Southern Territory Leadership Visits Local 774 Textron Aviation Strike Line
Leaders from the IAM Southern Territory visited Local 774’s strike line at Textron Aviation this week to show solidarity and support. As the strike enters its second week, the presence of IAM leadership underscores the importance of unity in the ongoing fight for fair wages and improved working conditions. After six weeks of negotiations, The post Southern Territory Leadership Visits Local 774 Textron Aviation Strike Line appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
GET THE NEW T-SHIRT: “Kill NAFTA: Save the Working Class!”
Get the “Kill NAFTA: Save the Working Class” t-shirt worn by UAW President Shawn Fain during yesterday’s State of the UAW National Town Hall! Purchase here. 100% cotton tee. Purchase is a donation to UAW Education Fund – a federally registered independent expenditure committee. Orders […] The post GET THE NEW T-SHIRT: “Kill NAFTA: Save the Working Class!” appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→
Teamsters Organize 50,000 New Members in Less Than Three Years
(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced today the union has grown by an...Continue reading→
IAM International President Brian Bryant Shows Support for Striking Members at Boeing
As the nation’s largest strike continues at Boeing, IAM International President Brian Bryant recently visited members from IAM Districts 751 and W24 on the picket lines in Washington and Portland. IAM District 751 and District W24 represent Boeing workers in Washington, Oregon, and California. Bryant’s visit symbolizes the widespread support from IAM members across North The post IAM International President Brian Bryant Shows Support for Striking Members at Boeing appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Grab Your Walking Shoes: In the States Roundup
Grab Your Walking Shoes: In the States Roundup It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter). Alaska AFL-CIO:Labor walks are the #1 tool we use to communicate with union members. They play a vital role in electing pro-worker candidates to public office. 🗳️Grab your walking shoes every Saturday from now to Election Day, and help us talk to union members about endorsed candidates. 👟✊ pic.twitter.com/BQbtAGvsXQ— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 27, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Thank you @GavinNewsom for signing our top priority - SB399 (Wahab) — to end mandatory captive audience meetings! pic.twitter.com/OmMPTzxRlE— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 27, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:Today we stood in solidarity with @UFCW_7 and @Teamsters455 in opposition to the Albertsons/Kroger merger. This merger would cause detrimental effects to local grocery stores pic.twitter.com/iZPnT9HTOd— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 1, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Union members are knocking doors for pro-worker candidates in Groton, East Lyme, Waterford, New Britain, Ansonia & Derby today! #LaborVotes #1u pic.twitter.com/gClg6dpD66— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 28, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:Even in the darkest hours, our union family shines bright. Let’s support each other through the challenges of this hurricane and come out stronger on the other side. We’ve got each other’s backs! #UnionResilience #1u #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/nphOefnN7Z— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 27, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Good communications are vital to the labor movement. Join us for a FREE training with 617 Media Group to discuss member communications for GOTV and beyond. 🗓️ 10/15/24🕐 4PM📍 Hire 360, 2540 S. State St., Chicago // Zoom option availableRSVP here: https://t.co/hHFeFGKIqU pic.twitter.com/4pHgWAOlgo— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:You're damn right they do! 💪 Order your shirt today: https://t.co/jbvyJIiTbo pic.twitter.com/odm25YisPF— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) August 29, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Rep. Laurel Libby is running for re-election to represent Auburn & Minot. She is also one of a tiny number of Maine state legislators with a 0% lifetime score on the Maine AFL-CIO Working Families Legislative Scorecard. That's pretty hard to do! pic.twitter.com/jn8VbsTru9— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 27, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Dozens of union members are out on the doors in Mansfield, Norton, and Foxboro talking to other members about electing proud @IBEW2222 member @PaulFeeneyMA and proud @seiu888 member @KostasLoukos to the MA Senate and MA House #mapoli pic.twitter.com/mMEAK69jEe— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 28, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:A huge victory for Michigan home care workers!Tens of thousands of home care workers across the state struggle to make ends meet while working tirelessly to care for our seniors and most vulnerable.Restoring their collective bargaining rights is long