News

IAM Organizing Department Win at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

RICHMOND, VA, Nov. 21, 2024— Approximately 68 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG) workers have overwhelmingly voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). LGBG workers help enrich the community by maintaining and growing the living collections through horticultural expertise, hosting concerts, seasonal events, and educational children’s activities. “LGBG employees are a The post IAM Organizing Department Win at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

UAW Calls on Michigan Legislature to Deliver for Working Class People in Lame Duck Session

The United Auto Workers issued the following statement today calling on the Michigan legislature to deliver for working class people in the upcoming lame duck session. The post UAW Calls on Michigan Legislature to Deliver for Working Class People in Lame Duck Session appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Alexander “Alex” Osif

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Alexander “Alex” Osif Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Alexander “Alex” Osif of the Mine Workers (UMWA). Alex Osif is of Kin Yaa’áanii (The Towering House) clan of the Navajo tribe. He also works as a case manager in the Black Lung Clinics Program at Canyonlands Healthcare in Chilchinbeto, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. Osif represents his union brothers and sisters and is a tremendous advocate for those with black lung disease. He works with the National Black Lung Association and brings that program to the Southwest for his retirees, his communities, the Navajo Nation and beyond into the surrounding mining communities. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:52Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Chicago Tribune Journalists Secure First Contract

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Chicago Tribune Journalists Secure First 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. Members of the Chicago Tribune Guild, part of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), won their first contract with Alden Global Capital last week after six years of bargaining.Alden Global Capital, which has a well-established reputation of gutting and slashing newsrooms, began buying into the Tribune Publishing Company in 2019. The hedge fund fully acquired the paper in May 2021. This landmark contract was ratified with near-unanimous approval on Friday, providing two years of consecutive raises and an immediate signing bonus. The agreement also retains Guild members’ 401(k) match, raises minimum salary floors and establishes essential protections against artificial intelligence outsourcing.“We won because we fought, and we fought because we believe in the work we do for Chicago,” said Unit Chair Jake Sheridan. “The world needs people to push for truth right now. That’s what we do. This contract gives us a little more stability and a little more pay so we can keep doing it.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/22/2024 - 08:44 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

So-called Department of Government Efficiency Would be Responsible for Nearly 500,000 Veteran Layoffs if Musk and Ramaswamy Execute Stated Plans

Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), a union representing 110,000 federal employees, is sounding the alarm about what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an unofficial entity operating outside of the federal government – would do to our nation’s veterans if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy achieve their stated The post So-called Department of Government Efficiency Would be Responsible for Nearly 500,000 Veteran Layoffs if Musk and Ramaswamy Execute Stated Plans appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Salutes Retiring Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen on Historic Career, Welcomes Robert ‘Bobby’ Martinez to Executive Council

The IAM is bidding farewell to one of its most esteemed leaders, Gary R. Allen, as he retires from his role as General Vice President. Allen’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for the union, but it also opens the door for Western Territory Chief of Staff Robert “Bobby” Martinez to take on The post IAM Salutes Retiring Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen on Historic Career, Welcomes Robert ‘Bobby’ Martinez to Executive Council appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Organizing Department Win at Fort Jackson in South Carolina

On Oct. 29th, 46 Soldier Support Institute (SSI) workers at Fort Jackson in SC overwhelmingly voted to join the IAM. The SSI workers had heard from the other 800 unionized workers at the Fort about the benefits of being union, and were encouraged to join the local. IAM Organizing Department Special Representative Jerry McCarty and The post IAM Organizing Department Win at Fort Jackson in South Carolina appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville to Enter Federal Mediation as Strike Continues

Approximately 320 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460, District 4, working at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, remain on strike for a fair contract after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s latest proposal on Nov. 14, 2024. In a new development, IAM and IKEA will meet with a federal mediator The post IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville to Enter Federal Mediation as Strike Continues appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Important Changes Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15, 2024, through December 7, 2024. We wanted to make you aware that Major Changes are Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program in 2025! As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning January 1, 2025, the federal government is implementing significant changes that will impact The post Important Changes Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Makayla Gallagher

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Makayla Gallagher Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Makayla Gallagher of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). Makayla Gallagher is proudly affiliated with the Sitnasuak and Bering Straits Native corporations in Alaska. Born and raised in the state, Gallagher has a deep connection to the outdoors, embracing it not only as a pastime but as an integral way of life. She is an active member of PASS and serves as her facility’s union representative, dedicated to understanding the benefits available to employees and fostering positive relationships within the Federal Aviation Administration. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/21/2024 - 08:40Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philly Workers at SEPTA Reach Tentative Agreement that Includes Major Pay Raise

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philly Workers at SEPTA Reach Tentative Agreement that Includes Major Pay Raise 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. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) workers in Philadelphia tentatively agreed to a new one-year contract. More than 5,000 workers are represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 and include bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance people and custodians. The tentative deal would include a 5% pay increase that, coupled with the last deal, increases workers’ wages to 12.5% more than they made as of Dec. 8, 2023. Members who retire during the life of the contract will receive an additional 5% pension increase. Also included in the contract are schedule stability for operators, increased health benefits and safety changes.Union members will vote on whether to ratify the deal on Dec. 6. Local 234 unanimously authorized a strike that would become unnecessary if members approve the tentative deal.“We’re going to continue to work in tandem in hopes that we can get transit funding, so we won’t be back at this place next year," said Local 234 President Brian Pollitt. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/21/2024 - 08:23Continue reading→

