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Women’s History Month Profiles: Sara Cutler

Women's History Month Profiles: Sara Cutler For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 Sara Cutler of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). Sara Cutler is an accomplished harpist who served on her union’s executive board for many years before being unanimously appointed as AFM Local 802 president in 2023 to serve out her predecessor’s term. In one busy year, she negotiated landmark agreements with the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet and Broadway. “As a harpist in New York City, I’ve been fortunate in my career,” she said. “I believe I have an obligation to pass that good fortune on to a new generation of musicians and create a union equipped to serve them. This continues to be my personal mandate.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:14 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores 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. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) members who work at Barnes & Noble at three New York City locations ratified their first union contracts, covering more than 200 workers across the Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street locations. The three-year agreements include wage increases, healthcare coverage, and safety provisions."Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:05Continue reading→

APWU Announces Day of Action to Defend the Public Postal Service

March 6, 2025On March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service The Postal Service is facing one of the most serious threats in its 250-year history. The new administration has announced plans to strip the Postal Service of its independence by moving it under the Commerce Department, placing it under the control of billionaire interests rather than the American people. This is nothing short of an illegal hostile takeover, a direct threat to the public institution that serves 169 million addresses across the country, no matter who we are or where we live. Elon Musk, the President’s ‘Special Advisor’ has just today made it clear that he wants to see the Postal Service privatized, claiming it would be more “efficient” under corporate control. Let’s be real—when billionaires talk about “efficiency,” they mean slashing jobs, gutting services, and jacking up prices to pad their profits The APWU is fighting back. On March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service! The APWU’s Day of Action will join postal workers and the public against these threats of privatization and political interference on the public Postal Service. Find an event near you! Why We’re Taking Action The Postal Service is enshrined in the Constitution, created by Congress, and belongs to the people—not billionaires and private corporations. If this administration succeeds in taking over the USPS, it will set off a chain reaction that leads to higher prices, reduced service, and the destruction of tens of thousands of union jobs—many held by military veterans. The Postal Service is the low-cost anchor of a $1.2 trillion mail and package industry that sustains over 7 million jobs. Undermining it threatens not just postal workers, but communities nationwide. Stand With Us – Take Action On March 20, APWU members and allies will rally to demand that Congress and the American people stand against this illegal takeover. Here’s how you can join the fight: Find a rally near you and commit to taking action. Tell Congress: Hands Off Our Public Postal Service! Email your senators and representatives urging them to protect the USPS. Call your senators to demand they fight back against this threat. Record a short video sharing why the Postal Service matters to you and your community. Find all these actions and more at apwu.org/action. The public Postal Service is a democratic right, and we won’t back down in defending it. On March 20, join us in the streets to fight for our jobs, our service, and our future. Together, we say: The U.S. Mail Is Not For Sale   March 20 Announcement WNAOn March 20, postal workers and allies across the country will take to the streets to stand together and say Hands Off Our Public Postal Service!0Continue reading→

