AFL-CIO
Workers Deserve More Power: The Working People Weekly List
Workers Deserve More Power: 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.
Unions Can Save Tech Workers and Tech Work: “Two University of California tech workers explain their unionization process—and how unions can help recapture the original promise of tech being used to better people’s lives rather than make the worst people in the world ever richer.”Providence St. Patrick Hospital Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unionize: “On Wednesday, workers at Providence St. Patrick Hospital voted overwhelmingly to unionize, 446-102. Now, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is headed to the negotiating table. ‘I chose healthcare because I want to take care of people, and I want to be a part of the community, and I think this union is gonna let me do that more,’ said Mishana Truitt, a surgical assistant at Providence St. Patrick Hospital.”CSEA Union Wins Raises, Benefits in 5-Year Contract with New York State: “Members of New York state’s largest public-sector labor union have approved a five-year labor agreement with raises and benefits, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. The contracts with four Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) bargaining units include annual raises of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3% and 3% from April 2 of this year through April 1, 2031, the governor said. The agreements, which cover more than 55,000 state employees, also include ‘boosts to location pay and several other unit-specific payments,’ 20 additional hours of paid pre-natal leave, an increase in the sick leave accumulation cap and the elimination of of certain health insurance co-pays, Hochul said.”21st Century Solidarity: Laborers, Painters Unions Unite to Build More Power for the Working Class: “The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a historic industry-wide collaboration. ‘IUPAT and LIUNA stand as two pillars of the North American Labor Movement, each with proud histories of building nations and strengthening working class power,’ LIUNA and IUPAT said in a statement. ‘We recognize the challenges we face today, including aggressive anti-union legislation, corporate consolidation and technological disruption. Workers deserve more power and to get it requires 21st century solidarity.’”ABC News Digital Workers Unionize with WGA East in Unanimous Vote: “Employees at ABC News‘ digital division voted unanimously to form a union with the Writers Guild of America East. WGA East—which has repped unionized employees in ABC News’ TV operations for decades—said it reached an agreement with ABC regarding the union representation process for employees of ABCNews.com and ABC News’ social media platforms. The union said ABC and WGAE ‘have engaged in productive and constructive discussions, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining a collaborative and supportive workplace.’”Mystic Seaport Museum Workers OK Forming a Union: “Employees at Mystic Seaport Museum will join the largest cultural workers union in the country, which represents more than 50,000 people across museums, libraries, zoos and cultural institutions. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 4 Cultural Workers United announced Monday that the workers voted to form a union with the council, and that the National Labor Relations Board certified the result last week, more than three months after the April 16 election.”Labor Watch: Big SUNY Contract Ratified: “United University Professions, the State University of New York system’s faculty union, cemented its contract win last week. It represents more than 42,000 faculty members, and most of them voted to ratify a new five-year contract that includes across-the-board pay raises each year, starting with a 4.5% bump in 2026, as well as provisions that expand due process and job security protections and minimize the role of student surveys in teacher effectiveness evaluations.”Millions Say They Would Join a Labor Union if They Could: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, who represents some 15 million workers, said tripling union membership is not a pipe dream. More than one in three private sector workers belonged to a union in the 1950s. ‘Back in the 1950s when, frankly, our wages were actually growing along with the economy and when economic growth meant that all of us won, not just the billionaires,’ Shuler emphasized.”Eric Carle Museum Workers Push for Union Vote: “Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? The Eric Carle Museum staff have started unionizing. Workers announced the news on Instagram on August 3, amid staff allegations of understaffing, a lack of promotions, and poor workplace conditions at the Massachusetts museum established by the beloved children’s book author and illustrator. According to their post, employees filed for a full-time and part-time staff election with the National Labor Relations Board. ‘We call upon Museum leadership not to interfere with or delay a union vote,’ the post reads. Under representation from the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2110, the group demanded that as many staff as possible be allowed to vote in the election, given they fit the eligibility criteria.”Missouri Cannabis Retail Workers Ratify State’s Second Union Contract: “Cannabis workers at a licensed retailer in Springfield, Missouri, ratified a union contract last week after years of negotiations, union officials said. The July 30 vote by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 2-organized workers at Key Cannabis Dispensary is believed to be only the second instance of a unionized cannabis store in the $1.5 billion market securing a contract, according to the Springfield News-Leader.”‘A Reminder of Why We Have Unions’: Matewan Writer and Director on the Film’s Lessons for the Labor Movement: “When John Sayles, a student at Williams College taking time off from his summer factory job, was hitchhiking during the summer of 1970 in West Virginia, it was often coalminers who picked him off the main interstate highways. At the time, miners were amid the wake of a contentious union election within the United Mine Workers of America. Fierce tensions had led to the murder of the union reform candidate Joseph Yablonski and his wife in December 1969.”Over 100 Women’s NCAA Basketball Players Start Unionization Effort: “Women’s college basketball players are looking to unionize. On Friday, the United College Athletes Association (UCAA) announced that more than 100 women’s college basketball athletes joined its unionization campaign. The women are the largest group of college athletes to formally push for collective bargaining alongside the UCAA with the goal of adding members from other sports.”New York Immigration Coalition Employees Win Union Recognition: “Employees had announced their intent to form a union on June 9, delivering a petition to management signed by 70% of eligible staff. Calling themselves NYIC United, the employees, who are organizing with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153, gave management a deadline of June 12 to voluntarily recognize their union before going public.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/10/2026 – 13:32
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: Union Lawyers Alliance
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: Union Lawyers Alliance
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our allied groups. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all of the groups. Next up is the Union Lawyers Alliance (ULA).
