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Unions Keep the American Dream Alive for Working Families: 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. Liz Shuler: Harms to Working People in One Year of the Big Ugly Bill: “Since the passing of the Big Ugly Bill, the U.S. economy has had one of the worst years of job growth in decades. Black workers have been hit the hardest, with an unemployment rate now more than double the rate for White workers. Millions of Americans have lost their health care and access to the food programs they rely on, all while dealing with higher costs on everything from gas and groceries to electricity. With even bigger cuts going into effect after the midterm elections, states’ budgets are getting blown up and local lawmakers are planning devastating cuts to even more essential programs to cover their residents’ SNAP and Medicaid costs.”Roxanne Brown: How Unions Keep the American Dream Alive for Working Families: “Union members across the country make significantly more money than their non-union peers. They’re also more likely to have family leave, paid time off, and work-life balance. This all adds up to cars in the garage, summer vacations, and sports leagues for the kids, along with all of the other pluses that make life worth living. This is what independence looks like. Marcelo simply calls it the ‘union life.’”Both University of Chicago Press and Hachette Book Group Have Voted to Unionize: “As of this afternoon, the University of Chicago Press Workers Guild (UCPWG) has won their union election, with a majority of the group’s 134 members voting to become a unit of the Chicago News Guild. In this decisive victory, 89% of workers voted in favor of union representation. Which should create the conditions for the first union in the press’s 130-year history. But wait, it gets better! (And how often do you get to read that, these days?) This effort is part of a nationwide labor movement that’s currently gunning for the publishing industry—and gaining huge wins. For just yesterday, employees at the Hachette Book Group also voted (388 to 130) to unionize with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.”Columbus Metropolitan Latest Among Central Ohio Libraries to Form Union: “More than 80% of Columbus Metropolitan Library's eligible staff voted to form their union—to be called CML United—now the largest of among five other local library systems in recent years to do so. According to secret ballot election results released July 7 by Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board (SERB), 86% of valid ballots agreed to unionize. The new union includes about 600 librarians, customer service specialists, youth engagement specialists, materials services associates, drivers, sorters, and other library workers.”Roxanne Brown: We Pay Our Fair Share. Why Don’t the Rich?: “United Steelworkers (USW) retirees in Granite City, Ill., held a birthday celebration of sorts on Aug. 14 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act. These activists, members of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), delivered a birthday cake to a local member of Congress and posed for photos, all to send a message about Social Security’s importance and the need to protect this lifeline for seniors. It’s a message that gets more urgent each year, with this vital program hurtling toward insolvency and the Republican-led Congress refusing to take the common-sense measures needed to sustain it.”Longtime Nashville Labor Leader Vonda McDaniel Dies at 60: “According to a biography published by the CLC, McDaniel joined the United Rubber Workers in 1992 at the Bridgestone plant in La Vergne. In addition to her local roles, she spent nearly a decade on the national executive council of the AFL-CIO. She was also a longtime member of the Convention Center Authority. Tributes to McDaniel poured in from around the country. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond called her ‘a trailblazer and true champion of working people.’” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2026 - 13:32Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland Dispensary Workers Ratify First 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. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 members at The Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Maryland unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement.The new agreement contains a number of wins, including guaranteed wage increases over the life of the contract, paid bereavement leave, a formal grievance procedure, mandated work-week schedule postings, severance pay and more.“It’s great to work for a company that listens and actively works with the union to hear our needs and try and come to the best possible solution that works for everyone,” said Samira Wilson, who was also part of the bargaining committee. “And a big thanks to our union for being there and checking in on us to make sure that we have everything we need.”“I congratulate our Apothecarium members on their first collective bargaining agreement,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. “Their activism and solidarity earned them a contract that improves their lives and strengthens their security.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2026 - 09:54Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Columbus Metropolitan Library Workers Form Union 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. Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board confirmed on Tuesday that staff members at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) have successfully voted to form a union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers.The bargaining unit covers roughly 600 librarians, customer services specialists, youth engagement specialists, materials services associates, drivers, sorters and other library workers. Under the name CML United, workers came together to address concerns around working conditions and the library’s reliance on poorly compensated part-time employees. Despite facing multiple delays and unfair labor practices by management, workers persevered and overwhelmingly won their election.“We stood together, across different branches and different job titles, because we know that CML is a stronger library system for our communities when workers have a voice,” said Nancy Gillespie, an information services specialist at CML’s Whitehall Branch. “We not only know what changes are needed to improve conditions for CML workers, we also know what our patrons need and expect from their libraries because we’re the ones who have direct, daily communication with them.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:47 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

