News

IAM Salutes Retiring Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen on Historic Career, Welcomes Robert ‘Bobby’ Martinez to Executive Council

The IAM is bidding farewell to one of its most esteemed leaders, Gary R. Allen, as he retires from his role as General Vice President. Allen’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for the union, but it also opens the door for Western Territory Chief of Staff Robert “Bobby” Martinez to take on The post IAM Salutes Retiring Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen on Historic Career, Welcomes Robert ‘Bobby’ Martinez to Executive Council appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Organizing Department Win at Fort Jackson in South Carolina

On Oct. 29th, 46 Soldier Support Institute (SSI) workers at Fort Jackson in SC overwhelmingly voted to join the IAM. The SSI workers had heard from the other 800 unionized workers at the Fort about the benefits of being union, and were encouraged to join the local. IAM Organizing Department Special Representative Jerry McCarty and The post IAM Organizing Department Win at Fort Jackson in South Carolina appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville to Enter Federal Mediation as Strike Continues

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. In a new development, IAM and IKEA will meet with a federal mediator The post IAM Union Members at IKEA Perryville to Enter Federal Mediation as Strike Continues appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Important Changes Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15, 2024, through December 7, 2024. We wanted to make you aware that Major Changes are Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program in 2025! As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning January 1, 2025, the federal government is implementing significant changes that will impact The post Important Changes Coming to the IAM Group Medicare Part D Rx Program appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Makayla Gallagher

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Makayla Gallagher 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 Makayla Gallagher of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). Makayla Gallagher is proudly affiliated with the Sitnasuak and Bering Straits Native corporations in Alaska. Born and raised in the state, Gallagher has a deep connection to the outdoors, embracing it not only as a pastime but as an integral way of life. She is an active member of PASS and serves as her facility’s union representative, dedicated to understanding the benefits available to employees and fostering positive relationships within the Federal Aviation Administration. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/21/2024 - 08:40Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philly Workers at SEPTA Reach Tentative Agreement that Includes Major Pay Raise

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philly Workers at SEPTA Reach Tentative Agreement that Includes Major Pay Raise 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. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) workers in Philadelphia tentatively agreed to a new one-year contract. More than 5,000 workers are represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 and include bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance people and custodians. The tentative deal would include a 5% pay increase that, coupled with the last deal, increases workers’ wages to 12.5% more than they made as of Dec. 8, 2023. Members who retire during the life of the contract will receive an additional 5% pension increase. Also included in the contract are schedule stability for operators, increased health benefits and safety changes.Union members will vote on whether to ratify the deal on Dec. 6. Local 234 unanimously authorized a strike that would become unnecessary if members approve the tentative deal.“We’re going to continue to work in tandem in hopes that we can get transit funding, so we won’t be back at this place next year," said Local 234 President Brian Pollitt. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/21/2024 - 08:23Continue reading→

IAM Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

The IAM proudly celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, designated by the Biden administration from Nov. 17 through Nov. 23, 2024. This week serves as an important reminder of the vital role that apprenticeship programs play in developing the skilled workforce necessary for a competitive American economy. “Apprenticeships have been the cornerstone of workforce training for over The post IAM Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Captive Audience Meetings Are Illegal Nationwide: In the States Roundup

