AFL-CIO
Solidarity is the Secret to Our Strength: In the States Roundup
Solidarity is the Secret to Our Strength: 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).
Colorado AFL-CIO:Immigrants’ rights are workers’ rights. When the Trump administration talks about deporting millions of immigrants, that creates an environment where our most basic rights and freedoms are on the chopping block.Read more here: https://t.co/SnQUNqmokt pic.twitter.com/xOxlxhww99— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:”16 states introduced legislation to roll back child labor protections since 2022 and 6 states enacted laws lifting restrictions.” -CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 on resolution to ratify amendment to the U.S. Constitution permitting Congress to regulate child labor pic.twitter.com/SuqGFyYm3y— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Art + Labor have long been connected. As a Union actor and @sagaftra member, Black History Month gives Alma an opportunity to talk about the many contributions Afro Americans have made to our country. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/vFmUejMW8u— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:“The 2 tier wage system creates resentment between employees. A lot of people were expecting the two-tier wage system to go away. I just think they neglected the newer people too much.” — NALC 391 Pres. Mark Rose https://t.co/avTnsUGhP1— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Meet Jeff Plaistead from @Ibew223, one of the many union members building the clean energy future in Massachusetts and across America. #CleanEnergy https://t.co/e4XODdweUA— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 3, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:The @afgeunion, the largest federal employee union, grew to a record size of 319,233 active members after adding more than 14,000 in the past five weeks. That’s nearly as many as the union added in the previous 12 months. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/2OIqWm9CE3— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:📈 Did you know union workers earn 10-30% more than their non-union counterparts? Plus, they enjoy job security, pensions, and healthcare that provide peace of mind for their families. 💙 Life is better in a union! #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/JmNuy3cjVb— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy first day of session! We are excited to work with legislators, labor leaders, and affiliates to help ensure that pro-labor bills are passed during Nevada’s 83rd legislative session. pic.twitter.com/7VRtNpnwq6— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 4, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:The Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body is crushing these calls in support of Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive. Great work! 👏 pic.twitter.com/heBhVdOt8O— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 7, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:#FMLA turned 32 this week—used 500M times—but the U.S. is still one of only 6 countries without a national paid family leave program. Workers in NC lose $914M every year due to lack of #PaidLeave. Time to demand what we deserve! #WorkersRights #PaidLeaveForAll #Unionize pic.twitter.com/K7u8zLSowg— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:Today is #SuperBowlLIX but the #Ohio @AFLCIO joined others at the @Tesla dealership in #Columbus to protest the attacks on working people. Was great to see young women who happened to be shopping join the protest. pic.twitter.com/1DzP2ULV8I— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 9, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:The ruling class will continue to try to divide working people.That’s why solidarity is the secret to our strength. pic.twitter.com/SoYScL6lFX— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Geisinger nurses are standing up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the respect they deserve. When nurses win, we all win! 💪🏥https://t.co/YncQqkSQOq— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 8, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:We’re getting ready to kick off our first Citizenship Clinic of the year!Thank you to all our union volunteers for showing up bright & early on a Saturday and @IBEW Local 20 for hosting 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/QdBHoQK0YA— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 8, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Throughout this month we will honor all those who came before us and those currently fighting for racial justice in the workplace and in the Pacific Northwest. We uplift Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, an independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement pic.twitter.com/XYxHmhGZCk— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/smuIsfQYgn— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 13:44
Black History Month Profiles: Denise Moore
Black History Month Profiles: Denise Moore
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 Denise Moore of the Industrial, Technical & Professional Employees Union (ITPEU/OPEIU).
Denise Moore began working in the dining facility at Joint Base Andrews in 1983, becoming an ITPEU/OPEIU Local 4873 member. Eventually, she was elected shop steward and, in 2008, became a union representative.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 10:03
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses at Portland Legacy Hospitals Organize with the Oregon Nurses Association
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses at Portland Legacy Hospitals Organize with the Oregon Nurses Association
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.
Nearly 2,300 nurses at three Portland Legacy hospitals (Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital) voted to organize with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Voting results showed nearly unanimous support from nurses at all three facilities, with about 599 nurses at Randall Children’s Hospital, 1,095 nurses at Legacy Emanuel and 596 nurses at Good Samaritan. The nurses will now negotiate their first union contracts.”This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients, and our hospitals,” said Emanuel nurse leader Sarah Zavala. “We’re ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 10:02
Black History Month Profiles: Allen D. Jones
Black History Month Profiles: Allen D. Jones
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 Allen D. Jones of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Allen D. Jones is a dedicated and accomplished member of IUPAT Local 1010, representing Leon County Public Schools Support Staff. With 34 years of service, Jones has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advocating for his fellow members and strengthening the union’s impact. For 24 years, Jones served as a steward. He then served as vice president for eight years. In recent years, Jones stepped into the role of local unit chair during a challenging time, when Florida passed anti-union legislation requiring public sector bargaining units to maintain 60% membership and creating barriers for members to pay union dues.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sun, 02/09/2025 – 10:22
Black History Month Profiles: Lois Carson
Black History Month Profiles: Lois Carson
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 Lois Carson of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4).