Worker Wins: Building A Stronger Future Together Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. IAM Union Members Win First Contract at Federation of American Scientists: Federation of American Scientists (FAS) workers—who are represented by IAM District 4—have approved their first union contract. IAM Union members perform cutting-edge work in AI policy, nuclear weapons monitoring, wildfire management, climate science and other areas that are critical to FAS’ mission. Their newly ratified contract contains a number of major wins, including a formal grievance procedure, establishment of a Labor-Management Committee, expanded bereavement leave, increases to salary bands and more. “FAS employees made history when they formed their union, and now they have built on that victory by securing a strong first contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This agreement gives IAM District 4 members a real voice on the job and establishes a foundation for continued progress.” “This first contract reflects the dedication and unity of FAS members and their bargaining committee,” said District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh. “Even under challenging circumstances, they stayed focused on securing workplace protections, preserving key benefits, and building a stronger future together.”Nurses at HCA HealthONE Swedish Join NNU: Registered nurses (RNs) at HCA HealthONE Swedish in Englewood, Colorado, have voted to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU). This is the nurses’ second election after the National Labor Relations Board ruled that their employer, HCA Healthcare, illegally interfered with a previous union vote held in 2024. Now that RNs have successfully secured their NNOC/NNU representation, they’re ready to start bargaining for a contract that has the benefits and protections needed to address the high turnover rate. “This is a huge victory for the nurses at our hospital and across the HCA system nationwide,” said Christina Michas, RN in the general rehabilitation unit at Swedish. “We showed HCA that, even when they try to illegally interfere with our elections, nurses will hold them accountable and keep fighting until we win the union protections we need.”Workers at Bridgewater Interiors Ratify New Agreement: UAW Local 400 members in Warren, Michigan, who work at Bridgewater Interiors voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. These workers manufacture seats for vehicles like Ford F-150s and Stellantis Dodge Ram trucks. Members secured a number of major wins, including a top rate of $35 per hour by the end of the contract lifetime, a cap on increases to their health care costs, more time off and a $2,000 ratification bonus. “UAW Local 400 members stood united,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “They told the company ‘$35 by 2030’—and because they made their voices heard, they walk away with a contract that delivers on their demand.” “After voting down an initial deal by 95% and voting to authorize a strike, UAW Local 400 members sent a clear message to Bridgewater management: no contract, no seats,” said UAW Local 400 President Mark Hemphill. “And no seats mean no trucks for Ford and Stellantis—that’s power and leverage, and we put it to work.”San Francisco Public Press Workers Form Union: Newsroom workers at the San Francisco Public Press have secured voluntary recognition from management as new members of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39521. A supermajority of staff at the nonprofit newsroom signed union authorization cards and a mission statement in support of the organizing effort. Now that they have officially been recognized, members are focused on negotiating a contract that ensures increased transparency, a stronger editorial voice, fair pay and protections, and a sustainable work-life balance. “So much of our reporting centers on recognizing the dignity and rights of people in our communities,” said Madison Alvarado, a reporter at the organization for nearly five years. “I believe a union will help further that mission a little closer to home.” “A union gives us the stability to do our job better,” said Zhe Wu, a community beat reporter. “Knowing we have each other’s backs, especially as we see increasing threats on immigration, allows me to focus on what matters.”NOAA Fisheries Workers Join IFPTE: Workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office in Hawaii have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 8A. Staff at NOAA Fisheries are responsible for the stewardship of the country’s ocean resources and wildlife habitats. This victory is especially powerful in the midst of unprecedented attacks on federal worker union rights. “Local 8A congratulates the more than 200 federal employees at the Pacific Island Fisheries location for voting to join Local 8A. It is as important now more than ever that federal employees band together and strengthen not only our working conditions, but protect the vital work that we all perform on behalf of American