AFL-CIO

Break the Bias: In the States Roundup

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Break the Bias: 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).

Arizona AFL-CIO:💪Michael “BIG MIKE” Dawson, a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has made the 10,000th call in our #2024LaborVotes campaign! pic.twitter.com/ZtBxIG3XSe— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 21, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We are training up more union members throughout the state to hit worksites and the doors about the importance of the upcoming elections. pic.twitter.com/zXQ9WklIs9— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 24, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:The Connecticut AFL-CIO strongly condemns the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rep. Figueroa. @ehawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/Fwvi0lj7hy— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:We love to see it! ✊ 💪 https://t.co/Srce55p0aP— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 23, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:As of 2020, roughly 10.6 million of the 15.9 million workers covered by a union contract are women and/or people of color. Almost half of workers represented by a union are women (47.1%).#WomenEqualityDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll #love #Equality pic.twitter.com/6ger5qGLvM— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 26, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Our friends at the @CFM10208 are organizing Hip Hop musicians, DJs, and EDM artists. These genres have rich ties to Illinois. Let’s celebrate these artists as they fight for fair wages and an end to a “pay to play” culture of exploitation. More here: https://t.co/QOyVYfkV2M pic.twitter.com/vfERUxuiEl— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Indiana State AFL-CIO:https://t.co/GsrHDWdQ7Q— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:🚨Primary GOTV Alert🚨 Election Day is Tuesday, 9/3!! We will be working to elect our endorsed labor champions before, during, and after primary day! To kick off GOTV week, join Women Build Boston in Cambridge Monday to support State Rep. Marjorie Decker! 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Km15WcTJJ2— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 23, 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:🌡️ ☀️ It is very hot. Make sure you are hydrating and know the symptoms of a heat stroke. #heatwave pic.twitter.com/eQCoY2MS3X— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Thank you to our amazing affiliates, sponsors, elected officials, and community partners for joining us for our 68th Constitutional Convention Welcome Reception! pic.twitter.com/iyMTdSliHN— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 26, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our President Mario Cilento, Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin, and the Vice Presidents on their elections! A special thanks to @NYSDOLCommish for swearing in our leaders this morning. pic.twitter.com/0suk9PNu6N— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 27, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:It’s easy to see where @johnlegend got his values when we find out he grew up in a @UAW @AFLCIO #union household. https://t.co/HPtJLOqJjN— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 26, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:The clock is ticking Boeing ⏰ @IAM751 and District W24’s contract expires on September 12. Boeing Machinists deserve a #FairContractNow. #Solidarity Read more 👇https://t.co/tFCm6fxtvM pic.twitter.com/JsrHVCMP9Y— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Unions are the best tool to stand up to the historic inequity & corporate greed we are up against. In 2022 unions won 76% of National Labor Relations Board elections, the highest rate ever. And unions are more popular with the public now than at any time since the 1960s.#LaborDay pic.twitter.com/lltdUBH44S— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 26, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:NEWS: Through our 2024 Scholarship Program, the Texas AFL-CIO awarded 25 grants of $1,500 each to an outstanding class of applicants.Thank you to the locals and members who made this possible through their generous donations.Read more: https://t.co/3M5bK7ZO1A— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Under Gov. Walz, Minnesota runs one of the most effective OSHA state plan programs. The state ranks fifth-lowest in the rate of workplace fatalities, significantly lower than the federal workplace fatality rate. https://t.co/FX4BpGhOm0— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 24, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/27/2024 – 10:37

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations Ratify New Contract

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations Ratify New 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.

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York ratified a new three-year contract.The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers. Additionally, members are maintaining their union health care plan with the addition of a new short-term disability benefit. Other highlights are an updated attendance policy that increases the grace period for being late, provisions protecting the right to call additional labor-management meetings during the year, work schedule transparency, upward mobility opportunities, protections for the current commissions policy and more.

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/27/2024 – 09:56

Saving Workers’ Lives and Limbs: The Working People Weekly List

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Saving Workers’ Lives and Limbs: 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.

