Hope Will Never Be Silent: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Hope Will Never Be Silent: 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 excited to announce the League-Equity Audition Program ("LEAP"): a new kind of audition aimed at giving Equity members the chance to meet directors, choreographers, writers and casting directors who create new work so they can keep you in mind for future projects. https://bit.ly/4tRiNhP[image or embed]— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) May 26, 2026 at 3:13 PMAFGE:AFGE is grateful to @SenatorHassan and @SenatorLankford for reintroducing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done. Thank you for standing up for AFGE members ✊— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 21, 2026AFSCME:The workers at the Seattle Museum of Art are fighting for a voice on the job to improve their workplace. They’ve formed Seattle Art Museum Workers United, joining the wave of 50,000 cultural workers across the country who have formed unions through AFSCME. https://t.co/qYlQ7sVNVQ— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 26, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:Speaking up for aviation safety and for pilots is core to our mission. That's why we're calling on Congress to include the ADS-B In language from the Senate-passed ROTOR Act in final law. pic.twitter.com/q1RCDNXi40— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) May 20, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:🚨 Millions of people, including older adults who aren't yet eligible for Medicare, are about to lose their health care due to stricter work requirements about to take effect.Here's what you need to know: https://t.co/WwDX341NCv— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 27, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:We wrap our celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month honoring Local 1756-Arcadia, CA, Member Phlli Hoo. #APIMonth pic.twitter.com/GTW0s1uVbu— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 27, 2026American Federation of Musicians:Thank you, Congresswoman Ross, for this commonsense approach to fixing a fundamentally broken system.The Protect Working Musicians Act is an essential part of any meaningful attempt to regulate streaming and machine learning.Multinational corporations must not be allowed to use… pic.twitter.com/Ru3Px1elwd— AFM (@The_AFM) May 21, 2026American Federation of Teachers:@rweingarten.bsky.social: The other side is trying to exploit the current crisis to destroy public education and pluralism as we know it. We have a different vision: revitalize and reimagine public schools so every one of our students can harness their future and build the country they dream of.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) May 27, 2026 at 9:52 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Today APWU honors Memorial Day and honor all those who lost their lives in service to our country. pic.twitter.com/gkFLLEyu6f— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) May 25, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:47 years ago, on May 25, 1979, AA Flight 191 crashed shortly after takeoff from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. All 13 crew members & 258 passengers onboard were killed, as were two people on the ground. We pause to remember those lives lost. https://t.co/fLhbmzoJxO— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 26, 2026Boilermakers:🇺🇸 This Memorial Day and always, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. To those who have served or are currently serving, thank you. pic.twitter.com/ap9A1s4jXt— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) May 25, 2026Bricklayers:On this #WorksiteWednesday, our skilled craftworkers of Local 5 PA are proud to put their skills to work preserving the historic Scranton Cultural Center @SCCatMT. #UnionProud #SkilledTrades #BestHandsInTheBusiness #BuildingTomorrowTogether pic.twitter.com/ThfqYZN4EC— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) May 27, 2026Communications Workers of America:AI companies are trying to digitize and monetize what makes us human and replace workers, even in professions that require creativity, trust, and empathy.CWA & other unions are fighting back & winning real protections. https://t.co/XF78IQyCV0— CWA (@CWAUnion) May 26, 2026Department for Professional Employees:In April, more professionals joined unions. (1/10)[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) May 27, 2026 at 11:02 AMElectrical Workers:BREAKING: Workers at the largest cryptocurrency mining and power generation operation in the U.S. join the #IBEW https://t.co/EPFBslFXCC pic.twitter.com/PnNfJ3b5As— IBEW (@IBEW) May 26, 2026Fire Fighters:🎗️ Fire fighters face elevated cancer risks every day on the job.This #BrainCancerAwarenessMonth, early recognition, education, and support can make all the difference.Learn more: https://t.co/wsvAV3qvjM pic.twitter.com/BeRFxGhpgy— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) May 27, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:A federal judge dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, “ruling that the Trump administration had brought human trafficking charges against him as part of a vindictive effort to punish him for challenging his wrongful deportation to El Salvador last year.” (NYT) pic.twitter.com/cwt8YzkQq3— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) May 26, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:“Hope will never be silent.”Harvey Milk was born on this day in 