News

Worker Wins: A Significant Victory for Worker Justice

Worker Wins: A Significant Victory for Worker Justice Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Park City Ski Patrollers Union Ratifies New Contract: Members of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA), CWA Local 7781, unanimously ratified a new collective bargaining agreement Wednesday after a powerful 12-day strike. Members are celebrating wins, including a fairer wage structure and an improved benefits package, that will foster higher retention rates and career growth. Ski patrollers went on strike after Vail Resorts—which manages Park City Mountain Resort—refused to offer a fair compensation proposal that helped staff keep up with the high regional cost of living. “This is more than just a win for our unit, it is a great success for everyone in the ski and mountain industry,” PCPSPA said in a statement posted to social media. “This is a clear example of what can be achieved when workers stand together and fight for what we deserve. We could not have done this without the support of our community. We are eternally grateful to everyone who donated, provided food, and stood with us on the picket line. We are proud. We are grateful. We are united.”IATSE and Ensemble Arts Reach Tentative Agreement for Philadelphia Ushers: Ushers at popular Philadelphia theaters, represented by Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local B29, reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Ensemble Arts Philly on Tuesday, averting a potential strike. Ushers had been working under an expired contract since the summer of last year. Highlights of the TA include a 23% raise over five years in addition to other benefits and changes to workplace rules that reflect the important role these front-of-house workers play. In a joint statement, the union and Ensemble Arts said: “This agreement is the result of professional and productive dialogue and a spirit of collaboration between the two parties. Ensemble Arts Philly and IATSE Local B29 look forward to continuing their 24-year partnership working together to continue to provide exceptional service to the more than one million visitors to the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater each year.”UAW Members at EV Maker Win Back Pay Settlement: In a win for the UAW, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) approved a settlement last week of nearly $258,000 in back pay and for the right of the illegally fired workers at electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Lucid, to return to work. This ruling stems from unfair labor practice charges filed by the UAW after the company dismissed three workers for organizing in 2023. The Formal Board Settlement also includes a cease and desist order compelling the EV maker to stop illegal tactics like surveilling workers, confiscating union literature and threatening workers for union efforts. “This is a significant victory for worker and climate justice,” said UAW Region 6 Director Mike Miller.  “We’re building the green economy to create a more sustainable future. But we will only have a truly sustainable future if we build our economy around protecting both the planet and workers’ right to organize for justice on the job without employer interference.”  UAW President Shawn Fain added: “Every autoworker in America can take heart from this settlement. Lucid is backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the deepest pockets in the world. But Lucid workers stood up and won justice. They showed that no matter how big the challenge, workers can win when they stand together and fight for a better life.”President Biden Signs Social Security Fairness Act into Law: President Biden signed the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act on Sunday, making more than 2.5 million public sector workers who receive pension income also eligible for Social Security benefits. The new law repeals two provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. This expands Social Security payments to dedicated public servants and their surviving spouses who have been unfairly excluded for over four decades. The legislation was strongly backed by various unions and labor groups, marking a critical victory for ensuring more workers have the dignified retirement they deserve. “For years the government has taken away Social Security benefits from millions of retired federal, state and local government employees who worked as teachers, police, firefighters, postal workers and general employees,” said Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta in a press release. “We thank all the activists and elected officials who helped pass this law. As a result of their efforts more Americans will be able to enjoy the more secure retirement they earned.”Philadelphia Museum Workers Vote to Ratify First Contract: Workers represented by AFSCME at the Please Touch Museum (PTM) in Philadelphia have voted to approve their first-ever collective bargaining agreement at the institution. Staff voted to form Please Touch Museum United in April 2023, becoming the city’s first children’s museum to form a union and yet another organizing victory forged through the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign. Wins in the agreement include a 13.3% immediate increase in minimum pay—with guaranteed raises up to 24% over the lifetime of the contract—the ability to rollover sick time and vacation, reductions in health insurance cost-shares and more. “Museum and cultural workers have traditionally accepted low pay and precarious conditions as a trade-off for doing mission-driven work,” said AFSCME District Council 47 President April Gigetts. “But those conditions aren’t sustainable for people who need a paycheck to live. As museums become more racially and economically diverse workplaces, workers are increasingly demanding the same rights and protections as those in other industries.”The Animation Guild Ratifies Contract with Streamers and Studios: Last week, members of The Animation Guild (TAG), Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839, voted to ratify a new three-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). After months of negotiations with studio representatives, TAG announced that, in a historic Guild turnout, 76.1% of members voted in favor of the new deal. The 2024–2027 Animation Guild Master Agreement improves health and pension funds, increases worker wages, codifies important artificial intelligence protections, and establishes other new benefits. Studios covered in the agreement include industry giants such as DreamWorks Animation, Marvel, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation and more. “I want to recognize the incredible work that the Negotiations Committee put into seeing this agreement reached and ratified,” said TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan in a press statement. “This agreement is the next step forward in our goal to create the strongest contract for our members.…The membership made clear to us that there is a need for more focus on generative artificial intelligence, and we will attack the issue through a multifaceted approach, including lobbying for effective legislation, advocating for tax incentives for humanmade work and grieving against potential abuses.”Fontainebleau Las Vegas Workers Vote to Ratify Contract: Hospitality workers represented by the Culinary Workers Union, the Nevada affiliate of UNITE HERE, voted overwhelmingly this week to ratify the first union contract at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. With a stunning 99.6% of members voting in favor of the deal, workers celebrated the new protections and benefits that they won over the course of 18 hours at the negotiating table. The tentative agreement was reached in mid-December after the Culinary Workers Union forged a card-check neutrality deal with the casino resort in 2023. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/13/2025 - 15:00 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

