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National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Janna Lopez

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Janna Lopez Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Janna Lopez of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Janna Lopez is a nontribal card member of Yaqui and Taos Pueblo tribes. Lopez was sworn in to IATSE Local 695 in 2016 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, where she trained as a sound designer. Lopez has worked as a day player for drama television series “NCIS” and the Marvel show “Runaways.” “My motto is ‘if you are not working, be learning,’” Lopez said. “I have been able to take classes presented by my local to better do my job as a Y-7A, sound utility.” Lopez has volunteered with the LA Sound Mixers Facebook group, Cinema Audio Society and LA Skins Fest during Native American Heritage Month. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:20Continue reading→

A Thanksgiving Message from IAM International President Brian Bryant

Dear IAM Family, As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to reflect on the strength and unity that bind us as IAM members. This holiday is a time for gratitude and a celebration of the hard work and dedication we share in our commitment to one another and the The post A Thanksgiving Message from IAM International President Brian Bryant appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Rob Manning

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Rob Manning Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Rob Manning of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). As president of his local, Rob Manning stands up for his fellow workers’ rights. Just this month, he stepped in to ensure that the agencies granted employees time to vote in the presidential election. His ongoing project is to obtain proper COVID-19 hazard pay compensation for Indian Health Service employees. The pandemic claimed the lives of Manning’s mentor, Verle Follette, and numerous other workers. In his community, Manning volunteers his time with Spotted Bull Recovery Resource Center, helping those with addictions recover. He also serves as the president and chaplain of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle Club. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/27/2024 - 09:20Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Joseph Obed

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Joseph Obed Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Joseph Obed of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU). Joseph Obed, one of the newest insulators to Local 137, completed his first turnaround at the liquefied natural gas plant in Kitimat, British Columbia. Obed recently finished pre-employment training and brought his dedication and hard work to the job, showcasing his skills and commitment to his trade.  Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/26/2024 - 16:42Continue reading→

Dozens of Drain-Pro Workers Ratify First-Ever Teamsters Contract

(TACOMA, Wash.) – After joining Teamsters Local 313, agroup of 56 Drain-Pro technicians, drivers, mechanics, clerical workers, and support staffers in Puyallup, Wash., has votedoverwhelmingly to ratify their first contract. “We wanted to unionize because we have seen the benefits other workers have gotten through Teamsters representation,” said Matt Richardson, a Drain-Pro worker. “We are already reaping the rewards … The post Dozens of Drain-Pro Workers Ratify First-Ever Teamsters Contract appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→

IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville Continue Strike as Federal Mediation Fails to Yield Progress

Approximately 320 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local I460, District 4, working at the IKEA Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland, remain on strike for a fair contract after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s latest proposal on Nov. 14, 2024. Despite engaging in federal mediation sessions on Nov. 21 and 22, The post IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville Continue Strike as Federal Mediation Fails to Yield Progress appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Wishes Tony Wirth Well in Retirement, Welcomes William ‘Benji’ Sullivan as Aerospace Chief of Staff

After 20 years with the IAM, Aerospace Chief of Staff Tony Wirth will retire at the end of this year. William “Benji” Sullivan will step into the role on Jan. 1, 2025. Wirth joined the IAM in 2003 as a Niceville, Fla., Local 20 member at Eglin Air Force Base, where he served as the The post IAM Wishes Tony Wirth Well in Retirement, Welcomes William ‘Benji’ Sullivan as Aerospace Chief of Staff appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Send Postal Workers a holiday message during the 2024 Peak Season!

The USPS is one of the most cherished institutions in our nation, and postal workers are the essential workers that keep our mail moving.  While most of us are ready to shop for the perfect gifts after spending a warm holiday with our families, they are working countless hours of overtime in difficult, even dangerous conditions to make sure we get our holiday mail. To recognize this Peak Season, the busiest time of the year for letter and package processing, we invite you to take some time to honor postal workers and send them words of encouragement this holiday season. Click the button to go to the next page and send Postal Workers a holiday message of thanks and support!  Record your storySend Postal Workers a holiday message during the 2024 Peak Season!The USPS is one of the most cherished institutions in our nation, and postal workers are the essential workers that keep our mail moving.  While most of us are ready to shop for the perfect gifts after spending a warm holiday with our families, they are working countless hours of overtime in difficult, even dangerous conditions to make sure we get our holiday mail. To recognize this Peak Season, the busiest time of the year for letter and package processing, we invite you to take some time to honor postal workers and send them words of encouragement this holiday season. 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. Tell us your name, city, or any other information you think is important to share Take a moment to collect your thoughts - remember, you only have 30 seconds! Now press the record button and start - what do you want to say to postal workers this holiday season? Record Your VideoI 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→