AFL-CIO

Worker Wins: What We Deserve

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Worker Wins: What We Deserve

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

NWSL Players Association Scores Historic New Contract: This morning, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced that they have secured an historic new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that 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. “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 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!” Read the AFL-CIO’s full statement here.Las Vegas Venetian Workers Win Historic TA with Major Pay Boosts: On Tuesday, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE—announced with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas that they have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new four-year contract. Before workers organized in June 2023 through a card-check neutrality agreement, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas—which includes both The Venetian and The Palazzo properties—had been a decades-long holdout under the previous ownership as the Las Vegas Strip’s only nonunion property. If ratified by members, this would be the first union contract covering the more than 4,000 food, beverage, housekeeping, bar, lounge and bell department workers at the casino resorts. A committee of more than 100 staff participated in every main table negotiating session and subcommittee meeting over the past year, resulting in a milestone TA with standard protections, such as health care benefits, language on increased worker security regarding sexual harassment and immigration, a pension and more. The deal also secured wins including the largest wage increases ever, workload reductions, daily room cleaning for guest room attendants, safety protections for workers on the job and recall rights. “I’m happy to have the union protections and voice we deserve,” said Sergio Javier Andrade, floor attendant at The Venetian Resort for 17 years, in a union press release. “This new contract is a game-changer for all of us—getting such a significant wage increase and a pension, is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and to see it happen this morning is exciting, and I appreciate the Culinary Union and The Venetian Resort working together to make it happen. We’ve worked hard for this for over a year, and I feel very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. By voting yes to ratify, we’re setting ourselves up for a better, more secure future.”WMATA Metro Workers Ratify New Contract: With 90% in approval, Washington Metro workers overwhelmingly ratified a new contract between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board and their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. The ratification vote took place Monday, and Local 689 announced Wednesday that the WMATA Board has concurred, making the new agreement official. ATU represents over 8,500 workers across the regional transit system who are indispensable in keeping the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area moving. The new contract includes major victories to improve members’ livelihoods, WMATA’s fiscal responsibility and system accountability. “The contract overwhelmingly approved by Metro workers is a huge win for the dedicated transit professionals who move our region day in and day out,” said ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “We negotiated a fair and equitable deal with the Authority ensuring our members continue to receive fair compensation they’ve earned while also enforcing accountability throughout the system. Notably, we were able to get retiree healthcare back for many of our members while also guaranteeing that everyone would see raises through the life of this contract.”Workers at Hyatt Regency Crystal City Vote Decisively to Organize Despite Anti-Union Campaign: Despite weeks of aggressive anti-union campaigning from hotel management, a majority of housekeepers at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, voted Friday to join UNITE HERE Local 25. After a supermajority of staff signed union authorization cards, housekeepers at the hotel filed for a union election on July 12. Hyatt then began an intensive anti-union crusade inside, which included regular anti-union meetings and distribution of anti-union literature. In the face of these attempts at undermining their organizing, workers picketed outside the hotel every Saturday with the support of labor allies and local lawmakers until their scheduled National Labor Relations Board election this past Friday. While the fight isn’t over, housekeepers are hoping that forming a union will help them address their workload and benefits concerns. “We are so excited and proud,” said Olga Ortiz, a housekeeper at the hotel and a leader on the organizing campaign. “It didn’t matter what the company threw at us—we stood strong and stood together. Now we are preparing to win our first contract with fairer workloads, higher pay and affordable benefits.”