Women in Construction Week: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Women in Construction Week: 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:We are saddened to learn that former Equity stage manager councilor Frank Hartenstein has passed away. His career included serving 10 years on council and work on 29 Broadway productions, including the original A Chorus Line. He will be sorely missed.https://t.co/ds2wKwPvCs— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 5, 2025AFGE:This ruling by Judge Alsup is an important initial victory for patriotic Americans across this country who were illegally fired from their jobs by an agency (@USOPM) that had no authority to do so.https://t.co/wrYrOShczX— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 28, 2025AFSCME:Federal budget cuts CANNOT be made without slashing Medicaid & Medicare. Millions of families will lose health care & it would devastate public services.CALL NOW & tell your member of Congress: Save the vital programs we depend on. 📲 202-559-1165 https://t.co/2cBzx3zscm— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 6, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Elon Musk called Social Security a "Ponzi Scheme." He wants you to believe that we can't afford earned benefits.But the truth is, we could actually expand benefits if wealthy people like him paid their fair share into the system. #ScrapTheCap pic.twitter.com/oiqRAd1NQW— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 6, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 587-Seattle WA, pushed the City Council to form this important task force on safety. #NotOneMore #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/3KGYTO1BNv— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 6, 2025American Federation of Musicians:News of the Trump Administration’s misguided trade war must remind us of our values and our mission. All musicians have the right to live and work in dignity. At every level of governance, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada remains committed to… pic.twitter.com/Tbd0DpSUso— AFM (@The_AFM) March 5, 2025American Federation of Teachers:The #FINNxHumbleHouse Future of Education Summit is today! @rweingarten and other speakers will discuss innovative ideas, solutions, and policies needed to advance the teaching profession and improve educational outcomes for all students. See you there #SXSWEdu! pic.twitter.com/HVQHfcfOMT— AFT (@AFTunion) March 6, 2025American Postal Workers Union:✊✊Defend our public Postal Service!Keep up the pressure - in light of recent threats, it's important to tell your legislators to defend our public postal service against any upcoming attacks. Send an email to your legislators right now!https://t.co/7YfqJ8DhBH— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 27, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:“Safety & security doesn’t just happen. It is the product of our collective mission to make it happen. We encourage you to continue to look to the experts on the frontlines, promote sufficient & steady funding to staff, maintain, & modernize our workplace.”https://t.co/2qPu3i3bi4 pic.twitter.com/RgKD9X6vY8— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 4, 2025Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:BCTGM Disappointed by President Trump’s Misguided #Tariffs on Canadahttps://t.co/yFQOj7yrfc— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) March 6, 2025Boilermakers:Women in Construction Week is the perfect time to encourage your daughter, niece, grand-daughter or any woman in your life to consider a career in the trades. Here's what Linda Tribble, L-D194 has to say. https://t.co/dLmecTNPOy pic.twitter.com/kdBFXiHacr— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 5, 2025Bricklayers:“Before I joined, I was looking at $10 less than what I started as an apprentice with no benefits. Coming in as an apprentice, having medical, thats more than most other jobs. I dont have to worry about medical benefits for my kids.” - Priscilla Rocco of BAC Local 1 NY#WIC2025 pic.twitter.com/yoEsmykYfj— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 6, 2025Communications Workers of America:As House Republicans debate the future of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $42B program to build high-speed internet & Musk seeks to divert public money for private profit, CWA defends program that would bring high-speed internet & jobs to all Americanshttps://t.co/cSzFQRqC3J— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 6, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Happy Birthday @IAFFofficial! We are proud to have you as a DPE affiliate. https://t.co/amhKsE2Nvo— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 28, 2025Electrical Workers:"CT has immediate needs for infrastructure investment... We need a regulatory environment that protects customers and workers while allowing for continuous and long-term investments in the electric grid." - @IVPMikeMonahan https://t.co/cNgilhw9Py— IBEW (@IBEW) March 5, 2025Fire Fighters:⏲️ #DaylightSaving is this weekend. As we prepare to spring forward, take a moment to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A small step that makes a big difference in keeping your community safe. pic.twitter.com/bICmpWrhcj— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 6, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Become a Union Member 💪Whether you have experience working in the Insulation industry or are new to the trade — now is the time to earn a higher wage & better benefits.