News

Teamsters Authorize Strike at Ascend Wellness

(BARRY, Ill.) – Members of Teamsters Local 916 at Ascend Wellness in Barry, Ill., have voted by a 92 percent margin to authorize a strike as they fight for their first contract. The workers cultivate, process, package, and distribute cannabis products for one of the nation’s largest multistate cannabis operators. “After more than a year at the bargaining table, our members have had enough of this company’s delay tactics,” said JP Fyans, President of Teamsters Local 916. “Ascend’s executives have no problem paying union-busting attorneys to drag out negotiations, but when workers demand a fair contract, they suddenly claim they can’t afford it.” Workers are seeking fair wages, affordable health care, and strong workplace protections. Multiple unfair labor practice (ULP) charges have been filed against Ascend, including a charge that a bargaining committee member was targeted for union activity. “Cannabis workers at Ascend are fighting for the stability and respect that should come with any good job,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “The Teamsters are committed to helping our members build long-term careers at this company. We will not allow Ascend’s reckless conduct to continue.” “Ascend brings in millions of dollars every year off of our backs,” said Shane Wilmer, an Ascend cultivator and member of Local 916. “This company can afford to give us the contract we deserve. We are ready to do whatever necessary to get a fair contract, and we are not afraid to strike if that’s what it takes.” Teamsters Local 916 represents more than 4,000 workers throughout the state of Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale and East Saint Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit teamsters916.org. ### The post Teamsters Authorize Strike at Ascend Wellness appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

IAM Journal: Santa Ana Inferno

This article was featured in the Summer 2026 IAM Journal  and was written by IAM Communications Representative Bill Harkum “People were literally just running for their lives,” said IAM California Fire Pilots Association member and Cal Fire pilot Keith Eyler. Around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2025, Santa Ana winds reignited a brush fire near The post IAM Journal: Santa Ana Inferno appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Novelty and Production Workers

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Novelty and Production Workers This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we've covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the Novelty and Production Workers (IUANPW). Name of Union: International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production WorkersMission: To unite, within the international union, all workers employed in the industry under its jurisdiction, regardless of race, sex, color, creed, or nationality. To increase wages and lessen hours of work. To increase job security and to better the working and living conditions of its members. To establish and maintain collective bargaining throughout the trades and industry within its jurisdiction. To defend and extend democratic institutions and procedures and the civil rights and liberties of its members and all others. To promote the health and security, and to provide facilities for advancing the cultural, educational, social and recreational interest of workers and their families. To give assistance and encouragement to organizations in organizing workers, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary and proper to strengthen the labor movement. To affiliate with or lend assistance to associations of labor organizations. To further legislative protection for all working people in their rights to organize for mutual protection and improvement. To work for the advancement of union-made products and of all union labels as a source of strength in the attainment of fair conditions of employment.Current Leadership of Union: Mark Spano serves as president. Joseph Giovinco Jr. serves as secretary/treasurer. The officers and general executive board consist of Anthony Iori (1st vice president), Nicole Jean-Charles (2nd vice president), Phil Sitkowski (3rd vice president), Carl Whaling (4th vice president), Angel Febus, Cristina Ramirez, Anthony Miranti, James Vogt and Joseph Manzella.Current Number of Members: More than 18,000Members Work As: Allied, novelty and production workers.Industries Represented: General manufacturing and related industries.History: The International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers was established in the 1940s. The union was originally named the International Union of Dolls, Toys, Playthings, Novelties and Allied Products of the United States and Canada, but was changed to the International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers in the late 1970s as toy manufacturing was mostly shipped overseas. Today, the union represents a wide array of jobs in industries such as the general manufacturing, construction, food production, transportation and automotive fields.Learn More: Website Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/08/2026 - 15:24Continue reading→

Pride Month Profiles: Ashley Deschenes

Pride Month Profiles: Ashley Deschenes For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ashley Deschenes of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). Ashley Deschenes has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ members through community outreach, volunteer efforts and her involvement with SMART Local 2. She has helped create greater awareness, build meaningful connections and support a more welcoming environment for all members. Her commitment to visibility, education and solidarity has positively affected both the membership and the broader community. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/08/2026 - 09:25 Tags: PrideContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE 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. Information technology technicians and event coordinators who work at the San Diego Convention Center have voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122, creating a fully union strong convention center floor.These staff are employed by Smart City Networks, which provides internet and event technology to trade shows and exhibitions. In the lead-up to the vote, Smart City Networks retained the union-busting law firm Littler Mendelson, spending an estimated $58,000 to pressure workers to stop organizing. But staff held strong and secured a decisive union election victory.“At the end of the day, everyone deserves to have a union,” said Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE Local 122. “We’re proud that the workers at Smart City took their first step in having a voice on the job and having representation.”“To us, having a union means having a voice,” crew members said in a statement. “It means being united and being able to stand on equal footing with the company. It has shown us the importance of solidarity, and we look forward to taking an active role in the decisions that will impact our future.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/08/2026 - 09:14 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

