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I Stand With Workers, Not Billionaires: 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 (formerly Twitter). Alaska AFL-CIO:This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the love and solidarity we share as a union family. Together, we fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity for all workers. Let’s continue to show the love by standing up for one another. Happy Valentine’s Day! pic.twitter.com/KtViEdM5yc— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) February 14, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Huge thanks to Sacramento Assemblymember @maggykrell for showing up today to join @CaliforniaLabor in standing in solidarity with #SiemensWorkersUnited in their fight for a union and better future for their families! @ibbunion @IBEWlocal1245 @sacramentolabor https://t.co/xCLCUoYQJh pic.twitter.com/sGaL5gXPyF— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 11, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:Five Secretaries Of Labor Champion SB-5, the Worker Protection Act, Urge Governor, legislators to expand worker freedom to negotiate for better pay and safety. #coleg #copolitics https://t.co/SK1YLh7kDa— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 18, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:"Occupational cancer over the last 10 years has become the number one killer of firefighters and it currently accounts for nearly 75% of all line of duty deaths." –@UPFFA President Peter Brown on the need to create a dedicated funding source for the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund pic.twitter.com/SvIGKYf9ME— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 18, 2025Florida AFL-CIO:The Florida AFL-CIO and everyone in Florida's Labor community mourns the passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson. She was a true champion for Florida's working families and a defender of justice. pic.twitter.com/EPVybATDBS— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 14, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Markeisha is an up and coming organizer with @UFCW Local 881. In her eyes, #BlackHistoryMonth is a time to educate, agitate, organize and have the hard conversations that remind us why we're in the labor movement: to create an economy that works for all.#1u pic.twitter.com/vxSQz0Dfim— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 18, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Thank you to all the union workers who are out in the elements keeping us safe! You keep Iowa running! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/c7hgRWmBg6— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) February 12, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:Maine Republicans have submitted right-to-freeload bills every legislative session since 1948. Not a single Maine worker testified in support of this bill. Time for these national corporate lobbyists to pack it in & go home! pic.twitter.com/lI6DHSLGAT— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 14, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Join us Tuesday, Feb. 25th to tell our elected officials that we oppose closing Pappas Rehab Hospital for Children & Pocasset Mental Health Center, reducing DMH Case Managers by 50%, & raising healthcare costs for state workers & retirees RSVP here: https://t.co/4XUaEgvA2c pic.twitter.com/xkaNkbCdCX— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 18, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:Elon Musk is putting hard-working people out of work, calling them parasites, and laughing while he does it. Interested in learning how you can fight back? Check it out 👇 pic.twitter.com/mVWrPr1L6i— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 15, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:HealthPartners is dragging their feet in bargaining & has committed several Unfair Labor Practices. Tell executives & the board that it's time to bargain in good faith with @OPEIULocal12 workers. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/5kOOeWaCxY— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 18, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:Unelected and out-of-touch billionaires are threatening American Federal Workers. It’s time to stand up and say NO to the corporate greed that is trying to intimidate our #Union brothers and sisters. #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/JihlVl1UWo— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 18, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy Presidents’ Day to our President Liz Sorenson!Liz has served as president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO since 2017. She began her career over 40 years ago and in 1990 transferred to Nevada Bell, where she served as a steward, organizer, lobbyist & officer for CWA Local 9413 pic.twitter.com/OOxO9bbq5C— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 17, 2025New Hampshire AFL-CIO:'Right-to-work' bill voted down once again #NHPolitics https://t.co/5Am3FNR6PK— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) February 14, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Thank you @RepNicole for your concerns, these vast proposed Medicaid cuts will have real world consequences. https://t.co/kVwdPuysDH— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 18, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:#FMLA turned 32 this week—used 500M times—but the U.S. is still one of only 6 countries without a national paid family leave program. Workers in NC lose $914M every year due to lack of #PaidLeave. Time to demand what we deserve! #WorkersRights #PaidLeaveForAll #Unionize pic.twitter.com/K7u8zLSowg— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 7, 2025North Dakota AFL-CIO:Take action for ND Kids: Universal Free School Meals for All ND Students. Write your Rep. here: https://t.co/BYu7A9emvu— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) February 6, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:Let them know, @RepEmiliaSykes https://t.co/szi0U0Jay5— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 11, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:In response to Elon Musk’s anti-worker actions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DODGE), the AFL-CIO has created the Department of People Who Work for a Living (DPWL).Ahead of DODGE’s first subcommittee, DPWL submitted testimony to chair Marjorie Taylor Green:…— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 13, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Geisinger nurses are standing up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the respect they deserve. When nurses win, we all win! 