Name of Organization: Union Lawyers AllianceDescription: ULA is a bar association for lawyers who represent the AFL-CIO or its affiliated unions. It was created in 1983 as the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee. In 2021, the organization changed its name to the AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance with the intent of more clearly communicating its labor movement foundation and the strong ties between its members.Mission: To facilitate the exchange of information and strategies to assist ULA members in representing their union clients; inform and mobilize union-side lawyers in the labor movement’s support of legislative and political priorities, such as labor law reform, judicial nominations and voter protection; offer legal education, technical assistance and networking opportunities to the union-side bar; and assist ULA firms and legal departments in recruiting and retaining new lawyers and lawyers of color to the practice of labor law.Current Campaign: Protect Our Voice is the ULA’s contribution to the AFL-CIO’s Union P.O.W.E.R. (Protect. Organize. Win. Engage. Right Now.) initiative. The goals are to build labor’s legal capacity by training ULA attorneys on state-specific election laws; educate union clients with practical “know your rights” resources and voting rights guidance; deploy attorneys to support nonprofit election protection partners through poll monitoring, hotline assistance, ballot curing and rapid response; and prepare union leaders for emerging challenges by equipping ULA attorneys to advise union clients on workers’ legal rights, lawful civic engagement and mass mobilization if ballots are challenged, voting rights are threatened or significant election disputes arise.Regular Activities: The ULA hosts a three-day annual conference for its members. The conference includes up to 18 breakout sessions on legal developments affecting unions; three plenary gatherings where attendees hear from labor leaders, workers and other activists; and numerous social events to strengthen personal and professional ties within the close-knit labor bar.Each year, the ULA runs its Diversity, Outreach, Opportunities and Recruitment (DOOR) Program, which encourages law students of color to apply for summer clerkship opportunities at ULA law firms and legal departments. DOOR law clerks are invited to a two-day conference at the AFL-CIO where they participate in substantive legal training, meet affiliate general counsels and make connections among future colleagues in the labor bar. They are also offered the opportunity to be matched with a ULA member mentor to help them be successful in their summer employment and future career plans. The ULA offers many other opportunities for its members to connect and share information, including regional field meetings, webinars, informal classes, and virtual message boards and LISTSERVs.The ULA also maintains a list of labor law-related fellowships, scholarships and programs for law students, as well as a hiring hall for jobs related to labor law.Learn More: Website
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/10/2026 – 14:43
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ABC News Digital Staffers Join WGAE
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ABC News Digital Staffers Join WGAE
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.