taxpayers. We look forward to getting the bargaining process started,” said Local 8A President Nick Tolimieri.NABET-CWA Members Ratify Contract with ABC-TV: Members of NABET-CWA who work at ABC-TV have successfully ratified a new master agreement at multiple company network and TV station operations. The contract language covers broadcast technicians, newswriters, producers and desk assistants in New York City; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles and San Francisco. Highlights include the highest wage increases in a four-year contract in more than 30 years, guardrails around generative artificial intelligence and more. “NABET-CWA and the ABC network locals involved are proud of the many contractual enhancements we’ve achieved in negotiations with ABC-TV,” said NABET-CWA President Charlie Braico. “The upgrades to wages, benefits and travel provisions will directly improve the lives of our daily hire and full-time staff members significantly. Our union solidarity and determination have proven once again that when we stand strongly together, we win, for members and for workers across the board.”Philadelphia Hospitality Workers Unanimously Ratify Tentative Agreement, End Strike: After a powerful nine-day strike, members of UNITE HERE Local 274 have secured a new collective bargaining agreement with the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel. Hospitality workers walked off the job at the city’s largest union hotel as World Cup games started and during preparations for Fourth of July celebrations. The new deal includes wage increases to $30 per hour for nontipped employees by January 2028, a reduction in room attendants’ daily quota, an 18% banquet gratuity, pension plan improvements and more. “When we said we were fighting for $30 [per] hour at the beginning of this campaign, a lot of people told us we were asking for the impossible,” said Shafeek Anderson, a steward at the Sheraton. “With this victory, we have shown the whole industry that nothing is impossible when workers stick together.”PPPWU Members Vote to Affiliate with IAM Union: Members of the Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union of North America (PPPWU) have voted to affiliate with IAM Union, creating a powerful new partnership. IAM/PPPWU represents approximately 16,000 workers across the printing, packaging, paper converting, graphic communications and related manufacturing industries throughout North America. “This is a historic day for our union and our members,” said IAM/PPPWU International President Israel Castro. “After careful consideration and discussion across our union, our members have chosen a path that strengthens our future while protecting everything that makes the PPPWU unique. This affiliation gives our members access to additional resources, training, bargaining support and opportunities for growth while ensuring our union remains led by the members who built it. We are proud of our history and excited about what we can accomplish together with the IAM [Union].” “I want to congratulate President Castro, Secretary-Treasurer Santangelo, the General Board, district and local leaders and the membership on this historic vote,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM Union is proud to welcome these hardworking men and women into our union family. Together, we will continue growing our collective strength and ensuring workers have the resources and support they need to win.”Albertsons Grocery Store Workers Join UFCW: Ninety staff members at two Albertsons stores in New Mexico have voted to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1564. The Albuquerque Eubank Boulevard NE bargaining unit covers meat cutters, meat wrappers, butcher block clerks and deli clerks. Over at the Rio Rancho Ridgecrest Drive location, checking, stocking, receiving, produce, bakery, deli and e-commerce staff are included in their bargaining unit. “The success we are seeing with Albertsons is a result of successful contract negotiations with Albertsons in 2025, a strong and respected organizer in Sylvianna and union leadership committed to organizing and bargaining to increase leverage for Albertsons’ members in 2029,” said Greg Frazier, president of UFCW Local 1564.Mississippi Sawmill Workers Vote to Join USW: Workers at the Big River Forest Products lumber mill in Gloster, Mississippi, have voted to form a union with the United Steelworkers (USW). Approximately 140 operators, mechanics and other workers are now part of the new bargaining unit. “More and more workers across the South are doing what our new members at Big River elected to do—leverage the power of solidarity and collective action to build better lives,” said USW International President Roxanne D. Brown. “The entire community benefits from a union contract.” “Members in these industries collaborate across companies and borders to negotiate better contracts and safer workplaces,” said USW International Vice President Luis Mendoza, who oversees paper-related bargaining for the union. “We’re excited to welcome the workers at Big River, knowing they will both contribute to our mission and draw strength from their colleagues unionwide.”Gateway Film Center United Workers Ratify Contract: Members of AFSCME Local 281 who work at the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio, have unanimously voted to ratify their first union contract. The Gateway Film Center United (GFCU/Local 281) bargaining unit—which is part of AFSCME Ohio Council 8—first formed its union back in 2024. Highlights of the deal include more predictable scheduling, on-call pay, formal grievance procedures, work attire stipends and more. “This contract represents a huge win and delivers stability for our team that has been sorely needed,” said Ashby Daugherty, an admissions and membership services associate. “With systems in place to allow employees to grow—reasonable annual wage increases, a