💪🏥https://t.co/YncQqkSQOq— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 8, 2025Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:🚨 REGISTRATION OPEN🚨Now in its 13th year, the Tennessee Shoot for a Cure Charity Sporting Clay Shoot is set for April 28th at Lone Oaks Farm. Once again, this always-popular event benefits both the March of Dimes and the Tennessee Members’ Assistance Program - pic.twitter.com/Ale1sFBNR0— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) February 18, 2025 Texas AFL-CIO:🗣️ “It is one of the characteristics of a free and democratic modern nation that it have free and independent labor unions.” This Presidents’ Day, we’re thinking of Texas workers, not out-of-touch oligarchs. #PresidentsDay pic.twitter.com/7fDQoBnHAk— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 17, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Congrats to our VP Dean Shelton! ✊ https://t.co/dUqF2XkFbk— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 14, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Governor Evers prepares to deliver biennial budget address https://t.co/7Z6bO69eBR— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 18, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 12:17Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Enika Blunt-McNair For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Enika Blunt-McNair of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). Enika Blunt-McNair’s journey began during a conversation with her mother, who advised her to “get involved” if she wanted to understand the union. Blunt-McNair took that advice to heart, joining the negotiation team where she learned about collective bargaining and members' rights. Blunt-McNair served as co-chair and chairperson. Through her advocacy, Blunt-McNair defended members against unfair treatment and micromanagement, using union tools to protect jobs and ensure dignity for workers. Her leadership was especially impactful during the fight against Florida's S.B. 256, where she stood shoulder to shoulder with the union to push back against harmful legislation. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/18/2025 - 09:57Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Glenda Armstrong For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Glenda Armstrong of the General Association of Miramar Employees/OPEIU (GAME/OPEIU). Glenda Armstrong is a member of GAME/OPEIU Local 101, working as a supervisor in the property and evidence unit of the city’s police department. A former president of the local, Armstrong’s career has spanned nearly three decades with the city of Miramar, Florida, and two decades with Local 101.  Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/17/2025 - 10:25Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Toni Burns For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Toni Burns of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Toni Burns has been a stagehand for IATSE Local 27 in Cleveland since 1994. He is a second-generation stagehand. He started his career as a high rigger, downrigger, head flyman and rose to a union steward. Burns was elected business manager for Local B27 from 2007 to the present. He is serving as an IATSE DEI member at large and a board member for Local 27 stagehands. In January 2024, Burns was elected as the 9th international vice president, becoming the first African American man to be elected to the IATSE General Executive Board.  Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/16/2025 - 10:25Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Aziza Miller For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Aziza Miller of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). Aziza Miller is a longtime member of AFM Local 802 in NYC, where she currently appears on stage as a keyboardist in Alicia Keys’ Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” The show was inspired in part by Miller herself and just won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. “My musical career is always growing and evolving,” she said. Her advice to up-and-coming musicians? "Stay focused. Remain open to learning. Don’t let perfection replace your heart and soul. Always stay humble and grateful. As for me, music is important because it’s life, my voice and my passion’s purpose!" Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/15/2025 - 10:25Continue reading→

‘Stand with Grocery Workers Who Are Overworked, Understaffed and Underpaid’: 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. Wells Fargo Faces Labor Board Complaint Over Union Vote: “The National Labor Relations Board has accused Wells Fargo of illegally threatening and retaliating against employees and coercing workers to prevent fair unionization votes at a California branch. Most employees of an Atwater, California, branch who signed cards supporting unionization in December 2023 voted against unionization the following month, a regional director of the NLRB alleged, in a complaint filed Tuesday and seen by Bloomberg, The NLRB claims Wells Fargo coerced workers to vote against unionization. Wells Fargo has denied that allegation.”Chicago History Museum Workers Want to Join an Arts Industry Unionization Wave: “About two dozen workers at the Chicago History Museum have signed a letter saying they plan to unionize. In the letter, issued Wednesday morning, the employees said they are seeking clear communication from management and competitive wages. The move is one in a wave of similar organizing efforts at other Chicago cultural institutions. The workers are organizing with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME Council 31. Workers from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum and Newberry Library, among others, have joined that same union in recent years.”