News

CBTU President Invigorates IAM Delegates to Organize and Mobilize

Rev. Terry Melvin, recently re-elected Secretary-Treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO and President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) since 2012, spoke at the 2024 IAM Grand Lodge Convention. “The day after Labor Day, a day that celebrates the work that we do to keep this country operated, and let’s not get The post CBTU President Invigorates IAM Delegates to Organize and Mobilize appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

PSHB & Medicare Lunch and Learn presented by USPS (12PM EDT)

Please click this URL to join. https://usps.zoomgov.com/j/1603209569?pwd=YURYeFQwSWcydlNKT3pqWCtoVnlCdz09     Passcode: 366159   September 5, 2024 - 12:00PMVia ZoomClick Learn More to join via Zoom NationalYesYes2024-09-05 00:00:00https://usps.zoomgov.com/j/1614227062?pwd=Z3AwS3kvNFNrTnFOVEV4WWY3a1M2dz09Informational session on the Postal Service Health Benefits program. Includes an overview of Medicare. Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:     Please click this URL to join. https://usps.zoomgov.com/j/1614227062?pwd=Z3AwS3kvNFNrTnFOVEV4WWY3a1M2dz09     Passcode: 314858             Description: Informational session on the Postal Service Health Benefits program. Includes an overview of Medicare.   Or One tap mobile:     +15033361236,,1614227062#,,,,*314858# US     +1952-229-5070,,1614227062#,,,,*314858# US   Or join by phone:     Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):         US: +1 503 336 1236  or +1 952-229-5070  or +1 650-581-7094  or +1 855-860-4313  or +1 678 317 3330     Webinar ID: 161 422 7062     Passcode: 314858     International numbers available: https://usps.zoomgov.com/u/adaWOHYIl7 00Continue reading→

IAM Welcomes NYC CLC President to the 41st Convention Stage

IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention delegates heard from the President of the New York City Central Labor Council, Vincent Alvarez, the first full-time President and first Latino President of the Council. “We’re very proud of the fact that we’re the largest regional labor federation in this country, and we recognize the responsibility that comes along The post IAM Welcomes NYC CLC President to the 41st Convention Stage appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

SAG-AFTRA EVP Linda Powell Calls for Renewed Union Solidarity and Action

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Executive Vice President Linda Powell extended a warm welcome to delegates in New York, during her speech she shared her journey to union leadership, emphasizing the common ground between different workers and the importance of collective action.  Reflecting on the past year, The post SAG-AFTRA EVP Linda Powell Calls for Renewed Union Solidarity and Action appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

“When American Unions Are Strong, the United States of America is Strong” – Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Voices Support for IAM Workers

In a powerful and moving message delivered at the IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) showcased his support for labor rights and the advancement of working families across the country. Addressing the IAM delegates, Jeffries reaffirmed his commitment to the forward momentum of policies aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of the The post “When American Unions Are Strong, the United States of America is Strong” – Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Voices Support for IAM Workers appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Labor Is the Hope of the World : In the States Roundup

