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Making Life a Little Easier: 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. Bill Calling for Time and a Half Pay on Federal Holidays Gains Rail Union Support: “Several rail unions are among organizations that have announced support for the Holiday Pay Act, a bill introduced last week by U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) that would require employers to pay time and a half for working federal holidays. ‘Many Americans are working holidays because they need the money and giving up precious time with family and loved ones to do so,’ Gallego said in a press release. ‘They deserve to be fairly compensated for their sacrifice. The Holiday Pay Act ensures hardworking people are rewarded for the extra hours they put in—raising paychecks and making life a little easier for those who keep our country running.’”New Jersey Unions Create a Coalition Focused on Decreasing Energy Costs and Creating Solar Jobs: “‘This is an opportunity for us to work together and tackle head-on one of the most pressing issues facing our state today,’ said Charlie Wowkanech, president of both the New Jersey AFL-CIO and Climate Jobs NJ. ‘We need to act quickly, and state generation is key to solving our problems.’”AFL-CIO Remembers Legendary Civil Rights Leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson: “America’s unions mourn the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering moral force whose lifelong commitment to justice reshaped both the labor and civil rights movements and left a lasting mark on the nation. Jackson was a full-time organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference before being appointed national director of Operation Breadbasket by his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this role, Jackson led boycotts and campaigns that secured thousands of new jobs for Black workers. His two presidential campaigns would break barriers and expand the political imagination of our country. Through Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition—later united as Rainbow PUSH Coalition—he brought communities together with a simple, powerful truth: economic justice and civil rights are inseparable.”U.S. Union Membership Soared to 16-Year High in 2025 Despite Trump Assault: “The number of workers covered under union contracts increased to a 16-year high in 2025, despite ongoing attempts by the Trump administration to wipe out collective bargaining agreements for tens of thousands of federal workers, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 16.5 million workers were covered by a union contract in 2025, up from 16 million in 2024 and the highest level since 2009. The increase stems from workers joining unions as members—14.7 million U.S. workers were union members in 2025, up from 14.2 million workers in 2024. The percentage of all workers in the U.S. covered by a union contracts ticked up to 11.2% in 2025, compared with 11.1% in 2024. Union membership increased from 9.9% in 2024 to 10% in 2025.”Graduate Student Workers at Penn Reach a Tentative Agreement, Avoiding a Strike: “Penn’s graduate student workers have reached a tentative agreement on a first union contract, averting a strike. The two-year tentative agreement includes increases to wages among other benefits. ‘I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish with this contract,’ Clara Abbott, a Ph.D. candidate in literary studies and member of the bargaining committee said in a statement. ‘We won a historic contract that enshrines gains for grad workers.’”Florida Bill Targeting Unions Could Be Unconstitutional, Staff Analysis Warns: “A new proposal from Florida lawmakers that would make it harder for most public employees to form or retain a union poses several constitutionality concerns, according to a staff analysis from the Florida Senate. Namely, the analysis warns the bill (SB 1296) could infringe on Florida workers’ collective bargaining rights, which are enshrined in the state Constitution. It could also run afoul of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause and free speech rights.”Union Station Homeless Services Staff Vote to Unionize, Join SEIU Local 721: “Staff at Union Station Homeless Services, the Pasadena-based nonprofit that serves as the San Gabriel Valley’s largest agency for the unhoused, voted Thursday to unionize with the Service Employees International Union Local 721, according to both the union and the organization’s management. An independent arbitrator confirmed that a majority of the nonprofit’s nearly 200 employees had signed union authorization cards, the union said in a press release Thursday. CEO Katie Hill said the organization voluntarily recognized the union under a previously established neutrality agreement and would begin collective bargaining.”Stop & Shop, Union Have Tentative Deal to 2030: “Stop & Shop supermarkets reached a tentative four-year agreement Thursday with five union locals representing a total of 28,500 workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Members meet Sunday for a ratification vote at locations across the three states. The local vote is in Chicopee. If approved, the contract will last until 2030.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/20/2026 - 13:19Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Michelle Mattox For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Michelle Mattox of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). With 30 years of experience, Michelle Mattox exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding steward at Case Farms in Canton, Ohio. As a bargaining committee member, she played a crucial role in negotiations and continues to enforce the contract. Her kind spirit, great sense of humor and unwavering commitment to looking out for her fellow workers make her invaluable to the UFCW Local 880 family. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/20/2026 - 10:19 Tags: Black History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Beneficial State Bank Workers Ratify Second Contract; 9% Raises 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 Communications Workers of America (CWA) locals 9412 and 7901 who work at Beneficial State Bank locations up and down the West Coast have ratified their new collective bargaining agreement.The bargaining unit includes bankers, consumer loan servicing representatives, loan processors, underwriters, file clerks and custodial staff. Workers first organized in 2020 as part of CWA’s Committee for Better Banks. Their latest contract included wins like an average 9% general pay increase—and a wage differential for Spanish speakers—a higher employer 401(k) contribution match and more paid time off.“Ratifying a second contract is a huge win for us. In a time when so many workers are facing uncertainty, we’re proud that we secured continued improvements to our wages and benefits with no givebacks,” said bargaining committee member and Beneficial State Bank Commercial Banking Associate Michele Hunt. “Our contract has helped us hold Beneficial State Bank accountable to the workers who keep this bank running.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/20/2026 - 10:13Continue reading→

A Stronger Voice at Work: 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:As we continue our celebration of BlackHistoryMonth, we highlight this story about Frederick O'Neal: actor, civil rights activist and Equity president from 1964 to 1973. Learn more about the triumphs and accomplishments of this true visionary on the member portal. https://bit.ly/3OiD8Oc[image or embed]— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) February 19, 2026 at 9:19 AMAFSCME:This Ramadan, we honor the values of service, empathy and community. Wishing all who observe a month filled with peace and purpose. pic.twitter.com/feXZukz57o— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 19, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:Reminder: Social Security is OURS. We spend DECADES contributing and our benefits reflect the hard work we've put in over the years!— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 19, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 788-St. Louis, MO, made history by launching the first registered Paratransit Operator apprentice program in the country. The program developed with Metro in St. Louis is a powerful statement about the value of our paratransit members, who provide safe and reliable… pic.twitter.com/jhbInoRmMj— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 19, 2026American Federation of Musicians:The AFM is creating a secure and encrypted platform where AFM members can report a range of concerns, including harassment, contract or policy violations, unresolved payroll discrepancies, and instances of feeling unsafe in any way. Read more here: https://t.co/IawYI7adng— AFM Local 47 (@AFMLocal47) February 14, 2026American Federation of Teachers:In response to thousands of members who took the AFT’s debt survey, we’ve launched a new campaign: Fight for Affordability. Watch @rweingarten.bsky.social and allies share the survey results and announce new tools to help AFT members navigate debt at a press conference in Orlando yesterday.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) February 19, 2026 at 12:18 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:"It is the union's position that every employee has the right to call 9 -1 -1. That is not even debatable. This is what you're supposed to do in an emergency situation." - APWU President Jonathan Smith. pic.twitter.com/bjrwuiH5rE— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 12, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:🚨 TA Reached with @PSAAir (@AmericanAir)! The 3 year agreement includes an immediate 10% increase, pay for boarding adding an additional 15-16% compensation on avg, scheduling improvements, more https://t.co/aMZm0RQ9Ty 1/3— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 19, 2026Boilermakers:As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, today we feature L-S2 (La Vergne, Tennessee) #Boilermaker Talisha Hutton-Ingram. pic.twitter.com/LXe3w1Owj3— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 18, 2026Bricklayers:BAC Local 1 Hawaii members David and Alika Kinimaka from Hilo Tile and Stone are bringing top-tier craftsmanship to the UH Mānoa campus. Clean work, solid builds, and nothing but aloha for the craft.#WorkstieWednesday #SkilledTrades #BestHandsInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/Tiq2WgkV52— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) February 18, 2026Communications Workers of America:Workers know that the best check on a bad boss is a strong union contract. Despite relentless attacks on our freedoms and our livelihoods by the rich and powerful, workers are fighting back and union representation is growing. pic.twitter.com/Yh51ytptR7— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 19, 2026Department for Professional Employees:Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released their annual union membership report, which shows nearly 170,000 more professional joined unions in 2025, bringing the total number of professionals in unions to more than 6.6 million. Full statement: www.dpeaflcio.org/press-releas...