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.”New Mexico School for the Deaf Educators Form Union: Staff at the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) joined AFT New Mexico earlier this month, forming a wall-to-wall union at the Santa Fe campus. The New Mexico School for the Deaf Faculty & Staff Association bargaining unit includes all workers, from educators to bus drivers to administrative secretaries and more. The state Public Employee Labor Relations Board voted Aug. 6 to ratify the results of a union card-check, and the union has described the organizing process as a “relatively amicable” one. The workers who staff the school—which serves students from prekindergarten to 12th grade—really united over the need to secure wages that keep up with the high costs of living in Santa Fe. Funding for the institution comes from the state, but unlike other public schools, the NMSD doesn’t get money on a per-student basis. So, if the New Mexico Legislature passes a raise for teachers, it doesn’t necessarily mean these staff will receive a pay increase. Members are hoping that with the union, they can better negotiate for transparency and consistency in their salaries and benefits.Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority: Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract. The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term. “We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”Maine Can Now Order Employers to Pay Workers Back Pay and Damages for Missed Wages: A new law went into effect Friday in Maine that will give the state Department of Labor more tools to hold businesses accountable for failure to pay workers the wages they are rightfully owed. Aimed at fighting wage theft, this legislation empowers the Labor Department to order an employer to pay both the unpaid wages as well as damages equal to twice the amount of those wages with interest. The bill is a major win in the effort to combat a widespread issue. The Maine Center for Economic Policy reports that minimum wage violations in Maine amounted to an estimated $30 million in 2017. Additionally, they found that between 2021 to 2023, employers who were caught violating wage and hour laws paid an average penalty of just $9.61 per violation. To make it worse, only 10.7% of the assessed fines were actually paid. “In my 25 years working in the construction industry I have seen countless examples of disreputable contractors taking advantage of non-union workers and cheating them out of their hard-earned wages and benefits,” said Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member, Grant Provost. “When the punishment for violating wage and hour protections is just a slap on the wrist, companies have a perverse incentive to break the law and treat fines as a cost of doing business. This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work.”NLRB Rules in Favor of NPEU Over Member’s Illegal Termination: The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) is celebrating a huge win after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled on Wednesday that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acted illegally when it terminated a worker who was punished for raising concerns about poor working conditions at the nonprofit. NPEU, a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), represents professionals employed at more than 50 nonprofit organizations. An administrative law judge for the agency found that the ACLU did in fact violate the National Labor Relations Act by denying NPEU member Kate Oh a transfer and discharging her in retaliation for exercising her right to engage in protected concerted activities. As a remedy, the judge ordered the ACLU to offer her reinstatement and to make her whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits. “This decision sends a clear message: no one is above the law, including and especially powerful management officials claiming to champion civil liberties with their words while illegally doing the opposite with their actions,” said Oh. “I am deeply grateful for my union having my back and for an NLRB that seeks to vindicate workers’ rights.” Amy Chin-Lai, president of NPEU, added: “We are thrilled with the NLRB’s decision, which protects the fundamental rights of workers to advocate for better working conditions and speak out without fear of retaliation. Kate Oh’s dedication to her colleagues and her resilience in the face of unlawful treatment exemplify the spirit of our union. I am proud to call her a union sister. We look forward to finishing a first contract for all of our ACLU workers who fight for civil liberties, including Kate.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/19/2024 – 10:24