The staff behind ABCNews.com and ABC News’ social media platforms are officially members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), marking an important win for digital staff as the news organization continues to face scrutiny from the Trump administration.The new bargaining unit covers approximately 50 workers, including digital reporters, digital editors, digital video producers and social media producers.In a statement, the bargaining unit said, “The industry is changing at a rapid pace, and we want to help shape the version of ABC News that will emerge from this transition. We are excited to join hundreds of our ABC News Broadcast colleagues and thousands of our fellow Disney employees who are represented by unions.”“The WGAE has represented unionized workers at ABC News since the 1960s,” WGAE President Tom Fontana added. “We appreciate that management engaged in productive conversations for recognition, and we look forward to winning union protections for ABC News’ digital staff.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/10/2026 – 10:06
Worker Wins: The Ability to Speak With One Voice
Worker Wins: The Ability to Speak With One Voice
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
New York Immigration Coalition Employees Win Union Recognition: Staff at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have secured voluntary recognition from management as members of Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 153. NYIC is a coalition of 200 immigrant and refugee rights organizations across New York State that offer legal assistance, workers’ rights training and other services. The essential workers who make this advocacy possible announced their intention to form NYIC United on June 9 via a letter delivered to management that was signed by 70% of eligible staff. Bargaining unit members cited the need for more protections for immigrant workers, support for their immigration cases, financial transparency and pay equity as core motivators for organizing.‘Worlds of Fun’ Workers Vote to Form Union with IATSE: Staff at the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, voted overwhelmingly to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 31. The park spans more than 325 acres with multiple rides and other attractions. The new bargaining unit will cover 37 workers across technical services, wardrobe, costuming and creative services departments. This win has been in the making since early last year. Despite a majority of staff submitting signed union authorization cards to the National Labor Relations Board, management moved to contest the composition of the unit and sold the company to new ownership, effectively resetting the organizing campaign.On-Set Visual Effects Workers on ‘Star Wars’ Productions Join IATSE: U.S.-based visual effects workers engaged directly by “Star Wars” franchise productions have joined the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Staff overwhelmingly supported joining the union—they contributed to major titles like “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Ahsoka” and “Starfighter.” Now these newly minted members are looking forward to establishing a fair and strong union contract. “These workers help bring some of the most ambitious stories in entertainment to life, and they deserve a meaningful voice in shaping their working conditions,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb in a press release. “We are proud to welcome these visual effects professionals into our proud Union.”Staff at The Maine Monitor Win Voluntary Recognition: Newsroom workers at The Maine Monitor have joined The News Guild of Maine, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 31128, after winning voluntary recognition from management. The publication is the nonpartisan, independent news outlet of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting. Staff are organizing in order to ensure that they can continue to deliver the critical reporting their readership depends on. “Our union will be a positive step forward for both union members and the overall organization,” Rose Lundy, senior reporter at The Monitor, said. “The Maine Monitor Union will strengthen our newsroom, make The Monitor more attractive to talented candidates and will give staff the ability to speak with one voice.” “We are thrilled to welcome the workers of The Maine Monitor into our union. This step will strengthen a respected news organization and enable these journalists to continue their important mission in our state,” The News Guild of Maine President Megan Gray said. “Media workers and journalists in Maine have sent a clear message in recent years with campaigns to form and expand our unions: We care deeply about our work, and we will be part of the conversation about the future of the news industry in Maine.”Temple, Jefferson Resident Physicians Ratify First Contracts: Resident physicians and fellows at the Temple University Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals—who are represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents-Service Employees International Union (CIR-SEIU)—have overwhelmingly ratified their first union contracts. Participating members at both health systems voted 100% in favor of approving the agreements. The approximately 2,200 Temple and Jefferson physicians provide essential direct patient care at more than 20 hospitals and medical facilities across the greater Philadelphia area. “As physicians, we spend every day advocating for our patients to have the resources and support they need, and many of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck,” said resident physician Linda Li. “Daycare alone took up about 60% of my salary, and I know residents who had to take on more debt just to cover basic living expenses. I’m incredibly proud that we stood together and won a contract that will make a material difference in our lives and for residents who come after us.”SMART Members at Alstom LA Metrolink Ratify New Agreement: Members of SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) Local 434 who perform essential