Labor Is the Hope of the World : 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). Alaska AFL-CIO:On Labor Day, it's important to remember that a union is an organization OF workers FOR workers. When people say the union supports "candidate x" or "position y," It really means that WORKERS support "candidate x" and "position y."Workers are the union. #LaborMonth2024 #1u pic.twitter.com/ZD5y20dqQl— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 3, 2024Arizona AFL-CIO:❗❗ TODAY Arizona union voters are gathering for a Labor Day roundtable with @NezForAZ @RepRubenGallego @RepGregStanton @RepCasten @fred231957 to discuss their commitments to good union jobs in the clean energy sector. pic.twitter.com/YTsgxYdbfk— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) September 2, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Happy #LaborDay from our @CaliforniaLabor family! Here’s to celebrating all the fights the labor movement has waged to improve the lives of working people, and all the victories for California workers that lie ahead! ✊ #LaborDay2024 #UnionizeCalifornia pic.twitter.com/No978hQ3lK— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 2, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:This #LaborDay, it’s time to acknowledge a pivotal truth: only through increased unionization can we rebuild a robust middle class.Read CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3's op-ed in the @HartfordCourant: https://t.co/1XeMWOtzAr— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:Labor Day is a day to celebrate ALL of us, in every sector of the economy. Teachers, support staff, firefighters, police officers, grad students, flight attendants, designers, journalists, mechanics, engineers, baristas and more! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/0QdujNuPzg— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:All smiles @ the annual Labor BBQ "Our #UnionJob is #Voting !!!"#LaborDay2024 #1u #unionstrong #solidarity #UnionsForAll #Georgia pic.twitter.com/rq8n6cF29I— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 2, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Without Labor Day, we rarely get the opportunity to reflect on our current workers' rights, and the price that many people paid to secure those rights for us today. That is, unless you're in a union.Let's celebrate our hard fought rights and the work ahead this #Labor Day.#1u pic.twitter.com/DZwpNwXdlR— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:You're damn right they do! 💪 Order your shirt today: https://t.co/jbvyJIiTbo pic.twitter.com/odm25YisPF— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) August 29, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:You have a 0% labor voting record on our 2024 Scorecard. You voted for a union busting right-to-work for less bill, opposed strengthening collective bargaining rights, paid leave for working families, Buy American , farmworker min wage, limiting forced OT for paper workers.. https://t.co/5JiPfzAc6F— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:It’s Primary Day - Go vote!Polls open 7a-8p.Cambridge: Marjorie Decker for State Rep.Mansfield: Kostas Loukos for State Rep.Milton & Randolph: Tony King for State Rep.Plymouth: Michelle Badger for Rep.Berkshires: Leigh Davis for Rep. #mapolihttps://t.co/9T2S5hfZoq— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 3, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:Happy Labor Day, Michigan ✊✊ pic.twitter.com/E9vi5s0p74— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:The two-year-old Inflation Reduction Act is fulfilling its promise of accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy while creating good-paying, union jobs along the way. #1u https://t.co/Ym21wOop4P— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and support those who may be struggling. It's important to remember that help is always available and that reaching out can make a difference. Let’s work together to break the stigma. #SuicidePrevention pic.twitter.com/yTaQVs3krL— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 3, 2024Montana State AFL-CIO:This weekend we’re celebrating working families. Find Labor Day picnics across Montana this weekend. Free food, music, and solidarity! #mtnews #unionstronghttps://t.co/4meR8B5UN6— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 30, 2024Nebraska State AFL-CIO:The election is two months away. Vote for candidates that support working family issues like Tony Vargas. @TonyVargas #itsbetterinaunion #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/KnNP5lPYxS— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) September 3, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy Labor Day! We’re glad to be celebrating with @northernnvlabor at their annual Laborfest in Reno, NV. #LifeisBetterinAUnion pic.twitter.com/dPHzI8cHcl— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 2, 2024New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Happy #LaborDay, Brothers and Sisters! #1u #NHAFLCIOLDB #NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/ZeIdHUMF9n— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 2, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:President Mario Cilento on #LaborDay in the @timesunion: Unions' advocacy for workers' rights includes impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace https://t.co/1ZAdE61p7N— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 2, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:North Carolina is the 52nd best state in the US to work in @OxfamAmerica 2024 scorecard. @NC_Governor The minimum wage is just 18.4% of what a family needs to get by. We can do better. Find out more: https://t.co/MlN5ijnZd6— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 3, 2024North Dakota AFL-CIO:"Together, in a union, undivided, life will be better."https://t.co/8OJJxdEvpa— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:This are the folks whose lives will be worse of because Trump's #Project2025 anti-worker, anti-retiree agenda. Thanks for always having working people be the center of your policy making, @SherrodBrown. https://t.co/YMiLgR5Lts— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 3, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:#LaborDay weekend is a great time to join a picket line! Stand with workers and don’t shop at Portland-area Fred Meyer stores during the strike. pic.twitter.com/leYhPRe0c4— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 1, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Are you talking to union voters yet? Sign up for #Labor2024 to make sure we don’t send a scab to the White House in November! #UnionStrong https://t.co/Snku6fun0q pic.twitter.com/6yc0vcDIBv— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 2, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:Labor is the hope of the world ✊🏼Happy Labor Day from the Texas AFL-CIO! #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/REuRT5cdwJ— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 2, 2024Virginia AFL-CIO:Happy Labor Day! Labor Day is about celebrating the workers who make this country run. With 70% of Americans backing unions, our movement is unstoppable. Union members are 20% of voters in swing states. This election, we’re the force deciding the future. #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/IEomKNs0xm— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) September 2, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:In a downtown Seattle hotel, the future of the aerospace industry is being decided. Machinists are fighting for a contract that retains skilled workers, saves jobs & commits to safety at Boeing. As a Sept. 12 strike date looms, they're not backing down: https://t.co/kmpAVeov1v pic.twitter.com/IHTsKVKfR4— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 30, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Union Yes! Celebrating Labor Day with union members and Coach Walz. pic.twitter.com/2FVCrySmva— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 2, 2024 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:27Continue reading→

Shuler: Union Workers are Powerful. We Will Decide This Election.

