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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Members in Alaska to Install High-Speed Internet for State’s Remote Population

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Members in Alaska to Install High-Speed Internet for State’s Remote Population 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. Members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1547 in Anchorage, Alaska, are working to bridge infrastructure gaps in underserved communities by providing reliable internet to the state’s villages and rural Indigenous populations.Local 1547 members are employed through several contractors that will begin work on the Alaska Communications' FiberOptic project later this year. This grant-funded effort aims to connect up to 21 communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers to reliable, high-speed internet. Because of the unique environmental factors in Alaska, this project is a massive, complex undertaking. But the skilled IBEW members who will be performing this high-tech work are ready to help expand connectivity throughout the region.“It’s exciting to be on the cutting edge of telecommunications here in Alaska,” said Local 1547 Business Manager Doug Tansy, who is a member of the Native population and grew up in interior Alaska. “These are very much underserved communities, and they’re geographically very difficult to get to, as well as being extremely expensive on a per capita basis. What our telecommunications members are doing will bring change to our state’s landscape. I really think it’s going to change the ambition of those communities when they have a chance to get an education and grow their knowledge.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:27Continue reading→

IAM District 142’s First-Ever Young Workers Summit Educates, Empowers Next Generation of Union Leaders

Over 25 members from IAM District 142 recently convened at the district’s headquarters in Phoenix for its first-ever Young Workers Summit. All members in attendance were 35 or younger, representing the next generation of leaders who will step into more prominent leadership roles as they progress in their union careers. “This incredibly successful summit, which The post IAM District 142’s First-Ever Young Workers Summit Educates, Empowers Next Generation of Union Leaders appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

PRC Advisory Opinion on USPS Service Standard Changes, Warns of ‘Significant Negative Impact’

February 4, 2025In October 2024, the United States Postal Service announced proposed changes to how it collects and distributes outgoing mail that would lengthen the delivery service standards for much of the country’s First Class Mail. Before implementing the plans, the Postal Service is required by law to seek an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Postal Regulatory Commissionnetwork modernization In October 2024, the U.S. Postal Service announced proposed changes to how it collects and distributes outgoing mail that would lengthen the delivery service standards for much of the country’s First Class Mail. Before implementing the plans, the Postal Service is required by law to seek an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC issued its advisory opinion on the case on Friday, Jan. 31, strongly criticizing the Postal Service’s plans. The PRC found that the USPS’s plans were based on defective modeling and “overly optimistic” cost-savings projections. The Commission was particularly concerned that the Postal Service had not adequately considered the “significant, negative impact of these changes on rural communities across the country.” The PRC opinion warns that the USPS’s plan would result in significant downgrades in service, particularly affecting rural America, and that any cost savings associated with the changes may not be worth the serious impacts to the country’s mail service. The APWU participated in the PRC review, submitting testimony from a witness and filing a brief. The APWU witness summarized comments of more than 9,500 postal workers and more than 48,000 others who submitted a view on the proposals to either the Postal Service, the Board of Governors, or to their members of Congress. The overwhelming majority of commenters noted they were concerned about the impact of slower mail service to themselves, their businesses, and their communities. The effort to generate public comment was led by the APWU and our allies in A Grand Alliance, and the Commission appears to have taken the public comments seriously. In its brief, the APWU underscored the impact the proposed service standard changes would have on rural communities. Once again, the PRC relied on this analysis in finding that the changes will have a “disproportionate impact…on rural communities” The PRC went on to warn the Postal Service to reconsider its proposed changes, on rural American in particular, to avoid imbalances that could violate the law, which prohibits the USPS from making “any undue or unreasonable discrimination among users of the mails.” “The PRC’s thorough analysis of management’s proposal shows that postal management is out of touch with the needs of the mailing public. The APWU is proud to have stood with the public and stand up for the good service that every community deserves,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “The ball is now in management’s court to address needed changes in the postal system in a way that improves service, not slows it down,” said Dimondstein. “Postal workers and the public have shown we are ready to keep fighting for quality and reliable mail service.” PRC Advisory Opinion on USPS Service Standard Changes, Warns of ‘Significant Negative Impact’Commission Urges USPS to Reconsider Its Plans and Warns Proposals May Be Unlawful, Relies on APWU Evidence to Underscore Harm to Rural America0Continue reading→

