AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hundreds Rally Outside VA in Wisconsin to Stop DOGE Cuts
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hundreds Rally Outside VA in Wisconsin to Stop DOGE Cuts
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.
Union members and community allies rallied outside the Zablocki Veterans’ Administration (VA) Medical Center in Milwaukee on Friday to protest President Trump and Elon Musk’s cuts to our critical federal workforce.Workers at the medical center are members of AFGE Local 3, the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (WFNHP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 5000, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin. Even before these latest funding attacks, nurses, supply technicians, social workers, housekeepers and other staff were already sounding the alarm about low-staffing levels impacting patient care. A recent internal memo published by the Associated Press showed that Musk’s DOGE is pushing to cut an additional 80,000 jobs—a staggering 20% of the VA department staff—which would make caring for the approximately 62,000 patients that come through the Milwaukee facility every year even more difficult.“Quality health care is a critical need for our veterans,” said Monica Luecking-David, a nurse at the facility and the chapter president of the WFNHP. “None of us are disposable. The VA’s mission could not be achieved without each and every one of us.”“Federal workers and public sector workers make our country right in countless ways that too often go unnoticed until they are not there. And then our country will come unglued,” said Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/13/2025 – 09:53
AFT and AFL-CIO Respond to Department of Education Reduction in Force Announcement
AFT and AFL-CIO Respond to Department of Education Reduction in Force Announcement
Labor leaders and education advocates American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler condemned the Department of Education’s reduction in force announcement.
Weingarten said:Many of America’s global competitors — and adversaries — are no doubt cheering President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. They know that countries who out-educate the rest of the world will out-compete it. And now brand new Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Trump want to neuter, if not completely shutter, the entity that helps give all children in the United States access to the great public school education they deserve. On Tuesday, the department announced plans to cut nearly half of its staff. McMahon says these catastrophic firings, alongside hundreds of so-called “buyouts,” are about “efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers.” The reality is far more cowardly….A gutted department would mean fewer teachers, more crowded classrooms and increased mental health and behavioral challenges for students. We’d most likely see increased absenteeism and decreased graduation rates. Fewer students would be able to obtain the degrees or credentials they need for well-paying jobs, meaning more students would have to settle for low-wage work or simply drop out of the workforce. And many cities and states would have to increase school budgets to make up for these cuts, resulting in higher state and local taxes.Instead, this move sends a clear message that, in Trump’s America, only kids from wealthy families are entitled to opportunity. How does that help make America great?…My union will continue to fight to protect our kids and to fund their future, because it is both the smart and the right thing to do. Last Tuesday, we held over 100 events across the country to protect our kids.Diverting billions from our children to pay for tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy is a callous decision that short-changes everyone. If we want to engage kids, if we want America to be a nation of “explorers, builders, innovators [and] entrepreneurs,” as Trump said in his inaugural address, then logically it follows that we should be investing more in education, not less.The dreams of millions of kids, and the promise of America, depend on it.Read the rest of Weingarten’s statement.Shuler said:Firing half of the staff so that the Department of Education cannot function will jeopardize the resources, programs and protections that give millions of students the opportunity to succeed. Public schools are the cornerstones of our communities: they provide the free, universal education that working families depend on, feed and care for our kids, and create millions of good union jobs. The Department of Education provides critical support to educators and school staff, and financial aid and student loans that put college and trade schools within reach for working families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.Access to quality public education is a top priority for the American people, but billionaires like Elon Musk are pushing a Project 2025/DOGE agenda that only boosts the rich and powerful. We urge members of Congress to safeguard our taxpayer dollars by quickly acting to protect services that are essential to American life and provide vital support to our nation’s students, parents and educators.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/12/2025 – 12:53
Women’s History Month Profiles: Anna Rose Sullivan
Women’s History Month Profiles: Anna Rose Sullivan
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s 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 Anna Rose Sullivan of AFSCME.