Shuler: Union Workers are Powerful. We Will Decide This Election. The AFL-CIO represents nearly 13 million workers in our federation across 60 unions. This time every year, we come together to put the labor back in Labor Day.  As much as we love the barbecues, the mattress sales—this is our week. This is about recognizing and appreciating the workers who make this country run.  Last year, we started a conversation about how workers are doing in this country. Some of these numbers may surprise you: 70% of Americans support unions, among young people under the age of 30, it’s nine in 10.  Union workers are continuing to find their power in two very distinct ways.  First: We are the ones who are going to decide this presidential election. In swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada that are going to come down to 1% or 2%, union voters are 20% of the electorate. That’s one in every five voters. And second: Our workers are powerful because they have something that is so rare today—the trust of those around them. Union members are credible political messengers. They can connect with each other and with the people in their communities in a way no one else can. Having the hard conversationsMany of us have felt like it’s hard to just have a conversation about politics with someone we disagree with. Or we’ve talked to someone who has figured out what team we play for, and then just tuned us out. Or—let’s admit it—maybe we’ve done it to someone else. Yet in a room full of union members, that’s not how it plays out. When you ask a union member who their most trusted source in the world is on politics, it’s not their friends, family or loved ones. It’s their fellow union members.  It’s not hard to see why union workers trust each other. We talk to each other in the break room every morning. We carpool home. We’re on the factory floor together, or in the teacher’s lounge, or outside on a construction site, braving the elements, while everyone else is asleep. We know each other, inside and out. And when you combine that trust with this organizing machine we’ve built, this ability to connect with our members, our families, our neighbors and mobilize on a dime, you have a movement that can actually deliver voters—and win an election. The power of unionsWorkers are growing our power in this country in a way we haven’t been in a generation. Almost a quarter of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago were union delegates, more than we’ve had in a long, long time. We are seen as a force to be reckoned with.  And it’s about damn time. When I travel the country and talk to working people—our members, but also people who aren’t yet in a union—they tell me they’re tired of the way things have been going. They're tired of going to the grocery store, and seeing it take more out of their paychecks than it ever has. They’re tired for people their peers in the sandwich generation, trying to care for their kids and their parents at the exact same time.  What I hear from the young generation of workers coming up is that they can’t believe there used to be a time when you could work one full-time job, and afford to make a down payment on a home.  That’s the daily reality for people all over this country. Workers in this country have never been more productive. We have never created the kind of wealth for companies that we are creating right now. But it’s not benefitting our workers. We need to fundamentally re-write the rules—by winning elections, by passing laws, by having the right to stand up for ourselves—if we’re going to balance the scales.  All over the country, people are realizing there’s a movement where you actually can fight back, where you actually can get some power and some control over your future. It’s not about your race, your gender, age, orientation or, religion, it’s just about standing up for your freedom. Strategy, organizing pay offIf you feel tired or alone right now, think about autoworkers in Chattanooga, right after they made history at Volkswagen, voting for representation by the United Auto Workers.  Or our Machinists in Seattle, who filled a baseball stadium to tell Boeing to give them a fair contract.  Or our sisters in the National Women’s Soccer League players association, who rewrote the sports rulebook and got rid of their draft, setting a new standard that gives them a voice in where they work, like every other worker in this country.  These wins are not accidents. We’ve invested in our grassroots network all over the country, building local power and organizing capacity. Nearly half a million workers went on strike in 2023, a year that saw more than 2,700 union election filings, the most we’ve ever seen. Some 900,000 workers in unions won double-digit pay increases last year alone.  That is power. What’s the point of building all this power on the ground, if we don’t use it when it really matters? When absolutely everything is on the line? In those swing states we talked about earlier—Michigan. Pennsylvania. Michigan. Wisconsin. Nevada—union support is driving up the margin of support for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. We are the difference.  How we winOur movement is full of joy and love, a way to have some fun and make your life better at the same time. We have the trust—with our union members, and the spouses, children and parents that we bring along. There’s a reason they call it “a union household,” which doubles and triples our impact.  We have a well-oiled organizing machine in every state, especially in battleground states. We have workers who are actually trained in how to have those tough conversations, how to steer them toward kitchen-table issues, and how to challenge someone, respectfully, if we need to. A few months ago I walked up to a guy in a MAGA hat on a picket line. In any other situation, the two of us probably wouldn’t have much to talk about. But as we started to talk about politics, he looked at me and said, “I’ll hear you out, because I know we both love our unions.”  Those conversations are the key to everything. Talking to each other again. Empathy and grace, instead of vitriol. Coming together to solve problems that actually matter to our families. When we fight, we win.  This post originally appeared in te Detroit Free Press. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:06Continue reading→