Lois Carson has been a secretary at Columbus City Schools for 37 years and works in the Department of Higher Education Partnerships. She is proud to serve as president of OAPSE, where she advocates for education professionals and students across the state. For years, Carson has fought to repeal Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, outdated rules that unfairly denied public service workers their hard-earned Social Security benefits. In 2024, after years of nonstop advocacy, the Social Security Fairness Act finally became law, thanks to the hard work of union members like Carson who courageously shared their stories.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sat, 02/08/2025 – 10:22
Black History Month Profiles
Black History Month Profiles
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.
Check out the union members we’ve featured so far:Raya FaggLatauna BigelowAndrea WinzerCharron CarterWade Dennis
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 10:46
Black History Month Profiles: Wade Dennis
Black History Month Profiles: Wade Dennis
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 Wade Dennis of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Wade Dennis grew up in the Bronx in New York City. After he graduated high school, he joined the Army and did one tour in Afghanistan as an infantryman. After his military service ended, he started a new career with Con Edison. He became a proud UWUA Local 1-2 member, eventually becoming a shop steward in his department. He was inspired to do more and ultimately received life insurance and securities licenses to help the middle class learn about investing and protecting their income. He was also elected as a financial observer.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 09:56
Defend Our Democracy: The Working People Weekly List
Defend Our Democracy: 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.
America’s Unions Sue DOGE, Launch the ‘Department of People Who Work for a Living’: “‘The government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, in the press release published Wednesday. ‘Elon is just getting started. And he has already tried to force workers doing essential services—including at the FAA and air traffic controllers even after the tragedy at Washington National Airport—to retire, gained access to the Treasury Department’s payment system with everyone’s private data, and is declaring entire government agencies like USAID shut down and blocking workers from accessing the building and their email.’ The organization pledged to doggedly report on how DOGE’s policies are impacting American workers.”Federal Worker ‘Deferred Resignation’ Program Temporarily Blocked: “‘We are pleased the court temporarily paused this deadline while arguments are heard about the legality of the deferred resignation program. We continue to believe this program violates the law, and we will continue to aggressively defend our members’ rights,’ American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.”AFL-CIO Pushes Back on Elon Musk’s Campaign Against Federal Workers: “The nation’s largest federation of unions is starting a campaign to push back on Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who has been empowered by President Trump to carry out a largely unchecked attempt to purge the federal work force. The campaign by the AFL-CIO. is called the Department of People Who Work for a Living, a play on Mr. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. ‘Government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,’ Liz Shuler, the AFL-CIO president, said in a statement.”Protests Against Trump and Project 2025 Are Planned in Cities Across the U.S.: “A movement to oppose the early actions of President Donald Trump’s administration is taking off online, with plans to protest across the U.S. on Wednesday. The movement has organized under the hashtags #buildtheresistance and #50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. Many of the protests are planned at state capitols, with some in other cities. The movement has websites and accounts across social media. Flyers circulating online decry Project 2025, a hard-right playbook for American government and society, and include messages such as ‘reject fascism’ and ‘defend our democracy.’”U.S. Court Upholds Biden Minimum Wage Order for Federal Contractors: “A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday upheld Democratic former President Joe Biden’s mandate setting a minimum wage that federal contractors must pay to their employees, which recently rose to $17.75 an hour. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans rejected claims, opens new tab by Texas and two other Republican-led states that Biden in the 2021 executive order overstepped his powers to regulate federal procurement.”Diversity Strengthens Our Workforce, Trump Attacks Weaken It: “It is disheartening to see that the Trump Administration has begun its effort to end DEI programs in federal agencies. Building diversity strengthens our institutions and we have made progress over the last several decades in advancing toward fairness and justice. Sadly, the attacks on diversity we are witnessing stand to not only halt that progress, but take us backward to a time when discrimination prevented so many of us from accessing opportunities afforded to others. In the Labor Movement, we have fought hard to make our membership look like the communities we serve, and we have come a long way in making our leadership look like our membership. Women and people of color have joined unions in increasing numbers and many of us have made our way to the very top to lead our unions at the local, state and national level.”Cambridge Health Alliance Clinician Union Wins Certification: “Cambridge Health Alliance clinicians won union certification Thursday, giving a bargaining unit of 230 physicians, physician associates, and psychologists the right to negotiate with the health system over working conditions. The union, called SHARE CHA/AFSCME, was certified by Massachusetts’ Department of Labor Relations about two months after 160 clinicians informed the state of their intention to organize.”For America to Maintain Competitive Edge, We Must Keep Clean Energy Tax Credits: “American clean energy is creating jobs and bringing cost savings for families across Southeast and Coastal Georgia. As a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), I know firsthand how important clean energy is to make our economy work for all of us. If we want to build back American manufacturing and keep our competitive edge over China, we need to invest in the energy of the future.”Inside the Fight for the First Whole Foods Union: “On Monday, workers at Philadelphia’s Center City Whole Foods Market voted 130–100 to be represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. It marks the first time an Amazon-owned Whole Foods store has voted to unionize—and it is one of the first major union elections of the second Trump presidency.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 09:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WITF, Newspaper Journalists in Philadelphia Vote to Join The NewsGuild-CWA
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WITF, Newspaper Journalists in Philadelphia Vote to Join The NewsGuild-CWA
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.