Labor Leaders Stand Up, Show Out for Kamala at DNC: “The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the next vice president commenced with a wave of endorsements from the nation’s largest labor unions. On the very first night of the convention, an impressive gathering of union presidents took the stage. AFSCME’s Lee Saunders, SEIU (Service Employees International Union) President April Verrett, LIUNA (Laborer’s International Union of North America) President Brent Booker, Ken Cooper of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Claude Cummings Jr. of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), and Liz Shuler of the AFL-CIO stood on stage together, they displayed the power of unions.”NWSL, Players Reach New CBA That Includes Elimination of Draft: “The National Women’s Soccer League and its players agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that will grow salaries and further expand player rights regarding free agency and trades, the sides announced Thursday. The deal includes the elimination of the college draft, a first for a major North American professional sports league. The new CBA will extend the current contract, which was negotiated in 2022 and was set to expire in 2026, through 2030. Some of the new terms, such as the elimination of the draft and free agency for all players when their contracts expire, will go into effect immediately; others will begin in 2025.”How Tim Walz Saved Workers’ Lives and Limbs: “In 2023, with a narrow Democratic majority and working closely with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state legislature passed several innovative laws that greatly strengthen the safety and health protections provided to Minnesota workers employed in high-hazard jobs. These include: Protecting Workers from Ergonomic Hazards: About 30% of all serious injuries reported by employers to the Bureau of Labor Statistics are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These are injuries to the back, wrist, neck, or arm caused by exposure to lifting, twisting, repetitive motions, and other ergonomic hazards.”Union Leaders at DNC Push Back Against Trump Overtures to Organized Labor: “Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is highlighting its pro-union stance at the Democratic National Convention this week, pushing back against Republican Party overtures to organized labor at their own convention last month. It’s an attempt to refute former President Donald Trump’s claims that he will work with organized labor amid recent meetings with the president of the Teamsters union, and an effort by Harris to hitch onto President Joe Biden’s labor record, which includes being the first president to walk a picket line. Addressing the Wisconsin delegation to the DNC Wednesday morning, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su argued Harris had fought wage theft as attorney general of California, and would enact worker-friendly policies as president.”Venetian Las Vegas Reaches Tentative Deal with Workers for First Union Contract: “The Venetian Resort has agreed to its first union contract with more than 4,000 hospitality workers. The Culinary Union announced that a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday morning for workers at The Venetian and Palazzo. A contract ratification vote will be scheduled soon, according to a union spokesperson. Culinary and Venetian leadership reached an agreement in June last year for ‘card check neutrality.’ That meant the resort would not take a position as employees explored possible unionization.”University of Alaska and Graduate Student Union Reach Three-Year Contract: “A new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the University of Alaska and the Alaska Graduate Workers Association-UAW Union (AGWA-UAW) took effect on July 1. This is the first time the University of Alaska and AGWA have negotiated a CBA. The agreement comes less than a year after University of Alaska graduate student employees voted to form a union.”Union Leaders Frame Harris as Champion of the Working Class in Night 1 of DNC: “Union leaders championed Vice President Kamala Harris as the choice for working class folks in a series of speeches on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. ‘This election is about two economic visions,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO. Her union represents nearly 13 million American workers, she said.”Kamala Harris Names a Unionist as Her VP: “Just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris named Tim Walz as her running mate Aug. 6, AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler celebrated the pick in a press statement, calling Walz a ‘principled fighter and labor champion’ who’s not just an ally but a union brother. Walz is a former public high school teacher and football coach who has been Minnesota’s governor since 2019. As governor, he signed lots of pro-worker legislation, including: Paid family and medical leave and mandated paid sick days; A ban on noncompete clauses; A ban on employers from holding mandatory anti-union meetings; Letting teachers unions bargain over class size; and $2.6 billion in infrastructure investments.”The Rev. Barber: Kamala Harris Isn’t Just Listening to Workers. She’s Sounding Like Them: “With its rallies that pack arenas, Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has harnessed an energy that many have compared to Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Polls in battleground states indicate that the dynamics of the presidential race have fundamentally shifted, but skeptics question if the good vibes can last once the vice president starts to detail policy. Is this burst of excitement, they ask, just the momentary enthusiasm of voters surprised by an unexpected transition? When we pay attention to what Harris and Walz have already said, though, it’s clear they have tapped the energy of worker-driven movements that want to create an economy that works for all of us. The good vibes and the economic vision of this campaign are, in fact, deeply connected.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/26/2024 – 12:04