1930. Happy birthday, Harvey Milk! pic.twitter.com/94OOSkODMP— IFPTE Local 21 is on Bluesky🦋 (@IFPTE21) May 22, 2026International Union of Police Associations:Milwaukee Police Association, I.U.P.A. Local #21 Members celebrated Cinco de Mayo earlier this month with a very special pup, who like his friends at MADACC, is available for adoption. https://t.co/8OBaQt2vis pic.twitter.com/TB7m9niAGm— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) May 27, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:LCLAA congratulates our former interns Ivonne Santiago, Jaylene Peralta, and all of Class of 2026 on their graduation, especially our first-gen Latino/a/x graduates!Read Ivonne's blog here: https://t.co/yuKYIY5VsoSubmit student debt story @debtcrisisorg: https://t.co/FMl19YSHlF pic.twitter.com/GnJ2hiwV26— LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 26, 2026Laborers:Cutting concrete. Building careers. That’s #union work. That’s LIUNA! #LIUNABuilds #construction #hardwork pic.twitter.com/J7GYnE1A9i— LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 27, 2026Machinists:We are rallying with our leaders and members of @acoreunion, to protest the closing of the @Apple Towson store in Maryland and not allowing union employees to transfer 🗣️🪧📢✊ pic.twitter.com/W2fvKzsE2b— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) May 27, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Being in the bigs for 10 years is a milestone very few Players achieve. Over the years, Jameson Taillon has learned that to stay in the big leagues, it's not just about the metrics and analytics, but how you treat people, that keeps you in the game.Congratulations, Jameson, on… pic.twitter.com/rUdt4qOszf— MLBPA (@MLBPA) May 25, 2026Major League Soccer Players Association:Remembering their courage, honor and bravery, today and every day. pic.twitter.com/xTeRUawCXO— MLSPA (@MLSPA) May 25, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:The NATCA Communications Committee met in Washington, D.C. on May 7, 2026, to discuss best practices and strategies to keep NATCA members informed about both regional and national events. https://t.co/vBxFiyNgTV pic.twitter.com/jMjndfNyik— NATCA (@NATCA) May 27, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:This Memorial Day, NALC honors and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. pic.twitter.com/PDsEbjganb— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 25, 2026National Nurses United:The numbers are clear: The U.S. has a nursing retention crisis, not a nurse shortage.1.15 million licensed RNs aren’t working at the bedside but not because they don’t want to care for patients. It’s because management makes it impossible. https://t.co/eTfsrD5uU6— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) May 26, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/tlqvgzCLSk— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) May 24, 2026NFL Players Association:As we head into the last week of this year's Mental Health Awareness Month, @49ers defensive tackle, @osagoeshard shares how he approaches mental health conversations with a positive, non-judgmental mindset to create safe spaces for those in his life. pic.twitter.com/3XtW4yiKrT— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 26, 2026North America's Building Trades Unions:This Memorial Day, NABTU honors the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We remember their courage, their dedication, and the families who carry their legacy forward.We also thank the veterans of the Building Trades who continue to serve our… pic.twitter.com/FOhhBuTZ1k— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 25, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:Mental wellness matters on and off the ice. 🧠This Mental Health Awareness Month, see how the PHPA is helping players build insight, reduce stigma, and support one another through the FIRST LINE Mental Health Training program.Story by @TonyAndrock: https://t.co/fv0PCjleNj pic.twitter.com/G8jpYsMjs1— PHPA (@thephpa) May 19, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:AAPI Labor Spotlight: Today we honor the organizers who fought against exclusion and for a seat at the table. Their legacy lives on in us. ✊✨ pic.twitter.com/jgmGaeJQPg— RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 27, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Please join tonight 8pm ET for an important discussion addressing mental health/suicide within the construction industry, featuring Roofers Local 11 BA Travis Gorman.Register at https://t.co/lZkyYDOCCu pic.twitter.com/z0IjI01F41— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 26, 2026SAG-AFTRA:TAKE 5 🎬 This is crucial information that every recording artist #SagAftraMember needs to know! SAG-AFTRA's Fletcher Sheridan and Kristina Gorbacsov explain how being signed to a record label could impact your access to healthcare. #Take5SagAftra pic.twitter.com/vWiWylUHmI— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 27, 2026Service Employees International Union:WTF?? Nearly 40% of America has less than $500 in the bank or no emergency savings at all. Too many of us are just a paycheck away from not being able to cover rent and our bills in the best of times. This type of rhetoric regarding our savings and pensions is unacceptable! https://t.co/hrJd9jOwq0— SEIU (@SEIU) May 27, 2026Solidarity Center:The right to speak up on behalf of our communities is a freedom our movement will never stop fighting for 🗣️✊🏾 https://t.co/RmWmO2BhHY— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 23, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:This