path for part-timers to build to full-time employment—along with improvements to scheduling and training, we’ve made the Gateway a better place for us to work. I’m very excited about what we’ve managed to build together.” Production Assistants Ratify Three Warner Bros. TV Union Contracts: Members of Production Assistants United, an affiliate of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 724, who work on three Warner Bros. shows have ratified their first union contracts. The staffers on “Abbott Elementary,” “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” and “All American” all unanimously approved their separate collective bargaining agreements. Highlights of the contracts include a minimum wage rate of $20 an hour for new hires, double pay for working holidays and establishment of a subcommittee to explore career advancement for production assistants. “You cannot run a production without production assistants,” Production Assistants United Director of Organizing Ethan Ravens said in a statement. “The idea that the workers holding productions together should have a union, a voice, health care and a pension is not radical. It is inevitable. These contracts prove the momentum is real, and it is only going to keep growing.” “The unanimous ratification of these agreements sends a powerful message: workers want a voice, and they want representation,” LIUNA Local 724 secretary-treasurer Alex Aguilar Jr. said in a statement. “The unity shown by production assistants demonstrates the strength of this movement and the power of workers standing together in solidarity.”Magic: The Gathering Arena Developers Vote to Join CWA: This week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) confirmed that “Magic: The Gathering Arena” workers have won their union election to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in a landslide victory. Under the banner of United Wizards of the Coast-CWA (UWOTC-CWA), workers first filed for a vote in April and requested that management voluntarily recognize them. Members have cited concerns around lack of layoff protections, threats to remote work, generative artificial intelligence (AI) and heavy workloads as core motivators for organizing. “After months of planning, waiting and organizing, our dream is finally a reality; the votes have been counted, and our union of UWOTC-CWA has been officially elected,” the union said in a social media post. “From this day forward, we have a union….We stand on the shoulders of giants, and we can only hope that our victory in turn inspires others to start unionizing at their own workplaces. Change is possible when workers stand together!”IBEW Reaches Tentative Agreement to End PECO Strike: Members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 614 reached a powerful new tentative agreement Monday night, ending their three-day strike against PECO. United in solidarity, linemen, gas technicians, mechanics, call center workers and back office workers stood shoulder to shoulder and won all of their major contract priorities at the electric company. “Tonight, we declare victory,” Larry Anastasi, the president and business manager of Local 614, said in a statement. “IBEW Local 614 is ending our strike with a historic win and a landmark contract. This is the beginning of a new era at PECO, one where greed does not go unchecked and the workers who make modern life possible get the respect and dignity we are owed.”WLRN Public Radio Staff Ratify First CBA: SAG-AFTRA members who work at WLRN, South Florida's NPR station, have unanimously ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Reporters, hosts, anchors and producers at the radio station and its digital properties first announced their intent to organize in 2024. And now, after months of negotiations with the South Florida Public Media Group, members have a new contract that ensures higher wages, clear standards for promotions, artificial intelligence (AI) guardrails and more. "We live in one of the most expensive markets in the country. Our first contract is a lifeline for us. It means that we can keep doing what we do with better pay, better work conditions and better benefits than we've ever had before," said members of the bargaining committee in a statement. "At a time when public media and the journalism industry as a whole are under increasing pressure, it's more important than ever to have a seat at the table. We're much stronger with our contract in effect, and we can focus on the important work that South Florida relies on." Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/09/2026 - 10:27 Tags: OrganizingContinue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WLRN Public Radio Staff Ratify First CBA 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. SAG-AFTRA members who work at WLRN, South Florida's NPR station, have unanimously ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).Reporters, hosts, anchors and producers at the radio station and its digital properties first announced their intent to organize in 2024. And now, after months of negotiations with the South Florida Public Media Group, members have a new contract that ensures higher wages, clear standards for promotions, artificial intelligence (AI) guardrails and more."We live in one of the most expensive markets in the country. Our first contract is a lifeline for us. It means that we can keep doing what we do with better pay, better work conditions and better benefits than we've ever had before," said members of the bargaining committee in a statement. "At a time when public media and the journalism industry as a whole are under increasing pressure, it's more important than ever to have a seat at the table. We're much stronger with our contract in effect, and we can focus on the important work that South Florida relies on." Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/09/2026 - 10:16Continue reading→