AFL-CIO
‘Stand with Grocery Workers Who Are Overworked, Understaffed and Underpaid’: The Working People Weekly List
‘Stand with Grocery Workers Who Are Overworked, Understaffed and Underpaid’: 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.
Wells Fargo Faces Labor Board Complaint Over Union Vote: “The National Labor Relations Board has accused Wells Fargo of illegally threatening and retaliating against employees and coercing workers to prevent fair unionization votes at a California branch. Most employees of an Atwater, California, branch who signed cards supporting unionization in December 2023 voted against unionization the following month, a regional director of the NLRB alleged, in a complaint filed Tuesday and seen by Bloomberg, The NLRB claims Wells Fargo coerced workers to vote against unionization. Wells Fargo has denied that allegation.”Chicago History Museum Workers Want to Join an Arts Industry Unionization Wave: “About two dozen workers at the Chicago History Museum have signed a letter saying they plan to unionize. In the letter, issued Wednesday morning, the employees said they are seeking clear communication from management and competitive wages. The move is one in a wave of similar organizing efforts at other Chicago cultural institutions. The workers are organizing with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME Council 31. Workers from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum and Newberry Library, among others, have joined that same union in recent years.”‘Stand with Grocery Workers Who Are Overworked, Understaffed and Underpaid’: “For too long, the hardworking union grocery workers of Southern California have been overworked, understaffed, and underpaid. These essential workers, who showed up day in and day out during the pandemic to keep our communities fed, now find themselves struggling to make ends meet. With inflation driving up the cost of living at an alarming rate, it’s time for major grocery corporations—Kroger/Ralphs, Albertsons/Vons, Stater Bros., and Gelson’s—to step up and provide the fair wages and benefits that these workers have earned. Southern California UFCW Locals are gearing up for what will likely be the toughest round of negotiations in decades. Bargaining with Kroger/Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons kicks off on February 13, with Stater Bros. negotiations beginning on March 6. Dates with Gelson’s have yet to be scheduled, but our message to all these companies is the same: Grocery workers are rising for our futures, our families, and our communities.”How Teachers Union Leaders Are Gearing Up for the ‘Resistance’: “Sure. So, ‘Resistance Committee’ is pretty much shorthand for ‘Committee to Help Everyone Have a Better Life.” I know that sounds very general, but AFT represents not just public education but also health care professionals and nurses. Particularly in this moment, where—you know, it began with hospitals and places of worship and schools being removed as sensitive sites—we really had to think about how we protect our students, families and patients.”SEIU Hospital Workers Ratify Contract, Avert Possible Strike: “SEIU workers at UPMC Washington Hospital and UPMC have agreed to a new contract. According to a press release, the contract includes average raises of 12% over three years, with some workers getting as much as 19% raises over the life of the contract. The union said the new contract ‘is major progress from UPMC’s original proposal of a 1% raise per year.’ ‘Our new contract will help us support ourselves and our families with the increased cost of living. This proves that when health care workers unite and take action—even at a small community hospital—we can create concrete positive change,’ said Melissa Duran, the chapter president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania at Washington Hospital, where she works as an EKG technician.”Federal Workers, Lawmakers to Rally at Capitol Hill to Protect Civil Service: “Hundreds of federal workers are expected to gather on Capitol Hill Tuesday afternoon for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) ‘Rally to Save the Civil Service.’ The event, part of AFGE’s annual legislative conference, aims to push back against efforts to politicize federal jobs.”Retail Unions Are Gaining Ground as Employee Dissatisfaction Grows: “Americans are increasingly taking the side of workers as public opinion has turned overwhelmingly pro-union in recent years. Fifteen years ago, only about half of Americans approved of unions. Last year, it rose to 70%, just one percentage point below the 71% hit in 2022. That was a historic high since 1972 when Gallup began tracking union approval ratings annually.”Union Leaders to Try Again on Rail Safety; Corporate Greed Sidetracked It: “Titus and Cassidy joined AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan, who organized the session, along with co-sponsoring Reps. Emilia Sykes, D-Ohio, and Chris Deluzio, D-Pa. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, sent a short video. All but Nehls discussed the massive Norfolk Southern derailment and venting of toxic chemicals into the. air and water precisely two years before, on Feb. 3, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. ‘The people of eastern Ohio have suffered so much from corporate greed,’ Sykes said. ‘Our greatest fear is a train derailment can become a mass casualty event. But we have yet to see meaningful reform out of Congress’ to force railroads to put safety and people over profits, said Regan.”As Off Broadway Crews Unionize, Workers See Hope, Producers Peril: “A unionization wave sweeping across Off Broadway is poised to reshape the economics of theater-making in New York—for workers as well as producers. Striking stage crews have idled the nonprofit Atlantic Theater Company—the birthplace of the musicals ‘Spring Awakening,’ ‘The Band’s Visit’ and ‘Kimberly Akimbo,’ which all transferred to Broadway and won Tonys. The strike, which began last month, comes amid a drive to unionize stage hands and crews at Off Broadway theaters. The drive is being spearheaded by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE, which represents workers on Broadway and in Hollywood. It has won union contracts at two long-running commercial Off Broadway shows: The crew of ‘Titaníque,’ a musical that spoofs the film ‘Titanic’ and the pop star Celine Dion, approved a contract last October, and the crew at ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ a revival of the sci-fi musical comedy, did so in January.”First Labor Official Ousted from NLRB in 90 Years Is Now Suing Trump. Hear Why: “Former National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox speaks to CNN’s Victor Blackwell after being fired by President Donald Trump, making her the first member of the board to be removed in 90 years. Wilcox called her firing “unprecedented” and has since filed a federal lawsuit.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/14/2025 – 11:16
Black History Month Profiles: Dominique Drew
Black History Month Profiles: Dominique Drew
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Dominique Drew of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Dominique Drew started in the union on her 18th birthday. And 22 years later, she’s built a rewarding career as an architectural metal and glass worker. When she discovered IUPAT’s Black CORE Committee, she had finally found a platform to make an impact within her union as a woman of color. She has flourished in her journey, becoming the co-chair of the Black CORE Committee, chairperson of CBTU’s Under 40 Leaders and co-chair of Leaders Under 40 NYC Chapter. Currently, she serves as a member engagement specialist for IUPAT.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/14/2025 – 10:09
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFT and NEA Rally to Protect Students and Public Education
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFT and NEA Rally to Protect Students and Public Education
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.
On Wednesday afternoon, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) rallied in Washington, D.C., to protect students and our public schools.Educators, parents, lawmakers and community leaders gathered to stand up for our schools in the face of funding attacks and policies that put politics before students. This demonstration came after the AFT held a press conference in the morning calling for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to be barred from accessing sensitive Department of Education data. “Inside the Education Department, the world’s richest man and his minions have been rifling through 45 million people’s private student loan accounts and feeding the data into artificial intelligence in one of the biggest data hacks in U.S. history,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “That’s why this week, we sued the Education Department, [Office of Personnel Management] and Treasury for violating the Privacy Act by improperly disclosing the sensitive records of millions of Americans to DOGE staff.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/14/2025 – 10:09
Black History Month Profiles: Chancelle Mulela
Black History Month Profiles: Chancelle Mulela
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Chancelle Mulela of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).Chancelle Mulela has been an IATSE Local 634 member for two years, working as a make-up artist. She has been a guest speaker with Reel Canada, a nonprofit organization based in Toronto dedicated to the presentation of Canadian films in Canadian schools, and encourages students to consider a career in film. She actively serves on Local 634’s DEI Committee and is currently working on establishing a young workers committee for the local.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/13/2025 – 10:18
Worker Wins: “Standing Together for the Future of Our Profession”
Worker Wins: “Standing Together for the Future of Our Profession”