IAM Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

The IAM proudly celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, designated by the Biden administration from Nov. 17 through Nov. 23, 2024. This week serves as an important reminder of the vital role that apprenticeship programs play in developing the skilled workforce necessary for a competitive American economy. “Apprenticeships have been the cornerstone of workforce training for over The post IAM Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Captive Audience Meetings Are Illegal Nationwide: In the States Roundup

Captive Audience Meetings Are Illegal Nationwide: 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). Alabama AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/vDUOcS8XOe— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) October 17, 2024Alaska AFL-CIO:📸 Photos from today's @unac4996AK Solidarity Spine Walk at UAA. #FairContractNow #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/6a8opwsaGY— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:👀 "Colorado is among states that historically adopted policies intended to limit private sector workers’ freedoms to form unions. Today, this suppression of workers’ rights is weakening Colorado’s economy." @greenhousenyt @RBReich https://t.co/6keiskujQX— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 20, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:👏👏👏 https://t.co/bH0XwbJx3b— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 14, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Thousands of students were in Springfield yesterday for the Central Illinois Building Trades Career Day. They met tradespeople from 14 trades, had hands on experiences and several decided they want to join a union when they graduate! pic.twitter.com/701fKfUizn— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Rep-elect Kilton Webb (@IBEW 567) discusses how he developed a winning campaign with help from the Maine AFL-CIO Worker Candidate Training.https://t.co/r6osZ5K5Rj #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:PLAs PLAs PLAs@Mass_BTU #mapoli https://t.co/ymE15GBJ2L— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) November 20, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:“I have been working downtown for several years, and for the first time I feel a new kind of hope for what is to come and the changes that we will win together,” said @CTUL_TC member Estella Tirado #BetterInAUnion (via @workdaymagazine) https://t.co/JWS0CXr1DJ— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 19, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:Happy #NationalMonopolyDay! 🎩💸 Did you know the monopoly board games is made by union workers? pic.twitter.com/Qb4twyut4H— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 19, 2024Montana State AFL-CIO:It's time for St. Peter's to support nurses in Helena and bargain in good faith. Keep nurses local! Protect high quality patient care! #mtpol #mtnews #mtlabor https://t.co/rjdhlHjcnN— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) October 28, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Earlier this year we had the pleasure of touring the Bricklayers Local 13 JACT with @ActSecJulieSu Find information on all apprenticeship programs and see what works best for you: https://t.co/U5HVtHfspX pic.twitter.com/hZQWihe5lI— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) November 19, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:H.R. 9495 includes a poison pill provision that is a serious threat to nonprofits, incl. unions. This bill would remove due process and hand over considerable power to the next Trump admin. Join us in urging Congress to vote NO on H.R. 9495.🔗https://t.co/kbmYTMI1Sn #1u pic.twitter.com/hRqQ7DrcaK— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Congratulations ⁦@RepMarcyKaptur,⁩ a true champion of working people https://t.co/dH4BugYven— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 20, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:The longer the picket line, the shorter the strike. Head to https://t.co/bb7P96KEa4 and find a picket line near you to support today! With 5 unions on strike in 6 cities there are many ways to show solidarity and support striking workers. pic.twitter.com/Wvg2sUJalH— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Rhode Island AFL-CIO:Answer: YES.Can unions save offshore wind from Trump? https://t.co/AR73U4sSX1 @climatejobs @climatejobsri— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) November 20, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:GET IN LOSER WE'RE ORGANIZING THE SOUTH 😤 https://t.co/ARV6q2kpMg— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Shame on Anheuser-Busch for closing Elysian in Seattle rather than negotiating a contract with brewery workers! Despite being in active negotiations, the company never mentioned the possibility of closure, completely blindsiding our @teamsters117 siblings. https://t.co/VzBw8xa2sA— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 18, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Labor unions are a growing trend in health care industry https://t.co/TapeiTkoWI— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 20, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:33Continue reading→

UFCW-Made Thanksgiving!

It’s time to celebrate the ultimate American holiday with food, side dishes, desserts and beverages produced by the hard-working members of our union family. Here’s a list of UFCW-made products to enjoy this holiday season: Turkey Boar’s Head Butterball 2 Foster Farms Thumann’s Hoffman’s Honest John Empire Kosher Rogers Poultry Palisades Ranch (meat & poultry […] The post UFCW-Made Thanksgiving! appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.Continue reading→

Supermajority of Workers at EV Battery Maker BlueOval SK in Kentucky Have Signed Union Cards, Launch Public Campaign to Join UAW

GLENDALE, Ky. – A supermajority of workers at BlueOval SK (BOSK) in Kentucky have signed union authorization cards and today launched their public campaign to join the UAW. The campaign launch at BOSK, a joint venture of Ford and SK On, is the latest breakthrough for electric vehicle (EV) battery workers organizing with the UAW. […] The post Supermajority of Workers at EV Battery Maker BlueOval SK in Kentucky Have Signed Union Cards, Launch Public Campaign to Join UAW appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people.  Check out the members we've featured so far:Kassy McDowellKota Aranda Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:54Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kota Aranda

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kota Aranda Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Kota Aranda of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Kota Aranda has worked as a camera and lens technician since joining IATSE Local 600 in 2020 and enjoys amplifying diverse voices through Local 600’s BIPOC group in Atlanta. “My proudest moment was seeing my name in the credits of my first full run,” Aranda said. “That was a really rewarding experience. It’s just a name with a long list of others but to me that name in the credits represents the early mornings, late nights, long days, hard work and perseverance that it took to get the job done.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:45Continue reading→