Gaining A Seat at the Table: The Working People Weekly List
Gaining A Seat at the Table: 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. Portland City Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Strike: “More than a thousand unionized city of Portland workers voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to strike following months of negotiations. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Oregon AFSCME Local 189) said 87% of people voted in favor of a strike, with 89% of members who participated in the vote.”GE Appliances Union Workers Ratify New Contract. Here’s What We Know: “After months of contract negotiations and union workers striking down a tentative agreement, workers at GE Appliances have ratified a new labor contract. The roughly 5,000 union workers in Louisville at GE Appliances—a major manufacturer of dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers—voted in the new contract on Wednesday with 72.5% of voting workers in favor of the new deal. IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell said the contract is a roughly $142 million investment over its four years. ‘The IUE-CWA Local 83761 has informed us that the proposed four-year agreement has passed,’ GE Appliances spokesperson Julie Wood told the Courier Journal via email Wednesday evening. ‘We appreciate our employees’ ongoing commitment to our business and the work they do every day to support our customers.’”“No Cuts, No Compromise!”: Kansas Citians Mobilize to Defend Public Transit as Funding Crisis Looms: “Last week, over 100 low-wage workers, bus riders and drivers came together to protest major cuts to bus routes and union jobs that are being considered by the city government. Bus riders and community members with Stand Up KC joined Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1287 members and Sunrise Movement KC outside of the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) headquarters to protest a lack of funding from KCMO City Council.”GM Profit Sharing: Here’s the Record Amount UAW Members Will Get for 2024: “For every $1 billion GM makes in North America, the automaker’s hourly U.S. employees receive $1,000, according to the Detroit automaker’s agreement with the United Auto Workers. GM made about $14.258 billion in North America in 2024, up 18% year-over-year. ‘Our membership performed beyond all expectations,’ [UAW International Vice President Mike] Booth wrote. ‘It is our members’ skillfulness that made this profit possible, as they produce the finest products in the world, right here in the U.S.A.’”For Inspiration in 2025, Look to Labor’s 2024 Wins (Liz Shuler): “As we kick off 2025, there is no better source of inspiration than looking back at the extraordinary things workers accomplished this past year. I am struck by how stories of workers standing together and holding corporations accountable dominated headlines. Organizing stayed on the rise as the National Labor Relations Board reported that union election petitions were up 27% from fiscal year 2023. In a critical election year, 26,000 union volunteers across the country reached more than 10 million voters, and made the difference for pro-worker candidates. And all over the country, brave workers took to the streets and went on strikes that secured life-changing new contracts.”Whole Foods Workers Form First Union in Amazon’s Grocery Chain: “Workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia voted on Monday to become the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain, opening a new front in the e-commerce giant’s efforts to fend off labor organizing in multiple segments of its business. Employees at the sprawling Whole Foods store, in the city’s Spring Garden neighborhood, voted 130 to 100 in favor of organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, the National Labor Relations Board said.”Beth Israel Medical Center Residents and Fellows Vote to Unionize: “Residents and fellows at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center voted to unionize with 83 percent in favor on Wednesday, joining the Service Employees International Union’s Committee of Interns and Residents. Sixty-one percent of the 811-member bargaining unit—which includes interns, residents, chief residents, and physician fellows at BIDMC—participated in the mail-in election, which was run by the National Labor Relations board from Dec. 19 to Jan. 17. The vote passed by a margin of 407–85. CIR-SEIU organizers wrote in a press release that the BIDMC house staff unionized ‘to gain a seat at the table to advocate for themselves and their patients, especially immigrant and refugee patients, and other folks coming from working-class communities of color who often face the highest barriers to care.’”Union Leaders Critique Hotels’ Skipped Room Cleanings: “Is skipping hotel room cleanings saving the environment or a scam for hotels to save on labor costs? Union leaders are calling out hotels for their supposed concern for the environment, arguing that this is nothing more than a ruse to allow customers to expect less while paying the same price. Lizzy Tapia, president of Unite Here Local 2, a San Francisco-based hotel workers union, explained on a recent broadcast of America’s Workforce Union Podcast that ‘previous to the pandemic, [Marriott Hotels] used to have what they called ‘The Green Choice Program’ [that allowed guests to choose not to have their rooms cleaned every day but]...after 3 days or 5 days of not having your room cleaned, your room is sticky and dusty and dirty—[and] it requires double the amount of work, not to mention the chemicals and water, and all of that stuff. So, The Green Choice Program was a hoax.’” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/03/2025 - 14:37Continue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract 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. After months of negotiations, members of IUE-CWA Local 83761 in Louisville, Kentucky, have secured a new contract with GE Appliances.IUE-CWA represents approximately 5,000 production workers at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer and dryer manufacturer. Their new contract includes wins such as a 60% decrease in insurance deductibles, an additional holiday off, provisions establishing a career progression system that helps workers get regular raises with additional built-in wage increases at major milestones and more.“Trying to equally distribute what we can negotiate is hard...but everybody is getting contractual wage increases every year and that’s something we can continue to build on,” said Local 83761 President Dino Driskell. “We went through the four years so workers could see what their personal gains would be....We knew we’re going to take it, or we were going to be on strike.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/03/2025 - 10:22Continue reading→
UAW Members at Detroit Axle Ratify Contract
UAW members at Detroit Axle voted by 84% on Saturday to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Daimler Truck of North America. The post UAW Members at Detroit Axle Ratify Contract appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→
IAM Union: U.S. Tariffs on Canada Hurt Workers in Both Countries, Weaken Alliance in Trade Fight Against China, Others
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2025 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the United States: “The IAM is a strong advocate of trade policy that helps protect and The post IAM Union: U.S. Tariffs on Canada Hurt Workers in Both Countries, Weaken Alliance in Trade Fight Against China, Others appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
APWU Releases Q&As about 2025 Voluntary Early Retirement
February 1, 2025The Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) recently announced for eligible postal workers by the Postal Service has generated many questions from the members of the APWU. The Postal Service published a list of questions and answers for our members. Retirees The Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) recently announced for eligible postal workers by the Postal Service has generated many questions from the members of the APWU. To help you understand your options better, APWU has published a list of questions and answers for our members below. VER Questions and Answers 2025 VER Question and Answers (Q&A) The Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) recently announced for eligible postal workers by the Postal Service has generated many questions from the members of the APWU. The Postal Service published a list of questions and answers for our members.0Continue reading→
2025 VER Question and Answers (Q&A)
https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2025-01-2025_ver_q_and_a.pdf2025 VER Question and Answers (Q&A)Continue reading→
IAFF leads research on exposure effects following wildfires
IAFF’s Chief Science Advisor Dr. Derek Urwin hopes to make exposure monitoring a routine practice to protect fire fighters' long-term health, especially in light of the growing frequency of wildfires.Continue reading→
APWU POWER 22nd Biennial National Convention
Room rate: $237/night (plus 14.75% Room Tax, plus $3.50/night occupancy tax). Hotel cut-off: July 11. Call 1-888-627-7067 Use Group Code “TBC” and identify yourself as attending the POWER Convention. Delegates should plan to arrive August 6 and depart on August 10. There is no convention on Sunday. | Registration opens March 15. Registration fee: $150. Deadline: July 25. To register a guest, contact Joyce B. Robinson at (202) 842-4225 prior to the deadline. August 5, 2025 - 7:15AM to August 10, 2025 - 6:15PMSheraton New York Times Square Hotel811 7th Ave. 53rd St., New York, NY NationalNoNo2025-01-31 00:00:00APWU POWER 22nd Biennial National ConventionHotel Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Ave. 53rd St., New York, NY Delegates should plan to arrive August 6 and depart on August 10. There is no convention on Sunday. Hotel Reservations: Contact the hotel at 1-888-627-7067 before the cut-off date of Friday, July 11, 2025. To secure the negotiated rate of $237 per night (single/double occupancy), plus 14.75% Room Tax, plus $3.50 per room night occupancy tax, use the Group Code “TBC” and identify yourself as attending the POWER Convention. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 noon. The hotel requires a major credit card for payment of room and taxes in advance. To receive a refund, hotel reservations must be cancelled 72 hours in advance of the scheduled arrival date. Additional Hotel Fees: A major credit card must be presented at the Front Desk upon arrival. A $150.00 deposit will be charged for incidental expenses. If no incidental charges are made, incidental fees will be refunded. An early departure fee of one nights’ lodging plus taxes will be charged to guest checking out prior to their confirmed check-out date. Registration Registration opens Saturday, March 1, 2025: The registration fee is $150.00 for delegates and guests and includes an Installation Dinner and a t-shirt. To register a guest, contact Joyce B. Robinson at (202) 842-4225 prior to the deadline. The guest must attend with an APWU member. Extra t-shirts are $30.00 each. Deadline to Register is Friday, July 25, 2025. Problems Registering: If you have problems registering, contact Hannah Decker at hdecker@apwu.org for assistance. Interpreters: Delegates requiring interpreters must register before the Friday, July 25, 2025 deadline. Special Note: Once registration online begins, information on convention workshops will be posted, along with additional convention information. 10Continue reading→