Service & Solidarity Alert: 17,000 AT&T Southeast Workers on Strike

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Alert: 17,000 AT&T Southeast Workers on Strike

We are CWA members on strike at AT&T Southeast because AT&T is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations for a new contract.We are a big part of AT&T’s success, but we have been at the bargaining table since June, unable to make any progress because of the Company’s bad faith bargaining.The National Labor Relations Act requires companies to bargain in good faith. We have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company and are on strike to protest the Company’s unfair bargaining tactics. We want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve and getting to work making sure every household and business in the Southeast has reliable high-speed internet service.Tell AT&T to show us the respect we deserve and get serious about bargaining.

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/26/2024 – 10:22

Tags:
Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Memphis City Employees Celebrate Across-the-Board Pay Raises and Bonuses

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Memphis City Employees Celebrate Across-the-Board Pay Raises and Bonuses

Employees of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, are celebrating much-needed wage hikes and bonuses they secured through the union they formed—a testament to the power of a union.They are celebrating $5,000 bonuses along with pay raises of at least 5%. Workers who keep Memphis’ hospitals, schools and roads running saw this increase last month.Employees of the city’s Solid Waste Department, who keep Memphis clean, saw pay raises ranging from 6% to 34%.Corrections officers and deputies saw raises of 6%.These well-deserved pay raises and bonuses are thanks to AFSCME Local 1733 members, who had been negotiating with the Memphis City Council since April and came to an agreement.Tomorrow Bonds, a member of Local 1733’s negotiations team and a crewperson in the Memphis Public Works Department, said that she and her co-workers were not going to back down from their proposals.“We came to the table with our proposals for the wage increases that we wanted, but the city kept turning it down,” Bonds said. “But we decided we weren’t going to take their counterproposals for less, and we wanted a fair wage.”On June 18, Local 1733 members ratified a memorandum of understanding that they reached with the city for these pay increases and bonuses to take effect on July 1.For Bonds, these wage increases are only the beginning. The fight for a livable wage continues.“It’s very important to me that everybody has a livable wage, and right now, we’re still not at a livable wage,” Bonds said. “But I can see that fighting for this pay increase has opened up a path for us to get there.”This post originally appeared on the AFSCME blog.

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/23/2024 – 10:02

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced their historic new collective bargaining agreement, which ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections, and other provisions that will help create a more equitable League. For the first time ever in American professional sports, this contract also eliminates the draft, empowering athlete workers to have a real say over their futures.“The new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a reflection of the collective power of the Players,” said NWSLPA President Tori Huster. “Together, we secured freedoms that empower the Players to have autonomy over their careers and in doing so, reshaped American sports.”“Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together. The revolutionary victories they secured—from eliminating the draft to requiring player consent for trades to safeguarding player health—advance the critical work of professional sports associations to let players decide what’s best for their families. Collective bargaining is a powerful tool in achieving women’s equality in any workplace, and these results are a testament to the visionary leadership of President Tori Huster, Executive Director Meghann Burke, Vice President Simone Charley, the bargaining committee and all members of the Players Association who are dedicated to creating a better, fairer League. The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!”

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/22/2024 – 09:58

More Freedom for Working People: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Posted in: AFL-CIO