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
First Avenue Workers Ratify Collective Bargaining Agreement: UNITE HERE Local 17 members who work at Minneapolis’ legendary music venue First Avenue and its six Twin Cities sister clubs have unanimously ratified their first-ever contract. The 230-person bargaining unit covers service and event staff across the seven different locations—a majority of whom are non-tipped workers. UNITE HERE reported that the new contract includes major victories for staff like wage increases, longevity pay, improvements to scheduling practices, better safety policies, protections for LGBTQIA+ workers and more. “I’ve watched a lot of my best friends leave the club because the job wasn’t sustainable or they didn’t feel respected, but this contract makes a lot of steps to change that,” said First Avenue event staffer Kyle Tappe. “I’ve been pinching money at the end of the month for as long as I can remember, and the raises will make things significantly easier for me.”New York Magazine Walkout Averted as Union Secures Tentative Deal: Editorial staff at New York magazine—who are part of The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003—have successfully averted a strike after reaching a tentative agreement (TA) Friday with parent company Vox Media. Members of the New York Magazine Union, which include writers, editors, copy editors, fact-checkers, photo editors, designers and producers, will be voting on the TA later this month. The deal includes double-digit wage increases over the life of the contract, a ratification bonus, safeguards against the usage of artificial intelligence and more. “Guild members fought for new contract terms that reflect their commitment to building a newsroom that recognizes the value they bring to New York Magazine and Vox Media,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York, in a press release. “Our New York Magazine Union members would not accept anything less than a fair contract that builds on the success of prior agreements and improves workplace terms and conditions. This contract more than achieves that goal.” PS Workers Win Recognition as Part of Vox Media Union: Editorial staff at PS (formerly Popsugar) have successfully won voluntary recognition from parent company Vox Media and are now members of the Vox Media Union, part of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE). The 20-person newsroom stood together with the larger Vox Media Union bargaining unit on the first day of negotiations to demand that they too be covered under the contract. The union, which now includes PS workers, are fighting for fair wages that keep up with the rising cost of living, a commitment to diversity initiatives, artificial intelligence safeguards and enhanced protections in the event of layoffs. PS workers said in a press release: “This marks a significant step forward in our efforts. We are encouraged that the company has listened to our concerns and made the right decision by voluntarily recognizing PS as part of the Vox Media Union. We look forward to joining our colleagues across the organization and are optimistic about a productive bargaining season ahead.” UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 has successfully won financial settlements from Union Kitchen and Mom’s Organic Market on behalf of members who have been victims of wage theft and discrimination, respectively. At the ironically named Union Kitchen, Local 400 filed a lawsuit in March 2023 against the boutique convenience store chain and its owner for withholding tips left by customers in its Washington, D.C., stores that were intended for staff. The settlement included $133,333.34 for 79 impacted members and a requirement for Union Kitchen to pay the union’s attorneys’ fees. After staff at the Mom’s College Park, Maryland, location voted to join the UFCW, management sent an email announcing pay raises and other workplace improvements for all employees except those at the newly organized store. This was a violation of federal law, prompting Local 400 to file an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge, which resulted in a settlement of $17,302.67 to compensate 74 workers. “Our union is committed to protecting workers from unscrupulous bosses who are willing to violate their employees’ rights and break the law instead of properly compensating them for their hard work,” said Mark Federici, president of Local 400. “We’d like to thank the workers who took a stand and participated in this lawsuit for holding Union Kitchen accountable for its unlawful practices.” President Federici also said: “Given its reputation and purported values, we expected much better from MOM’s Organic Market, so we were especially disappointed that the company chose to violate the law and discriminate against its own employees. But no matter the employer, our union will always fight to protect our members’ rights and hold bosses accountable for breaking the law.”Nurses at 3 Portland Legacy Hospitals Win Union Election: Nearly 2,300 nurses across three Legacy Health facilities in Portland, Oregon, have voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The decisive victories at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Randall Children’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center mean that workers are one step closer to being able to bargain over critical issues like patient care and safe staffing. This win comes as their fellow ONA members at Providence hospitals and medical centers across Oregon continue to fight for fair contracts that provide fair compensation and sustainable working conditions. “This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients, and our hospitals,” said Sarah Zavala, an Emanuel nurse leader, in a press release. “We’re ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible.”Denver Anti-Hunger Nonprofit Votes to Join Union: Workers at the nonprofit Metro Caring are celebrating their near-unanimous election to join the Denver Newspaper Guild, CWA Local 37074. Now organized under the name Metro Caring Workers United, a supermajority of the staff signed union authorization cards and requested voluntary recognition back in December 2024. The nonprofit was founded to help address food insecurity in the Denver-metro area and the staff who work there hope that by forming a union, they can better preserve the organization’s mission and sustain their critical work. “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the Metro Caring Workers United team as we worked toward certification of our union with the NewsGuild-CWA,” said Lucor Jordan, a member of the MCWU Bargaining Committee and founding member of the union. “While I’ve never been part of a union before, throughout my working life I’ve received the benefit of the work that unions put in over past generations protecting workers and helping to provide a safe, dignified work environment. I’m now proud to be part of a new chapter in the non-profit sector.”UP Health System–Marquette Workers Ratify First Contract: After months of negotiations, United Steelworkers (USW) members who work for UP Health System–Marquette recently ratified their first union contract. The unit includes staff who work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), care aides, lab assistants, payroll, IT, maintenance, office staff, and in other critical roles at the specialty care facility. Workers started organizing in 2023, with many expressing frustration with a decline in workplace satisfaction dating back to when the hospital was acquired by Duke LifePoint Healthcare in 2014. Contract wins include historic wage increases, higher on-call pay, capped annual health insurance premiums, improved safety protections and more. “UPHS Marquette is five blocks from my house,” said USW District 1 staff representative Bryan Fisher. “It’s the only Level 2 trauma center in the [Upper Peninsula] of Michigan. Our goal was always to attract and retain the best employees for Marquette residents. If I get taken to this hospital, these workers will care for me. I want a team of talented, fully-trained, well-compensated medical professionals administering care to our community.”UNITE HERE Fights to Pass Ordinance to Protect Job Security: UNITE HERE Local 1 members are celebrating a proposal that is advancing to the Evanston City Council that will give more job security to hospitality and food service contract workers at Northwestern University. The Worker Retention Ordinance would ensure that the essential workers who cook, clean and maintain the private research university will not be fired if their contractor is replaced. Just a few years ago, in 2018, hundreds of staff found their jobs in jeopardy when Northwestern replaced its food service operators with its current contractor, Compass Group. The city’s Human Services Committee unanimously approved moving the ordinance to council members on Wednesday after hearing testimony from several UNITE HERE members. “I’m proud to serve the Northwestern community. No matter who the contractor is, I deserve to continue working at the campus I have called home for so many years,” said Rosa Villaseñor, who has been a hospitality worker at Northwestern for 15 years.Lancaster Journalists Win Union Election: Journalists at LancasterOnline and the WITF public radio station voted to form a union this past Monday with The NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia, Local 38010 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). In 2023, the Steinman family, who owned LancasterOnline (LNP), gifted the news organization to the Harrisburg-based NPR affiliate, WITF. Workers planned to form a union after management laid off 10% of its staff one month after the new management took over. CEO Ron Hetrick had previously told news staff that the company wouldn’t reduce its workforce for five years. “When we approached the Guild in November, a lot of people were unhappy with recent changes in our leadership and in our newsroom,” said LNP investigative reporter Brett Sholtis. “But this quickly became about so much more than that. We want to make sure we’re able to keep serving the community. We all brought different things to the table, but we have been united in our belief that joining The NewsGuild is the very best way to ensure the future of news in Lancaster and central Pennsylvania for years to come.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/12/2025 – 13:01