is a major win for the entire labor movement. “We refused to back down, and POLITICO heard us loud and clear that these tools do not belong in our newsroom,” said Ariel Wittenberg, PEN Guild chair. #NewsNotSlop https://t.co/1IAxznfp9x— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 22, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:This #MemorialDay, we honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country and our freedoms. As union members, we proudly carry forward the values of unity, sacrifice, and solidarity by continuing the fight for fairness, dignity, and a stronger future for all workers. pic.twitter.com/wZCOSC0DAT— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 25, 2026Transport Workers Union:Akron Metro transit workers in TWU Local 1 took their anger at going nearly three years without a raise to the Akron Metro Board at its meeting this morning at the Pfaf Transit Center, and to @yourmetrobus riders via media interviews. TWU International has provided strike… pic.twitter.com/BMqi0UcrQ6— TWU (@transportworker) May 26, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Today, @TTDAFLCIO is proud to recognize #NationalMaritimeDay on behalf of the thousands of dedicated maritime sector workers we represent. They are essential for the movement of goods & national security, & we thank them for their service & sacrifice pic.twitter.com/8yDuXtwcXr— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) May 22, 2026UAW:Employers spend roughly $1.7 billion a year on union avoidance consultants and law firms, to dissuade and weaken workers’ unionization efforts. Read the latest report from Economic Policy Institute: https://t.co/ANiLbfk5wY Union busting is disgusting. pic.twitter.com/bZYI6njrDO— UAW (@UAW) May 27, 2026Union Veterans Council:The House is voting this week on #HR6047. We support the $10K raise for injured vets Congress shouldn't fund it by nearly TRIPLING VA refinance fees on veteran homeowners from 0.5% to 1.42%.Stop this hidden tax on vet home equity.@AFLCIO #stoptheveterantax pic.twitter.com/AC4uikhhBz— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) May 21, 2026UNITE HERE:Boston is a Union Town!A #throwbacktuesday video from #MayDay2026, just a few weeks ago when we gathered in East Boston with the Coalition of Logan Airport Workers. 🦞🦀#1u #UnionStrong #favoritenumber26 pic.twitter.com/IIO1KTUUvS— UNITE HERE Local 26 (@UNITEHERE26) May 26, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Corporations want to make it easier to raise your grocery prices in real time. We want to stop them.Don’t believe us? Listen to industry leaders describe, in their own words, what electronic shelf labels can really do.TAKE ACTION TODAY: https://t.co/ZKCMx0df7j pic.twitter.com/b8V7r3HlaO— UFCW (@UFCW) May 26, 2026United Steelworkers:During World War II, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly incarcerated—most U.S. citizens. History shows: when fear divides us, workers lose. This AANHPI Heritage Month, we remember and recommit to solidarity for all. pic.twitter.com/WWuuIq3D7i— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) May 27, 2026Writers Guild of America East:AI safety regulations are an urgent need. As the use of AI in the news runs rampant, the public deserves common-sense protections like transparency and disclosure. Pass the #NYFAIRNewsAct![image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) May 26, 2026 at 11:03 AM Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/27/2026 - 10:20Continue reading→
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sandy Kim
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sandy Kim For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Sandy Kim of SAG-AFTRA. Sandy Kim is vice president of the SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah local. She is also chair of the local’s agent/professional representatives committee, having previously served as vice chair. She is a fierce advocate for educating and organizing. Detailed and thorough, she has been a fantastic asset to the local’s leadership team. She is also a working actor whose recent bookings include “Law and Order” and “Best Medicine.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/27/2026 - 10:14Continue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: School Food Service Workers in New York Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: School Food Service Workers in New York Ratify New Collective Bargaining Agreement Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Members of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-United Food and Commercial Workers (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 1102 who feed students in the Hampton Bays School District have ratified a new union contract.Highlights of the agreement include raises, longevity benefits and more paid time off, including improvements to holiday, sick and personal days. These major wins will help provide greater financial stability for members and reflect the important role they play in the local community.“Our Hampton Bays members should be proud of what they accomplished together through solidarity and unity,” said Local 1102 President Jack Caffey. “This agreement recognizes the essential work they do every day and delivers meaningful improvements that support them and their families.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/27/2026 - 10:09Continue reading→
Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Make History as App Drivers Union Becomes First Certified Union of Rideshare Drivers in U.S.