Tags:
Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority

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.

Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract.The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term.“We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/19/2024 – 10:04

Hitting the Picket Lines: The Working People Weekly List

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hitting the Picket Lines: 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.

Stark Comparison: Union Leaders Praise Tim Walz as J.D. Vance Tries To Rebrand GOP As Pro-Labor: “As a former high school teacher, Walz was once a union member himself. Long before Walz joined the national ticket, he helped make Minnesota one of the most worker-friendly states in the country. ‘He’s done great work here with labor, and we appreciate his willingness to always be at the table with us,’ said Bernie Burnham, the president of Minnesota AFL-CIO, the president of Minnesota American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). ‘When you see Tim Walz, you can see he’s as comfortable getting down the floor and talking to a toddler as he is listening to senior citizens and hearing about what their needs are,’ Burnham said.”Striking SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors To Hit Picket Lines for Second Day: “Striking SAG-AFTRA video game performers plan to picket outside Disney Character Voices Thursday—the union’s second picketing event since it walked off the job on July 23 to highlight a dispute it says focuses on an unwillingness by top gaming companies to protect voice actors from the emergence of artificial intelligence.”UAW Suit Against Trump and Musk Breaks New Ground: “Trump’s praise of Musk’s illegal firings didn’t surprise the AFL-CIO. ‘Scab recognizes scab,’ it tweeted. ‘Greedy bosses aren’t just laughing at workers in smoke-filled backrooms anymore,’ federation President Liz Shuler elaborated in a statement. ‘They’re broadcasting it for the world to hear. It’s no surprise coming from Trump and Elon Musk—two notorious union-busters who boast a combined record of crossing picket lines, underpaying workers, flouting health and safety laws, and retaliating against workers for demanding the rights and fair pay we deserve.’”Trump Gutted Federal Employee Unions. They Believe He’d Do It Again: “Labor unions are among Kamala Harris’ most fervent backers in her run for president, and federal employee unions especially so. Not only do they love her unabashed support for labor, they also fear what her opponent Donald Trump might do if he’s elected president again. It’s not hyperbole to say that since becoming vice president, Harris has played a key role in bringing federal employee unions back from the brink.”Walz Gives Remarks at Labor Union Convention in Los Angeles: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union at their convention in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon. The visit by the Democratic vice presidential candidate comes as the Harris-Walz ticket looks to solidify its base, including with organized labor. AFSCME is one of several major labor organizations, including other constituent unions within the AFL-CIO, that have given strong support to the Democratic Party ticket.”The Animation Guild Starts Negotiating with Studios: “Following a weekend of solidarity events, The Animation Guild (IATSE 839) officially began its contract negotiations yesterday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. TAG members and supporters turned out in droves at a rally in Burbank on Saturday (August 10), with support also pouring in online through the #StandWithAnimation hashtag. Industry veterans like Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack), James Baxter (The Lion King), Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe) were among an estimated 2000-plus attendees—more than double the crowd that showed up for a previous rally in March 2022. ‘To look out at this sea of people the weekend before we actually go in for negotiations was really inspiring,’ says storyboard artist Kaitrin Snodgrass (My Little Pony: A New Generation).”Recent Contracts Give Amtrak Workers Big Raises: “Two recently ratified contracts, one with the Transport Workers and the other with the Electrical Workers, have given on-board Amtrak workers and the passenger train system’s electricians historically large raises, the unions stated. Both contracts feature 34.1% compounded raises over seven years, retroactive to July 2022 and run through the end of 2028. The contract with Transport Workers Local 1460 covers 360 Amtrak on-board service workers, including train attendants and cafe car workers. Amtrak’s pact with IBEW’s of Railroad System Council 7 covers 1,200 electrical workers. ‘Amtrak on-board workers are a critical part of our nation’s transportation system and this contract includes essential quality-of-life wins,’ TWU President John Samuelsen said in a statement.”Woodland Park Zoo Workers Reach Tentative Agreement On New Contract: “The Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions, representing approximately 200 Woodland Park Zoo employees, has reached a tentative agreement with zoo management on a new contract, according to a statement released by the union on Monday. The agreement, which is fully recommended by the union’s negotiations committee, is now subject to ratification by the union members. The proposed contract follows months of negotiations centered on key issues, including affordable healthcare, equitable wages, and the long-term well-being of the animals. The JCC Coalition of Unions represents 34 different classifications of zoo workers, including animal keepers, veterinary technicians, carpenters, and laborers.”S&P 500 CEOs Made 268 Times What the Typical Worker Made Last Year, Report Says: CEO Payflation Strikes Again: “‘Today, the very CEOs who benefited most from Trump’s tax gift to the wealthy are making 268 times what their workers are making. And while corporate profits and stock prices surge, working people’s wages aren’t keeping up,’ Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement.”I Helped Organize An Architect’s Union: “Unionization in design industries is approaching a tipping point. In July, three different sectors achieved major victories for the labor movement. At Blizzard, a video game developer where other members have already unionized, more than 500 employees formed a ‘wall-to-wall’ union. Workers at the Apple Store in Towson, Maryland—the first such store to unionize at the world’s most famous design company—ratified their first contract. And finally, my colleagues and I at Bernheimer Architecture (BA) ratified the first collectively bargained contract at a private-sector architecture office.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/16/2024 – 10:25

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Crooked Media Union Members Unanimously Ratify Contract with Wage Increases, AI Protection

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Crooked Media Union Members Unanimously Ratify Contract with Wage Increases, AI Protection

Members of the Crooked Media union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), unanimously ratified their first contract, with gains including minimum starting salaries of $80,000, protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and a minimum of 49 days of paid time off. The $80,000 minimum salary rises to $84,000 in 2027 and the three-year agreement includes an immediate 15% increase to base salaries; 30 days’ notice from the company if AI is to be used; increased health insurance coverage; and a minimum of 13 weeks severance. The 61-member unit of Crooked Media produces podcasts, including “Pod Save America” and “Lovett or Leave It.”“Today, members of the Crooked Media Workers Union ratified its first contract with a unanimous yes and 100% participation. It’s one thing to talk about the power of unions; it’s another to actually do the work. We’re pleased to have secured a fair, progressive contract, and for those wins to set a new standard for the industry at large. If we inspire workers at one other company to stand up together, fight for each other, and insist on what they deserve, this has all been worth it,” representatives from the Crooked Media Workers Union said.