maintenance for the Metrolink commuter rail in Los Angeles have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. Workers are employed by multinational transport manufacturer Alstom and keep the rail system running. The new four-year contract contains a number of major wins, including 22% pay raises, $5,000 in lump-sum bonuses, and improvements to members’ health and welfare benefits. “Local 434 members at Alstom are essential to public transportation in Los Angeles, and they made it clear during negotiations that they needed a contract that recognized their work. Most importantly, they stood together and spoke with one voice to ensure their demands were heard,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman in a press release. “This agreement demonstrates that unity works. We are proud of our members, proud of our local leadership, and excited to continue building on this momentum.”AFSCME Members Win First Cost-of-Living Increase for Pennsylvania Retirees in 20 Years: Thanks to the tireless advocacy efforts of working and retired members of AFSCME Council 13, Pennsylvania state employees who retired before 2001 are getting their first cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in over two decades. The fiscal year 2026–27 budget, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in mid-July, includes COLAs ranging from 15% to 24.5%, depending on beneficiaries’ retirement dates. This long overdue increase will be a critical lifeline as retirees who dedicated their working years to public service weather the current cost-of-living crisis. “Our retirees devoted their careers to serving the people of Pennsylvania, and for far too long they were asked to shoulder the burden of rising costs without any adjustment to their pensions,” said Jeanne Weaver, president of the Retired Public Employees of Pennsylvania Chapter 13. “This victory has been years in the making. While it should have happened much sooner, we are grateful that lawmakers finally recognized the need to provide relief to the men and women who spent their working lives serving this commonwealth.”Southern California Meat Processors Ratify Strong Contract: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770 members who work in the beef and poultry departments at Palisades Ranch plant have voted to ratify a three-year contract. Highlights of the deal include wage increases, new shift differentials and lead premiums, improved vacation and sick leave benefits, increased employer health care contributions, and more. “When the company said this was the best they could do, we stood together and voted no. That solidarity brought them back to the table and helped us win better wages, stronger benefits, and protect our break time,” said Local 770 member Luis Torres. “This contract shows the power of a union and what workers can accomplish when we stay united and fight for what we deserve.”Ashland Specialty Chemicals Workers Ratify New Contract: The Texas City Metal Trades Council announced on Tuesday that members had settled a new contract with Ashland Specialty Chemicals, ending a powerful 42-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. Texas City Metal Trades Council is made up of members from Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 564, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 527, United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 211 and IAM Union (IAM) District 776. More than 70 workers held the line for weeks to fight back against dangerous misclassification and management’s efforts to outsource union work. Their new agreement contains a number of major victories, including a 9.25% wage increase over three years, more vacation days, restored seniority for bidding on new positions and more. “A strike is never easy,” said Lewis Crawford, Local 564 business agent and lead negotiator for the Texas City Metal Trades Council. “It asks everything of our members and their families, and this one asked more than most. We didn’t win every fight at that table—but we won something no contract can put a price on: trust, unity, and a brotherhood forged on that picket line. We’re not just going back to work. We’re going back stronger, together, than the local that walked out 42 days ago.” “We’re proud of the union members who put it all on the line to guarantee safety for themselves and their community,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar. “Their new contract sends a powerful message to working people across Texas: when workers stand united, they win and build a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/07/2026 – 10:49
Tags:
Organizing
SOLIDARITY ALERT: Disneyland Cast Members
SOLIDARITY ALERT: Disneyland Cast Members
The character and parade cast members of Disneyland help bring magic to life every day at work. They love their jobs and strive to make Disneyland the happiest place on Earth!
These cast members have been bargaining for their first union contract since October 2024. While there has been some progress at the negotiating table, Disneyland management has been dragging their feet and will not come to terms for a deal. In fact, management is now trying to eliminate worker benefits, while also reducing retirement and paid time off benefits, and keeping wages low.That’s why cast members of the Disneyland Resort need your help. Disney is a multibillion-dollar corporation that loves to talk about how much it invests in its workers, professionally and personally. So how can it claim to hold these workers in such high regard, while also stripping away benefits like family leave? Behind closed doors, Disney management has dragged out negotiations and disrespected its workers because it thinks no one is watching. Show Disney you are standing with its workers! Please sign the workers’ petition to show your solidarity with the cast members of Disneyland.Let Disneyland management know that if it truly cared about making the world a better place, it would operate by its stated values and treat its character and parade workers fairly. Thank you for all you do for working people at Disneyland and beyond!