[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) February 18, 2026 at 2:48 PMElectrical Workers:From a segregated Mississippi factory to the front lines of labor and civil rights, Charlie Horhn’s life proves what solidarity can achieve. “The union and the Civil Rights Movement made me the man that I am,” Horhn said: https://t.co/RaxdGdujCv #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/H04jKWpOeF— IBEW (@IBEW) February 18, 2026Fire Fighters:♥️ #HeartHealthMonthCardiac events remain a leading cause of on-duty fire fighter deaths. Small daily habits matter:✅ Move every day, even daily walking can help✅ Hydrate before, during, and after shifts✅ Know your numbers, get annual ph✅ Avoid tobacco (in any form) pic.twitter.com/OuxnhtRvjL— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) February 19, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:Kicking off #PinP26 with breakout sessions! SMART and @SMACNA leaders are learning from their fellow leaders about megaprojects, leveraging technology to advance the industry and more. pic.twitter.com/59gLWuIaVC— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) February 18, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:Nearly 100 IFPTE leaders and members from across the United States and Canada traveled to Washington, DC for IFPTE’s annual legislative advocacy conference.https://t.co/AdfXLOIxzt— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 14, 2026International Union of Police Associations:Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Assn., I.U.P.A. Local #77 Members participated in the Traction Law Sticker Event to keep everyone safe on the road! https://t.co/Z6zB3Lndxm— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) February 19, 2026Laborers:You push workers around? We ORGANIZE! #Union membership just hit a 16 year high. More union contracts than we’ve seen in over a DECADE. That’s #solidarity. That’s POWER!Link to article:https://t.co/oBJlAxOzP3 pic.twitter.com/QCELfa0TgS— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 19, 2026Machinists:Working Americans in Iowa will pay the price for @WhirlpoolCorp's betrayal.The company is offshoring hundreds of IAM Union, U.S. jobs to Mexico, just for the products to be shipped back here, and we aren't going down without a fight. https://t.co/9lyHYFG4g8— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) February 18, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:MLBPA Player Board appoints Bruce Meyer as Interim Executive Director, Matt Nussbaum as Interim Deputy Executive Director pic.twitter.com/xsczBmxzfD— MLBPA (@MLBPA) February 19, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Help the NATCA Charitable Foundation build on a successful 2025 by setting up automatic payroll deductions today. NCF helps strengthen communities and programs in the cities and regions where NATCA members reside and work! https://t.co/L0XzC57Nzk pic.twitter.com/GlbnMDmOvG— NATCA (@NATCA) February 19, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:During Black History Month, we commemorate the legacies and stories of Black Americans, including the trailblazing women of the Six Triple Eight! During World War II, this Black battalion of the Women's Army Corps stepped up to address a massive backlog of mail to U.S. troops… pic.twitter.com/VO7pvEhJLc— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 17, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:It’s Valentine’s Day, and what better way to show some love than fighting for worker protections, better pay, and equity for Black women. What will you do to show your love this holiday? pic.twitter.com/gHooGM1HLz— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 14, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:Playing in parallel with quarterfinal overtime comeback victories, @HockeyCanada and @leijonat assess their opponent heading to the semifinal in #MilanoCortina2026: https://t.co/UICWKO6CIm pic.twitter.com/e6M5GUFWGU— NHLPA (@NHLPA) February 19, 2026National Nurses United:Today, Reno nurses are making their voices heard on the strike line. ✊📢Management has refused to move on the issues that matter most: Safe staffing, patient safety, and retaining experienced nurses. It's time to put patients over profits! #RNStrike pic.twitter.com/vpPPbhNUFc— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) February 18, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Bhairavi Desai, the executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which represents more than 28,000 cab, Uber and Lyft drivers in the city, said she welcomed the governor’s decision to pump the brakes on the upstate pilot programs.“This is technology that is going…— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 19, 2026NFL Players Association:Statement on Team Report Cards. pic.twitter.com/m7BSaOJFSf— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 13, 2026North America's Building Trades Unions:Gen Z is choosing purpose, stability, and skilled careers.NABTU is proud to see more young people discovering what we’ve always known: union construction offers real opportunity, real training, and real futures.https://t.co/pCJRAyQtDP— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 19, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Congratulations to Robbie Martinez from District Council 36 on 40 years of service!Robbie is a Superintendent for Cor-Ray Painting, and we are grateful for his four decades of dedication and leadership! pic.twitter.com/bHwJEcmnVz— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 19, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:Thirteen PHPA members representing five countries will take part in the #Milano2026 Olympic Winter Games.Story by @TonyAndrock: https://t.co/t9sUh5xa85 pic.twitter.com/NWdqzddZq1— PHPA (@thephpa) February 6, 2026Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:.