‘Stand with Grocery Workers Who Are Overworked, Understaffed and Underpaid’: “For too long, the hardworking union grocery workers of Southern California have been overworked, understaffed, and underpaid. These essential workers, who showed up day in and day out during the pandemic to keep our communities fed, now find themselves struggling to make ends meet. With inflation driving up the cost of living at an alarming rate, it’s time for major grocery corporations—Kroger/Ralphs, Albertsons/Vons, Stater Bros., and Gelson’s—to step up and provide the fair wages and benefits that these workers have earned. Southern California UFCW Locals are gearing up for what will likely be the toughest round of negotiations in decades. Bargaining with Kroger/Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons kicks off on February 13, with Stater Bros. negotiations beginning on March 6. Dates with Gelson’s have yet to be scheduled, but our message to all these companies is the same: Grocery workers are rising for our futures, our families, and our communities.”How Teachers Union Leaders Are Gearing Up for the ‘Resistance’: “Sure. So, ‘Resistance Committee’ is pretty much shorthand for ‘Committee to Help Everyone Have a Better Life.” I know that sounds very general, but AFT represents not just public education but also health care professionals and nurses. Particularly in this moment, where—you know, it began with hospitals and places of worship and schools being removed as sensitive sites—we really had to think about how we protect our students, families and patients.”SEIU Hospital Workers Ratify Contract, Avert Possible Strike: “SEIU workers at UPMC Washington Hospital and UPMC have agreed to a new contract. According to a press release, the contract includes average raises of 12% over three years, with some workers getting as much as 19% raises over the life of the contract. The union said the new contract ‘is major progress from UPMC’s original proposal of a 1% raise per year.’ ‘Our new contract will help us support ourselves and our families with the increased cost of living. This proves that when health care workers unite and take action—even at a small community hospital—we can create concrete positive change,’ said Melissa Duran, the chapter president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania at Washington Hospital, where she works as an EKG technician.”Federal Workers, Lawmakers to Rally at Capitol Hill to Protect Civil Service: “Hundreds of federal workers are expected to gather on Capitol Hill Tuesday afternoon for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) ‘Rally to Save the Civil Service.’ The event, part of AFGE’s annual legislative conference, aims to push back against efforts to politicize federal jobs.”Retail Unions Are Gaining Ground as Employee Dissatisfaction Grows: “Americans are increasingly taking the side of workers as public opinion has turned overwhelmingly pro-union in recent years. Fifteen years ago, only about half of Americans approved of unions. Last year, it rose to 70%, just one percentage point below the 71% hit in 2022. That was a historic high since 1972 when Gallup began tracking union approval ratings annually.”Union Leaders to Try Again on Rail Safety; Corporate Greed Sidetracked It: “Titus and Cassidy joined AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan, who organized the session, along with co-sponsoring Reps. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, and Chris Deluzio, D-Pa. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, sent a short video. All but Nehls discussed the massive Norfolk Southern derailment and venting of toxic chemicals into the. air and water precisely two years before, on Feb. 3, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. ‘The people of eastern Ohio have suffered so much from corporate greed,’ Sykes said. ‘Our greatest fear is a train derailment can become a mass casualty event. But we have yet to see meaningful reform out of Congress’ to force railroads to put safety and people over profits, said Regan.”As Off Broadway Crews Unionize, Workers See Hope, Producers Peril: “A unionization wave sweeping across Off Broadway is poised to reshape the economics of theater-making in New York—for workers as well as producers. Striking stage crews have idled the nonprofit Atlantic Theater Company—the birthplace of the musicals ‘Spring Awakening,’ ‘The Band’s Visit’ and ‘Kimberly Akimbo,’ which all transferred to Broadway and won Tonys. The strike, which began last month, comes amid a drive to unionize stage hands and crews at Off Broadway theaters. The drive is being spearheaded by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE, which represents workers on Broadway and in Hollywood. It has won union contracts at two long-running commercial Off Broadway shows: The crew of ‘Titaníque,’ a musical that spoofs the film ‘Titanic’ and the pop star Celine Dion, approved a contract last October, and the crew at ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ a revival of the sci-fi musical comedy, did so in January.”First Labor Official Ousted from NLRB in 90 Years Is Now Suing Trump. Hear Why: “Former National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox speaks to CNN’s Victor Blackwell after being fired by President Donald Trump, making her the first member of the board to be removed in 90 years. Wilcox called her firing “unprecedented” and has since filed a federal lawsuit.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/14/2025 - 11:16Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Dominique Drew For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Dominique Drew of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).  Dominique Drew started in the union on her 18th birthday. And 22 years later, she’s built a rewarding career as an architectural metal and glass worker. When she discovered IUPAT’s Black CORE Committee, she had finally found a platform to make an impact within her union as a woman of color. She has flourished in her journey, becoming the co-chair of the Black CORE Committee, chairperson of CBTU's Under 40 Leaders and co-chair of Leaders Under 40 NYC Chapter. Currently, she serves as a member engagement specialist for IUPAT.   Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/14/2025 - 10:09Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFT and NEA Rally to Protect Students and Public Education 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 Wednesday afternoon, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) rallied in Washington, D.C., to protect students and our public schools.Educators, parents, lawmakers and community leaders gathered to stand up for our schools in the face of funding attacks and policies that put politics before students. This demonstration came after the AFT held a press conference in the morning calling for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to be barred from accessing sensitive Department of Education data. “Inside the Education Department, the world’s richest man and his minions have been rifling through 45 million people’s private student loan accounts and feeding the data into artificial intelligence in one of the biggest data hacks in U.S. history,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “That’s why this week, we sued the Education Department, [Office of Personnel Management] and Treasury for violating the Privacy Act by improperly disclosing the sensitive records of millions of Americans to DOGE staff.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/14/2025 - 10:09Continue reading→