overdue. https://t.co/lN6xmCPqh6— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 25, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Ahead of Tuesday’s Vice-Presidential debate, Minnesota’s union members wanted to share a little bit about the @Tim_Walz we know. #BetterInAUnion #UnionsforHarris #UnionsforHarrisWalz pic.twitter.com/OpIz2qM9W5— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:Canvassing and phone banking for candidates that support working people is key. Grassroots efforts like these are vital in shaping policies that impact Missouri's working families. Every conversation makes a difference. Sign up: https://t.co/MozdUEsxRA pic.twitter.com/2D1FuaigYX— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:From the north to the south, the Nevada State AFL-CIO was out in full force canvassing with our union brothers & sisters!38 days, 5 weekends to go. We’re getting closer and closer to the finish line and it’ll be so sweet to celebrate our victories on November 5th! pic.twitter.com/usp7hTxr5p— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 28, 2024New Jersey State AFL-CIO:Women’s rights are at stake this November. Register and vote. For more information on Project 2025, go to https://t.co/2b65aZzG0q.#StopProject2025 pic.twitter.com/wcX6hla8LZ— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 27, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:ALBANY: APWU's National Day of Action is next week! Don't miss the Capital Region rally: https://t.co/6Cr1zSoDfo pic.twitter.com/7gfdogzIV8— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 27, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Meanwhile, actual voter fraud is happening in #Ohio but @FrankLaRose and @DaveYostOH have said nothing. Proves two things:1) We must continue to support local media outlets and;2) This has never been about voter fraud, just a false narrative to continue mass voter suppression https://t.co/EoF1wqAaTX— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 1, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Join #OregonLabor for TWO canvasses on Saturday. In Portland we’re knocking doors for April Dobson and Dan Rayfield. In Bend we’re talking to voters about Anthony Broadman and Emerson Levy. Coffee, lunch and training provided. Sign up and get more info at https://t.co/B1B90w7Rqn pic.twitter.com/9Dk2hUY68Y— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:As AG, @KamalaHarris cracked down on wage theft & delivered for working people. When it comes down to brass tacks, she’s repeatedly demonstrated she will fight WITH working people instead of AGAINST us. Just can’t say that about the other guy. #UnionsForHarris #Labor2024 https://t.co/waOH3wvN1I— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 30, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:JOB ALERT: The Texas AFL-CIO is hiring a Communications Director!Apply here: https://t.co/VDi4sn5LNN— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Solidarity with @myWSNA VNA Home Health nurses fighting for safety protections. If you're in Spokane, please sign their community petition to show support for the workers' demands for safety supports when providing in-home care. ⬇️ https://t.co/w8u0VKKTYo— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/01/2024 - 09:37Continue reading→
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Aleta Chavez of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA). In addition to being active in her local union, Aleta Chavez has been very active in her community. She participated in mission work in Guatemala and volunteered with the Dallas Police Department and Habitat for Humanity. She has been a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and numerous student organizations while enrolled in Cedar Valley College’s veterinary technology program. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/01/2024 - 09:29Continue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel Workers Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel Workers Ratify New Contract Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. UNITE HERE Local 26 members who work at the Omni Providence in Rhode Island ratified a new four-year contract last week that secures higher wages and better benefits.This victory came seven weeks after workers at the downtown Providence hotel voted to authorize a strike over management’s refusal to bargain a fair contract. Their previous agreement expired last January, and members were laser-focused on winning a deal that would address rising costs of living. To show the Omni Providence they meant business, members began wearing lanyards to work to signal that they’d signed up for strike benefits and were ready and willing to walk out.“My co-workers and I put a lot of work into this fight,” said George Cook, a banquet attendant at the Omni. “We were ready to do whatever it took to win. I’m happy that we’re able to get the best contract we ever had, with wage increases that will help us pay our rent and take care of our families.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/01/2024 - 09:24Continue reading→
Postal Workers Hold Nationwide “Day of Action” Oct. 1 in 90 Cities to Promote Vote-by-Mail, Demand First-Class Service Year-Round