A New Era of Worker Power: The Working People Weekly List

A New Era of Worker Power: 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. SEIU Joins AFL-CIO to 'Unleash a New Era of Worker Power' as Trump 2.0 Looms: “The 2-million-member-strong Service Employees International Union announced Wednesday that it is joining the AFL-CIO, bolstering the ranks of the largest labor federation in the United States as unions prepare to fight the incoming Trump administration. ‘CEOs and billionaires want nothing more than to see workers divided, but we're standing here today with greater solidarity than ever to reach the 60 million Americans who say they'd join a union tomorrow if the laws allowed and to unrig our labor laws to guarantee every worker in America the basic right to organize on the job,’ AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said in a statement. With SEIU included, the unions that make up the AFL-CIO represent roughly 15 million workers across the nation. April Verrett, SEIU's international president, said union members ‘are ready to unleash a new era of worker power, as millions of service and care workers unite with workers at the AFL-CIO to build our unions in every industry and every ZIP code.’”UAW Seeks Union Election at Ford Battery Plant in Kentucky: “The United Automobile Workers union is seeking approval from federal labor regulators for a union election among workers at a Ford Motor battery plant in Kentucky, providing an important test of organized labor’s strength after the election of Donald J. Trump. The union petitioned the National Labor Relations Board on Tuesday to let workers at the new factory in Glendale, about 55 miles south of Louisville, vote on whether they want to join the UAW. The plant, which is expected to begin production this year, is a joint venture between Ford and SK On, a South Korean battery company.” Park City Ski Patrollers, Resort Reach Tentative Settlement: “Park City Mountain Resort and its ski patrol have reached a tentative agreement. Late Tuesday night, the resort and the Park City Professional Ski Association released a joint statement announcing that a tentative agreement had been reached through April of 2027. ‘The union's bargaining committee is unanimously endorsing ratification by its unit with a vote scheduled to take place (Wednesday),’ the two sides said. ‘The tentative agreement addresses both parties' interests and will end the current strike.’”Biden Signs Bill to Boost Social Security Payments for Some Public Sector Workers: “President Joe Biden signed a bill Sunday that boosts Social Security benefits for millions of public sector workers in what the White House described as the first expansion of such benefits in 20 years. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two decades-old provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset—that reduced Social Security benefits for some retirees who also received pension income. Police officers, firefighters, postal workers, and public school teachers are among the nearly 3 million affected by the provisions. ‘The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their lives to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity,’ Biden said.”Nurses at Three Legacy Hospitals Announce Intent to Unionize: “More than 2,200 nurses at three of Legacy Health’s six hospitals announced their intent to join the Oregon Nurses Association today in what would be the largest organizing effort in the union’s history. Nurses from Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and Randall Children’s Hospital delivered a letter to management petitioning for voluntary recognition of the union so they could start collective bargaining on issues that include patient care and staffing, ONA said. The union plans to file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board and set a date for it soon.”Journalists for the Athletic Push to Join the New York Times Union: “The editorial staff of the Athletic, the sports-media outlet owned by the New York Times, has signed cards signaling its intention to unionize. Staffers sent a letter to Times management Monday asking them to recognize them as part of the Times Guild, the same union that represents the Times newsroom. The Athletic’s bargaining unit is around 200 people and would grow the Times Guild to around 1,700 members. Times reporters are represented by the NewsGuild of New York, which was part of the Athletic’s organizing effort.”In Rare Move, Some Providence Physicians Prepare to Strike Alongside Nurses: “Thousands of Providence healthcare professionals around the state are preparing to strike, and for the first time in recent history, physicians are among their ranks. In late December, nearly 5,000 Providence healthcare professionals represented by the Oregon Nurses Association voted to approve a strike at all eight Providence hospitals to begin Jan. 10. The called strike came after several weeks of unsuccessful contract negotiations. The union claims the health care system fails to follow state staffing guidelines and doesn’t offer competitive wages and benefits. On Dec. 30, ONA gave the required 10-day notice to strike.”How Labor Law Changed Under Biden—and What Comes Next: “Core to the Biden administration’s economic policy was an attempt to rebalance the power between workers and employers through labor and employment regulations, from the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on non-compete clauses to the Department of Labor’s expanded overtime protections. At the center of this effort was the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency charged with protecting workers’ rights to organize and combating unfair labor practices. Led by general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, the board took an active stance in interpreting and enforcing labor law, generating new precedents that reduced barriers to worker voice and unionization.”Midland PetSmart Employees Vote to Unionize with UFCW Local 540: “Employees at the PetSmart store in Midland have voted to unionize. On Friday, Jan. 3, employees have joined the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 540, which represents workers in retail, grocery, food processing and other industries in Texas, according to a press release. ‘I, along with my co-workers, am so proud of coming together to form a union that will finally allow us to advocate for improved hours, pay and worker safety on the job,’ Stephanie Lawrence, a PetSmart customer engagement lead and member of the organizing committee, was quoted as saying. ‘We went into this election united, and the results confirmed what we have known for months: PetSmart workers deserve a union.’”Starbucks Union Files 34 Federal Complaints, Signaling Renewed Hostilities: “Starbucks Corp.’s union filed 34 U.S. labor board complaints against the company this week, signaling rising tension between the coffee chain and the labor group that had agreed last winter to try to end their hostilities. The complaints were filed with the National Labor Relations Board by Starbucks Workers United, which has organized around 500 of the company’s roughly 10,000 corporate-run U.S. cafes over the past three years. The filings accuse Starbucks of violating federal labor law at stores in 16 states, including by singling out and firing employees over the last several months because of their union activism.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:39Continue reading→