IAM Union Urges Stronger Airline Worker Protections After Latest Serious On-Job Incident

CHICAGO, Feb. 3, 2025 — Following a weekend incident at O’Hare International Airport in which an International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union ramp worker at United Airlines was seriously injured in a collision between a plane and a tug vehicle, the IAM Union is continuing to demand stronger safety measures for all airline The post IAM Union Urges Stronger Airline Worker Protections After Latest Serious On-Job Incident appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Celebrating Black History Month: In the States Roundup

Celebrating Black History Month: 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:It appears Trump has illegally fired a member of the National Labor Relations Board, halting their essential work. Make no mistake, this will impact working people everywhere. Project 2025 is becoming a reality before our very eyes. #1u https://t.co/XhfW0HOzaX— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 28, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Our prayers are with all the families affected by this tragic crash, including our @afa_cwa siblings. https://t.co/uxrXruMC7f— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 30, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:The labor movement owes a great debt to the contributions of Black union members and leaders. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor both those who paved the way and those today continuing the fight for racial justice in the workplace and beyond. pic.twitter.com/ROGz6BcCeY— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 3, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:.@AFLCIO President @LizShuler: "Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership." #1u https://t.co/d2au1ckZnb— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 3, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Paul was the first in his family to join the Laborers. When other family members saw the difference the union made in his life, they followed in his footsteps to pursue a career in construction. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/OZltlLTLUv— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 3, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:From working at a Maytag plant in Iowa & an oil rig in Texas to Bath Iron Works, @MachinistsUnion member has been through plant closures & lockouts. He shares what he's learned in this week's "Steward Spotlight!" https://t.co/tJ3VIoSmZM— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 4, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Meet Jeff Plaistead from @Ibew223, one of the many union members building the clean energy future in Massachusetts and across America. #CleanEnergy https://t.co/e4XODdweUA— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 3, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:.@SenGaryPeters has been a steadfast advocate for Michigan’s working families and a true champion for unions. He's stood shoulder to shoulder with workers, fighting for better wages, safer workplaces, and stronger protections for the right to organize. https://t.co/gXzZp4fUQ5— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 28, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:"Each additional year that a respondent spent as a union member associated with about 1.5% lower odds of mortality after the age of 40." https://t.co/CCTKKbT6IE #BetterInAUnion— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 30, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:The White House’s attack on diversity in the federal workforce is bad for all workers. Diversifying our federal workforce helps government agencies better serve their communities and working people across the country.More from Merri Berry ⬇️https://t.co/YoanSRH6Zj— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 3, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy first day of session! We are excited to work with legislators, labor leaders, and affiliates to help ensure that pro-labor bills are passed during Nevada’s 83rd legislative session. pic.twitter.com/7VRtNpnwq6— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 4, 2025New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Our Brothers and Sisters are here today to tell their elected Representatives that “Right-to-Work” is STILL WRONG for NH! Please help us by following the link to send a letter to your legislator today: https://t.co/QP4RyjZZTsThank you for your #Solidarity! ✊#NHPolitics #1u pic.twitter.com/GahXnrrHj3— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 28, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:This morning President Mario Cilento spoke at the NYS Senate Labor Committee meeting about the legislative priorities of NY's union movement. Thank you Chairwoman @NYSenatorRamos for the invitation! pic.twitter.com/TNyYFp6nES— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 4, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC voters elected Justice Riggs to keep her seat on the NC Supreme Court, which was reaffirmed in two independent recounts. Instead of trying to steal her win, Griffin needs to concede! https://t.co/lQcUxFAlHu #1u #ncpol— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 4, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:They truly beleive we were put here to serve billionaires. Our true role in society is to put an honest days work in to be good family and community members with life fulfillments outside of making money off the backs of our neighbors. https://t.co/sw6R4rC2Gq— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 29, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:Healthcare workers at Providence represented by the Oregon Nurses Association and Teamsters at Bigfoot Beverages are STILL walking the line for fair contracts.Join them today by finding a picket line near you at https://t.co/bb7P96KEa4 pic.twitter.com/XUHwEDhRRQ— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 4, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Union apprenticeships build a stronger Pennsylvania. #PABudget https://t.co/y3P8XbcRzv— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 4, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:🚨 The Texas Senate will vote on the voucher scam THIS WEEK, putting our public schools’ funding & our retirees’ hard-earned pensions in jeopardy.Add your name TODAY to tell the #txlege: keep public dollars in public schools & protect our retirees! #SB2 https://t.co/5CDXEAFlOD— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 3, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Throughout this month we will honor all those who came before us and those currently fighting for racial justice in the workplace and in the Pacific Northwest. We uplift Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, an independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement pic.twitter.com/XYxHmhGZCk— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Veteran flight attendant reacts to potential Air Wisconsin mass layoffs, unions await next steps https://t.co/DlwfstR8Z5— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 4, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:51Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Latauna Bigelow