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Thousands More Nevada State Employees Win Union Election

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Thousands More Nevada State Employees 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. A group of nearly 3,000 state employees—including those working for the welfare agency and Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)—won union representation as AFSCME Local 4041 this week in an election overseen by the state’s Government Employee-Management Relations Board.Nevada state workers won collective bargaining rights back in 2019, and since securing their first contract, AFSCME members have seen more than 30% wage increases as well as other new benefits and improved grievance procedures. The new bargaining unit that will join negotiations in the fall includes engineering technicians from the Department of Transportation, DMV service technicians, family support specialists in the Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS), and library technicians throughout Nevada System of Higher Education institutions and more. This election victory almost doubles the size of Local 4041, increasing their power to deliver victories for these critical public sector workers.“We see the benefits of having a union contract and voice on the job; that’s why we’ve organized as AFSCME and voted to have union representation. I’m excited tech workers now get to join our fellow AFSCME members at the bargaining table this fall,” said Austin Krehbiel, a family support specialist at the DWSS. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:50Continue reading→

UAW Members Ratify Unprecedented Contract at Cornell University that Secures First-Time COLA Increase and Ends Tiers

ITHACA – In a major win for higher education workers, UAW members at Cornell University have voted by 77% to ratify a new four-year contract securing wage increases of up to 25.4%, a groundbreaking first-time cost of living allowance increase, and the elimination of the two-tier wage system. The agreement also introduces significant improvements to policies […] The post UAW Members Ratify Unprecedented Contract at Cornell University that Secures First-Time COLA Increase and Ends Tiers appeared first on UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.Continue reading→

New York Labor Leader Mario Cilento Empowers Delegates of IAM Grand Lodge Convention

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, who was just re-elected last week to the position for a fourth four-year term, addressed IAM 41st Grand Lodge Convention delegates with an uplifting speech about the labor movement’s legacy of helping future generations by building on. As president of the New York State Federation, Cilento represents 2.5 The post New York Labor Leader Mario Cilento Empowers Delegates of IAM Grand Lodge Convention appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

LCLAA President Evelyn de Jesus Applauds IAM’s Continued Fight for Workers’ Rights and Calls for Unity Through Collective Action

In an inspiring show of unity and strength, Evelyn de Jesus, the President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), delivered a compelling message at the 2024 IAM Grand Lodge Convention. De Jesus, a prominent figure in the labor movement, praised the IAM’s tireless efforts in championing the cause of workers’ rights across The post LCLAA President Evelyn de Jesus Applauds IAM’s Continued Fight for Workers’ Rights and Calls for Unity Through Collective Action appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Committee on the Future Members Discuss Union Structure and Dues for Convention Delegates

Two years ago at the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention, delegates voted to pass Resolution No.1: Supporting Committee on the Future of the Union, authorizing the establishment of an IAM Committee on the Future (COTF) chaired by the Resident General Vice President and comprised of 21 members. The group was created to conduct listening sessions The post Committee on the Future Members Discuss Union Structure and Dues for Convention Delegates appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

Committee on the Future Convention Video

This video shows the work of the IAM Committee on the Future over the past two years. Since the committee’s inception at the 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention in 2022, members have traveled and listened to IAM members at more than 50 locations across North America. The goal is to present recommendations to the 41st The post Committee on the Future Convention Video appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

IAM Takes Bold Steps in Addressing Climate Crisis and Embracing Green Technologies, Releases Report on Clean Energy Economy for the Future

The IAM is at the forefront of combating the climate crisis and adapting to the changing landscape of industry and labor. Recognizing the significant impact of global warming on working conditions, community health, and job security, IAM members are actively seeking solutions to mitigate these effects while ensuring the protection of quality union jobs. Responding The post IAM Takes Bold Steps in Addressing Climate Crisis and Embracing Green Technologies, Releases Report on Clean Energy Economy for the Future appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→

ICYMI: Day 2 #IAM2024 Grand Lodge Convention Social Media Round-Up

Day 2 of the #IAM2024 Grand Lodge Convention can be experienced through the IAM’s social media posts! The IAM is doing live social media coverage of the 41st Grand Lodge Convention in New York City. Follow @machinistsunion on Facebook, X, and Instagram to see in-the-moment photos, videos, and news from the Convention! IAM social media The post ICYMI: Day 2 #IAM2024 Grand Lodge Convention Social Media Round-Up appeared first on IAMAW.Continue reading→