Budgeting for the New Year!

January 13, 2025Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell shares important dates for trainings this year. Two of note are the APWU Scholarship deadline and APWU Disaster/Hardship Fund. magazineSecretary-TreasurerElizabeth Powell Challenging times will always test your resilience to remain unified and strong as labor leaders. This year will certainly test our patience and resilience regarding the various contractual antics the Postal Service will ultimately pursue, and staying steadfast to “A Strong Union, A Strong Future” is more important than ever. Just like in our personal lives, when we make plans and budget for the new year, local, and state officials should do the same for their organization. When planning for the new year, along with the other state conferences and conventions, please plan for the following events in your budget: 1. March 2025 (Date TBD) Virtual Department of Labor Labor-Management Report Training Due Date! March 31, 2025 is the deadline to electronically file Department of Labor (DOL) Labor-Management (LM) reports and May 15, 2025 is the deadline to electrically file IRS 990 reports if your fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2024. Learn how to file these reports in a training scheduled (date TBD) in March 2025. 2. April 8-April 10, 2025, Secretary-Treasurer’s Training, Miami, FL (Local officers will be able to register for QuickBooks Beginners, QuickBooks Advanced, and Officer’s Fiduciary Responsibilities Training.) The Secretary-Treasurer’s Department strongly advises elected officers, specifically local presidents and treasurers, to attend at least one training session a year. 3. Oct. 3-Oct. 5, 2025, Secretary-Treasurer’s Training (All-Craft), Las Vegas, NV 4. Oct. 6-Oct. 8, 2025, All Craft Conferences, Las Vegas, NV In addition to the various in-person training events and assisting new and current local and state officers in complying with the DOL and IRS legal requirements, the Secretary-Treasurer’s Department will continue to provide various virtual fiduciary training opportunities for officers to attend. New Officers’ Training & Responsibilities Labor-Management Reporting Local Union Elections Department of Labor & IRS Requirements and Audits Travel & Expenses Policy Recording-Secretary Duties Committee on Political Action (COPA) Funds Trustee Training Budgeting Tax-Exempt Status Local Constitutions Compensation for Union Officers and Members Union Policies and Procedures Dues Checkoff (DCO) Training The Secretary-Treasurer’s Department will continue to verify that local and state affiliates are in compliance with Article 16 of the National Constitution. APWU locals who fail to abide by the regulations may have their DCO dues withheld until they comply or provide an explanation for non-compliance. Local and state officers are required to provide verification that they have complied with DOL and IRS filings and the APWU Constitution by providing a copy of their DOL reports and IRS Forms 990 to the Secretary-Treasurer’s Department after they have been electronically submitted. Also, maintaining sufficient bonding coverage in addition to the $5,000 bond provided to all APWU locals by the national union is required. *APWU Scholarships – High school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of current, retired, or deceased APWU members are welcome to apply. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2025. **APWU Disaster/Hardship Fund – APWU Disaster/ Hardship Fund coordinates with the Postal Employee’s Relief Fund (PERF). After you receive a decision from the PERF, you are required to submit that decision to the APWU Disaster/Hardship Fund to complete your application for aid. Applications for PERF and APWU Disaster/ Hardship Fund can be obtained on the APWU website. ■ Budgeting for the New Year!0Continue reading→