More Freedom for Working People: 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:Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for July 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/myvtrd4Ufv pic.twitter.com/Ck1c3B8GWp— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 21, 2024AFGE:Thank you @RepMarkTakano for working tirelessly to improve our VA medical centers and the workplace rights of those who serve our nation’s heroes. pic.twitter.com/G2zo9Rqu5I— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2024AFSCME:ICYMI: AFSCME backs @KamalaHarris for president because she believe in “more freedom for working people,” President Saunders said at #DNC2024. https://t.co/86PYM4udOz— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 20, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Affordable health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are on the ballot this year. https://t.co/JVPEeqg7tB— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Day 2 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was just as exciting as the first. Representing the ATU were #DNC New Jersey Delegate International President John Costa, International Vice President Yvette Trujillo, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice… pic.twitter.com/wnkQQCx9pf— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 21, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Are you absolutely sure that you’re registered to vote?Couldn’t hurt to check. Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Flight Attendants save lives. We are aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense in aviation security. We are the first impression and the smile of aviation connecting the people of our nations.Happy National Aviation Day to Aviation’s First Responders! pic.twitter.com/EmNC7roE7l— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 19, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024Boilermakers:‼️ Breaking News: IBB announces leadership changes: https://t.co/QMz9Hcpvqq pic.twitter.com/kAnuH7Fuxz— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2024Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, Justin Guillermo, Jeris Orian, and Joe Ermitano from BAC local 1 Hawaii are working on the Wahiawa Civic Center!Thank you for your hard work!#Unionstrong #thebesthandsinthebusiness pic.twitter.com/wevdu6PwPL— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 21, 2024Coalition of Labor Union Women:Sylvia Lieberman Recalls First CLUW Convention. #CLUW50 https://t.co/Xt7NNGc6ki— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 19, 2024Communications Workers of America:🚨Strike Alert! 🚨CWA members at AT&T Southeast are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract. pic.twitter.com/qb4iCXdyzX— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 16, 2024Department for Professional Employees:ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024Electrical Workers:. @UnionSportsmen brings you Major League Fishing Angler Jesse Spellicy who shares five baits you need in your tacklebox. https://t.co/KrWt0oJ5uY— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Asbestos Memorial🕊️During the 2024 Officers Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, General President, Terry Larkin & former IVP, Anthony Ceraldi, visited the Memorial. ➡️Read more: https://t.co/NInou94huB #InsulatorsUnion #HFIAW #asbestos #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/VCyZzCTBAx— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 19, 2024Jobs With Justice:We just heard from union leaders at the #DNC. They are right—it’s time for workers to be able to freely organize w/o interference from billionaire CEOs, take home family-sustaining wages, and retire w/ dignity. #UnionYes @AFLCIO @AFSCME @IBEW @CWAUnion @SEIU @LIUNA— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 20, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Eliminating the Department of Education under #Project2025 would have devastating effects on our society and communities. Historically, authoritarian regimes target education to control citizens and impose conservative ideals, undermining democratic values. pic.twitter.com/tUtC8EWNZA— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 21, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:No Contract, No Cartoons.”After weekend rallies, The Animation Guild (TAG) started contract talks w/the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. “We’re defending the soul of this industry,” said TAG President Jeanette Moreno KingRead more: https://t.co/8ual57wPpt pic.twitter.com/SWpigI22g4— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 21, 2024Laborers:Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024Machinists:Celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, IAM Western Territory Locals united with community organizations in her honor. Their service magnifies the dedication Maria had for our communities. https://t.co/9aWtkhzpYc.— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 21, 2024Mine Workers:“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength…” – Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024Musical Artists:Save the San Francisco Symphony Chorus: Send a Letter to Management – https://t.co/OfUYN7k9AO pic.twitter.com/EJYjSxAAyT— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 19, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Are you keeping your contact information current on MyNATCA? It’s crucial for all NATCA members to regularly update their preferred contact details on MyNATCA to ensure they receive important communications.Visit https://t.co/snJux6foFR and log in with your credentials. pic.twitter.com/6Iys6A3Tey— NATCA (@NATCA) August 20, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:This #MemberMonday, we’re giving a shout-out to New Castle, PA Branch 22 carrier Bill Rubin. For Scott Collar, a customer with disabilities who lives on Bill’s route, the kindness that Bill delivers each day makes him more than a mailman – he’s become a true friend. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/nc2YQCgM1U— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 19, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:Coming up next month!