@PASSprezdc Spero participating on @ATCA_now panel "Operational Excellence: Setting Foundation" for new air traffic control system. It cannot be built or sustained w/o PASS represented workers @FAAnews #ATCmodernization #aviationsafety #federalemployees #publicservants https://t.co/s2rqzBxFno— PASS (@PASSNational) February 19, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:No job is worth your health or safety. RWDSU members fight every day to make sure workplaces protect the people who make them run. #WorkerSafety #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/zKRauTXP6f— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 19, 2026SAG-AFTRA:TAKE 5 🎬 Learn about the protections #SagAftraMembers get when working under the Verticals Agreement! SAG-AFTRA President #SeanAstin and NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI explain. #Take5SagAftra pic.twitter.com/4e3WrKBpDh— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 19, 2026Service Employees International Union:Solidarity Center:Our vision is simple: workers should earn a FAIR wage, have SAFE working conditions and a VOICE on the job and in society ✊#Solidarity#WorkerRights pic.twitter.com/J3u1WJpWmK— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) February 18, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:When the FBI raided the home of Post journalist Hannah Natanson, they seized her devices and refused to return them.To help journalists protect themselves, we're sponsoring a digital security training with @FreedomofPress – Join us Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. ET: https://t.co/5juSDQl6sM pic.twitter.com/TjtrjSqQpQ— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) February 17, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Join Behind the Scenes on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern for a free, 90-minute webinar on simple yet impactful ways to assist if you witness or suspect substance use impacting the workplace. The session is designed to be practical, compassionate, and directly… pic.twitter.com/IEyTAoGpuA— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) February 19, 2026Transport Workers Union:The Big Tech giveaway letting Waymo test #robotaxis outside NYC, which was in @GovKathyHochul’s budget proposal, is being withdrawn – and that’s the right move. As we argued, #AV tech is unsafe and threatens to eliminate hundreds of thousands of blue-collar NY jobs. A far more…— TWU (@transportworker) February 19, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Last year, the labor movement grew by nearly half a million members. All over the country, workers are organizing and fighting back because it's better in a union. https://t.co/LeOXJZzuPv pic.twitter.com/gBh1AK6eYk— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) February 18, 2026UAW:The spirit of solidarity is high on the picket line as workers at Lorain County Job and Family Services demand a fair contract and enter their second day on strike. Workers are dedicated to delivering vital services to the public, but they can't do their jobs when they are… pic.twitter.com/ArVm7B0wTq— UAW (@UAW) February 19, 2026Union Veterans Council:Tweet 1VETERAN ALERT: H.R. 6047 just cleared committee, but there’s a catch.We support the wins for survivors, but we REFUSE to fund them by hiking home loan fees on disabled vets (70% & below). No more paying for benefits on the backs of our brothers and sisters. 🧵 (1/2)— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) February 17, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock flexible online classes & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/zTUkeoHgRA— UFCW (@UFCW) February 19, 2026United Steelworkers:Since 2026 is a big bargaining year for many in our union, we continue to cover the basics you need to know about bargaining. Today, we answer the question: what happens if we don’t finish negotiations by the contract expiration date? pic.twitter.com/UhjkEBn04v— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) February 19, 2026Writers Guild of America East:Last night, 2026 Writers Guild Awards comedy/variety contenders joined us to discuss the state of late-night comedy, political commentary, and the process of making current events funny. 🎬🏆[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) February 19, 2026 at 10:25 AM Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/19/2026 - 12:07Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Amber Armour For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Amber Armour of the Electrical Workers (IBEW). Amber Armour exemplifies leadership, dedication and service in the labor movement and her community. As an organizer, chair of the IBEW Local 640 examining board, treasurer of the local’s women’s committee, recording secretary of the local Coalition of Labor Union Women chapter, an apprenticeship instructor and a member of the local’s minority caucus, she champions equity, education and empowerment. Armour shows tireless commitment to mentoring apprentices, advocating for women in the trades and strengthening union solidarity. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/19/2026 - 10:22 Tags: Black History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New England UFCW Members Ratify New Agreements with Stop & Shop; Secure Raises and Other Benefits 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. Five United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals in New England have ratified new four-year contracts with Stop & Shop.The agreements reached by locals 328, 371, 919, 1445 and 1459 cover a total of 28,000 workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The previous contracts at the regional supermarket chain were set to expire later this month.“In addition to annual wage increases, this proposed agreement preserves the strengthand stability of our health insurance and pension benefits, maintaining the highstandards that our membership has worked hard to achieve,” said the UFCW Local 1459’s bargaining committee in the union’s tentative agreement announcement. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/19/2026 - 10:21Continue reading→