Stand Up and Fight Back to Save Our Service Standards

January 13, 2025Contact your elected officials, ask organizations to take actions to save the prompt delivery of our First-Class Mail service.” - Vice President Debby Szeredy informs members of planned postal consolidations and urges members to stand up and fight back to protect the public postal service. magazineVice PresidentDebby Szeredy Now is the time to become union activists and get involved in your community! Contact your elected officials, ask organizations to take actions to save the prompt delivery of our First-Class Mail service, to stop the Delivering for America (DFA) planned consolidations of processing and distribution centers (P&DCs), and to stop the “network modernization” plans that halt mail service, causing mail and packages to sit overnight in post offices with less security and slowing postal services for a majority of communities across this country. We have power, but we must do the work to reach out to our community and political allies, educating them about just how far the Postal Service is going down the rabbit hole, and how we can work together to block these plans. The Postal Service notified the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) on Nov. 22, 2024, that they would continue processing outgoing local operations in 16 of the 58 planned consolidation locations. These locations are Bismarck, ND PDC, Burlington, VT PDC, Charleston. WV PDC, Chattanooga, TN PDC, Eastern ME PDC, El Paso, TX PDC, Fayetteville, AR PDC, Fayetteville, NC PDC, Ft Myers, FL PDC, Greenville, SC PDC, Gulfport, MS PDC, Knoxville, TN PDC, McAllen, TX PDC, Reno, NV PDC, Tulsa, OK PDC, Waterloo, IA PDC. The Postal Service reversed course on these locations due to the pushbacks and pressure placed on the Postmaster General (PMG). One example is the Buffalo Local that had built their relationship with NY Senator Schumer for years, and through reaching out to him, their plant consolidation was stopped immediately. Establishing a relationship with your elected officials can make the difference in our union's battles. There are 42 other P&DCs that are on the hit list for their planned consolidation to local processing centers (LPCs) in 2024. Consolidation means the P&DC will have no ability to cancel and postmark their own sectional center facility (SCF) area mail or provide prompt services. Even worse is that there are facilities on that list that the Postal Service reneged on pausing, and within a brief period, took out P&DC mail-processing equipment, and refused to bring it back, hiding it from the public. Let us put the pressure back on the PMG and the PRC to reverse these actions, keeping the 2012 network that had worked for decades. Tell them to stop the path to privatization by selling our service to the highest private-sector bidder, putting the public Postal Service into the hands of billionaires to make more profits, and without any oversight to protect workers and the services that we all depend on. We need everyone to step up and fight this. For a list of locations where consolidations need to be stopped or reversed, visit apwu.org/vice-president. Everyone needs to get on board to stop the network modernization plan that causes mail service to sit overnight and delays services that we depend on. In some areas, mail will sit overnight instead of providing prompt services, while others will continue to process mail with no delay. We need the PRC to advise the Postal Service to halt all plans for consolidations and transportation optimizations. They should take a stand to protect our service by reverting to the 2012 service standards of 195 P&DCs processing mail and overnight service in most cities. The DFA plan downgrades services, adversely affects businesses and organizations, short staffs’ workers, and fails to provide prompt, timely service. Do you need ideas about how you can get involved? Contact me at dszeredy@apwu.org. ■ Stand Up and Fight Back to Save Our Service Standards0Continue reading→

