union📢 Holds employers accountable for violating workers’ rights📮Secures free, fair, & safe union elections https://t.co/usullxGiNK— AFT (@AFTunion) March 5, 2025Bricklayers:The PRO Act was reintroduced into Congress today. Too many mega-corporations are crushing workers' rights on the job, taking advantage of lax labor laws and little enforcement. Congress needs to give the ability to organize back to the workers and pass the PRO Act! pic.twitter.com/BNTSuMc1uv— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 5, 2025Communications Workers of America:We need the PRO Act so that all workers in America truly have the freedom to join together in unions to fight for more just and equitable workplaces ✊ https://t.co/icCJ2HDVGk— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 5, 2025International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:  The PRO Act is the common sense, bipartisan legislation we need to fix our damaged system and empower American workers. https://t.co/WaqLInnqzy— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) March 5, 2025International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Kenneth W. Cooper:On behalf of the 838,000 active members and retirees of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I am proud to support the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. This critical piece of legislation ensures workers have a genuine right to organize, negotiate fair wages, and secure better benefits without fear of retaliation.For decades, corporate interests have chipped away at these rights, leading to a sharp decline in union membership and an equally steep rise in income inequality not seen since the Great Depression. Today, over 60 million workers want to join a union but face overwhelming obstacles because of outdated labor laws that prioritize the interests of employers. The PRO Act addresses this imbalance, modernizing these laws by streamlining the union election process, imposing real penalties on companies that illegally fire or intimidate workers, and preventing employers from misclassifying workers in order to strip them of their rights.Read the full IBEW statement.International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers President Matthew Biggs:  The members and leaders of IFPTE are continuing to build support for the PRO Act in the 119th Congress. The historically high support for unions shows that workers recognize the power of joining together with their coworkers to make their workplaces better. Any Member of Congress who says they support working Americans should support the PRO Act’s strong legal protections that restore and reinforce working people’s right to freely form a union and bargain with their employers for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. We thank Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Representative Bobby Scott, and Senator Bernie Sanders for reintroducing the PRO Act.Ironworkers: The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers stands in strong support of the introduction of the reintroduction of The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right To Organize (PRO) Act by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senator Josh Hawley's (R-MO) Faster Labor Contracts Act. These bipartisan efforts reflect a significant step toward empowering workers and ensuring timely negotiations between labor unions and employers.The Faster Labor Contracts Act proposes a critical framework that mandates employers engage in negotiations within one week following a successful union election. This provision is essential for protecting workers' rights and ensuring they receive the fair and equitable treatment they deserve. We firmly believe that timely negotiations lead to better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced job security for our members and all workers nationwide.Furthermore, Congressman Scott's PRO Act builds upon this momentum by reinforcing the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. This legislation is a vital tool in ensuring that workers can advocate for their interests without fear of retaliation or obstruction. Our nation's labor force is the backbone of our economy, and it is imperative that we create a legislative environment that promotes fairness and dialogue. We applaud Senator Hawley and Congressman Scott for their commitment to advancing policies uplifting working men and women.We encourage support for these bills, as they represent significant progress toward a more equitable American workforce.Laborers (LIUNA) General President Brent Booker:The right to freely join a union is the cornerstone of a prosperous working class in America. Fair pay, essential benefits, and a dignified retirement after a life of hard work are all qualities of the American Dream that have been chipped away as fewer workers are able to join unions.Today, working men and women without a collective voice struggle with multiple jobs, wages that do not cover necessities, and a lack of healthcare and retirement security. At the same time, Gallup polling shows that workers overwhelmingly support unions.Workers want—and America needs—more unions.Read the full LIUNA statement.Machinists (IAM) International President Brian Bryant:I thank Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressmen Bobby Scott and Brian Fitzpatrick for leading this very important piece of bipartisan legislation. For far too long, American workers have been denied the right to freely form a union without the threat of company intimidation or interference, The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is long overdue legislation that grants our nation’s workforce the protections to form a union if they wish, while also including provisions to punish employers who break the law.Painters and Allied Trades General President Jimmy Williams:The @GoIUPAT thanks @BobbyScott, @RepBrianFitz, and @SenSanders as they reintroduce the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in Congress.