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/16/2024 – 10:12

Fed Up and Fired Up: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Fed Up and Fired Up: 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:Equity Endorses @ElissaSlotkin for United States Senate!“Rep. Slotkin has proven to be a strong ally to our members with her service in the House,” said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association.Read our full press release:https://t.co/jDQFd8iyls pic.twitter.com/AnufM4LPRA— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 9, 2024AFGE:AFGE activists are excited to discuss policies and shape our union’s future.#AFGERising pic.twitter.com/uM0nNw09Jv— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 15, 2024AFSCME:.@AFLCIO President @LizShuler makes it clear: Workers across America are fed up, fired up and waking up to the life-changing power of a union. We are organizing like never before! pic.twitter.com/3zc7hxhIqK— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 14, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:It’s official: Medicare drug price negotiation will save seniors and taxpayers billions. #InflationReductionAct https://t.co/5PEu7m3wNW https://t.co/mluVHRuPN9— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 15, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB calls on Winnipeg Transit to improve safety for riders and our members. #NotOneMorehttps://t.co/A5MLZfvKVo— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 15, 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, 2024American Postal Workers Union:Let’s Build A Better Post Office: Jacob O’Neil from NH is concerned about his local branch: “When my post office is down one or two clerks, it becomes a full blown postal crisis. We deserve more than one day off every two weeks.” Sign the petition: https://t.co/DQ2q2AvNJR pic.twitter.com/BUE5dTP0jT— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) August 10, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:”We have been standing up for good jobs & to push forward for American workers. [@KamalaHarris] is signing off on all of her rallies with “When we fight we win!” That’s a labor slogan, she’s showing through and through she is with labor.” @FlyingWithSara pic.twitter.com/CzQNDcszmB— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 12, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:In the latest #bctgmvoices podcast, B&C Pension Fund Manager Elizabeth Briere answers this question and many others about the future expectations of the B&C Pension Fund.Share this with your members and find the full Pension Q&A here 👉 https://t.co/KTh9BQxQqE #laborradiopod pic.twitter.com/ONaG3c4pjD— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 2, 2024Boilermakers:Our #Boilermakers 65th School for Workers Advanced Training Institute is happening this week with the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Here’s to a great week of learning for our brothers and sisters at SFW! 🎓 pic.twitter.com/p8aI02AAdI— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 14, 2024Bricklayers:Each year, the IL State Fair Twilight Parade marches through Springfield, announcing the annual 11 day showcase of Illinois agriculture and entertainment.@RepNikkiB was in attendance and showed her support of the BAC while taking a moment with Brandon Pittman from Local 8 of IL. pic.twitter.com/1Cp3KCfkJh— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 15, 2024Communications Workers of America:CWA members at the Penn Square Apple Store in Oklahoma City, OK voted YES to authorize a strike as bargaining over their first union contract has stalled. https://t.co/NDjOHVGq1j— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 12, 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:”Donald Trump called the Biden-Harris clean energy plan the ‘Green scam’ at the recent RNC convention. This plan is not a scam, and repealing it would pull the rug out from American workers.” – Ricardo Villafan, #IBEW Local 640 https://t.co/ehoNxeMTHV— IBEW (@IBEW) August 14, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Your mental health matters. We are proud to partner with Perspectives & Youturn to provide a program that is FREE to our members & their family — offering 24/7 support.➡️Learn more: https://t.co/Ev8xkylmMd #InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/RTMvCheXo4— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 15, 2024International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Executive Officers Welcome Tim Walz to the Democratic Presidential Tickethttps://t.co/fIqygxZHSO— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 6, 2024International Labor Communications Association:WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: our friends from @Time_of_Day Media will be presenting “From Memes To Member Power: Harnessing Paid Digital Advertising to Mobilize Workers and Win Campaigns.” Join us at the ILCA-CALM Mini Conference in NYC, Sept 5-7: https://t.co/mfkdKjxfZU pic.twitter.com/LqPoVu9LhP— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) August 1, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:2024 Labor Day Labor Arts Calendar Preview – NoVa Labor Book Club: Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism Tuesday, August 27; 7:30 PM via Zoom. Big tech has replaced capitalism’s twin pillars. pic.twitter.com/HyXfXJ3tBY— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 15, 2024Laborers:#LIUNA has always stood strong defending our rights and will continue to protect our livelihoods for generations to come. #FeelThePower #MarchToAMillion pic.twitter.com/Z84Bp27d6S— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 15, 2024Machinists:Happening this am 28 @IAMDistrict141 Remote Reservations agents are participating in a Reservations Summit at the @IAMW3Center . The week long class will be sharing information topics such as Grievance handling at the third step level and arbitration, EAP de-escalation… pic.twitter.com/8CRbT8ZtwJ— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 14, 2024Musical Artists:BREAKING UNION NEWS: AGMA Issues Do Not Work Order for Dallas Black Dance Theatre – https://t.co/wJzwJ5AYrc @TexasAFLCIO @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/qEdpqEhqqY— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 12, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Get ready to be at @NATCACFS 2024! CFS is the premier aviation safety conference uniting industry leaders, innovators & professionals. After August 18, hotel rooms in NATCA’s room block are no longer guaranteed and are subject to availability.https://t.co/fOeuta2WOI pic.twitter.com/B5N55UEqPK— NATCA (@NATCA) August 14, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:NALC is grateful for your support of the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 7629)! This bipartisan and urgently needed legislation is a crucial step toward keeping letter carriers safe on the job. Learn more at https://t.co/ylwbV47RZY. #EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/s9dbEpATe4— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 14, 2024National Nurses United:The nurses united will never be defeated! 