Post-Election Food for Thought

January 13, 2025“Every attack on the rights of workers, unions, veterans, children, democratic rights, and our planet should call forth powerful resistance of solidarity and unity around our common interests.” APWU President Dimondstein shares his observations and thoughts post-election. magazinePresidentMark Dimondstein The 2024 General Election is over. The companion article on page 5 is my statement following its outcome. I respect the many differing views held by our members and that every member undoubtedly voted for what they believed was in their best interests. What follows are some election observations and thoughts on the challenging road ahead under a new presidential administration: There is no sugarcoating that, buffeted by the high cost of living, corporate price gouging, the failure of either political party to address the fundamental needs of workers, and the success of divide-and-conquer tactics, millions of working people voted for a convicted felon and corrupt billionaire who opposes any minimum wage, union rights, women’s rights, a clean environment, public postal services, and who uses bigotry to divide us. Don’t take my word of the danger ahead. John Kelly, Trump’s longest serving chief of staff, recently said that Trump is a fascist and would govern as a dictator. Kelly, a retired Marine Corps General, was particularly concerned about Trump’s declarations regarding “the enemy within,” and Trump’s threats to unleash the U.S. military on his domestic political opponents. Project 2025, produced by the right-wing Heritage Foundation and drafted with the participation of 140 former Trump staffers, is the blueprint for a new Trump administration. It is loaded with attacks on veterans, workers, women, unions, children, and democratic rights. In a tight race where 10 million fewer people voted than in the 2020 presidential election, the low turnout is an indication that millions of voters are frustrated and disillusioned with the two main political parties. In Missouri, pro-worker ballot initiatives for paid sick leave, higher minimum wages, and defense of women’s reproductive rights overwhelmingly passed. Yet the very same working-class voters elected politicians who vehemently oppose every one of these issues. It is clearly the common issues that unite us, not party labels. In politically conservative Nebraska, factory worker and union leader Dan Osborn ran for Senate, exposing that Congress is “made up of millionaires doing the bidding of billionaires.” He fell just short of a major upset, but the voters reacted enthusiastically to an independent choice. We need more such campaigns in the future. Endless funds of the super wealthy and corporations have far too much influence in our elections. Yet, until now, billionaires like anti-worker, anti-union Elon Musk did not get directly involved on the campaign trail. They are now laughing all the way to the bank as the 10 richest individuals gained $64 billion in financial gains in the election aftermath; Musk alone gaining $26 billion. With no working-class based party in the U.S., we are faced with the lesser of two evils. Without a political home, we are lost in the political desert, thirsty and hungry. It is natural to seek the safe haven of an oasis. Oases are often a mirage, as this new administration will undoubtedly prove itself to be. We need to build an independent party that is controlled by, and accountable to, working people not Wall Street. The reality is that, whichever way this election came out, the working class and union movement have much work ahead to gain our fair share of the fruits of the wealth we create and to truly win justice for all. Through Democratic and Republican administrations, our struggle always continues. But with a Trump White House and control over the legislative and judicial branches of government, and his proclamations to rule as a dictator from “day one,” the seas ahead will be rocky and stormy. We cannot stick our heads in the sand just hoping the storm will blow over and all will be well. Every attack on the rights of workers, unions, veterans, children, democratic rights, and our planet should call forth powerful resistance of solidarity and unity around our common interests. See you on the front lines! ■ Post-Election Food for Thought0Continue reading→