Black History Month Profiles: Latauna Bigelow 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 Latauna Bigelow of SMART. Latauna Bigelow joined SMART Local 100 16 years ago after graduating from apprenticeship school and became a journeyman. In addition to working as a conductor warden, she has served as shop steward, an organizer and a RISE committee member. In order to create a more inclusive workspace, she is educating herself, getting more involved in the RISE committee and sharing her personal experiences. Over the years, Bigelow has won many awards, but finds it most rewarding when a member thanks her for her words of encouragement and for being a great listener. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:35Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hockey Players’ Unions Join the AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hockey Players’ Unions Join the AFL-CIO 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. Today, two of professional hockey’s North American players’ associations—the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA)—announced they are formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO and joining its Sports Council.“Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players. On the heels of SEIU’s affiliation last month, America’s labor movement is more unified than ever. We will continue to channel that strength and momentum into the fight for workers’ rights.”Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:27Continue reading→

IAM Local 778 Ratifies Strong New Contract with Kansas City Auto Dealers

IAM Local 778 and Teamsters Local 41 members working at Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet dealerships ratified a strong new three-year agreement with the Kansas City Dealers Association on Jan. 6.  The new contract covers IAM and Teamsters members at various dealerships throughout Kansas City and the surrounding area. After narrowly avoiding a strike while bargaining The post IAM Local 778 Ratifies Strong New Contract with Kansas City Auto Dealers appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

UNION PLUS – FLOWER DISCOUNTS – JANUARY 31,2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Spoil your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with 30% off Teleflora bouquets and gifts! This exclusive union member discount is available sitewide on enchanting flowers, chocolate-covered treats, and gift baskets. Special 30% offer ends 2/14. Shop now: https://unionplus.click/fb8 The post UNION PLUS – FLOWER DISCOUNTS – JANUARY 31,2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2025 appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

IAM Union: While Tariffs Pause, U.S. and Canadian Workers Should Have Seat at Table

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following a pause of proposed U.S.-Canadian tariffs. “As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union is relieved that destructive tariffs between The post IAM Union: While Tariffs Pause, U.S. and Canadian Workers Should Have Seat at Table appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Part-Time Regular (PTR) Payout Update (February 2025)