➡️Learn more & become a member today: https://t.co/yjahHngRTW#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride… pic.twitter.com/QlXF7OlH6l— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 26, 2025International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE stands in Solidarity with Postal Workers and denounces any efforts to privatize our Postal Service https://t.co/Os8dNlCb7t— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 22, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:LCLAA reaffirms its commitment to continue fighting to protect the rights of latino workers, their children, and their families against threats that undermine access to education #ProtectOurChildren #SavePublicEducation— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 5, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:LABOR QUOTE OF THE WEEK“I’m a big believer in unions! They have our backs, they bring us into community, and they give us power!”Jane Fonda, at the 2025 SAG-AFTRA awards https://t.co/5TMvdEdqob pic.twitter.com/kfAlg1F44g— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 3, 2025Laborers:121+ years strong & STILL fighting! For over a century, #LIUNA has taken on worker exploitation, demanding fair wages, safety protections, & dignity on the job. The job sites may have changed, but our mission never will – protecting the Laborers who build this nation.… pic.twitter.com/g5Ctf8qLDj— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 6, 2025Machinists:Safe staffing matters. Tasking workers with multiple conflicting duties can leave patients feeling abandoned. Not on our watch! Our IAM Healthcare PCAs and PCTs at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center are fighting for what's right. pic.twitter.com/ZMIFEL3pOC— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) March 6, 2025Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association:150 years ago today, M.E.B.A. founding fathers formed the first national maritime organization to fight against the dangerous working conditions of the day. Today, M.E.B.A. members enjoy contracts with the best wages, benefits, and protections in the industry. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/c4mQZP4gcd— M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) February 23, 2025Metal Trades Department:The big unknown still hanging over the plan is whether the Trump administration will thwart efforts that the Biden administration put in place to develop more clean electricity generation. https://t.co/MNnatY6FZa— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 6, 2025Mine Workers:The January/February issue of the journal proudly features Belinda Biafore as its Associate Membership Spotlight.Belinda Biafore is an Associate Member and long-time supporter of the United Mine Workers. Sister Biafore is the former West Virginia...https://t.co/5tMbj1wAGI— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 27, 2025Musical Artists:AGMA Joins the Human Artistry Campaign to Advocate for the Rights of Artists in the Age of AI: https://t.co/c7MToluWjw @human_artistry pic.twitter.com/DfOcw6CSf6— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 26, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:During his testimony today before @TransportGOP @TransportDems NATCA President Nick Daniels provided the union’s position on critical issues facing the aviation industry including controller staffing, safety, integration of new users, FAA reform, and modernization. pic.twitter.com/Nv2UnVOOox— NATCA (@NATCA) March 4, 2025National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:#protectpublictvandradio pic.twitter.com/J5A0mFGFgQ— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) March 2, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:📢 Calling all branches! On March 23, join NALC members nationwide to rally & say #HELLNO to dismantling USPS Contact your NBA’s office to get involved. Together, we’ll #FightLikeHell to protect our jobs, service & the future of USPS. More info ➡️ https://t.co/V560ijIosA pic.twitter.com/VbOOkNMUiZ— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 28, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:As our work has made America prosper. But a greedy few are risking Medicaid, HeadStart, and other critical programs to redirect resources from our communities into their pockets.Stop putting billionaires’ profits over families’ care.— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 5, 2025National Nurses United:Nurses are sounding the alarm at @MissionHealthNC after a patient died in the ER during severe short-staffing. It's time our bosses put #PeopleOverProfit and fix the staffing crisis so nurses can provide the safe care every patient deserves. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/2EovpiHL7Z— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 6, 2025National Taxi Workers Alliance:Congrats @workersjustice @LosDeliveristas who win against all odds. Gig economy uber-wealth is built on wage theft + poverty pay & cemented by forced arbitration preventing workers from their day in court. @NewYorkStateAG coming through has been the light in the darkness. https://t.co/dxkvyzdeBs— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 25, 2025NFL Players Association:Our Chief Strategy Officer, @JCTretter, joined the @RichEisenShow to talk about this year's team report cards, which shine a light on player issues so that we can continue raising the workplace standard across the NFL.Watch it here: https://t.co/JDojkxIze5— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 5, 2025North America's Building Trades Unions:Women are reshaping the labor movement, driving growth and pushing for stronger protections in every industry. Their leadership is making unions more inclusive and powerful than ever. #WomenInConstructionWeekhttps://t.co/EvJxKGSziY pic.twitter.com/BnYTTilrfx— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 5, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. pic.twitter.com/LqG0w6fM3g— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 3, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:During Women in Construction Week, Telemundo spotlighted one of our DC9 sisters, Evelyn, who talked about the challenges of being a woman