Captive Audience Meetings Are Illegal Nationwide: 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). Alabama AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/vDUOcS8XOe— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) October 17, 2024Alaska AFL-CIO:📸 Photos from today's @unac4996AK Solidarity Spine Walk at UAA. #FairContractNow #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/6a8opwsaGY— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:👀 "Colorado is among states that historically adopted policies intended to limit private sector workers’ freedoms to form unions. Today, this suppression of workers’ rights is weakening Colorado’s economy." @greenhousenyt @RBReich https://t.co/6keiskujQX— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) November 20, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:👏👏👏 https://t.co/bH0XwbJx3b— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) November 14, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Thousands of students were in Springfield yesterday for the Central Illinois Building Trades Career Day. They met tradespeople from 14 trades, had hands on experiences and several decided they want to join a union when they graduate! pic.twitter.com/701fKfUizn— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Rep-elect Kilton Webb (@IBEW 567) discusses how he developed a winning campaign with help from the Maine AFL-CIO Worker Candidate Training.https://t.co/r6osZ5K5Rj #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:PLAs PLAs PLAs@Mass_BTU #mapoli https://t.co/ymE15GBJ2L— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) November 20, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:“I have been working downtown for several years, and for the first time I feel a new kind of hope for what is to come and the changes that we will win together,” said @CTUL_TC member Estella Tirado #BetterInAUnion (via @workdaymagazine) https://t.co/JWS0CXr1DJ— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 19, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:Happy #NationalMonopolyDay! 🎩💸 Did you know the monopoly board games is made by union workers? pic.twitter.com/Qb4twyut4H— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 19, 2024Montana State AFL-CIO:It's time for St. Peter's to support nurses in Helena and bargain in good faith. Keep nurses local! Protect high quality patient care! #mtpol #mtnews #mtlabor https://t.co/rjdhlHjcnN— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) October 28, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Earlier this year we had the pleasure of touring the Bricklayers Local 13 JACT with @ActSecJulieSu Find information on all apprenticeship programs and see what works best for you: https://t.co/U5HVtHfspX pic.twitter.com/hZQWihe5lI— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) November 19, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:H.R. 9495 includes a poison pill provision that is a serious threat to nonprofits, incl. unions. This bill would remove due process and hand over considerable power to the next Trump admin. Join us in urging Congress to vote NO on H.R. 9495.🔗https://t.co/kbmYTMI1Sn #1u pic.twitter.com/hRqQ7DrcaK— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Congratulations ⁦@RepMarcyKaptur,⁩ a true champion of working people https://t.co/dH4BugYven— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 20, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:The longer the picket line, the shorter the strike. Head to https://t.co/bb7P96KEa4 and find a picket line near you to support today! With 5 unions on strike in 6 cities there are many ways to show solidarity and support striking workers. pic.twitter.com/Wvg2sUJalH— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Rhode Island AFL-CIO:Answer: YES.Can unions save offshore wind from Trump? https://t.co/AR73U4sSX1 @climatejobs @climatejobsri— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) November 20, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:GET IN LOSER WE'RE ORGANIZING THE SOUTH 😤 https://t.co/ARV6q2kpMg— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 20, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Shame on Anheuser-Busch for closing Elysian in Seattle rather than negotiating a contract with brewery workers! Despite being in active negotiations, the company never mentioned the possibility of closure, completely blindsiding our @teamsters117 siblings. https://t.co/VzBw8xa2sA— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 18, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Labor unions are a growing trend in health care industry https://t.co/TapeiTkoWI— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 20, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 11:33Continue reading→

UFCW-Made Thanksgiving!

It’s time to celebrate the ultimate American holiday with food, side dishes, desserts and beverages produced by the hard-working members of our union family. Here’s a list of UFCW-made products to enjoy this holiday season: Turkey Boar’s Head Butterball 2 Foster Farms Thumann’s Hoffman’s Honest John Empire Kosher Rogers Poultry Palisades Ranch (meat & poultry […] The post UFCW-Made Thanksgiving! appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.Continue reading→

Supermajority of Workers at EV Battery Maker BlueOval SK in Kentucky Have Signed Union Cards, Launch Public Campaign to Join UAW

GLENDALE, Ky. – A supermajority of workers at BlueOval SK (BOSK) in Kentucky have signed union authorization cards and today launched their public campaign to join the UAW. The campaign launch at BOSK, a joint venture of Ford and SK On, is the latest breakthrough for electric vehicle (EV) battery workers organizing with the UAW. […] The post Supermajority of Workers at EV Battery Maker BlueOval SK in Kentucky Have Signed Union Cards, Launch Public Campaign to Join UAW appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles 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.  Check out the members we've featured so far:Kassy McDowellKota Aranda Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:54Continue reading→

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kota Aranda

National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kota Aranda 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 Kota Aranda of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Kota Aranda has worked as a camera and lens technician since joining IATSE Local 600 in 2020 and enjoys amplifying diverse voices through Local 600’s BIPOC group in Atlanta. “My proudest moment was seeing my name in the credits of my first full run,” Aranda said. “That was a really rewarding experience. It’s just a name with a long list of others but to me that name in the credits represents the early mornings, late nights, long days, hard work and perseverance that it took to get the job done.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:45Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Louis University Graduate Workers Vote to Join UAW

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Louis University Graduate Workers Vote to Join UAW 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. Late last week, St. Louis University graduate students overwhelmingly voted in favor of joining the United Autoworkers (UAW).The Graduate Workers of St. Louis University Union-UAW (GWSLUU-UAW) unit covers more than 500 people who work for the school as teaching and research assistants. This landslide victory came right before the National Labor Relations Board reported Monday that more than 50,000 students who work at U.S. universities have unionized during the past two years, proving that this win is part of a much larger national effort to organize increasingly precarious higher education institutions. Members cite the need for better working conditions and increased pay as core motivators, saying that before the organizing effort, graduate workers had not received a raise in more than a decade. Concerns around uncertainty in science funding and unstable regulation of visas were also issues that spurred the campaign.“This feels like the greatest achievement of our lives,” said Zach Davis, a doctoral candidate in American studies. “For the first time in this university’s history, grad workers will have a seat at the table in all decisions that affect them. There will no longer be any conversations about us in which we are not an active participant and so long as this union is around, that is not going to change.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:39Continue reading→