Journalists at public radio station WITF in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the LNP newspaper voted to unionize on Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). The vote was 39-10 in favor of joining TNG-CWA of Greater Philadelphia Local 38010. The unit comprises 57 members, and covers reporters, photographers, copy editors, deputy editors and other news production workers.Diane Mastrull, president of The NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia, said the vote came “amid hostile attempts by the company to discourage and intimidate. In central Pennsylvania, courage played out this week, with LancasterOnline employees standing up for themselves and overwhelmingly saying ‘yes’ to unionizing and recognizing their strength in numbers.”TNG-CWA and management will now negotiate an initial contract.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 09:55
Worker Wins: Corporate Greed is No Match for Working People
Worker Wins: Corporate Greed is No Match for Working People
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
UAW Members at Detroit Axle Ratify Contract: UAW members at Detroit Axle overwhelmingly voted on Saturday to ratify their new contract with Daimler Truck North America. The agreement covers more than 400 staff who build axles and transmissions for the automotive parts manufacturer. Wins include profit-sharing and cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) benefits, as well as wage increases up to 50% through the life of the agreement for some workers. “I would like to congratulate the hardworking membership and bargaining committee at Detroit Axle on this major win. This agreement brings long overdue financial gains for our membership at Detroit Axle,” said UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson in a press release. “UAW members in Region 1A are showing that corporate greed is no match for working people. When we stand together, we win!”PrimeFlight Fuelers in Orlando Vote to Form Union: Fuelers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) who are employed by PrimeFlight Aviation Services voted unanimously on Monday to form a union with the Transport Workers Union (TWU). PrimeFlight serves many of the major airlines that operate out of MCO, including Southwest, Delta, American and United. Workers handle a number of critical jobs that keep flights running on time like operating fuel trucks, connecting hoses and more. The newly minted TWU members have cited concerns like low pay, unfair working conditions and high workplace turnover as core motivations for organizing. “We are ready to negotiate a first contract that will address significant issues with wages, benefits, and working conditions for PrimeFlight Fuelers,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “PrimeFlight is a company worth billions of dollars yet basic needs for workers go unmet. These workers deserve better, and today’s vote shows they want the TWU to fight for them at the bargaining table.”Hockey Players’ Unions Join the AFL-CIO: Today, two of professional hockey’s North American players’ associations—the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA)—announced they are formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO and joining its Sports Council. “Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players. On the heels of SEIU’s affiliation last month, America’s labor movement is more unified than ever. We will continue to channel that strength and momentum into the fight for workers’ rights.” Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract: After months of negotiations, members of IUE-CWA Local 83761 in Louisville, Kentucky, have secured a new contract with GE Appliances. IUE-CWA represents approximately 5,000 production workers at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer and dryer manufacturer. Their new contract includes wins such as a 60% decrease in insurance deductibles, an additional holiday off, provisions establishing a career progression system that helps workers get regular raises with additional built-in wage increases at major milestones and more. “Trying to equally distribute what we can negotiate is hard…but everybody is getting contractual wage increases every year and that’s something we can continue to build on,” said Local 83761 President Dino Driskell. “We went through the four years so workers could see what their personal gains would be….We knew we’re going to take it, or we were going to be on strike.”WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News: Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) who work at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that contains powerful language protecting workers from the encroaching presence of artificial intelligence (AI). The unit secured meaningful provisions that prevent the news outlet from laying off any current staff as a result of generative AI usage and require management to alert members if the company plans to make the use of this technology a requirement in their jobs. Additionally, ABC News is obligated to bargain with the union over the impacts of any new AI practices. Other wins in the agreement include 5% annual wage increases, more paid time off and more. “Now more than ever, we need journalists who can report and present the news while they are protected in their workplace,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “A union contract is the only thing that ensures that protection. Our members and staff fought hard for this contract, and they deserve everything they won.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/06/2025 – 12:02
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