in construction and the opportunities for growth for women in the trades. Hear more about it here: https://t.co/uMLDAOOiz7— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 5, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Thank you @NTEUnews President Greenwald for inviting @PASSprezdc to speak at rally today. Neither the rain nor DOGE will keep federal unions from speaking out against the chaos being inflicted upon the dedicated public servants who work for the American people. #publicservice pic.twitter.com/gIFruWrSEh— PASS (@PASSNational) March 5, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:New Yorkers: #ShopUnion at bookstores unionized with @RWDSU & @UAW Local 2179! Together, we represent ~40% of locations of the major corporate & independent chain bookstores in NYC. With @BNWorkers ratifying their 1st contracts this week, it’s easier than ever to support unions! pic.twitter.com/VwNga94vYW— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 6, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:What an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and showcase the skills and dedication that define the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers.A special shoutout to Local 11 and everyone else for stopping by our booth!#RoofingExpo#RoofersUnion#UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/4UTMiXBXeb— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 6, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Introducing Take 5. 🎬 When it's time to take a beat, tune into educational videos on key SAG-AFTRA topics. Stay informed about your union with this informative, engaging and empowering series. #Take5SagAftraCheck out the first video now! 👇 https://t.co/7jvxpiapSO— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 6, 2025Seafarers:Op-Ed: How the SHIPS for America Act can restore U.S. maritime leadership https://t.co/JHv4Zo9Epi— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) March 4, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):This triumph showcases the power of collective action in the fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. https://t.co/kJi9GuUFq6— SEIU (@SEIU) March 6, 2025Solidarity Center:New way to stay in touch 🦋 ! pic.twitter.com/eW4SrLAuKG— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 6, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Encore’s Clients in San Diego pay up to $170/hr per worker, but the company starts workers at less than $18/hr!It’s time for Encore to do the right thing. Years of training, expertise, and hard work are worth more! pic.twitter.com/HjgLi2Ux2H— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 6, 2025Transport Workers Union:The TWU strongly backs the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requiring contract talks within 10 days of a union vote. "This new bill would eliminate a frequent anti-worker tactic used by the bosses and give workers more collective power to secure and improve their jobs." @TwuSamuelsen— TWU (@transportworker) March 6, 2025Transportation Trades Department:It's time to reform U.S. labor law to protect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain for fair pay, better benefits and safe working conditions without fear or intimidation.We support the PRO Act as a pathway to achieving these reforms. https://t.co/XFPIaTo4u6— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 6, 2025UAW:Workers at the Volkswagen Parts Distribution Center in New Jersey know that there's strength in numbers. That's why they're coming together to demand a voice on the job and to join the 4,000 VW workers in Chattanooga who joined the UAW last year."There is a kind of fear in the… pic.twitter.com/ugLRbj8jwy— UAW (@UAW) March 4, 2025Union Veterans Council:Thread 1/4: Union Veterans Council Condemns Trump Administration’s Betrayal of Veterans with Proposed VA Layoffs.Washington, DC — The Union Veterans Council strongly condemns the Trump administration’s proposed layoffs of up to 80,000 VA employees—an outright betrayal! pic.twitter.com/YQxFVscnVD— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) March 6, 2025UNITE HERE:Organizing new workers must be the #1 priority of the labor movement — but American labor law is fundamentally broken — and tilted heavily in the boss's favor. That's why workers are out today to support the reintroduction of the PRO Act, which creates an equal playing field. pic.twitter.com/4kvQ1tvoYU— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 5, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Nearly 100 @UFCWLocal152 members at Berks Foods have ratified a strong new contract!The 3-year contract includes annual wage increases, a longevity bonus, affordable health benefits, improved vacation policies, & extended funeral leave.➡️ https://t.co/ULa0ImD45B pic.twitter.com/Oq9LpoefeI— UFCW (@UFCW) February 27, 2025United Steelworkers:🚨 The SAVE Act is a threat to workers—especially our Women of Steel siblings. 🚨This Republican-backed bill would make voter registration harder because: pic.twitter.com/YCMnbjeuE2— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 6, 2025Utility Workers:💪🏾💪🏼💪🏿💪🏻💪🏽 We are so excited to announce that Michigan-based Vesta Wind Technicians voted to join UWUA! Read all about it: https://t.co/71VcLGZfty #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5vhRgjl3Dk— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 6, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Solidarity with our @cbsdigitalunion members as we begin bargaining today. We're fighting for a strong first contract for workers at CBS' digital platforms including https://t.co/oRDQdzifLY, their social media and the CBS News app. Fair contract here we come! 💪 #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5047eRHIH1— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 4, 2025 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 12:34Continue reading→