IAM Western Territory Organizing Blitz Builds Momentum at City of Long Beach

The IAM Western Territory recently completed a highly successful internal organizing blitz at the City of Long Beach, signing up 147 new dues-paying members in just three days through coordinated outreach efforts across the city. The organizing effort led by IAM International Representative Ryan Carrillo brought together 13 teams and 28 workers and staff who The post IAM Western Territory Organizing Blitz Builds Momentum at City of Long Beach appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

APWU Response to Proposal to Change Vote-By-Mail

The APWU is deeply alarmed that the United States Postal Service published a proposed rule this week to begin implementing President Trump’s March 31 Executive Order on vote-by-mail. The Executive Order is an unconstitutional attack on the millions of Americans who vote by mail and another front in an ongoing assault on voting rights in the […] The post APWU Response to Proposal to Change Vote-By-Mail appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→

WATCH: Union Solidarity in Action in Minneapolis

WATCH: Union Solidarity in Action in Minneapolis On Sunday, union leaders and activists from around the country will gather in Minneapolis for our 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention. We’ll do the work to define a labor movement agenda that empowers working people, changes lives and builds an America that works for all of us. In the three days following the start of the convention, we will hear speeches from workers, leaders and allies. We will feature panels and trainings on crucial issues like AI, immigration, organizing, worker safety and much more. We’ll talk about what’s happening in Minnesota, and how labor and allies have come together to fight injustice and oppression, and to stand up for working people. Will you tune in?WATCH SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. ETWe’ll be streaming the convention live on aflcio.tv and our social media platforms:Sunday, June 7: 2–6 p.m.Monday, June 8: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Tuesday, June 9: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Wednesday, June 10: 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.We can’t do this work alone. That’s why the theme of our convention is “With You.” Our solidarity is critical. We know the power unions have to change lives. Our labor built America, and our unions have kept it strong and will continue pushing it forward.With you, we can. Will you join us?  Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/05/2026 - 13:39 Tags: AFL-CIO ConventionContinue reading→

Pride Month Profiles: Alyssa Goodstein

Pride Month Profiles: Alyssa Goodstein For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Alyssa Goodstein of the Illinois AFL-CIO. Alyssa Goodstein joined the Illinois AFL-CIO in 2022 after serving as LGBTQIA+ caucus director for Young Democrats of Illinois. A former UAW member while earning her degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, she views organized labor as a powerful force for workplace equality and LGBTQIA+ rights. At the state labor federation, Goodstein co-founded Pride At Work Illinois and helped organize the state’s first LGBTQIA+ and workers’ rights symposium, bringing together labor and advocacy leaders to strengthen protections for LGBTQIA+ workers across Illinois. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/05/2026 - 09:56 Tags: PrideContinue reading→

Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract

(BAKERSFIELD, Calif.) – A group of 243 workers at Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, represented by Teamsters Local 87, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new agreement with the K-8 public school district which serves the Bakersfield community across 25 schools. “This strong agreement is vital for me, my colleagues, and our students across the district,” said Joseph Diaz, a maintenance department worker and chief shop steward. “When negotiations began, we knew that we needed to remain united to get what we deserve and ensure we can continue to show up for our students when they need us most. Improved wages and health care benefits mean our departments can remain fully staffed to make sure students have access to a good public education.” The new agreement includes a one-time $1,000 bonus for all full-time workers, pro-rated payment for part-time workers in the bargaining unit, and strengthened health care language with a no-cost employee premium included in the base health care plan. Workers in the unit span dozens of job classifications across several departments throughout the district. “This agreement reflects important protections and improvements for every member. The dedication and unity shown by our stewards and members at Panama-Buena Vista Union School District throughout negotiations brought this strong contract across the finish line,” said John Moralez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 87. Teamsters Local 87 proudly represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Bakersfield, California. For more information, go to teamsterslocal87.org. The post Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

UAW Endorses Secretary Jocelyn Benson and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in Critical Michigan Races for Governor and U.S. Senate