💪 @nynurses https://t.co/o5wtG0evoH— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 14, 2024NFL Players Association:175 kids, 20 teams and a countless memories. Mike Evans gave back to his hometown community of Galveston, TX. and organized a free youth basketball league and camp. This campaign supported his “Mike Evans Family Foundation” which he and his wife, Ashli started in 2017. pic.twitter.com/BUc070UKBD— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 9, 2024Office and Professional Employees:When private equity takes over — at hospitals, newspapers, tech companies, or factories — workers and their communities bear the impact.PE’s domination of the video relay service industry — relied upon by Deaf and hearing-impaired people across the U.S. — is no different. 👇 https://t.co/6EB26ID6AE— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 7, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:We want to send a big shout-out to our members in DC 57 in Pittsburgh, PA, who volunteered to give a fresh coat of paint to the Adult and Teen Challenge PA recovery center, a rehab facility offering assistance to those in our community struggling with substance issues.This is… pic.twitter.com/BLBFaOGwcX— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 15, 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, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:”It’s really an emergency.” Sophia works the night shift at an NYC department store, and would feel safer if there were panic buttons.Sophia is calling on @GovKathyHochul to sign the #RetailWorkerSafety Act into law. Will you join her? Write your email: https://t.co/y4aig8N4PI pic.twitter.com/kypLMtqiaY— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 14, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:If you’re working 6 or more feet above a lower level, your employer is required to provide you with fall protection – learn more at: https://t.co/SS3wZ2YgbS #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/TVHPKx8hRW— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 14, 2024SAG-AFTRA:The video game companies offered insufficient and incomplete A.I. protections. SAG-AFTRA’s A.I. proposals include vital protections, and THAT is why we’re on strike until the employers #LevelUpTheContract. #VideoGameStrike #SagAftraStrong pic.twitter.com/qlPgBJlnsz— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 15, 2024Solidarity Center:Workers were denied the right to establish or join a union in 75% of countries. Freedom of association is a fundamental @ilo worker right. Every worker should be able to join a union. Period.https://t.co/5NtQVVRdBv@ituc#RightsIndex2024 pic.twitter.com/zcxmg4hPOJ— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 12, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:BIG NEWS 🚨Workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — the longest continuous strike in the US — are one step closer to winning their strike!The NLRB has filed an injunction against the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette over numerous labor law violationsRead more:https://t.co/zoapxvRkgF— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 15, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:IATSE Sisters are shining bright at the 2024 @ualelabor Women’s Summer School ready to learn, share, and lead.Strong women, strong unions! #UnionStrong #IAWomenUp pic.twitter.com/7xES5yp4RU— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 15, 2024Transport Workers Union:Under ⁦@MTA⁩ Chair Lieber, NYC’s Subway became more dangerous for Transit Workers. A @twulocal100 Trackworker was killed in Nov. @FTA_DOT uncovered 38 near-miss events involving workers in 2023 – up 58% from 2022. https://t.co/n5iTaJUIfJ— TWU (@transportworker) August 15, 2024Transportation Trades Department:Solidarity with @MEBAUnion as they call out chronic understaffing that has thrown the Washington Ferry System into crisis.Decades of underinvestment & poor management have created a dire situation that relies on overtime to keep the system afloat. https://t.co/Hqfm3mXjiV— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 8, 2024UAW:There is only one answer to the threat we face as a nation. The answer is solidarity.#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GPRS3O5Z7l— UAW (@UAW) August 9, 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:During the pandemic, companies thrived while workers suffered financial loss. Janal knows what a true family feels like – it’s when UNITE HERE members step up to fight for a better life. This year, 40K+ hotel workers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to do just that. pic.twitter.com/sbLb73XPCR— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 15, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:ICYMI: Dina Velasquez Escalante, a poultry worker and Local 663 steward in Minnesota, sat down with @workdaymagazine to share her thoughts on the fight to protect immigrant workers and experience in the industry.Full Story: https://t.co/yhTauHXd6U pic.twitter.com/hrKCcGfctm— UFCW (@UFCW) August 15, 2024United Steelworkers:Are you ready to vote on November 5? Whether you plan to drop your ballot in the mail or head to your local polling place – democracy needs you. Make your plan: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/dm0dK5WcS5— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 15, 2024Utility Workers:Members of @uwua_local_1_2 out early in the morning keeping the power flowing in New York City! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/dnp2L3HCin— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 15, 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
Thu, 08/15/2024 – 09:54