Looking Back to Move Forward: 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. California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:UNAC/UHCP has been on strike now for four weeks, fighting for safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages and respect at the bargaining table. Meanwhile, Kaiser continues to engage in unfair labor practices that deny patients access to the quality of care… pic.twitter.com/xd7fg8u6lg— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 18, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our newly sworn in executive board members!Rob Baril, SEIU District 1199 New EnglandGreg Schultz, Ironworkers Local 424 pic.twitter.com/zDBG1rI5uZ— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 13, 2026Florida AFL-CIO:Ahead of Second Half of the Legislative Session, catch up on the latest from your Working Family Lobby Corps with this Week 5 Recap! https://t.co/U5UKWCtARf— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Rain, shine, snow or sleet: the Illinois labor movement is out knocking doors for endorsed candidates. The primary election is around the corner and we won't rest until we make sure everyone understands why Springfield needs candidates that support working families. #1u pic.twitter.com/7NtagIMEvU— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:When Jesse Jackson came to Maine in 1987 to support striking paper workers, he changed hearts & minds."Yesterday I wouldn't think of voting for a Black man for president," a woman striker said. "Tonight I gave him a check for his campaign."https://t.co/SysAFv3Zhq— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Rev. Jackson fought tirelessly for workers, both at home and around the world. He upheld the labor movement’s highest ideals—walking picket lines, supporting workers at the bargaining table, and insisting that women and people of color be fully included in union protections. RIP https://t.co/4UqrAvVLCN— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 17, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Sometimes you have to look back to move forwards. pic.twitter.com/SjY3doy9Ly— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 16, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:Organized by the AFL-CIO, this protest was held in Hermantown, with attendees calling on the 8th district congressman to talk about the impact of ICE operations in the state. #iceoutmn https://t.co/SGBdN0J7cR— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 13, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy Presidents’ Day! pic.twitter.com/8jdjZH6qI6— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 16, 2026Oregon AFL-CIO:Hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem, urging the legislature to fund affordable childcare, healthcare, schools, public safety, and other essential services. The choice facing Oregon leaders is simple: expand tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy individuals or protect… pic.twitter.com/fAHB2cFjON— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 17, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO joins communities across our Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Reverend Jessie Jackson, a steadfast voice for justice and a tireless advocate for workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/zxDIyKqr3N— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 17, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:Workers want a voice in how new technology is designed and implemented to improve our job quality and agency.At the Texas AFL-CIO U.S. Senate Debate, ILA Local 24 1st Business Agent Calvin Mackie asked both @jamestalarico & @JasmineForUS how they’d tackle AI. Their answers: pic.twitter.com/Zm4MBkrUnZ— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 18, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:We applaud the State Senators who voted to pass the Millionaires Tax to fund education, health care, and child care. WA is one step closer to sustainable revenue & a more fair tax code. pic.twitter.com/50Bu39QVP7— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 18, 2026 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:31Continue reading→

Black History Month Profiles: Colleen Carter For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Colleen Carter  of AFSCME. Colleen Carter has worked for the State of Connecticut for almost 40 years. She is the vice president of AFSCME Local 704, an executive board member for the state AFL-CIO and a vice president for District Council 4, where she co-chairs the civil rights committee. She believes strongly in employees’ rights and human rights, and works tirelessly in support of them. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:37 Tags: Black History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Homeless Services Staff Vote to Join SEIU 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. A majority of workers at Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) staff have signed union authorization cards to join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721.USHS is the largest agency in San Gabriel Valley, California, providing housing support and employment services to homeless and very low-income adults and families. Workers at the nonprofit secured voluntary recognition from management and will soon begin negotiating a contract with fair wages and quality benefits that will help retain staff so they can continue supporting communities in need.“This is a huge step forward for workers at Union Station Homeless Services,” said Danielle Leal, a care coordinator at USHS. “We’re glad to now have a strong voice on the job to advocate for the resources we need to serve our clients and to gain the supportive working conditions we deserve. Our union will make our organization stronger and help ensure that we can provide the best services possible to the most vulnerable among us.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:32 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→