Tags:
Organizing
The Time to Stand: What Working People Are Doing This Week
The Time to Stand: 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 are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Paul Robeson Award! Know an individual or organization that best exemplifies and practices the principles and ideals of Paul Robeson, please submit nominations by Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – https://t.co/bYVtsxMzdE pic.twitter.com/jIZosDKRMh— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 8, 2025AFGE:This is the time to STAND! Thank you for your continuous support @RevDrBarber. pic.twitter.com/xRb0K229J0— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 11, 2025AFSCME:HAPPENING NOW: We’re on Capitol Hill alongside@AFGENational, @NTEUnews, @TheNLRBU and union members to send a clear message to Elon Musk & DOGE — HANDS OFF public services! pic.twitter.com/reIhARICmt— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 11, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Expanding Medicaid actually helps spur economic growth! https://t.co/8qd9WHhYRc— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 10, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Make your Valentine’s Day Union-Made. #valentinesday #UnionMade pic.twitter.com/Q4sZhfnxMX— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 11, 2025American Federation of Musicians:AFM Stands United — Solidarity Across BordersThe American Federation of Musicians is proud to be a union that includes members in both Canada and the United States. Our strength is the solidarity between our two countries. We stand in opposition to any actions, whether from… pic.twitter.com/H4M84XoDfM— AFM (@The_AFM) February 5, 2025American Federation of Teachers:”We should not be fearful of the next generation. We should give them the support they need.” Watch & share:@rweingarten joined @TheRevAl on @PoliticsNation to discuss Trump’s attack on the Department of Education. https://t.co/8hSttwjgu4— AFT (@AFTunion) February 10, 2025American Postal Workers Union:In this latest podcast, President Dimondstein sat down with APWU leadership on a variety of topics: ▶️ Legislative/Political Director Judy Beard shares membership efforts that led to the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act; ▶️ Retirees Director Nancy Olumekor goes in… pic.twitter.com/UsbrysJGsA— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) February 10, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Proud to stand with our @AFGENational Union siblings in keeping corporate greed and billionaires OUT of the federal workforce! #1u pic.twitter.com/8XE0tcTcYx— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 11, 2025Boilermakers:As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we examine the #Boilermakers history. Read the first in a series about the Boilermakers, race and auxiliary lodges https://t.co/TIpuGjbKXD pic.twitter.com/Ey3BI5B0Eh— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 6, 2025Bricklayers:Trying to make college tuition cheaper? Apply for the US Bates Scholarship!The BAC annually awards three scholarships to students whose parents or step-parents are US BAC members. The stipends are $5,000 per year for up to four years.Full details here https://t.co/dEX5O569OY pic.twitter.com/wU2y21Gk0D— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) February 11, 2025Communications Workers of America:Last month, CWA members and retirees across the country took time to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For decades, CWAers have taken action to further the ideals of inclusivity and equity both within CWA and nationally. https://t.co/gqYUpcJcuK— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 9, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Watch Angela, an @OPEIU member at IRC discuss her experience talking to coworkers about forming a union pic.twitter.com/k6xqmHZTQx— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 10, 2025Electrical Workers:For the 33rd time, #IBEW broadcast professionals will bring the #Superbowl to the nation. pic.twitter.com/dPov4hYeVc— IBEW (@IBEW) February 9, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:A Lasting Legacy 🕊️Hear from members of Leadership, as we reflect on the life of Dr. Glenn Perušek’s & his positive contributions to our Union.