— Jimmy Williams (@Jimmy_iupat) March 5, 2025Williams continued:We cannot allow the rights of workers to continue to erode. The PRO Act is necessary to protect the rights of working people to form and join unions.Together with the introduction earlier this week of Rep. Josh Hawley's (MO) “Faster Labor Contracts Act” it’s clear that there is strong support from all sides of the political spectrum for the labor law reform and protecting the rights of workers to organize.Members of the IUPAT go to work every day and help build the American economy, and we will work with anyone serious about providing much needed reforms for the rights of working people to form and join unions.We call on Congress to move quickly to pass these pieces of legislation and start the long awaited process of restoring basic rights to the working people who drive our economy.Office and Professional Employees:The #PROAct would strengthen workers' rights, hold employers accountable for breaking the law, and begin to level the playing field between working people and their bosses. #PassThePROActhttps://t.co/QOGZBcUfgf— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 6, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) International President Matthew D. Loeb:Standing up for the right to organize and collectively bargain should not be a partisan issue. Entertainment workers know that time is of the essence when it comes to securing fair contracts. Whether it’s film, television, live events, or trade shows, our members move from job to job, and delays in bargaining can mean missing out on the industry standards and protections we fight for. The PRO Act remains our North Star in the fight for comprehensive labor law reform and we welcome bipartisan efforts that recognize the urgent need to level the playing field for workers.Read the full IATSE statement.Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen:It is time for Congress to step up and support workers. Republicans and Democrats alike talk a good game about supporting  working people—signing onto the PRO Act and working to pass it into law shows which lawmakers will back up their words with action.”   The PRO Act is a significant legislative priority for the entire labor movement. The bill bans employer interference in union elections and would end mandatory anti-labor meetings during an organizing drive. It allows newly certified unions to seek binding arbitration and mediation when employers fail to negotiate a first contract in good faith. The bill eliminates so-called “right to work” laws and allow unions to collect dues that cover the cost of collective bargaining and administering a contract. And the PRO Act penalizes employers and corporate executives who violate workers’ rights.  Read the full TWU statement.UNITE HERE:Organizing new workers must be the #1 priority of the labor movement — but American labor law is fundamentally broken — and tilted heavily in the boss's favor. That's why workers are out today to support the reintroduction of the PRO Act, which creates an equal playing field. pic.twitter.com/4kvQ1tvoYU— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 5, 2025United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall:Millions of American workers want to join unions, but they can’t, because corporations can intimidate and bully them with no meaningful consequences. Workers deserve to have a voice on the job without interference, and the PRO Act would protect that voice.For decades, corporate CEOs and Wall Street investors have been taking home a bigger and bigger share of the economic pie while leaving workers with the crumbs. Unions are the best check on that growing inequality and the best path to the middle class for exploited workers.Congress should quickly pass the PRO Act and the president should sign it.Read the full USW statement.Department for Professionals Employees President Jennifer Dorning: Most professionals want to join a union and there has been an increase in workplace activism in recent years. However, federal labor law does not effectively protect professionals’ right to form a union and negotiate with their employer collectively in the private sector. The weak penalties employers are subject to when they break the law do not deter them from intimidating and retaliating against employees during union organizing campaigns and intentionally holding up first union contract negotiations. The PRO Act will improve federal labor law by creating real consequences for employers who break the law, making employer tactics that interfere with elections illegal, and facilitating productive negotiations to encourage quicker agreement on first union contracts.Arizona AFL-CIO President Jim McLaughlin:Senator Kelly grew up in a union household and knows firsthand how unions can transform lives. They gave his family stability and opportunities, and he understands that strong unions are key to building a thriving middle class. That’s why he’s proud to cosponsor the PRO Act, which will make it easier for workers to join unions, negotiate fair wages, and strengthen the middle class for generations to come.Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney:Labor unions are extremely popular with Americans because they know being part of a union is the most effective way to gain better wages, health insurance, retirement security and a dignified life. But for too long, anti-worker policies and bad legal decisions have made it too easy for employers to crack down on our rights and retaliate against working people forming unions because the penalties for breaking labor laws are just absorbed as a cost of doing business. The PRO Act would level the playing field and allow workers to freely choose to join a union and bargain for a better life. We applaud Congressman Jared Golden for his consistent support for this critical reform that will hold union-busting corporations accountable, repeal anti-worker laws, and remove barriers to organizing and bargaining. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 12:00Continue reading→

Invest In Critical Infrastructure: 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. 