Led by a member-elected board of the UAW’s Community Action Program (CAP) in Michigan, the UAW is proud to announce the endorsements of Jocelyn Benson and Abdul El-Sayed for critical races for Governor and U.S. Senate, respectively. The post UAW Endorses Secretary Jocelyn Benson and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in Critical Michigan Races for Governor and U.S. Senate appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mid-Continent Public Library Workers Vote to Form Union

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mid-Continent Public Library Workers Vote to Form Union 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. Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) workers have voted to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360.One of the largest public library systems in the United States, MCPL covers three counties across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The new bargaining unit includes nearly 700 part-time and full-time librarians, early literacy associates, information technology staff, delivery services staff and other critical workers.“From everyone that was there in the beginning four years ago to those that started supporting this week, we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of us,” said Kelli Mulligan Lindsey, an early literacy associate at MCPL Green Hills and MCPL Workers United-CWA Local 6360 member. “Together we can do anything, and together we can continue to make the library a place for everyone in our community.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/05/2026 - 08:01 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

Apple Under Fire: Congressional Labor Caucus Calls for NLRB Investigation into Tech Giant’s Treatment of Unionized Towson Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4, 2026 — Apple (AAPL) continues to feel national political heat even as the tech giant’s stock has risen nearly 15% in 2026.  Fifty-four members of the Congressional Labor Caucus, led by Co-Chairs and Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), are calling on the The post Apple Under Fire: Congressional Labor Caucus Calls for NLRB Investigation into Tech Giant’s Treatment of Unionized Towson Workers appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

In Memoriam: Lester “Les” Singer

Lester “Les” Singer, former Teamsters Central Region Vice President, passed away on May 10, 2026. Singer began his Teamsters career in 1963 as a driver for Coca-Cola. Several years later, he served as a business agent and as Vice President of Teamsters Local 20 in Toledo, Ohio — positions he held from 1978 until 1992. Singer continued to advance in Teamsters leadership, getting elected President of Local 20, President of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, and President of Teamsters Joint Council 44, all from 1992 until 2003. He later served for a decade as an International Vice President, from 1997 until 2007. While serving as president of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters — representing 90,000 members — Singer played an instrumental role in establishing the state’s strike fund. As an International Vice President, re-establishing the International Union’s strike fund and strengthening organizing programs nationwide were his top priorities. Singer was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife were passionate advocates for the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising over a million dollars in charitable contributions. No services are currently scheduled, per Singer’s wishes, but memorial contributions in his memory can be made to St. Jude. The post In Memoriam: Lester “Les” Singer appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

Grievance Moratorium to be in Effect Due to 2026 National Convention

The APWU and the Postal Service have agreed to a moratorium on grievances, disciplinary actions and arbitration hearings at the National, Regional, State, and Local levels from Aug. 11 through Aug. 21, due to the 2026 APWU Biennial Convention, Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash has announced. According to the agreement, all grievances, disciplinary actions, and arbitration hearings at the […] The post Grievance Moratorium to be in Effect Due to 2026 National Convention appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→

APWU Electronic Grievance System Down for Necessary Maintenance June 5

The Electronic Grievance System (EGS) will be offline for scheduled maintenance this weekend. Beginning Friday, June 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and running through midnight, the EGS team will migrate the system to new hardware, and access may be unavailable or intermittent during that time. Maintenance Window Eastern Time Pacific Time Start Friday, […] The post APWU Electronic Grievance System Down for Necessary Maintenance June 5 appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→

Register Today! Build the Labor Movement of the Future at the 2026 IAM Women’s and Young Workers Conference

The IAM Union is proud to announce the 2026 IAM Women’s and Young Workers Conference, taking place September 19-23, 2026, at the historic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. The deadline to register is Thursday, August 13, 2026. Register today! This year’s conference theme, “Emerging Leaders Building the Labor Movement of the Future,” highlights the IAM’s The post Register Today! Build the Labor Movement of the Future at the 2026 IAM Women’s and Young Workers Conference appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

IAM Local 62A Bargaining Team Prepares for Collins Aerospace Negotiations at Winpisinger Center

Members of the IAM Local 62A negotiating committee recently completed intensive contract negotiation preparation training at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, strengthening their skills and strategy as they prepare for upcoming negotiations with Collins Aerospace in Cheshire, Conn. The committee participated in the Winpisinger Center’s Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees program, a The post IAM Local 62A Bargaining Team Prepares for Collins Aerospace Negotiations at Winpisinger Center appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

100,000 Illinois Rideshare Drivers Pave Historic Pathway for IAM Union, SEIU Local 1 Representation