October 1, 2024WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu. A Grand AllianceBetter Postal Staffing WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu. “The postal service is doing an excellent job ensuring that ballots and election related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. With the exception of the special provisions being applied to election mail, mail service has been noticeably slower for millions of customers due to postal management’s poor implementation of its plan to modernize mail facilities and its move to ship much of the nation’s mail and packages to distant processing centers. Pressure from members of Congress and the collective efforts of postal workers has caused a rethinking of elements of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan. But it isn’t just postal management that is at fault; the Postal Board of Governors has limited public comments in its meetings and has made many of its decisions that slow service behind closed doors, including a recent decision that will further slow rural mail beginning in 2025 if allowed to take effect. The APWU is demanding greater transparency. This week, APWU members, joined by community and labor allies, are calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing for postal workers and improved customer service along with more opportunity for public input. While some elements of the Delivering for America plan are necessary for the postal service to modernize, it makes little sense to take mail being sent within the same city, county or Zip Code to locations sometimes hundreds of miles away by truck and then transported back. The APWU is advocating for the USPS to invest more in its workforce. Recruiting and retaining a dedicated workforce is key to reliable service. While the USPS has converted thousands of temporary, non-career positions to career track over the past couple years, it has not proven sufficient to address turnover problems and short staffing. “Staffing is an issue that needs to be addressed. It’s not just new hires and retention. We need more staff. The public sees the long lines at postal counters, where we handle more packages today than ever before, but while the number of packages handled has dramatically increased, the number of clerks has declined over the past two decades by over 10,000,” said Dimondstein. In 2006 the USPS handled 1.2 billion packages. In 2024 that number of packages processed has risen to more than 8.5 billion annually, 23.5 million packages every day. The public is not blind to the problems. While a majority of Americans maintain a favorable impression of the USPS, according to polling released by the Pew Research Center in March 2023, the number of Americans viewing the USPS favorably dropped from 91 percent in 2020 to 77 percent in the latest poll. This decline in confidence has likely dropped further this year due to false claims made by former President Trump and others about the reliability of election mail. Postmaster General DeJoy in a recent news conference debunked those claims. The USPS is taking “extraordinary measures” to deliver mail-in ballots. In postal facilities, election monitors are working to ensure election mail has been sorted and moved out for transportation or delivery. Ballots and other election mail is moved ahead of other mail. The USPS also authorized extra deliveries, collections, transportation, and overtime for this purpose. USPS took a similar approach to election mail in the 2020 and 2022 elections and in the state primaries earlier this year, it worked extraordinarily well. In 2020, 97.9 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days. In 2022, 99 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days. The American Postal Workers Union represents 200,000 employees of the United States Postal Service and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. For more information on APWU, visit www.apwu.org # # # WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu.The public has a right to the prompt, reliable service that ballots and election mail receive, says the American Postal Workers Union0Continue reading→
Postal Workers Hold Nationwide ‘Day of Action’ Oct. 1 in 90 Cities to Promote Vote-by-Mail, Demand First-Class Service Year-Round
October 1, 2024WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu. A Grand AllianceBetter Postal Staffing WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu. “The postal service is doing an excellent job ensuring that ballots and election related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. With the exception of the special provisions being applied to election mail, mail service has been noticeably slower for millions of customers due to postal management’s poor implementation of its plan to modernize mail facilities and its move to ship much of the nation’s mail and packages to distant processing centers. Pressure from members of Congress and the collective efforts of postal workers has caused a rethinking of elements of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan. But it isn’t just postal management that is at fault; the Postal Board of Governors has limited public comments