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/06/2026 – 14:54
Scrap the Cap: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Scrap the Cap: 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 all love the magic of Disneyland, but that magic is created by real people, workers who bring beloved characters and unforgettable moments to life every single day. Show your solidarity with us, the Entertainment Cast Members of Disneyland! actionnetwork.org/petitions/st…[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) August 5, 2026 at 10:46 AMAFGE:Thank you Senator @ChuckGrassley for your support of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. https://t.co/KAiPKKnckP— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 6, 2026AFSCME:AFSCME members in Arizona are celebrating their success in blocking an anti-worker proposal from appearing on the November ballot. https://t.co/NCa1Y1Znvs— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 6, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:The road to reduced crew operations stops here. 💪This week, @ALPAPresident and ALPA Canada VP Capt. Gilles Boissonneault represented the organization at the ITF’s strategy meeting to align priorities and garner strength in the fight against reduced crew operations. pic.twitter.com/f2KISDIxDB— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) July 31, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:It’s a simple choice: Congress can either stand with the wealthiest Americans and do nothing, or with working Americans and retirees and #ScrapTheCap so we can ALL enjoy retirement.We agree, @SenWarren! pic.twitter.com/iMvFyJ2UHo— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 6, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Bus operator safety is about public safety. Our transit agencies need to better protect our members. #NotOneMore #1u #canlabhttps://t.co/nYnBu9Cc9v— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 6, 2026American Federation of Musicians:Protect Working Musicians Act Forum Webinar with @RepDeborahRoss, Thurs. August 6th. Learn more: https://t.co/xtLh2zuDGrRegistration link: https://t.co/CDHWSjAnDG #ProtectWorkingMusiciansAct #FairPayForMusicians pic.twitter.com/pHbWaRWukg— AFM (@The_AFM) July 27, 2026American Federation of Teachers:More than 18,000 educators registered for @sharemylesson.bsky.social’s Summer of Learning: 32 free webinars covering issues like AI in the classroom, student mental health, civic engagement, inclusive practice and more. Every session is on demand, free, and open to all educators. Check it out ⤵️[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) August 6, 2026 at 10:25 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:”This is just the beginning.”After an incredible nationwide Day of Action, APWU President Jonathan Smith thanks postal workers and supporters—and makes it clear: the fight to protect the People’s Post Office continues. Watch his message now. pic.twitter.com/t1vhlfpXrL— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) July 31, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:This week, 45 years ago: On August 3, 1981, nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers, members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), walked out after contract talks with the Federal Aviation Administration collapsed. pic.twitter.com/gCiuP9vU1y— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 6, 2026Boilermakers:Join the #Boilermakers and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance at the 2026 Lenexa Kansas Get Youth Outdoors Day on September 20. https://t.co/nju7hLJwLp pic.twitter.com/RFdHLsV9Io— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 6, 2026Bricklayers:We’re so proud of our members of Local 2 #Michigan who helped build the Big Annie Statue in Calumet, celebrating 1913 Copper Strike icon Annie Clemenc! Join us at the unveiling event on Aug 22 for a community parade & dedication!#Community #UnionStrong #BuildingTomorrowTogether pic.twitter.com/PO0cfNvT81— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 6, 2026Communications Workers of America:The Double the Wage for Overtime Act would put more money in workers’ pockets by increasing the overtime rate from time-and-a-half to double. Thank you for introducing this bill, @SenRubenGallego! pic.twitter.com/Uku7r9wr5I— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 6, 2026Electrical Workers:👋 It’s your LAST chance to enter the #UnionsPowerAmerica Sweepstakes! Union Plus is giving away $150,000 in cash to say THANK YOU to union members. TWO $40K Grand Prizes are on the line. One could be YOURS. Ends 8/19 https://t.co/G8evGaSdb6 pic.twitter.com/xbhgEmPsAN— IBEW (@IBEW) August 5, 2026Fire Fighters:#OnThisDay in fire history in 1975, @NIST released its report on home smoke detectors, revealing how seconds can save lives.