Tri-State (DE-NJ-PA) Convention
Room rate: $79/night(plus taxes+surcharges). For reservations, call 800-711-5882 or 302-674-4600. The group reservation is under Delaware State Postal Workers. The group code is GDPS01. Registration fee before March 15: $75.00 per participant; After 3/15: $100. Click here for tri-state registration form. April 8, 2025 - 9:00AM to April 9, 2025 - 6:00PMBally's Dover Casino Resort1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE. 19901 LocalNoYes2025-01-31 00:00:00DE-NJ-PA Tri-State ConventionHotel Bally's Dover Casino Resort, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE. 19901. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 800-711-5882 or 302-674-4600. The group reservation is under Delaware State Postal Workers. The group code is GDPS01 and the group rate is $79.00 per night (plus taxes and surcharges. The group rate will go from April 7-10. Registration Registration fee before March 15: $75.00 per participant; After: $100. Includes full buffet breakfast and buffet lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday, and educational materials for each course. Click here for tri-state registration form. Make checks payable to: Delaware State Postal Workers Union. Reply and return the registration forms and fee to: AJ Jones, Coordinator, Eastern Region APWU, 1401 Liberty Place, Sicklerville, NJ. 08081. Also, we have negotiated for the steakhouse to open for us on Tuesday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. They are offering a special deal to our attendees on that day. Reservations can be made in advance at jana@royalprimesteakhouse.com. The link for the full menu is available at Our Menu – Royal Prime Steakhouse Questions can be directed to the office of AJ Jones, Eastern Region Coordinator, American Postal Workers Union 10Continue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News 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 the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) who work at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that contains powerful language protecting workers from the encroaching presence of artificial intelligence (AI).The unit secured meaningful provisions that prevent the news outlet from laying off any current staff as a result of generative AI usage and require management to alert members if the company plans to make the use of this technology a requirement in their jobs. Additionally, ABC News is obligated to bargain with the union over the impacts of any new AI practices. Other wins in the agreement include 5% annual wage increases, more paid time off and more.“Now more than ever, we need journalists who can report and present the news while they are protected in their workplace,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “A union contract is the only thing that ensures that protection. Our members and staff fought hard for this contract, and they deserve everything they won.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/31/2025 - 10:01Continue reading→
Cancer survivor: Juan Covarrubias
Chicago, IL Local 2 member Juan Covarrubias has faced two cancer battles but continues to serve his community while advocating for cancer awareness and prevention.Continue reading→
House Resolution 70: Protecting the People’s Post Office
January 30, 2025Please call APWU’s Legislative Hotline at 1-844-402-1001 to be connected to your member of Congress today, and ask them to cosponsor H. Res. 70, which expressly opposes postal privatization. Defending the people’s public Postal Service from privatization is our top priority in 2025. Amidst renewed threats of privatization and a climate where corporate interests continue to push for profit-driven mail delivery at the expense of the public good, defending the Postal Service has never been more critical. We are excited to see the introduction of House Resolution (H. Res.) 70, reaffirming what we, as postal workers, already know—our public Postal Service is essential and must remain in the hands of the people, not private interests. H. Res. 70, introduced on January 28 in the United States House of Representatives, expresses the “sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.” “Once again, strong support for the public Postal Service is on display with the introduction of this bipartisan resolution,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “The APWU would like to thank Representatives Lynch (D-MA-08), LaLota (R-NY-01), Connolly (D-VA-11), and Garbarino (R-NY-02) for their commitment to this historic institution that serves as a vital lifeline for so many in this country.” With the 250th anniversary of the Post Office coming up this year, the timing of this resolution and the fight against privatization could not be any more urgent. While resolutions are not binding like laws, they help us to gain congressional support for the issues that matter most to us as postal workers and retirees, plus the millions of Americans who rely on the Postal Service. “The APWU has members and retirees in every ZIP code of the country,” said Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard. “We applaud this action taken by Congress and encourage all of our members to reach out to their representatives and urge them to cosponsor this resolution to stand with the USPS and its dedicated workforce against the threat of privatization.” Please call APWU’s Legislative Hotline at 1-844-402-1001 to be connected to your member of Congress today, and ask them to cosponsor H. Res. 70, which expressly opposes postal privatization. Defending the people’s public Postal Service from privatization is our top priority in 2025. Click to Call Your Representative Tell Your Representatives: Protect the People's Post Office!Continue reading→