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Do Good Multnomah Workers Seeking Voluntary Union Recognition

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Do Good Multnomah Workers Seeking Voluntary Union Recognition

Late last week, shelter, housing, case management and behavioral health workers at nonprofit Do Good Multnomah demanded voluntary recognition after a majority of staff signed authorization cards to join AFSCME.Founded in 2015, Do Good Multnomah was initially created as a shelter for homeless veterans and has since expanded its services to other populations in the Portland-metro area of Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Staff at the shelter—which operates through contracts with the county government—work tirelessly to assist community members in crisis access transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, mental health services and other forms of support. Workers are organizing with Oregon AFSCME Council 75 to get the safety protocols, guaranteed leave time, fair wages and good labor practices they need to continue their critical work.“Burnout and turnover are synonymous with our field,” said case manager Davis Nafshun in an Oregon AFSCME press release. “While the work of getting individuals housing can be so rewarding, it’s also extremely demanding, and it is not made easier by extensive short staffing problems and a lack of resources. At our location, we have no air conditioning. The day-to-day life of both the people we help and Do Good staff would largely improve from having a voice at the table in the decisions made at our job.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/15/2024 – 09:38

Nothing Is Over Until It’s Over: In the States Roundup

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Nothing Is Over Until It’s Over: In the States Roundup