🕒🏠 Their findings paved the way for the building codes that keep us safer today. pic.twitter.com/G1jQzOlqmZ— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) August 5, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:#PartnersInProgress: A look inside Ventcon’s 124,000 square foot shop, featuring SMART Local 80 members hard at work! @SMACNA pic.twitter.com/5vFYjT0cje— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) August 6, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Henson Joins Nuclear Energy Representatives at Key Industry Conferencehttps://t.co/QHxXEdXVy2— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 6, 2026International Union of Police Associations:Sign Up Now for the 2026 LEORF Golf Classic! https://t.co/UrTgD00gVC pic.twitter.com/vv5149Nq7Q— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) August 6, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:LCLAA condemns yesterday’s federal district court ruling in Massachusetts, allowing USCIS to prematurely terminate the work permits of tens of thousands of immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Read full statement: https://t.co/lRAL876S8X#TPS#LCLAA pic.twitter.com/CjqikdMLYI— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 6, 2026Laborers:#ICYMI: Congratulations to our @liuna183 members at Dexterra stood together and won a fair collective agreement. Better wages, better benefits, strong working conditions— standing together in #solidarity works. #LaborersRising #FeelThePower #OrganizeOrDie pic.twitter.com/y2umDNJXL6— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 3, 2026Machinists:Great to welcome @RepGolden to the IAM Eastern States Conference. He spoke directly to the issues that matter most to working people—good union jobs, fair wages, and putting workers first. Thanks for standing with IAM Union members and the working class. ✊ pic.twitter.com/OelXNtoHpo— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 6, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:10 Years of Service Time: the Holy Grail for Players. Throughout history, fewer than 10% of Players have possessed the combination of talent, health, resilience, perseverance and good fortune to achieve the feat. This July, Michael Conforto officially reached 10 Years of Service… pic.twitter.com/k7W0wQ65zx— MLBPA (@MLBPA) July 31, 2026Major League Soccer Players Association:The Protect College Sports Act represents a significant step backward for college sports. Congress should not bail out the NCAA and sell out athletes. https://t.co/svXEFJqrnG— MLSPA (@MLSPA) August 5, 2026Maritime Trades Department:SIU, AMO Front and Center as Food for Peace is Rebornhttps://t.co/NytSykT3ca@SeafarersUnion @AMOunion— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) August 6, 2026Musical Artists:Highlights from AGMA’s New Three-Year Agreement with ABT: www.musicalartists.org/highlights-f…[image or embed]— American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) August 4, 2026 at 2:40 PMNational Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA’s National Executive Board (NEB) is meeting this week in Nashua, N.H. NATCA’s President, Executive Vice President, and Regional Vice Presidents constitute the NEB. Members can find minutes from the NEB’s recent meetings on our website. pic.twitter.com/Q8jOvFZWHe— NATCA (@NATCA) August 5, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Starting soon: Day 4 of the 74th Biennial NALC Convention in Los Angeles, CA https://t.co/cRZkYLN0xD— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 6, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:This week’s offseason #CMVP @ALIJAHVT is giving back to the community where it all started 🤞 The @patriots offensive lineman went back to his hometown to host the free annual Bay Area’s Finest Football Camp for youth athletes in Oakland, California. Joined by two of his former… pic.twitter.com/RhKfxfmjMt— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 1, 2026National Nurses United:Thank you for standing with nurses @LtGovStratton! Chicago, join us this Saturday for a rally to protect patient care and save our hospitals. We’ll have live music, free food, and free wellness checks – see you there! RSVP now: https://t.co/WAdP1DbQU0 pic.twitter.com/n7zj1Jpf0B— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) August 6, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:TLC drivers lose *thousands of dollars* in income to unlicensed operators. Meanwhile, passengers are charged exorbitant fares and left at risk in uninsured cars. There’s an easy, proven solution via TLC enforcement.“I think the TLC is right that the World Cup enforcement was a…— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 3, 2026NFL Players Association:This week’s offseason #CMVP @ALIJAHVT is giving back to the community where it all started 🤞 The @patriots offensive lineman went back to his hometown to host the free annual Bay Area’s Finest Football Camp for youth athletes in Oakland, California. Joined by two of his former… pic.twitter.com/RhKfxfmjMt— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 1, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Congratulations to Josh Crabtree of Local 1072, District Council 53, on receiving his 10-Year of Service Pin and certification!Thank you for all you have done for Local 1072, DC 53, and the IUPAT! pic.twitter.com/slJStm5h9X— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 6, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:✊ Day 2 of the 25th RWDSU Convention in the books! Delegates elected our leadership team: Pres. Stuart Appelbaum, Sec-Treas. Joseph Dorismond & Rec. Tina Buonaugurio. And passed key resolutions on AI, worker safety & political action. https://t.co/cSTouSXTfh #RWDSUPower pic.twitter.com/Yb1YqKanWW— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 6, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:When Roofers & Waterproofers Local 149 in Detroit sent out a call to the Michigan Building & Construction Trades Council for support during a picket last week against corporate behemoth automaker Stellantis, every single trade showed up.