Nearly 70,000 Massachusetts rideshare drivers become largest private workforce to win union recognition since Ford autoworkers in 1941 Historic progress for in Massachusetts inspires similar fights for union rights in California, Minnesota, Illinois BOSTON — In a watershed moment for the nation’s labor movement, rideshare drivers in Massachusetts with the App Drivers Union (ADU) have The post Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Make History as App Drivers Union Becomes First Certified Union of Rideshare Drivers in U.S. appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→
Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Breakthru Beverage Facilities
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters at Breakthru Beverage in Cicero, Ill. and St. Louis extended their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to company operations in Kansas City, Mo., and Champaign, Ill. Teamsters at the Kansas City and Champaign locations exercised their individual legal and contractual right to refuse to cross the extended line. Teamsters nationwide with similar contractual picket line protections remain on standby. Over 215 drivers and warehouse workers were forced onto the picket line over the company’s numerous ULPs. Members of Teamsters Locals 600, 688, and 710 are demanding the company come to the table to negotiate a fair contract without regressive proposals, surface bargaining, and unilateral changes to the status quo. “Breakthru Beverage has been illegally trying to diminish our members’ power at the bargaining table,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “They know the strength of our union when members act on their right as Teamsters — guaranteed in their collective bargaining agreement — to honor picket lines in solidarity with their brothers and sisters. We are here to hold Breakthru accountable for their unlawful behavior. The 1.3-million member Teamsters Union will continue to stand in solidarity with all Breakthru Teamsters until a fair agreement is reached.” Management is demanding that workers waive their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their respective locations. But the Teamsters refuse to bargain away hard-fought contractual rights. “The company has been lying to workers and using scare tactics to try to get our members to cross these picket lines,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Breakthru Teamsters’ solidarity is strong and these extended picket lines show that management has failed to intimidate us. It is time for Breakthru to come back to the table and negotiate a fair deal. It’s up to management when this strike ends.” “We just want a deal that protects all our rights as Teamsters,” said Tony Ortiz, a driver at Breakthru Beverage and member of Local 710 in Mokena, Ill. “The support of our brothers and sisters at other Breakthru Beverage facilities gives us the power to defend ourselves against management’s insulting and illegal practices. Our solidarity is strong, and we will continue to fight to protect it.” Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. The post Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Breakthru Beverage Facilities appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→
There Is Solidarity In A Union: In the States Roundup
There Is Solidarity In A Union: 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. California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Working people should choose who represents us in office, not Big Tech billionaires and their super PACs. Exercise your right to vote and help elect pro-worker, pro-union candidates endorsed by @CaliforniaLabor! pic.twitter.com/6ZcIFpgTBS— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 24, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Earlier this month, the IAM Mechanics Local 701 Technician Training Center concluded Apprenticeship Week 2026 by graduating 29 technicians who successfully completed the program. These individuals will go on to become mechanics on our aircrafts, cars, trains and more. #1u pic.twitter.com/IFdz1Lm8IM— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 24, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:APRI-Maine Chapter has launched some exciting new programs to tutor immigrant workers in English & support union members of color in the workplace! https://t.co/L1PXTVWyIZ— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 22, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Last night, @ClimateJobsMA was honored by @EnviroLeagueMA, our President @chrissylynch29 was on hand to acceptWorking people don’t want much, just union jobs, affordable and reliable energy, and flood resilient communities where they can drink clean waterand breathe clean air pic.twitter.com/hHVI7lN2Pk— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 22, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:A word you should know (and live by) pic.twitter.com/vgN5TsbMat— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 23, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:“A computer-generated image doesn’t have a mortgage to pay or groceries to buy, but our members do. To use our symbols to promote a policy that hurts working families is a moral insult & a desperate attempt to manufacture support for a dangerous proposal” - Brandon Flinn, MKLDC pic.twitter.com/BA5sxpdi3q— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 26, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy Memorial Day from the Nevada State AFL-CIO. We thank and honor those who fought for our freedom 🇺🇸. pic.twitter.com/83jcy1tZsF— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 25, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is a true advocate for working people. Join us in supporting him on the virtual phone bank this week! https://t.co/L4VtyJ12Oz— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 19, 2026North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Priorities matter! We condemn the NC Senate for advancing a "Right to work" amendment and call on the NC House to reject this attempt to shift even more income and influence toward corporations and away from workers. @BraxtonWinston #ncga #ncpol pic.twitter.com/vWbhyBEmom— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 20, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Over 