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

Alaska AFL-CIO:A median worker from @Abercrombie & Fitch would have to work starting in 4,053 B.C. in order to earn what the CEO made in 2023. For comparison, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built circa 2,560 B.C.View the 2024 @AFLCIO Executive Paywatch Report: https://t.co/JMkm20hjJT— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 8, 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:Labor Day is just around the corner. The California Labor Movement – organized by our Central Labor Councils – have events up and down the state. Make your plans to join your brothers & sisters on our state’s greatest holiday! https://t.co/hM8dz5ZSnB— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 14, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:Tonight we talk to Sophie Mariam, a labor policy analyst for the Colorado Fiscal Institute, about a study called The Rise of the Union Curious. https://t.co/M8v456DrPsLabor Exchange tonight KGNU 6:00 PM 88.5 FM / 1390 AM Denver and online on the podcast. https://t.co/xu9gEqEhK3— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) August 5, 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 need more of this from our leaders…and less weird culture war nonsense. https://t.co/I1QIkPU7He— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:🎉 Get ready for a day filled with unity and fun! Join us this 🗓️ Saturday, August 17th, from 1 PM to 4 PM for Solidarity Saturday hosted by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Metro Atlanta Chapter! #SolidaritySaturday #CBTU #UnionStrong #1u #AtlantaEvents #LaborRights pic.twitter.com/ixBiKlJ0Yu— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 13, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our Equity Director, Chynna Hampton, on her graduation from the Edgar Fellows! pic.twitter.com/YlVTnFTIoT— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Indiana State AFL-CIO:Gov Walz knows a thing or two about our values, because he lived them for years a member himself. https://t.co/GSg1EFDrMu— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 6, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:“This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work,” Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member Grant Provost said. https://t.co/TOGodfRLXi— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 12, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Join the Labor Movement in Milton on Saturday, August 17 to knock doors for proud @IUPAT_DC35 member and candidate for State Rep. @tonyking4rep.We will be meeting at 9:30am at Heritage Hall, 114 Granite Ave. pic.twitter.com/as47NosQOV— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 14, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Among MN’s publicly traded companies, Target, C.H. Robinson, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group & General Mills had the largest pay disparities between CEOs & typical workers in 2023, according to the @AFLCIO’s annual report on executive pay. https://t.co/5RffhBLCge #1u #Paywatch— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 12, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:206%: The increase in public and private spending on building manufacturing plants in the U.S. since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. Don’t take our word for it: https://t.co/JPg7ntt8E5 pic.twitter.com/dc572sGVZ1— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Nebraska State AFL-CIO:”Nothing is over until its over.” Kenny Merritt, President BCTGM Local 50G. We stand with you! #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong #1union pic.twitter.com/EcdS3GdHIO— Nebraska State AFL-CIO (@NE_AFLCIO) August 7, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:82 days until Election Day! We need your help canvassing and phone banking THIS WEEKEND. Two locations, lots of food, all the solidarity✊🏻✊🏼✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/0yYBkKQYqD— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 14, 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:Solidarity with our UAW family at Cornell University fighting for a fair contract! #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong https://t.co/BQwQQa6d7u— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 12, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:We’re with @votebraxton! “Despite running to represent millions of our state’s workers, Luke Farley is anti-worker, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, and is even opposed to federal heat safety regulations for workers.” https://t.co/NdESnoIFYl #1u #ncpol— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 12, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:To be clear, the biggest organization pushing to pass right to work laws, end public @AFLCIO unions and attack increasing the minimum wage is all in for Mr. #WageTheft @berniemoreno. Meanwhile, @SherrodBrown restored pensions to millions of Americans and pushes for the #ProAct. https://t.co/nYWP5dX9dM— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 11, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Stand with @OFNHP technical employees at St Charles Medical Center. They’re picketing on 8/15 to demand that management agree to common sense proposals that will help secure safe staffing and living wages for healthcare workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/PSWlGL1nST— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 10, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:“I believe there are blue-collar voters who are willing to listen. They want to hear facts. They want to hear about achieving real results. I do believe that Walz can reach those voters.” — President Angela Ferritto#Labor2024 #UnionVotershttps://t.co/sYyHALfhLT— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 13, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:We stand in complete solidarity with these incredibly talented performers who spoke up together through @AGMusicalArtist for better livelihoods. Nothing short of reinstatement and a fair contract is acceptable. https://t.co/19dRSD5HGT— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Congratulations to the workers at Woodland Park Zoo on reaching a TA on a new contract!@teamsters117 @Laborers242 @IATSELocal15 @IbewLocal46 @IUPAT_DC5 https://t.co/CGpapBB5xF— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 14, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Voters reject constitutional amendments seeking to give Legislature power over federal funds https://t.co/uVCV8nTBv9 via @madisondotcom— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 14, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/14/2024 – 09:52

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland Cannabis Workers Join UFCW

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland Cannabis Workers Join UFCW

Workers at the Apothecarium Dispensary in Cumberland, Maryland, voted 25-0 to organize with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. The workers are seeking to address longstanding issues, including poor wages, unaffordable benefits, safety concerns and a lack of support from the parent company, TerrAscend Corp.“The workers had been increasingly agitated about their pay and working conditions since TerrAscend Corp. bought Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary,” the workers said in a statement. “Working conditions at the dispensary have been abysmal since the corporate acquisition. Workers have had to endure leaking ceilings, bathrooms in disrepair, exposed electrical wires in the workplace and air conditioning that doesn’t properly circulate throughout the building.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/14/2024 – 09:09

Fighting Every Day to Improve the Lives of Workers: The Working People Weekly List

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Fighting Every Day to Improve the Lives of Workers: 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.