#solidarity pic.twitter.com/p2thBRMrcB— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 27, 2026SAG-AFTRA:This week on the SAG-AFTRA podcast… Multi-hyphenate Finneas joins SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI to discuss music, acting and what being a #SagAftraMember means to him. Listen now! https://t.co/IQSJTxLF0c pic.twitter.com/iHEWLGdcad— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 6, 2026Service Employees International Union:In America, voters pick our leaders. But the Trump White House & MAGA Republicans are attempting to stop us from using our votes. They know they are losing, so they’re trying to silence us by redrawing voting maps to strip power from Black & brown voters in order to declare… pic.twitter.com/627fRIzRQm— SEIU (@SEIU) August 6, 2026Solidarity Center:The issues workers face don’t stop at one country’s border. That means solutions must be global. Young worker leaders from across Africa came together for the Solidarity Center’s Global Labor Leadership Institute to learn, collaborate, & hone skills to take on this challenge 🌍 pic.twitter.com/sprrNCxxcb— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 5, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨BREAKING: About a dozen @mainemonitor workers just unionized with @newsguildmaine!!! https://t.co/F5hLnI5vQh— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 28, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Worlds of Fun workers in Kansas City have voted 21-1 to join IATSE Local 31!Workers across Technical Services, Wardrobe, Costumes, and Creative Services are now union. Welcome to the IATSE family, Worlds of Fun crew!Full story: https://t.co/yGcX7gE7Jm pic.twitter.com/QyRvmUgmc4— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 4, 2026Transport Workers Union:”The TWU is pleased to announce we’ve successfully organized all aircraft fuelers at @MCO! This victory at Menzies comes on the heels of organizing all PrimeFlight fuelers in Orlando in 2025. The TWU continues rolling forward, organizing the unorganized and fighting to win those…— TWU (@transportworker) August 5, 2026Transportation Trades Department:We proudly joined @MMP_Union’s 91st convention this week in Maryland! To support our nation’s maritime workforce, we must protect the Jones Act and ensure that U.S. vessels are fully staffed with trained American mariners. pic.twitter.com/8fu5wBbtFn— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 5, 2026UAW:“This contract was won by every single member who stood strong in the face of adversity, by every member who said they deserve better. Management showed their true colors, but we showed them what true power looks like.”https://t.co/mI0GPkUQ45— UAW (@UAW) August 6, 2026UNITE HERE:🚨 Embassy Suites hotel workers have been on strike for 7️⃣ weeks!Pennies won’t pay the rent. We need healthcare all year. Embassy Suites workers are fighting to live with dignity in Seattle. @UniteHereLocal8 pic.twitter.com/JEUVIMw2IT— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 5, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:The Fair Price Protection Act ban surveillance pricing & put a freeze on electronic shelf labels in grocery stores.Combined, this technology is capable of squeezing families & eliminating jobs those same families rely on. Now, it has no place in NJ.🔗 https://t.co/ZKCMx0df7j pic.twitter.com/vy6YJcfGaE— UFCW (@UFCW) August 5, 2026United Steelworkers:Grab some popcorn and make tonight a movie night! 🍿 A few classic movies about unions and the labor movement over the years include: Matewan, Norma Rae and The Porter. Which is your favorite? pic.twitter.com/7x2dpietHH— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) August 6, 2026Writers Guild of America East:We’re thrilled to welcome our new bargaining unit at ABC News after employees of ABCNews.com and ABC News’ social media platforms voted unanimously to unionize with the WGAE![image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) August 5, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/06/2026 – 11:06
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Southern California Meat Processors Ratify Strong Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Southern California Meat Processors Ratify Strong 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 770 members who work in the beef and poultry departments at Palisades Ranch plant have voted to ratify a three-year contract.Highlights of the deal include wage increases, new shift differentials and lead premiums, improved vacation and sick leave benefits, increased employer health care contributions, and more.“When the company said this was the best they could do, we stood together and voted no. That solidarity brought them back to the table and helped us win better wages, stronger benefits, and protect our break time,” said Local 770 member Luis Torres. “This contract shows the power of a union and what workers can accomplish when we stay united and fight for what we deserve.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/06/2026 – 10:23
Protect Workers’ Retirements from Wall Street’s Crypto Gambling
Protect Workers’ Retirements from Wall Street’s Crypto Gambling
Whenever big Wall Street banks, financial institutions and billionaire investors gamble with our economy, working people are the ones who feel the pain. Our jobs, our homes and our retirement savings take huge hits when the banking system or the market collapses.