#BringHumanRightsHome https://t.co/x6jgzPxeM6— NDLON (@NDLON) August 20, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:More workers than ever need paid time off for mental health conditions and are getting denied. Employers must support the well-being of their employees. That means investing in care. https://t.co/HeWXEO2RNu— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 15, 2024National Nurses United:Nurses met with @RevDrBarber today at #DNCConvention2024!We’re excited and honored to be fighting alongside such a powerful champion for working families. #NursesForKamala pic.twitter.com/pVInzv04cc— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 20, 2024NFL Players Association:Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning tackled back-to-school prep at a block party last week, where 100 kids and their families scored school supplies and a day of fun at the team’s training facility. 📚✏️ pic.twitter.com/mWm4Q4knai— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 16, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:Brent Booker, @LIUNA General President, says Trump made empty promises, while the Biden-Harris Administration delivered. As President, Kamala Harris will fight for the workers who are building America.https://t.co/zngunCZixh— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 21, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Standardized patients at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia are fighting for a fair contract!Tell university administrators to stop union-busting and pay them a fair wage! ↓↓↓ #UnionStrong https://t.co/KbvUUTanQ5— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 20, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:As we approach our General Convention, we reflect on each and every one of our members who have shaped the IUPAT into the strong and fighting union that we are today.For over 137 years, our members’ commitments and our union’s collective efforts have ignited a force of change… pic.twitter.com/EYtfCXqRkK— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 12, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024Pride At Work:Join us to organize this election season and ensure LGBTQIA+ worker power is a priority!Sign up here: https://t.co/jkPXJ0Ym8c #organize #solidarityforever pic.twitter.com/x1FtxpmvK7— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 19, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:.@RWDSU President @sappelbaum opens the 2nd @DemConvention Labor Council meeting. Asst. to the President Jessica Garcia who has spearheaded the planning led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. #DemConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/WQfY6rNCYY— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Certain weather conditions can be hazardous for roofers. Follow these tips to stay safe! https://t.co/4J2VP83XzI #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/XPjZABkM3D— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 21, 2024SAG-AFTRA:🎙️ “Voice Actor and Movement Performers, we love this work.” Check out the full Game Actors on Game Actors: SAG-AFTRA Panel At Comic-Con 2024: https://t.co/D7AguPJaC0 pic.twitter.com/sxkMuaMnSc— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 21, 2024Solidarity Center:“We will leave no one behind.”Amid victory against union busting after a month-long campaign, #Sofitel workers’ unions continue to lead the push for job security for all workers.🔗https://t.co/Oy6exvFsLu#StandWithSofitelWorkers #Philippines #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/qAN9sA8Suo— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 21, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨On Sunday evening, Adrian Szkolar – a member of the @CTnewsguild organizing committee – was fired. This comes a mere ten days after the guild went public with their union drive.Tell Hearst CT Media Group: Reinstate Adrian & recognize @CTnewsguild 👇https://t.co/8DjIkU4bh6— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 19, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:“As a union member, it’s important that we have candidates who support our values,” IATSE Local 720 (Nevada) Member Matt Kimball said.“Donald Trump crossed my union’s picket line in ‘04, and that’s something I can never forgive him for and never will.” https://t.co/SoqFek4XxA— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 21, 2024Transport Workers Union:pic.twitter.com/USvu57iqy2— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024Transportation Trades Department:The @seattletimes Editorial Board nails it with a message for the Washington State Ferry System: pay your workers! Low staffing levels, noncompetitive wages, and overworked @MEBAUNION marine engineers = compromised service. Read more: https://t.co/W4DjOzEPU8— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 20, 2024UAW:Cornell University has a $10 billion endowment. Management could easily afford to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. Instead, Cornell is attempting to union bust by encouraging retirees and faculty to scab.This is textbook corporate greed. @UAWregion9 pic.twitter.com/pyTIMaTxcx— UAW (@UAW) August 21, 2024Union Veterans Council:We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans’ legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024UNITE HERE:Hotel workers are at a breaking point – and thousands have now authorized strikes.Wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. Staffing cuts have made hotel jobs more painful than ever.But we know that when we fight, we win. pic.twitter.com/faAi8vrvTu— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock a wide variety of online degrees & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/BxpXkoA1kv— UFCW (@UFCW) August 20, 2024United Steelworkers:Congrats to USW Local 819, Pactiv Evergreen, in Turlock, Calif., for ratifying a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement after more than 18 months of difficult bargaining. pic.twitter.com/FaxuwJG75W— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 21, 2024Utility Workers:Louder for the folks in the back! 📣Every worker deserves the opportunity to join a union, and those with the lowest wages, fewest benefits, and the most unpredictable schedules have the most to gain by organizing! #UnionYeshttps://t.co/89SAkeba70— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2024Writers Guild of America East:A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum – and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/21/2024 – 08:10