A Good, Viable Option: What Working People Are Doing This Week

A Good, Viable Option: What Working People Are Doing This Week Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week. Actors' Equity:Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for December 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/Thk13wPbgB pic.twitter.com/oUsOdXSCu9— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 3, 2025AFGE:The AFGE Council of Prison Locals has filed an unfair labor practice against the Bureau of Prisons for violating the labor-management agreement by closing 7 prisons without warning or consultation with our union.Here's what you need to know ⬇https://t.co/xLNUIh8cXL— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 6, 2025AFSCME:Congratulations to the staff at University of Pennsylvania Libraries, who this fall voted to join Local 590, Penn Libraries United. https://t.co/wAXjxWTjRB— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 7, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:ICYMI: The Social Security Fairness Act is now law and WEP/GPO is finally repealed! https://t.co/E4qqH6hoDB https://t.co/xX713mrYFR— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 6, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:We welcome our newest members at Local 741-London, ON, to our ATU family. #ATUStrongerTogether https://t.co/Pq4w7QKNg8— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 7, 2025American Federation of Teachers:#Jan6 pic.twitter.com/RLPHKkPdpr— AFT (@AFTunion) January 7, 2025American Postal Workers Union:APWU members: USPS will observe the National Day of Remembrance for President Jimmy Carter. Many employees will receive administrative leave in addition to the normal pay provisions. Details: https://t.co/D90mhDYBXy— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 6, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We can take a stand against human trafficking by recommitting ourselves to end it on our planes. As Flight Attendants, we are uniquely positioned to identify human traffickers and assist their victims. pic.twitter.com/ETfgLRc4Xl— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 6, 2025Boilermakers:Scholarship Season is here #Boilermakers 🎓 The 2025 Boilermaker International Scholarship application is now open! IBB awards up to $100,000 worth of scholarships to dependents of members in Canada and the U.S. Apply now! https://t.co/kNxYX1Qhou pic.twitter.com/JU2MmgY7x3— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 1, 2025Bricklayers:You get out what you put in! Make sure you are regularly attending union hall meetings or you could miss out on important information!Photo Creds: @BacLocal1Sk #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong #BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/eSeT4PfIl7— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 7, 2025Communications Workers of America:Great news! https://t.co/sn9OvelUCR— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 6, 2025Department for Professional Employees:We stand with Temple RAs and urge the administration to recognize their union! https://t.co/uFAANnHtkp— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 3, 2025Electrical Workers:“Women are seeing the trades, especially union trades, as a good, viable option. They have the opportunity to get paid the same as their male counterparts when performing the same work.” - Josh Sajtar, #IBEW https://t.co/5Capd42gdx— IBEW (@IBEW) January 3, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Senior Signing Day! ⭐️Local 19 celebrated two high school seniors who chose to pursue careers in the trades over college.🦎 Jase Whitford, Express Insulation Inc.🦎 Tyler Rogers, McDermaid Roofing and Insulating Co.Congratulations to Jase & Tyler, we look forward to your… pic.twitter.com/bwWRiX1tW3— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 6, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:💼 Become a LCLAA Member in 2025! 💼Now’s the time to join the nation’s leading voice for Latino workers and their families. Memberships are open from January 1st to March 31st 2025—take action! 🔊🔥 #LCLAA #lclaamember #lclaafamily pic.twitter.com/P7t45iZ028— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 3, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:LHT Podcast (include Apple podcast link)Christmas in Mansfield: Joe Jencks tells us the story behind his song “Christmas in Mansfield,” where Armco locked out 620 steel workers on September 1, 1999.https://t.co/pYz6aIxP8m pic.twitter.com/6U0EgbYI8o— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 6, 2025Laborers:In communities across North America, Laborers are standing up to help their neighbors in need. #LaborersRising #LIUNACares #ICYM, watch our latest #ITK video on “Laborers Rising: Laborers Give Back” here: https://t.co/hCPc5OSdmU pic.twitter.com/fCXAW8P0dx— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 7, 2025Machinists:Sending solidarity to @Culinary226 members staging strong against @VirginHotelsLV! ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾 https://t.co/yMORCMjEzy— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 6, 2025Mine Workers:Today we remember the Sago Mine Disaster of January 2, 2006, which killed 12 miners. This tragedy led to the passage of vital safety reforms, including the MINER Act. pic.twitter.com/pQqJ7QiPJD— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 2, 2025Musical Artists:AGMA staging staff members are invited to connect directly w/ Jeffrey Boyd, AGMA's new national executive director, on Jan 13, at 9PM ETover Zoom: https://t.co/XMfFhjnDHA pic.twitter.com/1vVAhtwWWD— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 6, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:The NATCA Reloaded Committee is excited to announce its first NATCA 101 class of 2025, which will take place on Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. EST. If you can’t make this class, there are more dates coming up in the following months. Visit https://t.co/3QJfz1orWG to sign up! pic.twitter.com/gdQkvtdfh6— NATCA (@NATCA) January 7, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Snow, ice, and frigid temps won't stop letter carriers from providing exceptional service. To all postal employees, first responders, utility workers, snowplow teams, transit workers, and others keeping our communities safe and running this week, thank you