in its meetings and has made many of its decisions that slow service behind closed doors, including a recent decision that will further slow rural mail beginning in 2025 if allowed to take effect. The APWU is demanding greater transparency. This week, APWU members, joined by community and labor allies, are calling for the public’s help in demanding improved staffing for postal workers and improved customer service along with more opportunity for public input. While some elements of the Delivering for America plan are necessary for the postal service to modernize, it makes little sense to take mail being sent within the same city, county or Zip Code to locations sometimes hundreds of miles away by truck and then transported back. The APWU is advocating for the USPS to invest more in its workforce. Recruiting and retaining a dedicated workforce is key to reliable service. While the USPS has converted thousands of temporary, non-career positions to career track over the past couple years, it has not proven sufficient to address turnover problems and short staffing. “Staffing is an issue that needs to be addressed. It’s not just new hires and retention. We need more staff. The public sees the long lines at postal counters, where we handle more packages today than ever before, but while the number of packages handled has dramatically increased, the number of clerks has declined over the past two decades by over 10,000,” said Dimondstein. In 2006 the USPS handled 1.2 billion packages. In 2024 that number of packages processed has risen to more than 8.5 billion annually, 23.5 million packages every day. The public is not blind to the problems. While a majority of Americans maintain a favorable impression of the USPS, according to polling released by the Pew Research Center in March 2023, the number of Americans viewing the USPS favorably dropped from 91 percent in 2020 to 77 percent in the latest poll. This decline in confidence has likely dropped further this year due to false claims made by former President Trump and others about the reliability of election mail. Postmaster General DeJoy in a recent news conference debunked those claims. The USPS is taking “extraordinary measures” to deliver mail-in ballots. In postal facilities, election monitors are working to ensure election mail has been sorted and moved out for transportation or delivery. Ballots and other election mail is moved ahead of other mail. The USPS also authorized extra deliveries, collections, transportation, and overtime for this purpose. USPS took a similar approach to election mail in the 2020 and 2022 elections and in the state primaries earlier this year, it worked extraordinarily well. In 2020, 97.9 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days. In 2022, 99 percent of ballots were delivered to election officials within three days. The American Postal Workers Union represents 200,000 employees of the United States Postal Service and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. For more information on APWU, visit www.apwu.org # # # WASHINGTON – On Tues., Oct. 1 postal workers who are members of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) will be rallying with the public in front of postal facilities across the country to sound the alarm about the United States Postal Service’s substandard performance and service to communities. Rallies are planned in 90 cities including Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu.The public has a right to the prompt, reliable service that ballots and election mail receive, says the American Postal Workers Union0Continue reading→
IAM Union Celebrates Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
In observance of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, we are reminded of the vibrant contributions and the indelible impact of the Latino community within our industries, the labor movement, and our nation. As advocates for workers’ rights, we take immense pride in representing a diverse array of Latinos and Latinas across various sectors. Their hard The post IAM Union Celebrates Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Teamsters Stand With The International Longshoremen’s Association
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien on...Continue reading→
IAFF responding to Hurricane Helene across the Southeast
Hurricane Helene’s landfall as a Category 4 storm brought widespread devastation across several states, severely impacting IAFF members and their communities. Homes were destroyed, power is out for more than […]Continue reading→
IAM Local 774 Members Demand More for Families, Wichita Community as Textron Aviation Strike Enters Second Week
WICHITA, Kan. Sept. 30, 2024 – Approximately 5,000 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kan., are standing strong on the picket lines for a fair contract as a strike of the general aviation company enters a second week. The IAM Union released the following The post IAM Local 774 Members Demand More for Families, Wichita Community as Textron Aviation Strike Enters Second Week appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
All-Star Transportation Bus Workers Vote to Join Teamsters