IAM District 19 Reaches Updated, Stronger Tentative Agreement with CSX
IAM District 19 has reached a new tentative agreement with CSX covering approximately 750 system mechanical and roadway mechanic members at the carrier. The new agreement builds on a deal reached last fall, with improvements in bereavement leave and the ability to save unused sick days, among other revisions. “We are incredibly proud of District The post IAM District 19 Reaches Updated, Stronger Tentative Agreement with CSX appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Delta Air Lines Workers Pack Minnesota Union Hall to Rally for Union Support
Strength in numbers is what gathered many at the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation hall recently. Many are workers for Delta Air Lines in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, and they all could agree on one thing – costs for everyday living are getting out of hand. “No matter what part of the plane The post Delta Air Lines Workers Pack Minnesota Union Hall to Rally for Union Support appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Teamsters Flight Attendants Reach Agreement in Principle with Sun Country
(MINNEAPOLIS) – An agreement in principle has been reached for a new tentative contract between...Continue reading→
Preparations Begin for Joint IAM Bargaining at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines
The recent merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines has set into motion the preparation for negotiations of the two airlines on joint collective bargaining agreement contracts for the members of the two carriers. IAM District 142 President and Directing Chair John M. Coveny Jr. recently appointed a 10-member team to serve on the Negotiating The post Preparations Begin for Joint IAM Bargaining at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Connecticut Leaders, IAM Members Embrace Future Challenges, Commit to Renewed Fight for Working Class
IAM Union members gathered in Mystic, Conn., over the weekend for the semi-annual Connecticut State Council of Machinists meeting. Patrick Buzzee, President of the State Council, opened the conference with a robust agenda. This gathering brought together IAM members from various industries, as well as legislative leaders, to provide an essential platform for discussing labor The post Connecticut Leaders, IAM Members Embrace Future Challenges, Commit to Renewed Fight for Working Class appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
LRS Workers Unionize With Teamsters
(Wauconda, Ill.) – A group of 46 drivers at Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) has voted...Continue reading→
Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward
Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election: On Monday, workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods Market voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776, making them the first union store in Amazon’s grocery chain. The e-commerce giant has owned Whole Foods since 2017. Since taking over, Amazon has rolled back numerous worker benefits, cut staffing and changed things like attendance policies for the worse. As expected, this campaign was faced with numerous instances of anti-union retaliation and intimidation tactics, forcing UFCW to file unfair labor practice charges against the grocer. Full- and part-time staff cite the need for livable wages, affordable health care and better retirement packages as key motivators for organizing. But members of Whole Foods Workers United also hope their story of taking on a union-busting behemoth—and winning—will also inspire their counterparts at hundreds of locations across the country. “I expect others to follow, and that will increase the leverage that we have at the bargaining table,” said Ben Lovett, a member of Whole Foods Workers United. “We’ve shown them that it’s possible to organize at Amazon.” “This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”Boston Commuter Rail Workers Unions Secure New Contracts: Commuter rail workers represented by Machinists (IAM) Local 318, TCU/IAM, the Brotherhood Railway Carmen of America, and the American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association (ARASA) have all ratified new contracts with Keolis Commuter Services. Keolis operates the commuter rail system on behalf of Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in the Boston metro area and parts of Rhode Island. The union coalition—which includes members who handle core responsibilities like engineering, locomotives and maintenance—garnered support from local lawmakers who called for a fair deal. “These union members stood together. We all came together as a coalition to demand that Keolis step up to meet the reasonable needs of the workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “We showed a lot of solidarity, and we’re happy to deliver new contracts to our unions’ hard-working rail members in Boston.” “Our members are dedicated to serving Boston’s commuters and worked under an outdated contract with no