➡️Read now on pages 16-17 in the Winter Journal: https://t.co/dNNp9AID3m#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride pic.twitter.com/N4xJ84osSh— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 7, 2025International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:Matt Biggs, President of the IFPTE, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing issues facing federal workers following the start of President Trump’s second term in office. https://t.co/UUv14tDn9e— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 3, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:📣 This week, the LCLAA Twin Cities Chapter hosted a community event to informed our members, workers, and their families, about their rights and how to be prepared during this challenging times 💪 pic.twitter.com/sq4BtUbD1Q— LCLAA (@LCLAA) February 7, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:LHT PodcastThe story of Carmelita Torres, the “Latina Rosa Parks,”https://t.co/n1iCoaillH pic.twitter.com/G4BJLA9N4i— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) February 9, 2025Laborers:#DYK? In 2023, #LIUNA members in Michigan took on #RightToWork and WON—bringing back prevailing wages for hardworking laborers!When we fight TOGETHER, we WIN. This is what we call union POWER in action! #FeelThePower #RTWisWRONG pic.twitter.com/1cW08YsMak— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 11, 2025Machinists:Labor will always stand up and fight back when we, the people, are under attack. This is OUR government. We want it staffed and stable. We trust federal workers who dedicated their lives to civil service over a billionaire EVERY DAY. pic.twitter.com/XOWAhslrVK— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) February 11, 2025Maritime Trades Department:Support for Domestic Maritime Evident in U.S. House Hearinghttps://t.co/gCTYeEj6HC— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) February 7, 2025Metal Trades Department:Groton-based submarine maker Electric Boat announces plan to hire 3K in 2025. About 400 new employees would work at the company’s shipyard in Groton. https://t.co/Mcyxz02BIF— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 4, 2025Musical Artists:AGMA Black Caucus announces February Meeting, honoring Black History Month. All Black AGMA Artists are invited to attend: https://t.co/kcflh0v9Ea pic.twitter.com/NIddZpXiBt— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 6, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:For February, the 2025 NATCA wall calendar features a photo of Allegheny County Airport and ATCT (AGC) taken by local member Dan Fostel. To have your facility featured in the 2026 calendar, submit photos here. https://t.co/eLpzliAG6F pic.twitter.com/YzXEQj19Jl— NATCA (@NATCA) February 11, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:The #StampOutHunger Food Drive is just 3 months away. 📅On Saturday, May 10, set out non-perishable food by your mailbox for your letter carrier to collect. Since 1993, the members of NALC have helped fill food pantries nationwide. We couldn’t do it without your support! pic.twitter.com/DO073cJEEF— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 10, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:Domestic workers in California won life-saving protections amid the wildfires. But there are still more health and safety protections needed for workers tasked with cleaning up hazardous waste. Read more in @MorePerfectUS’s Substack: https://t.co/LvvH9fpeGh— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 10, 2025National Federation of Federal Employees:Over the weekend, National President Randy Erwin joined CNN Newsroom Primetime to tell Americans why erratically downsizing the federal workforce would be a disaster for our members and the country.Watch now: https://t.co/Tdtcaay7e4 pic.twitter.com/QyatZiVC9g— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) February 10, 2025National Nurses United:Our first #MedicareForAll National Strategy Call of 2025 is rapidly approaching!Join us Wednesday to hear about how we can fight back against the many threats facing the public health care system under the new presidential administration.https://t.co/doWyaLKLYv pic.twitter.com/3BGON3Czh9— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 10, 2025NWSL Players Association:We stand with the LCMC Nurses and all @NationalNurses https://t.co/4vXx7Ztlcw— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) February 7, 2025NFL Players Association:Mental health is wealth 🧠Our first Be Well event brought together mental health professionals, equipping them with resources to best serve our player members through a panel, resource fair and breathing session. pic.twitter.com/ojhfIpTp8u— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 9, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:Workers know the truth: unions are the path to better wages, benefits, and job security.https://t.co/EtM05KAgzb pic.twitter.com/WJNld5DSqm— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 6, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Glenda Armstrong is a member of the General Association of Miramar Employees (GAME)/OPEIU Local 101. A former president of the local, Armstrong’s career has spanned nearly 30 years with the City of Miramar, Fla., and two decades with Local 101. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/PAAZGKCUQ7— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) February 7, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:DC14 held a 2-day Advanced Spray Class for journey workers and apprentices to practice and gain real-world experience with advanced painting technology. Our training centers are at the top of the industry by providing our members with skills and job readiness! pic.twitter.com/Q9PqQwdmK8— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 11, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Enacting the Retail Worker Safety Act we pushed for is critical to protecting our members & workers across the industry. @GovKathyHochul came by our packed Local 1-S Macy’s workers membership meeting today to speak with us about how the bill is being implemented & answer q’s. pic.twitter.com/C6UdaYeNEk— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 11, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:If there are cellular antennas on your job, you may be exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. One symptom of exposure to RF is dizziness, which can lead to a fall. Learn how to protect yourself: https://t.co/2Rv9mvICkO #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/4ZSNXpI1Xl— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) February 10, 2025SAG-AFTRA:SAG-AFTRA offers its condolences to friends & family on the passing of Tony Roberts, a former National & NY Local Board member. The Tony-nominee was an accomplished performer on stage & screen, & a distinguished union leader. #SagAftraMember since 1962 https://t.co/8TigJ0MZPZ— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 10, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):LA County members are gearing up, training, and getting strike-ready to take on unfair labor practices. When we fight together, we win! https://t.co/S2uweb0RTc— SEIU (@SEIU) February 10, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:📚🔥 We Are the Union by @_ericblanc is out now—and it features The NewsGuild!This book dives into the worker-to-worker organizing model that wins! RSVP here to join us for the book talk with the author and Guild members:📅 Feb 25th @ 6PM ET📍 https://t.co/uTeRY5ycfo— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) February 7, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW IS UNION MADE!Shout out to @kendricklamar, and all the performers and behind the scenes workers that made this go off without a hitch! pic.twitter.com/9Ialfeks1I— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) February 10, 2025Transport Workers Union:Keeping Miami-Dade Transit rail cars rolling. @Twu291Rail Car Mechanics and Technicians at work at the Lehman Center maintenance facility in the @CityofMiami @IRideMDT TWU 💪@TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/K4q9L3IVDm— TWU (@transportworker) February 6, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Labor history is black history.During #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor the sacrifices that black workers made for liberation, and the labor movement continues to fight for economic and racial justice. pic.twitter.com/H4LqsgB8Ug— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) February 10, 2025UAW:Yesterday, UAW President Shawn Fain spent time on the shop floor at his home plant, Kokomo Casting, Local 1166. President Fain visited with Region 2B Director Dave Green and Stellantis Department Director, Kevin Gotinksy. pic.twitter.com/rnnGmRxOnL— UAW (@UAW) February 11, 2025UNITE HERE:Super Bowl LIX is here, and we’d like to shout out the stadium workers of @unitehere23 who’ll be serving up all your game day needs. No matter who you’re cheering for, the bartenders, servers, utility, and concessions workers will make sure you have a great game day experience! pic.twitter.com/5a6tfDdaH5— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) February 9, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:UFCW members make #SBLIX happen! 🏈From UFCW Local 1546 Horween Leather workers crafting the footballs to grocery workers stocking your game-day favorites, we’ve got you covered for #SuperBowlSunday! pic.twitter.com/s2d5uwUSE0— UFCW (@UFCW) February 9, 2025United Steelworkers:Our Black History Month spotlights continue with Jennifer Beard! A true union activist since 2001, she’s president of Local 13-1327, involved in health & safety, Women of Steel, Veterans of Steel & more. She teaches because knowledge is power & honors those who paved the way. pic.twitter.com/msrboAyYvm— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) February 11, 2025Utility Workers:✊🏽✊🏻✊🏿✊🏼✊🏾 Sending #solidarity to Michigan State Utility Workers Council members who are gearing up, quite literally, for contract negotiations! #UnionStrong #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/c8ptWUZgc0— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 11, 2025Writers Guild of America East:We are thrilled to welcome workers at PS into the @vox_union after they won voluntary recognition from management!We continue to demand @thedodounion be included as #oneuniononecontract. pic.twitter.com/dqqWNACn4S— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) February 10, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/12/2025 – 11:33