(WATERBURY, Conn.) – Bus drivers at All-Star Transportation, a subsidiary of Student Transportation of America,...Continue reading→
First Student Drivers in Los Angeles Organize to Join Teamsters
(LOS ANGELES, Calif.) – Bus drivers at First Student finalized a successful card check organizing...Continue reading→
IAM Members Affected by Hurricane Helene: We Are Here to Help
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which has severely impacted regions in the U.S. Southeast, the IAM is extending its full support to members suffering in the aftermath of the disaster. Recognizing the challenging road to recovery ahead, the IAM is committed to providing immediate assistance and resources to its affected members. If you are The post IAM Members Affected by Hurricane Helene: We Are Here to Help appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→
Memo to the Field: Liteblue-Direct Deposit Theft Case
Arbitrator Dennis Nolan issued an award on the NALC’s national dispute over the Postal Service’s liability for lost wages when its direct deposit system was compromised in 2022. The APWU and the Mail Handlers intervened in the case. Although crediting the unions’ description of events and noting the hardship to individuals who lost money through the criminal direct deposit scam, Arbitrator Nolan found that the collective bargaining agreements did not clearly protect employees in this specific situation. Memo from Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash to the field on the Nolan Award on the Direct Deposit Theft case numbers APWU No. HQTG20230019; USPS No. 6X21C6XC23088825Wednesday, September 25, 2024 GATS Number: 6X21C6XC23088825 APWU National Grievance Number: HQTG20230019DennisNolanNo LiteBlue , Direct Deposit 9 https://d1ocufyfjsc14h.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/092524_memo_to_field_re_nalc_national_award_-_direct_deposit_theft_case.pdf Craft: All Craft Document Type: Other0Continue reading→
Why do you love Postal Workers?
Whether you’re a postal employee or a community ally of the USPS, record a quick video to share your support for Postal Workers! Why do you love Postal Workers? The United States Postal Service is an essential part of the fabric of our community and our country. We depend on the "prompt, reliable, and efficient" service promised by law. Postal workers are proud to provide these essential services to you. By making our voices heard, we can all build a better Postal Service. Community allies, postal supporters, and post office customers, why do you love Postal Workers? *Please note that this is not a method for members to submit a workplace grievance, report toxic workplace issues, or report an illegal form of harassment/discrimination. To do so you must contact your local union representatives to discuss the issue and see what action can be taken. Please request union time through your supervisor or manager to meet with and discuss your issue with your local union official(s). Record your storyTell us about yourselfEnter 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. *Please note that this is not a method for members to submit a workplace grievance, report toxic workplace issues, or report an illegal form of harassment/discrimination. To do so, you must contact your local union representatives to discuss the issue and see what action can be taken. Please request union time through your supervisor or manager to meet with and discuss your issue with your local union official(s). Keep your message short. Keep your face in the middle of the picture and click "send your video" when you're done. Tell us your name, craft, and local if applicable Are you an APWU member or ally? Share a story: Why do you love Postal Workers? Speak Up and Record Your Story!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→
A Say Over the Future: The Working People Weekly List
A Say Over the Future: 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. Omni Providence Workers Ratify New Union Contract: “UNITE HERE Local 26 said workers at the Omni Providence Hotel ratified a new union contract on Sept. 24. The union said that negotiations on a new contract began after the previous expired on Jan. 31, and that workers voted to authorize a strike on Aug. 7. The new contract includes wage increases and more affordable healthcare.”Apple Store Workers in Oklahoma City Ratify First Union Contract: “U.S. retail workers at the Oklahoma City Apple store in Penn Square Mall have successfully ratified their first collectively bargained contract. The union workers are part of Communications Workers of America (CWA), operating as Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. The ratified three-year contract promises up to an 11.5% wage increase up to 2027, alongside provisions for worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off for voting.”Project 2025’s Plan to Gut Civil Service with Mass Firings: ‘It’s Like the Bad Old Days of King Henry VIII’: “Even as Donald Trump seeks to disavow Project 2025, he and the rightwing effort’s authors have voiced similarly hostile plans for the U.S.’s 2 million-plus federal employees—to replace many of them with political appointees. These plans are stirring alarm among federal