News

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Shedd Aquarium Win Union Election

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Shedd Aquarium Win Union Election 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. Employees at the Shedd Aquarium overwhelmingly voted to join AFSCME Council 31, making them the latest workers at the cultural institution in Chicago who have decided to organize for an improved workplace.More than 75% of workers voted for the formation of Shedd Workers United. The 180-person union includes staff who work in guest relations, learning and community, development, and other departments. Workers initially announced their intent to join AFSCME in April, citing concerns with work-life imbalance, low wages and a lack of communication from management and more. Despite union-busting activities from management, workers remained steadfast in their fight for representation.“We formed our union because we care about our co-workers, we love the aquarium and we want to make it better for all. We won by overcoming management’s divisive anti-union campaign,” the Shedd Workers United organizing committee said. “With our victory, we urge management to take a new approach and respect us as equals as we take our seat at the table to negotiate our first contract.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:58Continue reading→

IAM Communications Department Wins Top Awards in 2024 ILCA Labor Media Contest

The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) recently recognized the IAM as one of the best in the labor movement in the recent 2024 Labor Media Contest. This prestigious competition is like the Oscars for labor communication professionals, and the IAM team brought home some of the top prizes. “Our incredible Communications Department is second to The post IAM Communications Department Wins Top Awards in 2024 ILCA Labor Media Contest appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM New Jersey State Council of Machinists Endorses Fair Wages for Automotive Technicians Legislation

Trenton, N.J., Nov. 7, 2024 – The New Jersey State Council of Machinists recently announced its endorsement of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309) in a letter to New Jersey State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. This bipartisan legislation would require thousands of hard-working automotive dealership mechanics across the state to receive The post IAM New Jersey State Council of Machinists Endorses Fair Wages for Automotive Technicians Legislation appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Celebrate As Voters Approve Question 3, Creating Historic Path to Statewide Union

70,000+ Uber, Lyft drivers win right to organize a union as voters back first-of-its-kind ballot initiative Victory follows two years of organizing, massive driver-led get-out-the-vote effort MASSACHUSETTS – Voters in Massachusetts on Election Day approved Question 3, a historic ballot initiative that gives drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft the right to form a union The post Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Celebrate As Voters Approve Question 3, Creating Historic Path to Statewide Union appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Statement by APWU President Mark Dimondstein on the 2024 Election

November 6, 2024APWU President Mark Dimondstein provides a statement on the 2024 Election PresidentMark Dimondstein Dear APWU Family: As expected, the presidential election was close and came down to a handful of “battleground” states.  Donald Trump has prevailed, riding voters’ deep concerns over the high cost of living and lack of economic opportunity, but also garnering millions of votes by running a divisive campaign based on fear, bigotry, resentment and revenge. In addition the outcome, particularly the lower voter turnout, reflect a frustration and disillusionment with both mainstream political parties. Kamala Harris, who received a strong majority of union member votes throughout the country, graciously conceded the race -- in stark contrast to Donald Trump when he lost in 2020 and responded by inciting a violent coup attempt to stay in power. I and the national leadership, fully respect that our members hold many varying political beliefs and applaud all those involved in the political process. Members worked for various candidates, participated in the APWU “Labor 2024” program, registered people to vote, talked to co-workers, family and friends, put up yard signs, made phone calls, knocked on doors, worked the polls – and voted! The election is over, but the negative and deep ramifications for postal workers, the labor movement and all workers as indicated by Project 2025, the right wing “blueprint” for a Trump administration, is just beginning. Donald Trump, in his first term, openly promoted postal privatization, calling for the Postal Service to be broken up and sold off to private corporations for private profit. Had he succeeded, our union would have been broken, our postal livelihoods erased, and our national treasure – the public Postal Service – destroyed. The APWU led the charge, uniting with the people of the country, in defense of the Postal Service, our jobs, and the essential service we proudly provide every day. We defeated the privatization scheme and secured the political support needed to win long-overdue postal reform legislation. So, while we should expect many difficult challenges to come – in the postal world and beyond - we should never forget that working people have the power to prevail. The struggle indeed continues. We will keep our eye on the prize as we work to build our union, strengthen the working-class movement, and based on our common interests, solidarity and unity, prepare for the tough fights ahead. Regardless of who sits in the White House, the APWU remains committed to our goals of fairness and justice for working people – good wages, benefits and retirements, respect for all workers, safe workplaces, workers,’ civil and women’s rights, and rejecting any march toward dictatorship and authoritarian rule. We will continue to work on a non-partisan basis with all those, including elected representatives regardless of party, who share these goals. Our future lies in our hands! On another note: Regardless of which candidates you supported, APWU members from all crafts should be extremely proud of our role in enhancing the public’s most precious democratic right – the right to vote. With extra hours, attention, effort and priority, postal workers shined by moving “heaven and earth” to make sure that over 40 million mail ballots were processed, arrived on time and were counted. APWU locals stepped up to ensure the job was done well and any problems were addressed. Once again, we have shown how essential we and the public Postal Service are to the people of the country. Statement by APWU President Mark Dimondstein on the 2024 Election0Continue reading→