1,000 workers took official steps toward unionizing last month, thousands more are taking unseen steps every day.We’re organizing because our wages are too low and our working conditions are unacceptable. We’re organizing to make our jobs more equitable. Join the… pic.twitter.com/ABf2Nwoj6O— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 22, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Imagine if that money went toward better wages, safer workplaces, and healthcare instead. https://t.co/DkL8zs8xki— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 23, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:🤠 TEXAS: It’s Election Day across the state & polls are open ‘til 7pm! Have you voted yet?Our pro-worker endorsements for this primary runoff include:➡️ @VelezforTexas for Lt. Governor➡️ @NathanForTexas for AGFind your local ballot guide at https://t.co/B2Q5ZYPxvw pic.twitter.com/3D42KFmXOG— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 26, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Hundreds of nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison working to unionize https://t.co/MgwbkmGiwv— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 18, 2026 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/26/2026 - 11:03Continue reading→
Holding the Veterans Affairs Secretary Accountable for the Severely Damaged Veterans’ Health Care System
In February 2025, representatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began working with the newly appointed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to identify alleged wasteful contracts and improve VA operations. DOGE cancelled hundreds of VA contracts and carried out thousands of staffing reductions, including the dismissal of probationary employees, under […] The post Holding the Veterans Affairs Secretary Accountable for the Severely Damaged Veterans’ Health Care System appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→
Recology Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
(SAN MATEO, Calif.) – Over 140 members of Teamsters Local 350 at Recology have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year contract that delivers major gains in wages, retirement benefits, and workplace protections. The agreement includes a 25 percent wage increase, enhanced retirement benefits, and important protections against surveillance by cameras in and around trucks. “This is a huge win for all of us,” said Brian Marshall, a sanitation driver and bargaining committee member. “Securing a strong contract like this makes all the difference in the world so that we can provide for our families and stay safe on the job. We clock in to work every day to keep our communities clean and healthy. This contract delivers the compensation and respect we have earned.” Recology Teamsters service hundreds of commercial and residential routes collecting waste, recycling, and compost throughout San Mateo County, including communities like Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, Hillsborough, and part of the West Bay Sanitary District. “This strong contract is the result of worker militancy. Earlier this year, our members unanimously voted to authorize a strike, making clear that they were done with Recology’s delays and disrespect at the bargaining table,” said Robert Sandoval, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350. “Recology Teamsters spoke with a unified voice and we are proud to secure an agreement that raises standards across the industry." Teamsters Local 350 represents members in the public sector and solid waste, recycling, and linen industries, and in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties. For more information, please visit teamsters350.com. The post Recology Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract appeared first on International Brotherhood of Teamsters.Continue reading→
Minnesota Local 459 Members Ratify Major Contract Victory at DeZURIK
Members of IAM Local 459 have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year labor agreement with DeZURIK Inc., securing major wage increases, improved healthcare contributions, and significant contract protections in what union leaders are calling a major victory for the membership. The agreement, which runs through May 2029, delivers a 16% wage increase over the life of The post Minnesota Local 459 Members Ratify Major Contract Victory at DeZURIK appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Karen Cross
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Karen Cross For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Karen Cross of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Karen Cross is currently the secretary-treasurer of the Boston Teachers Union and has been a math teacher for the past 24 years. She is also treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Massachusetts chapter and a trustee of the Boston Retirement Board. In addition, she has been part of a cohort of the Trustee Leadership Forum at Harvard Law School’s Center for Labor and a Just Economy for the past two years. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/26/2026 - 10:11Continue reading→
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of California IT Workers Join UPTE-CWA, Form Largest Tech Union in U.S.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of California IT Workers Join UPTE-CWA, Form Largest Tech Union in U.S. 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. More than 2,100 tech workers at the University of California have voted to join University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE)-Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9119. With the addition of these system analysts, database administrators and other information technology (IT) workers, UPTE-CWA has become the largest tech union in the United States.“Millions of Californians rely on the University of California for their healthcare and education,” said Max Belasco, business systems analyst at UCLA. “Until now, we haven’t had the opportunity, as the people who understand AI, to say: we want a seat at the table. If the workers who provide these critical services to the people of California don’t have the power to demand transparency and advocate for the safe deployment of AI tools, there will be no safeguards in place to ensure AI will be used as anything more than a poor cost saving measure. Unionized healthcare workers have set new quality standards across UC hospitals that save lives—tech workers can play the same role when it comes to AI.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/26/2026 - 10:02 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Seung Lee