employees, with many warning that ‘politicizing’ the civil service will hurt not just them, but also millions of Americans across the US by undermining how well the U.S. government provides services and enforces regulations that protect the public.”Congress Passes Bill to Avert a Shutdown Before the Election, Sending It to Biden: “Congress overwhelmingly passed a funding bill Wednesday to avert a government shutdown next week after House Republicans removed a proposal demanded by Donald Trump that would require Americans nationwide to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. The Senate voted 78-18 Wednesday evening, shortly after the House passed the same measure on a 341-82, with all opposition in both chambers coming from Republicans.”Labor Wants—and Gets—A Say Over the Future: “The AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute will announce today an ongoing collaboration with the NSF, in which the two groups will explore how labor can consult on the foundation’s cutting-edge research projects.”Wesleyan Graduate Students Vote for Union Membership: “Graduate student workers and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) at the University will cast their ballot in a vote to join the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 on Thursday, Sept. 26. The vote comes after months of organizing and internal discussions within the Wesleyan Graduate Labor Union (WesGLU). WesGLU first announced their intention to unionize last April, and subsequently entered into negotiations with the University. Those negotiations ended earlier this semester, when the administration refused to voluntarily recognize the union. WesGLU leadership determined that the University’s decision was a departure from the status quo, and that it was not in line with the good faith labor relations expected by some organizers.”Federal Funds, Clean Energy Projects Boost Maine Union Workforce: “Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state’s clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around. Skilled trade workers are in high demand as the state aims to install 275,000 heating pumps by 2027 and construct numerous offshore wind projects. Kim Tobias, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1253, said learning a trade nearly tripled her income and she is encouraging her own daughters to do the same. ‘With apprenticeships and with the union jobs that are going to be here, it’s a good way for people to be able to afford to stay here,’ Tobias pointed out. Tobias noted young people are motivated to help fight climate change and the Inflation Reduction Act is helping create not just jobs, but well-paying careers. The state aims to double its clean energy workforce to 30,000 by 2030.”Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations, Including Illinois, Ratify New Contract: “Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York have ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers.”Redmond: Labor Has ‘the Responsibility to Lead’ the Fight for Democracy: “AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond is repeating a somber warning to workers, union and non-union alike: This November’s election is not just about the presidency, but about democracy. Redmond told a panel discussion at the Labor Department on September 17, the anniversary of the founders’ signing the Constitution, that organized labor must lead the fight to preserve the republic. ‘Unions thrive in democratic countries and in countries where you have democratic principles. They don’t survive in autocracies and dictatorships,’ Redmond declared. ‘So we have the responsibility to fight for democracy and it should be the responsibility of the entire labor movement to lead that fight.’”Culinary Union Celebrates the End of Its Longest Campaign: “Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge said at an event Thursday to mark the signing of the contract that he had faith that the Venetian would one day be a union property. ‘I can tell you that I knew one day we would be doing that, but honestly, we didn't know when,’ he said. ‘We have a fighting spirit at the Culinary and Bartenders union here in Las Vegas, and we look at time maybe a little differently than some organizations do.’” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:13Continue reading→
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Odalis Betances of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU). Odalis Betances is a hardworking, 13-year member of HFIU Local 3. Betances always steps up when needed for the union, serving on the executive board and assisting with any language barriers. Betances is proud of his Dominican roots and of being a Local 3 member. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:02Continue reading→
UAW President Shawn Fain, Elissa Slotkin Fire Up Michigan Union Members at Flint Canvassing Event
UAW workers and supportive community members rallied earlier today in Flint at a canvassing kick-off for U.S. Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin. The post UAW President Shawn Fain, Elissa Slotkin Fire Up Michigan Union Members at Flint Canvassing Event appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→