for your dedication! pic.twitter.com/T0FbKHEGUN— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 6, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:Feel good about the new year by taking care of those who care for you and your loved ones.Use @HiHemployers' Bonus Guide to ensure you are fairly compensating domestic workers you employ, who are often excluded from yearly raises.https://t.co/fKSn0IYulK— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 6, 2025National Nurses United:Welcome news to start the year: @POTUS signed a bill to increase social security benefits for millions of workers, like nurses, teachers, and other public employees. https://t.co/NAzJPDgv7w— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 7, 2025NWSL Players Association:Sports jobs are Union jobs. https://t.co/QrDmMArjE5— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) January 6, 2025NFL Players Association:Derek Carr passes the #CommunityMVP baton one final time this season to Raekwon Davis 🤝 pic.twitter.com/kZYULFU4kY— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 7, 2025North America's Building Trades Unions:North America’s Building Trades Unions call for federal action to stop the misuse of visas for the construction of TSMC’s federally funded projects.Full statement: https://t.co/PHmYCQfbG6 pic.twitter.com/r1tRMYHPq7— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 7, 2025Office and Professional Employees:“Where Texas workers are being given dedicated organizing resources, they are winning. Meeting this moment demands a movement-wide commitment to organize in Texas, and all Southern states, that matches the will of the workers here.” https://t.co/obNsLovc3z— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 1, 2025Plasterers and Cement Masons:Check out this video from Building Wisconsin TV, where we meet the cement masons from OPCMIA Local 599, including Business Manager Kilah Engelke and foreman Josh Tyrrell. https://t.co/Nn4EPv4H2F— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 7, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:The ski shop techs of @reiunionsoho have been on ULP strike since Dec 4, fighting for health and safety. Support the workers by sending an email to management uplifting their demands at https://t.co/ETl51PtTqY! pic.twitter.com/UAkuGzB7lO— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 7, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Success is no accident. It’s the result of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and passion for what you do. Keep pushing forward!#HardWorkPaysOff #RoofersUnion #Dedication #SuccessMindset #UnionPride #Success pic.twitter.com/O4bBYQ1I5I— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 7, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Auntie Mame! Mama Rose! Our 13th SAG Life Achievement Award recipient, Rosalind Russell, had an illustrious career as an actor, comedian, screenwriter and singer. What is your favorite project of Rosalind's? Let us know below! #SAGLifeAchievement60 pic.twitter.com/ZFMJoRgNcI— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 7, 2025Solidarity Center:Every worker should be able to form or join a union & come together with their coworkers to bargain for better without fear of violence & harassment. We continue to stand in #solidarity with our partners @STAWU_ & their General Secretary Sticks Nkambule.#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 6, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Thanks to all of our members who participated in our Fifth Annual IATSE Holiday Photo Contest.To check out our contest winners, crew shots and honorable mentions click here: https://t.co/KCYPBi7zub— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 6, 2025Transport Workers Union:Total BS. This @MTA fraudster ignores the fact that violent crime is soaring. Felony assaults were up 51.6% and murders were up233% last year compared to 2019 (January through 12/29). Such # are published in the MTA’s own committee books. Fire this GOBSHITE! @TWULocal100 https://t.co/2W2GKvIofz pic.twitter.com/d4p9LqSZu4— TWU (@transportworker) January 6, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Snow day in DC! ❄️ We’re grateful to the transportation workers and first responders who keep our cities moving in the winter weather. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XbjuySl5yU— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 7, 2025UAW:"The failure of hard work to pay off in America makes our communities wobbly, our faith weak, our lives lonely, our politics toxic and our relationship with work masochistic and unsustainable."https://t.co/YZx17kbaSv— UAW (@UAW) January 6, 2025UNITE HERE:In 2024, UNITE HERE organized more than 7,200 workers across 117 workplaces, the largest number of individual workplaces our union has ever organized in an election year. pic.twitter.com/2WwA1iZP2d— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 1, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:About 1,200 members of @UFCW8 who work at 96 Rite Aid stores in Northern CA have ratified a STRONG new contract!The contract includes significant wage increases, reinstates a union-managed health care plan, & provides job protections. ➡️ https://t.co/Xm1MA2B2FD pic.twitter.com/GZZDgIX1b2— UFCW (@UFCW) January 6, 2025United Steelworkers:This year, the Solidarity Works podcast turns 5️⃣! Thank you for listening as we explore the history, challenges, and victories shaping our union. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting 5 top episodes. First up: Punching Above Our Weight.🎧Listen here: https://t.co/vpow8quTLT pic.twitter.com/gaYlQCKFzh— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 7, 2025Utility Workers:High school seniors who are the child of an active UWUA member are eligible to apply to our scholarship program. Don’t wait until the last minute! pic.twitter.com/NoOJaeQubR— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 7, 2025Writers Guild of America East:TODAY: Bundle up and join our @IATSE kin in solidarity as they fight for a fair contract at Atlantic Theater. #1u ⏰January 7th at 12:30pm📍NYC, 9th Ave between 19th and 20th Streets. Enter on the corner of 19th and 9th.More details and RSVP: https://t.co/yFcUfb7LXC— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 7, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/10/2025 - 10:57Continue reading→