Black History Month Profiles: Julian Ware
Black History Month Profiles: Julian Ware
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Julian Ware of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Julian Ware is from IFPTE Local 21, representing public sector workers across the San Francisco Bay Area. Ware serves as the vice president for Local 21 Oakland on the executive board, where he has served for the past several years. In addition to his roles as a board member, he continues his work as a steward. He has been an employee of the city of Oakland’s IT Department since 2002, performing spatial analysis to empower the community. Ware is a San Francisco native and continues to reside there with his wife and two children.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/12/2025 – 09:50
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at First Avenue and Sister Clubs Ratify First Union Contract, Secure ‘Big’ Raises
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at First Avenue and Sister Clubs Ratify First Union Contract, Secure ‘Big’ Raises
Christopher Bahn
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at legendary Minneapolis music club First Avenue and its six sister clubs in the Twin Cities ratified their first-ever union contract in a unanimous vote. The 230 event and service staff are now represented by UNITE HERE Local 17. In addition to First Avenue, the contract also covers Minneapolis clubs 7th Street Entry, Union Depot, and Fine Line, as well as St. Paul venues Fitzgerald Theater, Palace Theater and Turf Club. The three-year contract includes “big raises,” longevity pay, improved scheduling, training and safety policies and protections for LGBTQ+ workers.First Avenue, in its 55th year of operation, is one of the most hallowed music clubs in the country, because of its connection to Prince, who featured it prominently in his hit 1985 movie “Purple Rain.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/12/2025 – 09:30
Tags:
Organizing
Black History Month Profiles: Walter D. Andrews
Black History Month Profiles: Walter D. Andrews
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Walter D. Andrews of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Walter D. Andrews was born in Atlanta and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining Southern Bell in 1978. That same year, he began his activism with CWA Local 3204. Andrews made history as the first African American executive vice president and president of Local 3204, serving in these roles for nine years. He also held leadership positions with the AFL-CIO, CWA’s National Minority Caucus and other labor committees. Andrews’ long list of achievements includes receiving the Eugene Mays Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Joe Biden in 2024.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/11/2025 – 10:30
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 has successfully won financial settlements from Union Kitchen and Mom’s Organic Market on behalf of members who have been victims of wage theft and discrimination, respectively.At the ironically named Union Kitchen, Local 400 filed a lawsuit in March 2023 against the boutique convenience store chain and its owner for withholding tips left by customers in its Washington, D.C., stores that were intended for staff. The settlement included $133,333.34 for 79 impacted members and a requirement for Union Kitchen to pay the union’s attorneys’ fees.After staff at the Mom’s College Park, Maryland, location voted to join the UFCW, management sent an email announcing pay raises and other workplace improvements for all employees except those at the newly organized store. This was a violation of federal law, prompting Local 400 to file an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge, which resulted in a settlement of $17,302.67 to compensate 74 workers.“Our union is committed to protecting workers from unscrupulous bosses who are willing to violate their employees’ rights and break the law instead of properly compensating them for their hard work,” said Mark Federici, president of Local 400. “We’d like to thank the workers who took a stand and participated in this lawsuit for holding Union Kitchen accountable for its unlawful practices.”President Federici also said: “Given its reputation and purported values, we expected much better from MOM’s Organic Market, so we were especially disappointed that the company chose to violate the law and discriminate against its own employees. But no matter the employer, our union will always fight to protect our members’ rights and hold bosses accountable for breaking the law.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/11/2025 – 10:20