raises for two years until Keolis could make a fair deal,” said IAM District 19 Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “We never disrupted commuters’ lives, but we made it known that we would not settle for less than these members deserve.”Delaware County District Library Workers Win Union Election: Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board certified on Monday that staff at Delaware County District Library (DCDL) have successfully voted to organize with the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Under the name Delaware County United Library Staff (DCULS), the new unit covers 85 librarians and library workers. Despite the library’s board of trustees voting to remain neutral during the organizing effort, DCDL’s director included union-busting talking points at a mandatory staff meeting. Under Ohio law, the library is required to allow the same amount of time for a pro-union message, but workers were forced to file an unfair labor practice charge when management refused to do so. Now that DCULS members have won their representation by 82%, they’re looking forward to starting negotiations for a first contract. “Having grown up in Delaware County and seen its changes over my lifetime, there have been enormous changes that we never even imagined. Our community size and its needs have changed, but our commitment to the Delaware County community hasn't,” said Kaleb Kramer, an Adult Services specialist at the Liberty Branch Library. “Our new union empowers all levels of staff to leverage our community relationships and experiences in partnership with our management and Board to keep pace with the rapid changes happening in our county.”UAW Welcomes Stellantis Recommitment to Restart Illinois Factory After Pressure Campaign: After months of the UAW organizing to keep the manufacturer accountable, Stellantis announced last week it will be producing a new mid-sized pickup truck at its shuttered assembly plant in Illinois and building the next-generation Dodge Durango SUV in Detroit. Stellantis—which owns Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and other brands—closed the Belvidere facility in 2023, then later that year agreed to reopen it as part of an agreement with the UAW. The corporation attempted to walk back that promise in August 2024, prompting the union to launch its Keep the Promise campaign that included demonstrations, grievance filings and other actions. “This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” said UAW President Shawn Fain in a press release. “We’ve shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.”PASS Ratifies Second Contract with Federal Aviation Administration: Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker (right) and Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) National President Dave Spero (left) signed a new contract this month covering approximately 7,200 employees in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. PASS members voted to ratify the new five-year deal with 88% approval in early January. This contract went into effect right before a series of anti-federal employee executive orders were handed down by the new Trump administration. The contract offers financial incentives to workers, strengthens telework and remote work provisions, and increases rest requirements for this safety-critical workforce. “Although the process took longer than we would have liked, PASS bargained as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Spero. “PASS did not get everything we wanted but we made many improvements that will enhance employees’ work lives and address staffing issues at air traffic control facilities that have difficulty retaining workers. I’m proud of the work our team did at the bargaining table. It was challenging at times, but in the end, we achieved a strong collective bargaining agreement. I want to thank our members for their support and patience during the process.”Culinary Union Members Ratify Contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Ending Strike: On Wednesday, members of UNITE HERE’s Nevada affiliates—Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—who work at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas unanimously ratified a new contract. This victory ends 69 days of around-the-clock picket lines, the longest work stoppage in decades for these hospitality workers. Staff at the hotel-casino bravely held the line throughout the duration of the strike and received an outpouring of support—including from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which publicly pledged a boycott. In a joint statement, the unions and employer said: “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary and Bartenders Unions are pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property. Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract. Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more. “The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/30/2025 - 10:23 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First 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. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract.Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more.“The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/30/2025 - 10:15Continue reading→
Cancer survivor: Skye Downs
Dedham, MA Local 1735 member Skye Downs discovered a thyroid lump during a Facetime call, leading to a dual cancer diagnosis, surgeries, and treatment, but after a year-long battle, she is now cancer-free and advocates for early detection and fire fighter cancer prevention.Continue reading→