The Senate is considering the Clarity Act, a bill that would allow volatile cryptocurrency assets to recklessly access our pensions and retirement investments. This bill is bad for workers, putting working people’s financial security and retirement at risk—while also shielding crypto companies from serious oversight and regulation. Make a call now! Say no to crypto gambling schemes with workers’ pensions and retirements. Call 507-501-5784 or fill out this form to be connected with your senators.The bill would allow cryptocurrency issuers and platforms to opt out of stronger oversight by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Compared to the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is not only understaffed, it also does not have a mandate to protect investors. This could hurt ordinary Americans and our pensions, while protecting the crypto companies who stand to gain from less oversight. If passed, the Clarity Act would support the spread of cryptocurrency into our economy so completely that it would be very difficult for the average person to avoid it altogether. Exposing our retirement accounts and the economy to crypto billionaires’ games would help a small number of rich and powerful people make even more money, while putting the rest of us at risk. Please stand with workers and tell your senators to vote NO on the Clarity Act. It’s no wonder that President Trump wants to pass this bill. Crypto is the No. 1 vehicle for his corruption. Trump made $1.4 billion off of crypto last year, while the rest of us struggle to afford groceries and gas. A vote for this bill is a vote for Trump’s personal enrichment, at workers’ expense. Please take a moment to make a call about an issue that’s incredibly important to working people and retirees. MAKE A CALL!Thank you for helping to secure workers’ futures in the face of greed and corruption.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/04/2026 – 14:13
Union Strong: In the States Roundup
Union Strong: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:📰 Worth a read!Alaska AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall makes the case for why paid sick leave has been a win for Alaska’s workers, one year in.Check it out and share it with someone who needs the reminder. 👇 pic.twitter.com/KMxzlZycHL— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 28, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Today is the day, @CaliforniaLabor is hosting our 2026 Convention in Oakland, a union town! The House of Labor has come together in the true spirit of democracy to make our 2026 general election endorsements! pic.twitter.com/ndD4DRSNj9— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 4, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:📣 ORGANIZING WIN! Workers at the Mystic Seaport Museum have voted to form a union with AFSCME Council 4! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/SmUmKgV3OP— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 3, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:”If union membership increased to 30% of the labor force, the median worker could see a 14.5% raise, according to the EPI’s findings. That’s the equivalent of more than $7,700 per year, or nearly $270,000 over the course of a 35-year career.”https://t.co/xP72HhKExJ— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 1, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Troy knows what it’s like to struggle & he has never stopped fighting for economic security & dignity for Maine workers. https://t.co/cbzqvfQYgJ— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 1, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Join us as we tee off in Chelsea to support labor programs that make a difference for working families💪.Register today using the QR code!🏌️♀️⛳ pic.twitter.com/MAQQiec64x— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 3, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:These labor members are working the phones today to remind people to Get Out The Vote! Polls are open until 7pm. To protect your rights and protect your wallets, Vote NO on Amendments 4&5 !!! #solidarity #GOTV #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/7WyviDvOuY— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 4, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:SEIU Local 1107 members at HCA-affiliated hospitals – Sunrise, MountainView and Southern Hills – will be holding an informational picket on August 6th, from 4:00om-8:00pm at Sunrise Hospital.Scan the QR code to join us and RSVP! pic.twitter.com/piLdxsTLnL— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 3, 2026New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Tickets + Sponsorships are now on sale for the 2026 @NHAFLCIO #LaborDay Breakfast. Get your tickets today by following this link: https://t.co/8fA6YvkvXO#NHLabor #Solidarity #NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/dvKdk17gge— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 3, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:UNION STRONG DAY at Yankee Stadium is August 8th! https://t.co/dolxgNFkRj— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 22, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor is standing alongside Oregon’s APWU postal service workers and calling on Congress and the postal service’s board of governors to protect our mail service and vote by mail rights! pic.twitter.com/NrcCwWxvS9— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 28, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:📍 Lubbock: Sheet Metal Workers (@smartunionworks) Local 49 just cut the ribbon on a new JATC apprenticeship training center – investing in the next generation of union tradespeople in West Texas! https://t.co/mjnmmkX8v7— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 1, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Shout out to everyone who joined our Labor Neighbor doorbelling in LD 43! ✊Union members knocked doors in support of Nicole Macri, Shaun Scott, and Jamie Pedersen. Talking worker-to-worker about electing those who will stand for working people in Olympia! pic.twitter.com/5qBpFnGBzt— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 27, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Our Endorsement: Josh Kaul for Attorney Generalhttps://t.co/PcHar4m1IR— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 30, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/04/2026 – 11:14
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Temple, Jefferson Resident Physicians Ratify First Contracts
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Temple, Jefferson Resident Physicians Ratify First Contracts
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.
Resident physicians and fellows at the Temple University Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals—who are represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents-Service Employees International Union (CIR-SEIU)—have overwhelmingly ratified their first union contracts.Participating members at both health systems voted 100% in favor of approving the agreements. The approximately 2,200 Temple and Jefferson physicians provide essential direct patient care at more than 20 hospitals and medical facilities across the greater Philadelphia area.“As physicians, we spend every day advocating for our patients to have the resources and support they need, and many of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck,” said resident physician Linda Li. “Daycare alone took up about 60% of my salary, and I know residents who had to take on more debt just to cover basic living expenses. I’m incredibly proud that we stood together and won a contract that will make a material difference in our lives and for residents who come after us.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/04/2026 – 10:17