Women’s History Month Profiles: Diana Valles

Women's History Month Profiles: Diana Valles For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 Diana Valles of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union. Diana Valles is a proud immigrant who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. In 1988, she moved to Las Vegas, where she has been a member of the Culinary Union for 36 years. She is passionate about continuing to mentor and develop leaders so that workers can organize and win a better standard of living for their families. Valles was elected president of the Culinary Union Local 226 in 2022. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:11 Tags: Women's History MonthContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. After three years of bargaining and a walkout pledge, journalists represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, at six of the largest Gannett-owned papers in New Jersey and New York have reached tentative agreements.The APP-MCJ Guild and the Hudson Valley News Guild bargained separately but have been coordinating closely to secure victories for all the covered newsrooms. Wins include life-changing wage increases, strong salary floors, artificial intelligence guardrails, just cause provisions and more.“This agreement is a testament to their strength, tenacity and solidarity and should serve as proof-positive for other Gannett newsrooms, who should stop asking nicely and start using their collective power to demand what they deserve,” said Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis, acting unit chair of the APP-MCJ Guild.“We fought for Gannett to invest in our communities, and in us,” said Journal News reporter Nancy Cutler, acting unit chair of the Hudson Valley News Guild. “And we won.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:02Continue reading→

IAM Members Train for Critical Incidents

Tony Rodriguez, chairman of District Lodge, 141 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), who oversees United Airlines members, recently spent the week at the Winpisinger Education Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The week was spent training for the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Rodriguez and 15 other members from the District 141 EAP team and other territories were The post IAM Members Train for Critical Incidents appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Idaho IAM Members Who Help Serve Singaporean Air Force Prepare for Negotiations

IAM Local 2006 members at PKL, a Service Contract company at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, recently attended a negotiations prep program at the IAM’s Winpisinger Center. The base sits just outside Boise, Idaho, where IAM members service aircraft and train Singapore Air Force members. Watch the video report here. In 2018, there The post Idaho IAM Members Who Help Serve Singaporean Air Force Prepare for Negotiations appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Postal Privatization Once Again Rearing Its Ugly Head!

March 10, 2025APWU President Dimondstein provides answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding what it would mean if the Postal Service were to be privatized. magazineNo PrivatizationPresidentMark Dimondstein In 2018, then-President Trump openly called for completely breaking up the public Postal Service and selling it to private corporations. A massive fightback led by the APWU, in unity with the people of the country, temporarily derailed those dangerous plans. Not surprisingly, Trump is once again calling for postal privatization. Many conservative politicians and rightwing media pundits are jumping on the bandwagon, including The Washington Post, which is owned by Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos. Despite Trump’s past record, a significant portion of our members voted for him. Few, if any, workers would willingly vote to destroy their own jobs, union, rights, and benefits. It appears too many underestimate the dangers of privatization and believe we would keep our union and negotiated union contracts if the Postal Service is sold off to private corporations. Consider the following: What is Postal Privatization? Q: What is postal privatization? A: The USPS is owned by the people and exists to serve everyone with universal, affordable service; if privatized, it would exist to make maximum profit to enrich corporations, Wall Street, and billionaires. Q: If the USPS is sold off to private corporations, what will happen to my job? A: We would no longer be working for the USPS. The new owners would decide how many employees it wants and who to hire. Fair hiring practices for disabled veterans and people from all walks of life would likely cease. Q: What would happen to our union contract and its negotiated wages and benefits? A: Our contract is with the USPS. The APWU and our union contract cannot be automatically carried forward to private companies. Our wage rates, benefits, cost-of- living adjustments (COLAs), and financial and job security will be gone unless and until workers rebuild the union and win them back. Q: What would happen to my retirement benefits? A: Our retirement is tied to our status as federal employees. If privatized, we would no longer be government employees. Those vested would have retirement benefits frozen and they would never increase. Not-yet-vested and new workers would likely not be covered by any defined benefit retirement plan. Q: What about our health insurance? A: Our health insurance is tied to the Federal Employee Health Bene t (FEHB) system and secured in our union contract. We would be at the mercy of private companies that would determine whether to provide health insurance and they would determine cost. Q: Would I still have no-layoff protections? A: No. There are no private-sector workers, union or not, who have full protection from layoffs. Q: Would I still have “just cause” protections against unjust discipline, including termination? A: No. This tremendous job security right would be eliminated. Q: Would postal workers still maintain our strong leave and holiday benefits? A: No. Sick, vacation, and holiday leave would be at the whim of non-union companies. Q: Would I still have the right to le grievances to resolve problems? A: Not unless it is a unionized private company with such negotiated provisions. Q: Would I still maintain seniority for bidding jobs and other rights? A: No. Postal seniority and the benefits that come with it would be lost. Q: What would happen to postal services for the people of the country? A: No private company could be compelled to deliver everywhere, no matter who we are or where we live. Postal services would be based on profit and would likely cease for vast parts of the country. Our national treasure would be destroyed. Privatization is bad for workers, bad for unions, and bad for the people. Prices go up and service goes down, while the bosses and billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos laugh all the way to the bank. Let’s be clear-eyed and ready for battle and declare “The U.S. Mail Is Not for Sale!” Onward! ■ Postal Privatization Once Again Rearing Its Ugly Head!0Continue reading→

IAM Veterans Services Class Hosts Training on Mental Health

IAM Veterans Services hosted another Veterans Advocate training for members who want to learn about the ways they can support veterans within the union. The training, which took place at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, was led by IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Rich Evans and Assistant Coordinator Bryan Stymacks. One day The post IAM Veterans Services Class Hosts Training on Mental Health appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Union Urges End to All U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Cooperation Amongst Both Countries to Grow Worker Prosperity

Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement calling for an end to all Canadian tariffs: “The IAM Union strongly urges President Trump to end all tariff actions against Canada, one of our closest allies, without delay. Instead of escalating tensions, the The post IAM Union Urges End to All U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Cooperation Amongst Both Countries to Grow Worker Prosperity appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

District 98 Welcomes Military Readiness Heroes at Harrisburg Air National Guard

Two groups of Service Contract workers at an Air National Guard Base in Harrisburg, Pa., are now enjoying the benefits of IAM representation. After organizing into the IAM, District 98 negotiated a strong first contract for a pilot, combat systems officer and load master who conduct MC-130 simulator training for service members. All three new The post District 98 Welcomes Military Readiness Heroes at Harrisburg Air National Guard appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

In Another Win for Southern Workers, UAW Members at Ultium in Tennessee Ratify Local Agreement

Nearly 1,000 UAW members at Local 1853 overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first local agreement with Ultium, a joint venture of General Motors and LG Energy Solution. The post In Another Win for Southern Workers, UAW Members at Ultium in Tennessee Ratify Local Agreement appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

GM Department Update from UAW Vice President Booth

UAW GM members, I hope the new year finds you well. As we continue building a more militant, fighting, and transparent union, I plan to provide regular updates in 2025 on the activities of the GM Department. Record Profit Sharing In January, GM announced it will deliver a record profit-sharing payout of $14,500 to eligible […] The post GM Department Update from UAW Vice President Booth appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Tell your story: The U.S. Mail is Not For Sale!

The USPS is one of the most cherished institutions in our nation. For 250 years, postal workers have been proud to serve the American people, keeping the mail moving effectively, efficiently and equitably to every doorstep across the country.   However, the USPS we all rely on for our letters, medications and parcels, is being threatened. Recent reporting indicates the White House plans to eliminate the Postal Board of Governors—a move that represents an illegal hostile takeover of our Public Postal Service. Postal workers are prepared to stand up and fight back to defend the public postal service we all deserve. But we need your help – Record a message of support for postal workers; Tell us what the public postal service means to you. Support Postal WorkersRecord a Video of Support The USPS is one of the most cherished institutions in our nation. For 250 years, postal workers have been proud to serve the American people, keeping the mail moving effectively, efficiently and equitably to every doorstep across the country.   However, the USPS we all rely on for our letters, medications and parcels, is being threatened. Recent reporting indicates the White House plans to eliminate the Postal Board of Governors—a move that represents an illegal hostile takeover of our Public Postal Service. Postal workers are prepared to stand up and fight back to defend the public postal service we all deserve. But we need your help – Record a message of support for postal workers; Tell us what the public postal service means to you. Enter your information and confirm that you agree for APWU, our campaigns and allies to share and edit your video. See below for the full disclaimer information. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and keep it short – 30 seconds to a minute are ideal. Think about why the USPS is important to you. Include your name and state your town or city, and talk about what you use the Postal Service for. What would be the consequences for you if the Postal Service shut down or were severely damaged? Now press the record button and start – why is the public postal service important to you? Record Your Message of Support!I agree that APWU may use photographs or video footage of me. I authorize APWU to use my name, likeness, photograph, image, voice, or video footage of me for any purpose in print, electronic, video, or other communications. I understand and agree that APWU will own all rights, including copyrights, of any kind in the photograph or video footage submitted. I grant APWU the unrestricted right and permission to edit, modify, use, re-use, publish, and republish, in whole or in part, the photograph or video footage of me without restriction, made through any and all media now or later known. I waive and release any claims that I may have against APWU, and any of its respective licensees, successors, assigns, heirs or representatives: (i) Based upon or arising from any use of my photograph or video footage by APWU, including without limitation, any right to inspect the communications or to pre-approve the use of my image, (ii) Any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement, or (iii) For any payment(s) for such use. Video submissions are subject to internal review. Submission confirms your consent for possible sharing across APWU platforms. This is not a tool to submit a grievance. To do so, please contact your steward, local representative or national business agent if you need to file a grievance. 0Continue reading→

IAM Union’s Commitment to Military Veterans Continues Through Winpisinger Center Lunch

IAM Local 4 members and William W. Winpisinger Center (W3) staff hosted a group of veterans from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Southern Maryland for lunch this week. The W3 Center hosts the local veterans a few times a year and has done so for several years. The luncheon provides a social outing for The post IAM Union’s Commitment to Military Veterans Continues Through Winpisinger Center Lunch appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→