'An American President Is Not a King': Judge Reinstates Labor Regulator Illegally Fired by Trump: “The president's attempt to fire Wilcox halted federal labor law enforcement in the United States. AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler celebrated Howell's ruling in a Thursday statement, saying that ‘more than a month after Trump effectively shut down the NLRB by illegally firing Gwynne Wilcox, denying it the quorum it needs to hold union-busters accountable, the court ordered Wilcox immediately returned to her seat, allowing the NLRB to get back to its essential work.’”With Strong Union Support, Lawmakers Reintroduce PRO Act: “AFL-CIO President Shuler declared the time is politically right to pass the PRO Act. Organized labor’s popularity—a 70%-71% approval rating in the last two yearly Gallup polls, is at an all-time high. ‘Every other issue splits right down the middle,’ she noted. Though Shuler didn’t say so, the mass and illegal firings of federal workers—union and non-union—by Trump and his puppeteer, Elon Musk, have driven union membership up since Trump took over.”Let’s Protect Connecticut’s Men and Women Who Keep the Lights On: “To keep all these services functioning, utilities must continually invest in the critical infrastructure to ensure those systems work. If you don’t invest in that infrastructure, over time, these systems break down because they are out in the elements, or they simply become old and outdated. Across Connecticut, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are doing this infrastructure maintenance daily to make sure the lights stay on.”900 Northwell Hospital Nurses to Strike: “The union and hospital began negotiating a new contract in November, according to NYSNA. Union members voted to authorize a strike in February. In a statement shared with Becker's, the hospital said that management aims ‘to reach an agreement that continues to provide our valued nurses with competitive compensation, benefits and a safe, supportive working environment.’ The union contends that management has failed to agree to a fair labor deal that retains enough experienced nurses to provide safe patient care to patients.”Two Unions Reach Agreement with MVHS; Workers to Get Raises: “The Mohawk Valley Health System has reached an agreement with two of its unions, officials announced. Service and maintenance workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers, District Union Local One, and licensed practical nurses and technicians represented by Communications Workers of America, District One Local 1126 both voted Wednesday, Feb. 26 to ratify a memorandum of agreement.”Corpus Christi Teachers, Union Supporters March for Public Education: “About two dozen members of local unions and community organizations gathered in front of Corpus Christi ISD's downtown administration building to draw attention to what they view as state and national threats to public education. The American Federation of Teachers held a ‘Protect Our Kids’ day of action Tuesday across the country. The Corpus Christi chapter of the teachers union organized the local event, joined by representatives from the Coastal Bend Labor Council, the local chapter of the NAACP, League of United Latin American Citizens, CHISPA League of Conservation Voters and For the Greater Good.”Sherrod Brown: Democrats Must Become the Workers’ Party Again: “Since November 5, in the final months of the year, no one has had a lot of time for licking wounds. Seventy people in our office were suddenly out of work. My chief of staff and state director and I met with every member of our staff, working to find jobs for the public servants who had served Ohio, many for more than a decade. And we still had legislative work to do. We fought to finally get the Social Security Fairness Act through the Senate and signed into law. After more than 10 years of work, my penultimate vote in the United States Senate—after midnight, on my last night on the Senate floor—finally restored the full Social Security that more than three million American workers earned. Teachers and police officers and school cafeteria workers and bus drivers paid in over years of hard work. Now, they will finally get the retirement security they earned.”Machinists Union Ratifies CSX Pact: “CSX announced on Monday that employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have voted to ratify the five-year collective bargaining agreement. ‘IAM’s ratification is a testament to the strength of our partnership with union leadership,’ said Joe Hinrichs, president and chief executive of CSX, in a release. ‘This underscores our commitment to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Together, as ONE CSX, we will continue enhancing safety, efficiency, and service to secure sustained growth.’”Alaska Air Flight Attendants Ratify Labor Contract: “Alaska Air flight attendants have ratified a new three-year labor contract, a union representing the workers said on Friday. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the union representing the attendants at the Seattle-based carrier, said that 95% of the votes cast supported the new agreement. The ratified agreement would provide attendants with pay increases ranging from 18.6% to 28.3%, boarding pay, 25 months of retroactive pay and two additional raises over the contract's duration, among other benefits, the union said.”After More Than Four Years of Talks, NBC News’ Digital Editorial Staff Gets Tentative Contract Deal: “NBC News‘ digital editorial staff will be able to delay a recent round of staff cuts and will have new layoff protections under the terms of a long-awaited first contract deal, reached on Thursday. The provisional three-year pact, announced on Friday, offers union members advance notice of layoffs and preferential treatment for rehire and a minimum of eight weeks of severance if they are cut from the job. The deal was reached just weeks after NBC News laid off dozens of employees, including 20 workers covered by the union, after previous rounds of layoffs in 2023 and 2024.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:32Continue reading→

Women's History Month Profiles: Sara Cutler For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Sara Cutler of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). Sara Cutler is an accomplished harpist who served on her union’s executive board for many years before being unanimously appointed as AFM Local 802 president in 2023 to serve out her predecessor’s term. In one busy year, she negotiated landmark agreements with the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet and Broadway. “As a harpist in New York City, I’ve been fortunate in my career,” she said. “I believe I have an obligation to pass that good fortune on to a new generation of musicians and create a union equipped to serve them. This continues to be my personal mandate.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:14 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores 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 Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) members who work at Barnes & Noble at three New York City locations ratified their first union contracts, covering more than 200 workers across the Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street locations. The three-year agreements include wage increases, healthcare coverage, and safety provisions."Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:05Continue reading→