Lorie Wilson Appointed Eastern Territory Chief of Staff

Lorie Wilson has been appointed by IAM International President Brian Bryant as Chief of Staff to the IAM Eastern Territory, effective Nov. 1, 2024. “Lorie’s strong dedication to the members and impressive skillset have been incredibly valuable to the Eastern Territory,” IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “I know Lorie will excel in The post Lorie Wilson Appointed Eastern Territory Chief of Staff appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Alaska’s Largest Newspaper Approve New Union

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Alaska’s Largest Newspaper Approve New 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. Workers in the newsroom at the Anchorage Daily News, the state’s largest newspaper, voted 13–4 for a new union. With the vote, the Anchorage Daily News becomes the only union newsroom in Alaska. The workers intend to advocate for fair wages, financial transparency and a sustainable workplace environment.“My generation of reporters, I feel like we just kind of expected to be doormats, and my professors told me—they’re like, look, you’re taking a vow of poverty when you start this career,” said Kyle Hopkins, a longtime reporter. “Nobody expects to get rich or even be anything beyond kind of middle class or even lower middle class, but I just want the people I work with—and myself, if I lose the ProPublica connection—to be able to pay for child care and health care. Just the bare minimum.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:10Continue reading→

We Will Always Stand United

Dear IAM Family, In our union and in our nation, the principles of democracy are placed above all else. We value every voice and every perspective. We stand for the dignity of all work and of all people. Those principles – democracy, freedom and opportunity for all – will always guide the IAM. Nothing will The post We Will Always Stand United appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

UNION PLUS – AUTO INSURANCE

Shop and save on auto insurance, union members! Choose the policies that may be right for you through Farmers Insurance Choice®. Click link for more information – https://unionplus.click/2u6 The post UNION PLUS – AUTO INSURANCE appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Weill Cornell Workers Successfully Vote to Form a Union with the TWU

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Weill Cornell Workers Successfully Vote to Form a Union with the TWU 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. Custodians, housekeepers and receiving clerks at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City successfully organized with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 241. Workers at the medical facility will begin negotiating a first contract, seeking improved economic benefits and more security. Local 241 represents workers at Columbia University and other affiliated institutions in New York City.  “This is a great victory for working families in New York City. We are ready and excited to work with Weill Cornell custodians, housekeepers, and receiving clerks to negotiate a first contract that improves the lives of workers and their families,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen.  “We are proud to represent Weill Cornell workers as they negotiate their first contract. This organizing victory is a testament to what TWU locals and the International can achieve when we coordinate effectively,” Local 241 President Alex Molina said. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:22Continue reading→

Happy Election Day, Kenneth! Go Vote for Harris-Walz

Happy Election Day, Kenneth! Go Vote for Harris-Walz Democracy is at the heart of America’s labor movement—and now it’s time to cast our votes. We’ve still got a ton of work to do for Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and our pro-union candidates up and down the ballot before the polls close tonight. We all know this election will be close. Your voice truly can make the difference.Make a plan to vote! Start by looking up your polling location.Learn more about which pro-worker candidates have been endorsed by the AFL-CIO.Learn about your state’s voting rules.If you have any problems voting or see something strange at your polling location, contact our Election–Voter Protection Hotline:English: 866-687-8683Spanish/English: 888-839-8682Asian Languages/English: 888-274-8683Arabic: 844-925-5287Once you’ve voted, please tell all your friends and remind them to vote, too. Send a text or email. Post on your favorite social media account. Make a call to check in. If you find someone who needs a ride or a babysitter, please pitch in and help.And if you have some spare time today, grab your phone and make calls to our key union contacts in battleground states, reminding them to vote. You don’t even need to leave your desk or couch.Unions know how to get things done. Let’s go win big. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:04Continue reading→

Happy Election Day! Go Vote for Harris-Walz

Happy Election Day! Go Vote for Harris-Walz Democracy is at the heart of America’s labor movement—and now it’s time to cast our votes. We’ve still got a ton of work to do for Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and our pro-union candidates up and down the ballot before the polls close tonight. We all know this election will be close. Your voice truly can make the difference.Make a plan to vote! Start by looking up your polling location.Learn more about which pro-worker candidates have been endorsed by the AFL-CIO.Learn about your state’s voting rules.If you have any problems voting or see something strange at your polling location, contact our Election–Voter Protection Hotline:English: 866-687-8683Spanish/English: 888-839-8682Asian Languages/English: 888-274-8683Arabic: 844-925-5287Once you’ve voted, please tell all your friends and remind them to vote, too. Send a text or email. Post on your favorite social media account. Make a call to check in. If you find someone who needs a ride or a babysitter, please pitch in and help.And if you have some spare time today, grab your phone and make calls to our key union contacts in battleground states, reminding them to vote. You don’t even need to leave your desk or couch.Unions know how to get things done. Let’s go win big. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:04Continue reading→

UAW Mounts Largest Electoral Engagement Program in Decades to Beat Back Billionaire Class

Embracing the energy of the Stand Up Strike, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has run its largest and most aggressive get-out-the-vote (GOTV) effort in recent history, aimed at activating members and countering the influence of billionaires in government.   The post UAW Mounts Largest Electoral Engagement Program in Decades to Beat Back Billionaire Class appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→