2025 Human Relations Educational Assembly

Registration will open Friday, March 17, 2025. Early Bird registration (through May 16) is $125. Registration after May 16 is $150.  Additional details will be forthcoming, including registration & hotel information. June 12, 2025 - 8:00AM to June 16, 2025 - 5:15PMHouston, TX NationalNoNo2025-06-12 00:00:002025 Human Relations Educational AssemblyTheme: Strength in Diversity, Empowering Every Voice!   The APWU Human Relations Conference will focus on the Union’s role in advocating and advancing human rights and civil rights within the local and community. The conference will have morning general sessions, panel discussions and Q&As with breakout workshops in the afternoon. Topics to include: OWCP, Equal Employment Opportunities and discrimination in the workplace, Veterans Rights and Benefits, PERF and EAP. Registration will open Friday, March 17, 2025. Early Bird registration (through May 16) is $125. Registration after May 16 is $150. Additional details will be forthcoming, including registration & hotel information. 10Continue reading→

School Lunch Junk Fees Hit Working Families’ Wallets

November 19, 2024The American Postal Worker sheds a light on school lunch “junk fees” that are another way big banks exploit working people. magazinePostal Banking Our public schools, just like our public Postal Service, should operate as a public service, to educate and develop the country’s children, and not as another cash cow to enrich Wall Street investors. But, like so many other cherished public institutions, our schools and the families they serve are falling victim to predatory financial practices established to rob the working class of our hard-earned money. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released a report that showed alarmingly high fees associated with digital payments for school lunches across the country. As more of the country’s school systems have moved to cashless cafeterias, schools are relying on outside vendors to process payments for meals purchased at school. These outside vendors have charged families more than $100 million each year in fees associated with depositing money into student accounts to pay for meals. The CFPB found that on average the payment processors “charge transaction fees of $2.37 or 4.4 percent of the total transaction” when parents or guardians add money to a student account. The report estimated that a typical family receiving reduced-price lunch and making two deposits per month would pay more than $42.00 in fees during the school year. For every dollar spent on food, payment processors would receive $0.60, an outrageous waste of many working-class families’ modest resources. “These fees are widespread, regressive, and may be burdensome for families and districts, who have little control over fee rates and few opportunities to shop around,” the report noted. More than 30 million children receive low-cost or no-cost school lunches each day with federal assistance under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The CFPB report underscored that, while the law requires that districts participating in the NSLP provide fee-free options to pay for lunch, these options are often not easily accessible to many families, leading families to pay more than they should just to feed their children at school. Parents facing these outrageous fees are often powerless to do anything about them. The CFPB report notes that while there are 20 such payment-processing companies active in the country, there are three large companies that dominate the market. School districts have been largely unsuccessful in attempts to negotiate more modest fees, and have found that they save overall by going cashless in their food-service operations. The CFPB itself does not have the authority to crack down on such abusive fees that companies are imposing on working-class families but is using its investigatory abilities to shed light on this problem affecting millions. What the report underscores however, is that a large network of for-profit companies has increasingly inserted themselves into our public spaces. Junk fees, like the ones found in our country’s school cafeterias, are robbing hard working families of their hard-earned dollars, while enriching shareholders and executives at the large financial service companies that operate these payment processors. The Campaign for Postal Banking does not only support efforts to expand financial services available at the country’s 31,000 post offices, but also works together with our allies in a Grand Alliance to Save Our Public Postal Service to promote the common good. Winning postal banking and other important fidnancial reforms would be a counterweight to the greed of the Wall Street interests that extract their profit from the hard-earned livings of working-class people across the country. ■ School Lunch Junk Fees Hit Working Families’ Wallets0Continue reading→

IAM, Supporters, and Service Dog Advocates Gather for the 2024 GDA | TLC Charity Week

Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC) brought together IAM members, supporters, and service dog advocates for a week of celebration and fundraising, held this year from Nov. 14–16, 2024, in Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Happy Tails, Happy Trails,” echoed throughout the week, which was highlighted by donors’ generosity and The post IAM, Supporters, and Service Dog Advocates Gather for the 2024 GDA | TLC Charity Week appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→