February 3, 2025Maintenance Director Idowu Balogun provides an update on the Maintenance PTR Settlement Payout as of February 2025. Part-Time RegularsMaintenance DivisionIdowu Balogun As of Jan. 30, 2025, nine hundred and fifty (950) Maintenance PTR employees have received their share of the PTR settlements over the past two pay periods. The amount received per person ranges from a maximum of $10,480 to a minimum of $100 based on the days served as a Part Time Regular. Over 2,000 payouts are currently pending to be paid very soon. Thank you for your patience. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment. If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail. (possibly sent to your last office of employment). Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to above mentioned delays. In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. Maintenance PTR Settlement Payout 2024 -2025Continue reading→

Maintenance Part-Time Regular Payout Update (February 2025)

February 3, 2025Maintenance Director Idowu Balogun provides an update on the Maintenance PTR Settlement Payout as of February 2025. Part-Time RegularsMaintenance DivisionIdowu Balogun As of Jan. 30, 2025, nine hundred and fifty (950) Part-Time Regular (PTR) Maintenance Craft employees have received their share of the PTR settlement over the past two pay periods. The amount received per person ranges from a maximum of $10,480 to a minimum of $100 based on the days served as a PTR. Over 2,000 payouts are currently pending to be paid very soon. Thank you for your patience. Recipients will get their payment via their current method of receiving payment. If retired or resigned from postal employment, it will likely be a check in the mail - possibly sent to your last office of employment. Be aware that higher amount expected distribution must be manually verified before releasing the payment, which could lead to the above mentioned delays. In the meantime, you can check the amount owed to you at https://apwu.org/news/awards-and-settlements/maintenance-ptr-settlement-payout-2024-2025. Maintenance PTR Settlement Payout 2024 -2025Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Raya Fagg

Black History Month Profiles: Raya Fagg 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 Raya Fagg of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU). Raya Fagg is the outreach coordinator for the Office of Cultural Affairs for Upper Darby Township in Pennsylvania. An OPEIU Local 153 member since 2019, she also serves as the secretary for her union’s executive board. "Systems can be changed," she said, "but it has to start with an individual and end with a collective." Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/03/2025 - 13:50Continue reading→

How to Navigate to VER Plans, Optional Retirement Pages through USPS’s LiteBlue

February 3, 2025Working in conjunction with Retirees Director Nancy Olumekor, the Industrial Relations Department has produced a presentation which provides step-by-step instructions on how active postal service employees with access to LiteBlue can navigate to the retirement plans available under the Retirement MOUs – Optional with Incentive or Voluntary Early Retirement (VER). Voluntary Early Retirement / IncentivesIndustrial RelationsRetirees Working in conjunction with Retirees Director Nancy Olumekor, the Industrial Relations Department has produced a presentation which provides step-by-step instructions on how active postal service employees with access to LiteBlue can navigate to the retirement plans available under the Retirement MOUs – Optional with Incentive or Voluntary Early Retirement (VER). The instructions attached are only for employees accessing through the LiteBlue portal at https://liteblue.usps.gov/wps/myportal on their personal devices outside the Postal Service. Please remember, that to access LiteBlue, employees must have already set up their password and multifactor authentication (MFA) method. Information on LiteBlue is solely produced by the Postal Service. The APWU does not produce LiteBlue information. We have only produced this instruction guide on how to navigate to these specific pages within LiteBlue. Please note, the APWU cannot advise you on whether you should or should not take either retirement option. Those decisions must be made independently by each individual. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves on their unique individual situation and seek the retirement counseling offered by the Postal Service before making a final decision on retiring. Navigating to USPS Retirement Webpages 1-25-25 How to Navigate to VER Plans, Optional Retirement Pages through USPS’s LiteBlue 0Continue reading→

UAW Statement on Tariffs and Renegotiating U.S. Trade Agreements

The UAW supports aggressive tariff action to protect American manufacturing jobs as a good first step to undoing decades of anti-worker trade policy. We do not support using factory workers as pawns in a fight over immigration or drug policy. We are willing to support the Trump Administration’s use of tariffs to stop plant closures […] The post UAW Statement on Tariffs and Renegotiating U.S. Trade Agreements appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→