IAM Union Files Injunction to Protect Right of Striking Maryland IKEA Workers to Peacefully Assemble

The IAM Union has filed suit to protect the rights of approximately 320 striking IAM Local I460 members to peacefully assemble outside a Perryville, Md. IKEA distribution center.  The suit alleges that the town’s police department, joined by town officials, issued an unconstitutional order prohibiting IAM members from intermittently crossing a public road, effectively the The post IAM Union Files Injunction to Protect Right of Striking Maryland IKEA Workers to Peacefully Assemble appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Organizing Department Secures Victory at GE Healthcare in Ohio

The IAM Organizing Department recently achieved a hard-earned victory, successfully organizing 130 workers at GE Healthcare’s facility in Aurora, Ohio, an important player in the global medical technology industry. The workers at this facility, who create coils for MRI machines that transmit critical imaging signals, wanted to join a union that would allow them to The post IAM Organizing Department Secures Victory at GE Healthcare in Ohio appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Organizing Department Secures Victory at GE Healthcare in Ohio

The IAM Organizing Department recently achieved a hard-earned victory, successfully organizing 130 workers at GE Healthcare’s facility in Aurora, Ohio, an important player in the global medical technology industry. The workers at this facility, who create coils for MRI machines that transmit critical imaging signals, wanted to join a union that would allow them to The post IAM Organizing Department Secures Victory at GE Healthcare in Ohio appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 500 Duluth City Workers Reach Union Contract, Avert Strike

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 500 Duluth City Workers Reach Union Contract, Avert Strike 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. Duluth city workers reached a tentative agreement late Monday night, averting a potential strike after months of negotiations. The workers, members of AFSCME Local 66, and include snowplow drivers, inspectors and workers for utilities, libraries, parks, and gas and waterline maintenance. They voted to authorize a strike in December.“This tentative agreement is a step in the right direction for the workers who keep Duluth running,” said AFSCME Local 66 President Wendy Wohlwend. “It should not have taken months of incredibly difficult negotiations and mediation with the city — or the need for our union members to overwhelmingly reject the city’s last offer and authorize a strike — to secure a fair contract from city leadership that has proclaimed itself to be pro-union.”Terms of the agreement weren’t yet available, and will be released after the union votes whether or not to approve the contract on January 14. Union officials said the contract includes meaningful market adjustments, improvements to scheduling and workload expectations and commitments to address staffing shortages. Workers described crushing workloads with unfilled positions and mandatory overtime, including 12-hour, six-days-a-week shifts at the city’s water plant, which is undergoing repairs. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/10/2025 - 09:15Continue reading→

Passage of IAM-Championed REEF Act Restores Full Railroad Unemployment, Sickness Benefits

IAM railroad members who rely on unemployment and sickness benefits are seeing a restoration of full benefits, as well as backpay to make up for previous cuts. Following a long campaign by the IAM, TCU/IAM and rail labor, Congress passed the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act in December. President Biden signed the REEF The post Passage of IAM-Championed REEF Act Restores Full Railroad Unemployment, Sickness Benefits appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Disaster Relief Program is Here to Help Members Affected by California Wildfires

With the wildfires in Southern California displacing people and destroying homes, the IAM is committed to providing immediate assistance and resources to help its affected members. If you’re an IAM member and suffered property damage from the fires, you can apply for assistance from the IAM Disaster Relief Fund here. To address urgent needs, the The post IAM Disaster Relief Program is Here to Help Members Affected by California Wildfires appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IP Bryant: Unions are Best Defense for Workers as New Technology Emerges

IAM International President Brian Bryant recently led an IAM delegation to the sixth annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit in Las Vegas. The conference, co-founded by SAG-AFTRA and AFL-CIO, delivered critical strategies for addressing workers’ issues amongst the new policy landscape created by technological advancements. The IAM was one of several sponsoring unions for this The post IP Bryant: Unions are Best Defense for Workers as New Technology Emerges appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

James ‘Jimbo’ Watson Appointed IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff

IAM International President Brian Bryant has announced the appointment of International Representative James “Jimbo” Watson as Chief of Staff to Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. The appointment was effective Jan. 1, 2025. “Jimbo Watson brings decades of experience and a lifelong passion for our union and membership to his new role as The post James ‘Jimbo’ Watson Appointed IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Join IAM CREST for Upcoming OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training

IAM CREST is collaborating with the ICWUC Center for Worker Safety and Health to conduct a OSHA 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) program in Riverside County, Calif., from Feb. 3 to 7, 2025. This program is designed for individuals within driving distance of the training location. We have limited rooms available for The post Join IAM CREST for Upcoming OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→