In a landmark victory for working people and the future of app-based work organizing, rideshare drivers across Illinois are one step closer to securing a stronger voice on the job after the Illinois General Assembly passed the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Rights Bill. The legislation, championed by the Illinois Drivers Alliance — a coalition formed by The post 100,000 Illinois Rideshare Drivers Pave Historic Pathway for IAM Union, SEIU Local 1 Representation appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→

Worker Wins: With A Clear Voice They Achieved Those Goals

Worker Wins: With A Clear Voice They Achieved Those Goals Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. REI San Diego Store Votes to Form Union: Workers at REI’s San Diego store voted last week to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135, making it the largest union-represented location for the retailer in the country. This victory for REI Union’s growing organizing efforts comes just days after the conclusion of a nationwide boycott of the company’s Anniversary Sale. More than 70,000 co-op members pledged not to shop and stood in solidarity with workers calling for the company to bargain in good faith. “It’s been a long road, but we all want to make REI the best version of itself that it can be, and that is what brought us to this moment,” said staff member Jae Michael. “We are the ones stewarding the values of this co-op every single day, especially when we cannot rely on executive leadership to do the same. With our union, we’ll have a say in the decisions that affect our jobs and our lives. When we first started to organize, I knew we were joining a nationwide movement to hold REI accountable to its green vests and co-op members. I’m beyond proud to be a part of the REI Union so we can achieve that mission together.”Netflix Production Workers Ratify First Contract: Members of The Animation Guild (TAG), Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839, who work at Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) have voted to ratify their first union contract. Feature production workers at the streaming platform approved the new deal with an overwhelming 89% casting ballots in favor. The agreement contains provisions establishing wage minimums, dismissal pay and critical workplace protections. “Since I started at NAS in 2019, production workers had undergone constant change, and the shifts in the industry made it clear that we needed to unionize,” production coordinator Thalia Nalapraya said. “It was a heartbreaking experience to see my colleagues laid off from projects without any safety net. Now that we have ratified our contract, I feel so proud and grateful—to the organizing committee who guided us through the Union vote, the Negotiations Committee for taking the seat at the table and setting the foundations for future negotiations, and the production workers at DreamWorks, Disney, Nickelodeon and others who unionized before us. We wouldn’t have gotten here without learning from their experiences.”Seattle Hospitalists Vote to Join AFT, Make State History: Swedish Medical Group hospitalists have voted to join Northwest Medicine United, AFT Local 6552, making history as the first physicians in the Providence system to unionize in Washington. Swedish Medical Group is part of Providence Swedish, Providence’s health system in the western part of the state. Approximately 115 medical professionals across five campuses in the Seattle area participated in the union election. “Physicians at Swedish Medical Group are organizing because they want a stronger voice in the decisions that affect patient care, physician autonomy and the future of healthcare,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten in a social media post. “I'm proud to stand with these hospitalists as they work to protect quality care and physician autonomy.”Nevada Administrative and Clerical Workers Join AFSCME: More than 3,500 Nevada state employees in administrative and clerical roles have voted to join AFSCME Local 4041. The new bargaining unit covers administrative assistants in all state agencies, departments, state colleges and universities, as well as other assistants, clerks and clerical staff. Once the Employee Management Relations Board certifies the election results, the state will have up to 60 days to begin contract negotiations. "I am proud of my co-workers for coming together to organize our union. As admin assistants, we are the backbone of our offices — nothing happens without us. And we deserve the dignity and respect that comes with having a unified voice on the job,” said Maria Behic, an administrative assistant in Las Vegas. “We look forward to joining our AFSCME family in building our power in the workplace.”Weyerhaeuser Workers in Pacific Northwest Ratify Historic Four-Year Agreement: IAM Union (IAM) District W24 members who work for Weyerhaeuser have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The bargaining unit covers 1,160 workers at the timber company’s sawmills, trucking operations, export yards and logging camps across Washington and Oregon. Highlights of the deal include an 11% total wage increase over the life of the contract, stronger pension and retirement benefits, expanded bereavement leave and more. “Weyerhaeuser IAM members wanted key family and financial issues addressed in the contract,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “With a clear voice they achieved those goals with help from District W24, the Western Territory and the International. We’re proud of our entire Weyerhaeuser membership at District W24.” “Strength and power were with this negotiating committee during the whole process,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “The Committee told the company they needed to listen to the membership, and the ratified contract speaks clearly that those issues were heard.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/04/2026 - 10:37 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→