Project 2025 Exposed: Child Labor and Decimated Unions Promised with Trump’s Election: “Donald Trump took a private flight with the head of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, The Washington Post reports. Jody Calemine, director of advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joins Joy Reid to discuss the potential, destructive impact of Project 2025 on labor unions and the American worker.” (Learn more about how Project 2025 affects you.)What Is Tim Walz’s Record on the Economy? Look at Minnesota: “The AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest labor organization, praised the selection of Walz as vice presidential nominee. ‘We know that Gov. Walz will be a strong partner in the Harris White House, fighting every day to improve the lives of workers in communities across America,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement on Tuesday.”AFL-CIO Warns of CEO Payflation Crisis Fueled by Stock Buybacks, Trump Tax Cuts: “The largest federation of labor unions in the U.S. published a report Thursday warning that the country is facing a crisis of ‘CEO payflation’ as executive compensation at leading companies surges, a trend fueled by former President Donald Trump’s regressive tax cuts and record stock buybacks. The AFL-CIO’s annual report on executive pay shows that the CEO-to-median-worker-pay ratio at S&P 500 companies was 268 to 1 last year, meaning that ‘it would take more than five career lifetimes for workers to earn what CEOs receive in just one year.’ ‘This level of inequality is not sustainable,’ Fred Redmond, the AFL-CIO’s secretary-treasurer, said during a press call on Thursday. ‘Working people are sick and tired of politicians like Donald Trump pushing massive tax breaks for CEOs.’”Harris and Walz Are Showing Their Support for Organized Labor with Appearance at Detroit Union Hall: “Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to play up their support for organized labor during an appearance at a Detroit-area union hall as the new Democratic ticket lavishes attention on a crucial base of support. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Walz, who joined the ticket on Tuesday, plan to speak on Thursday to several dozen United Auto Workers members. After President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign last month and endorsed his vice president, organized labor quickly rallied around Harris. The AFL-CIO endorsed her after having first backed Biden. The UAW formally backed her last week.”Apple Store Workers Get First U.S. Contract: “Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a labor contract with the tech giant on Tuesday, after a year and a half in which bargaining appeared to stall for long stretches and union campaigns at other stores fell short. After the union announced the outcome, Apple said it did not dispute the result and was pleased to have an agreement. The contract, covering about 85 workers at a Towson, Md., store who voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022, will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years.”Storm King Workers Approve First Union Contracts: “Unionized workers at Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, have approved their first labor union contract, ending months of negotiations over benefits and better wages. Approximately 75 workers at the beloved sculpture park, home to large-scale works by artists such as Richard Serra and Alexander Calder, voted in June 2023 to join two units of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).”Iron Workers, Operating Engineers Locals Celebrate Topping Out of Eastbound Span of I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge: “Talented union members from Iron Workers Locals 396 and 392 and Operating Engineers Locals 513 and 520 recently ‘topped out’ on the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge project. The July 21 ceremony, marking the setting of the eastbound brdge, took place on a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Madison County, Ill. The new structure is being built directly south of the existing Chain of Rocks Bridge, and is the first of the project’s twin bridges to be built. Work on the westbound span is expected to begin in 2025.”UAW Local 282 Members End Strike at Lear with Tentative Agreement: “After a three day strike, UAW Local 282 members at Lear are back to work with a tentative four-year agreement that includes a 30% wage increase for production workers and a 35% increase for maintenance employees. The 460 employees, who make seats for GM vehicles, went on strike early July 22 for better health and safety protections on the job, higher wages and improved health and retirement benefits. The action halted production at the nearby GM Wentzville Assembly plant, which ran out of Lear-made seats.”UAW Leader Says Trump Would Send the Labor Movement into Reverse If He’s Elected Again: “Putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats’ chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November, the head of the United Auto Workers union says. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry and would send the labor movement into reverse if he’s elected again.”Workers at 4 Café Ceres Locations Vote to Unionize: “Baristas at Café Ceres have voted to unionize with Unite Here 17. The union, which represents service industry workers in Minnesota, announced the results of the election on Saturday, Aug. 3. Workers at four Café Ceres locations, as well as Colita, informed Chef Daniel Del Prado’s DDP Restaurant Group of their intention to unionize in June. The company did not voluntarily recognize either union, forcing a vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/12/2024 – 10:55

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: U.S. Rep. from Rhode Island Introduces Federal Bill to Crack Down on Wage Theft

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: U.S. Rep. from Rhode Island Introduces Federal Bill to Crack Down on Wage Theft

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island held a press conference last week to announce that he will introduce a bill to make wage theft a felony nationwide when Congress reconvenes in September.The Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act updates the legal framework for wage theft violations to be comparable with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Currently, employers who steal worker tips, pay them less than promised or deny them overtime, at most, face a misdemeanor or a fine under $10,000. Wage theft is already a felony in Rhode Island—thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly last year—and the local labor movement is applauding Magaziner for building on this success by taking the fight to the federal level. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple unions and pro-worker organizations, both around the state and nationally.“This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting workers rights and our entire economy,” said George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Wage theft is insidious, pervasive and comes in many forms—from failing to pay for overtime to distributing pooled tips to an employer or supervisor. This is a rampant problem that needs to be fixed at the federal level, and I applaud Representative Magaziner’s proposed legislation. It will provide a deterrence to unscrupulous employers exploiting workers so that law-abiding businesses can fairly compete and that workers can get the wages that they have duly earned.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/12/2024 – 10:18