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Seung Lee For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Seung Lee of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Seung Lee was born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in New York City. He has served as a special education and science teacher for 20 years. Lee is an executive board member with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT, AFT Local 2) and a board member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) New York chapter. He is chair of the UFT Asian American Heritage Committee and the AFT Asian Caucus. He is currently APALA’s national treasurer. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/25/2026 - 08:22Continue reading→
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sharon Sugiyama
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sharon Sugiyama For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Sharon Sugiyama of the IAM Union (IAM). Sharon Sugiyama has dedicated her life to service, leadership and advocacy for others. She began her career in the airline industry in 1992 when she joined Continental Micronesia as an airport sales agent. In 2013, she became a member of IAM and was elected president of Local 2339G. She became District 141 vice president in 2015. Her peers elected her as a delegate to the 2026 AFL-CIO national convention, a testament to the trust she has built through years of principled advocacy, mentorship and service. Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 05/24/2026 - 08:22Continue reading→
IAM Local 2782 Rejects Latest Leonardo DRS Contract Offer, Calls on Company to Negotiate in Good Faith
WEST PLAINS, Mo., May 23, 2026 — Members of IAM Local 2782 at Leonardo DRS have voted today to reject the company’s latest contract offer, reaffirming their dedication to win a fair agreement that reflects the critical nature of the work they perform every day for the U.S. military. The nearly 300 IAM members locked out The post IAM Local 2782 Rejects Latest Leonardo DRS Contract Offer, Calls on Company to Negotiate in Good Faith appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Anita Seth
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Anita Seth For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Anita Seth of UNITE HERE. Anita Seth is president of UNITE HERE Local 8, representing over 9,000 hospitality workers in Washington and Oregon. Of South Asian heritage, she is the first woman of color to lead her local. She got her start organizing the union as a graduate worker at Yale University, a long-running drive that reached victory in 2023 after over 30 years of struggle. Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 05/23/2026 - 08:22Continue reading→
A Stronger Future—Built Together: PPPWU Initiates Affiliation, Merger as IAM Union Continues Growing Power for Membership
Delegates to a Special Convention of the Printing, Packaging & Production Workers Union of North America (PPPWU) have unanimously voted to move forward with affiliating and then merging with the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers). Voting on the affiliation and merger will be open to the entirety of PPPWU’s membership before the The post A Stronger Future—Built Together: PPPWU Initiates Affiliation, Merger as IAM Union Continues Growing Power for Membership appeared first on IAM Union.Continue reading→
Get Safety Campaign Gear
You can now find gear for the Talk is Cheap: Safety Matters campaign online at the APWU Store. The store has been updated to include a black T-shirt made with soft, breathable fabric. It is union and American-made, of course! For those who have stricter uniform guidelines, the APWU has also created a wristband so […] The post Get Safety Campaign Gear appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→
OSHA and Your Contract Are a Formidable Force for Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the minimum legal standards for workplace safety, but our collective bargaining agreement adds another layer of security. Through the strength of our union and negotiations over the years, APWU members have secured stronger protections that reflect the real conditions we face every day on the workroom floor. […] The post OSHA and Your Contract Are a Formidable Force for Safety appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→
A Grand Alliance Interview with Rebecca L. Reindel
In this special safety-focused issue of The American Postal Worker, A Grand Alliance spoke with Occupational Safety and Health Director Rebecca L. Reindel from one of our most prominent member organizations, the AFL-CIO. Rebecca is from a union family in Cleveland, OH. Her father is a retired pipefitter/welder, and her mother is a retired city […] The post A Grand Alliance Interview with Rebecca L. Reindel appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→
A Day in the Life of Rebecca Gill
Rebecca Gill’s alarm goes off at 7:30 a.m. By 9:30, she’s already at the post office – and from that moment on, it is nonstop. A Lead Clerk at the retail window of her post office, Rebecca starts every shift the same way – reviewing Time & Attendance Collection System (TACS) records and making sure […] The post A Day in the Life of Rebecca Gill appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→
Labor History: Fatal Explosion at IMC Fertilizer Plant Exposed Preventable Hazards, Human Toll of Unsafe Work Practices
May 1, 1991 – A failed waste-gas vent compressor ignited a fatal explosion at a nitroparaffin plant in Sterlington, LA, killing eight employees and injuring 120 people, including 42 workers and over 70 residents nearby. Union officials and inspectors identified a history of safety issues at the ammonia fertilizer plant, and workers represented by the […] The post Labor History: Fatal Explosion at IMC Fertilizer Plant Exposed Preventable Hazards, Human Toll of Unsafe Work Practices appeared first on American Postal Workers Union.Continue reading→