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United

After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more.“It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/21/2024 – 08:03

Life Is Better In A Union: In the States Roundup

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Life Is Better In A Union: In the States Roundup

It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).

Alabama AFL-CIO:August 12, 2024 downtown Montgomery Alabama with a room full of labor leaders from across the state to endorse candidates for this years election and not one candidate #inattendence pic.twitter.com/IURccTxlrd— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 12, 2024Alaska AFL-CIO:When someone shows you who they are, believe them. https://t.co/2uNEll3ylH— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Arizona AFL-CIO:Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S. A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:#UnionizeCalifornia https://t.co/SC9fUNvGLG— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 15, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Management at Hearst have FIRED a union organizer in a clear case of retaliation. Tell Hearst to reinstate Adrian and recognize the @CTnewsguild! #UnionBustingIsDisgusting https://t.co/z0bDpceGI4— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:Today is Florida’s Primary Election, and polls are open from 7am to 7pm. If you haven’t already, go vote! pic.twitter.com/5yop33AyV9— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 20, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:#Thankful for all the #aviation workers #❤️ #AviationDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll https://t.co/UG5be23hhO— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 19, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:#unionsforharriswalz because life is better in a union. #1u pic.twitter.com/Ml3Em0jkQR— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Stage Hands Local 114 are celebrating their 120th Anniversary! Check out our story about the founders of Local 114 during the vaudeville era in 1905 & the rebirth of live stage events in Portland from the late 1970s to the present.https://t.co/kkNdFKjiXN @IATSE114 @IATSE— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:“Unions built the middle class” – @JoeBiden The Biden-Harris admin. has our backs every day: 15 million new jobs, billions in infrastructure, bringing manufacturing back home to America, and saving our pensions #DNC #ThankYouJoe #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarrisWalz @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/LtedLJq6Cw— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 20, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:This November, Michiganders will be faced with a choice between the candidates who stand with working people, and the ones who stand with corporate billionaires. We’re proud to announce our endorsements of pro-labor champions up and down the ballot.https://t.co/y5aSi4UGtS— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Under the legislation, which went into effect on July 1, companies in Minnesota are barred from entering into new contracts that contain restrictive covenants, which function like noncompete agreements but have previously slipped past the prohibitions. #1u https://t.co/70nFyktrVj— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:We’re voting YES on Proposition A to bring #PaidSickDays to MO and #RaiseTheWage to $15/hr by 2026. It’s time to prioritize the people who keep our communities thriving. pic.twitter.com/vrFLf483e2— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 17, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:7️⃣9️⃣ days until the election! Thank you to everyone who came to our Superwalk kickoff in both Northern and Southern Nevada, our speakers who energized the room, and our volunteers who are spending their sunny Saturday knocking on doors & phone banking.LETS WIN THIS THING🗳️ pic.twitter.com/c81lHJo1Tu— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 17, 2024New Hampshire AFL-CIO:We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024New Jersey State AFL-CIO:At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Standing with our UAW family fighting for a fair contract at Cornell University today ✊ #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/VADRCuxUdU— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 16, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Get the @UAW shirt today! #UnionsForHarris #ItsBetterInAUnion#TrumpIsAScab https://t.co/vPfwhk88Pz— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 20, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Oregon workers are #StrongerTogether. Find out how to organize by going to https://t.co/WphIRB4ySr pic.twitter.com/dw4QrE9cER— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 18, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Glad you asked!In Pennsylvania, both the number of union members and the number of workers with union representation is the highest it’s been in over a decade. https://t.co/823aBSengh pic.twitter.com/sSj4PldTGa— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 20, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:See how we rep Texas workers at the DNC?Very demure. Very mindful. pic.twitter.com/z3GdrUcrLW— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 19, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:The WI AFL-CIO was proud to host a press conference this morning in support of Kamala Harris for President. Standing against the chaos and division of another Trump Presidency, we heard from Former Racine Police Chief Art Howell and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. pic.twitter.com/Uqu3ezOltH— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 16, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/20/2024 – 08:32

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike

Workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, ratified a new contract after striking for 14 months. The new three-year contract gives all workers a 30.5% wage increase, a return-to-work bonuses, an increase in banquet workers’ gratuities, transparency and other tip protections, and new health benefits. More than 85% of the union members voted in favor of the new contract.“This new agreement sets the union on a new path with Larco Hospitality, and we look forward to forging ahead in a productive and positive working relationship with them,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40.

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/20/2024 – 08:08