For Anna Rose Sullivan, being a public defender is about fairness. Many of her clients lack the financial means to hire a private lawyer. Sullivan works every day to ensure that everyone—regardless of their economic background—receives fair and equal treatment under the law. And through her union, she and her co-workers have negotiated for sustainable caseloads so they can give each case the time and attention it deserves.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/12/2025 – 10:08
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers in Utah Ratify State’s First Cannabis Industry Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers in Utah Ratify State’s First Cannabis Industry Union Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at WholesomeCo in Bountiful, Utah, ratified a union contract, becoming the first cannabis industry workers in Utah to do so. The workers are members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99. The agreement provides guaranteed wage increases over three years; company-provided medical insurance coverage, dental and vision coverage; paid bereavement and parental leave; paid time off and paid holidays and meal breaks; and a ratification bonus. The contract covers delivery fulfillment agents, demand inventory agents, inventory compliance agents, pharmacy fulfillment agents, pharmacy agents and retail display agents at the Bountiful facility.Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin said the contract was “an important milestone not just for WholesomeCo employees, but for all Utah cannabis workers. With the ratification of this historic contract, WholesomeCo will continue to be a great place to work while helping raise the standard of living for employees industry-wide.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/12/2025 – 09:54
Worker Wins: Taking Back Their Power
Worker Wins: Taking Back Their Power
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Vestas Wind Techs Vote to Join UWUA: Vestas wind turbine technicians in Michigan voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to join Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 223, becoming the international company’s first technicians in North America to do so. Denmark-based Vestas is the largest wind turbine company globally—these newly minted UWUA members perform routine operations and maintenance on 128 different turbines, including major part replacements. Workers initially contacted the union about organizing, with concerns over work-life balance, training and the company’s safety culture. “These workers took a remarkable step forward to take back their power,” said UWUA National President James Slevin. “They were up against a strong anti-union campaign. The company pulled all the usual stunts to try to get them to vote against this union campaign. We welcome these Vestas wind techs to our membership, and we look forward to addressing their key concerns when we sit down to negotiate their first contract.”AGMA and Cincinnati Opera Announce New Contract: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Cincinnati Opera released a joint statement last week announcing the ratification of a new three-year contract. This collective bargaining agreement comes as the opera company is in preparation for its 105th anniversary Summer Festival that will feature the talent of AGMA members onstage and behind the scenes. Highlights of the deal include wage increases, improved workplace protections, new policies addressing core member concerns like artificial intelligence and more. “These negotiations were a testament to the strength and solidarity of the artists of Cincinnati Opera,” said AGMA Counsel Martha Kinsella. “We advocated strongly for meaningful wage increases and achieved the best contractual raises in recent memory. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our Negotiation Committee, which represented nearly all working groups, for their dedication, strategic thinking, and unwavering advocacy throughout this process.”Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Workers Ratify Contract: In a vote taken last week, production workers represented by The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, officially ratified their first union contract with Walt Disney Animation Studios. The unit covers production coordinators, production supervisors and production managers who first started organizing in 2022—the next year, a supermajority of production workers voted to join TAG. The newly minted contract includes victories like a pension, health care benefits and double-digit increases to minimum wage rates for all job roles. “In Hollywood, we love an underdog story. Our ratification was just that — the underrepresented and underpaid coming together and demanding better pay and equity with our artistic counterparts,” said production supervisor Nicholas Ellingsworth. “In the end, we were heard and seen, and we have a pathway to further improving the conditions in which production management works.”UAW Members at Ultium Cells Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement: Nearly 1,000 UAW Local 1853 members who work at Ultium Cells in Tennessee voted on Wednesday to ratify their first contract with the electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer. A joint venture of General Motors and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, Ultium Cells produces battery cells for EVs at a neighboring assembly plant. The agreement’s highlights include a one-time $3,000 lump sum payment and wages that align with what Ultium Cells workers make at a plant in northeast Ohio, which was the first to unionize. The wages currently start at $26.91 and include increases every year to reach $35 per hour by September 2027. “Ultium workers are setting the bar for Southern workers and charting a brighter future,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “From Georgia to Kentucky to Texas, folks in these new EV plants know they deserve fair pay and benefits, just like union workers before them. And you can bet the UAW is going to stand with them to make sure they get their fair share and a collective voice on the job.”Court Rules Trump’s Firing of NLRB Member Illegal: A federal District Court in Washington, D.C., ruled on Thursday that President Trump acted illegally when he suddenly terminated National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox. Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered her to be reinstated to the independent agency tasked with protecting the rights of working people to organize unions. “The court also sent an important message that a president cannot undermine an independent agency by simply removing a member of the board because he disagrees with her decisions,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people around the country count on equal justice and fair decision-making from an independent NLRB—and today, because of Wilcox’s commitment to the mission of the NLRB and her refusal to stand by as Trump illegally removed her from the board, the NLRB can get back to work.” Read AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler’s full statement here.Barnes & Noble Workers Win Historic Union Contracts: On Thursday, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) members announced that they have successfully ratified historic, first-in-the-nation collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at three New York City Barnes & Noble stores. These new contracts collectively cover more than 200 workers, including staff at the Flagship Union Square store located below the Barnes & Noble corporate headquarters. A central focus for members of the Barnes & Noble Union during negotiations was workplace safety—the union was also active in lobbying for the passage of the Retail Worker Safety Act. Highlights of the CBAs include wages increases, RWDSU-UFCW union health care coverage, language requiring de-escalation training and late night transportation, layoff protections, and more. “Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act. Today, we can finally say those safety protections are codified in their union contracts, which also include industry standard setting wage increases, union healthcare, and more. A union is the only way to ensure workplace protections are secure—especially now, while laws protecting workers are under attack.”Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals: After three years of bargaining and a walkout pledge, journalists represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, at six of the largest Gannett-owned papers in New Jersey and New York have reached tentative agreements. The APP-MCJ Guild and the Hudson Valley News Guild bargained separately but have been coordinating closely to secure victories for all the covered newsrooms. Wins include life-changing wage increases, strong salary floors, artificial intelligence guardrails, just cause provisions and more. “This agreement is a testament to their strength, tenacity and solidarity and should serve as proof-positive for other Gannett newsrooms, who should stop asking nicely and start using their collective power to demand what they deserve,” said Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis, acting unit chair of the APP-MCJ Guild. “We fought for Gannett to invest in our communities, and in us,” said Journal News reporter Nancy Cutler, acting unit chair of the Hudson Valley News Guild. “And we won.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/11/2025 – 13:07
Tags:
Organizing
Get Organized: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Get Organized: 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:Bravo to Executive Director @avincentjr on being recognized for his dedication to advocating for our members in @PoliticsNYnews 2025 Labor Power Players list. Check out the impressive list of labor leaders and advocates who made it this year. https://t.co/qzd9pbyNcy pic.twitter.com/qHnyavBELc— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 12, 2025AFGE:Our union is speaking out against cuts to education that will harm American children and school across the nation. pic.twitter.com/0CKD968Nex— AFGE (@AFGENational) March 11, 2025AFSCME:AFSCME stands in solidarity with @AFGENational and the 47,000 unionized TSA agents whose freedom to collectively bargain is under assault. This attack jeopardizes public safety. Together, with AFGE and the labor movement, we will keep fighting back. https://t.co/6zNOeyTmLd— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 12, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Social Security does not contribute one penny to the national deficit. Republicans shouldn’t be looking for “savings” by messing with Americans’ earned benefits. https://t.co/ze1MsUtDtn— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 11, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 770-Mobile, AL, mobilized to make their voices and demands heard. #ATUStrongerTogether https://t.co/PZsQUN4VnC— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 12, 2025American Federation of Musicians:News of the Trump Administration’s misguided trade war must remind us of our values and our mission. All musicians have the right to live and work in dignity. At every level of governance, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada remains committed to… pic.twitter.com/Tbd0DpSUso— AFM (@The_AFM) March 5, 2025American Federation of Teachers:The Trump administration is making changes to the #PSLF system. Thank you @washingtonpost for this helpful breakdown. 📰 https://t.co/JRTG1VanoT pic.twitter.com/LXFeeSlXji— AFT (@AFTunion) March 12, 2025American Postal Workers Union:Join us on our March 20 Day of Action as we make it clear to the country that the U.S Mail is Not For Sale! 📍Find an event near you! ➡️ https://t.co/SoZlz9HBsK https://t.co/Z5PoySKrCc— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) March 10, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:.@AFGENational TSA officers know security best — our country is safer when they have a seat at the table to bargain for economic security and improvements to the job. This is just another attempt to pull apart the government every way they can. https://t.co/semwtG7poZ— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 7, 2025Boilermakers:Community service is an excellent way for #Boilermakers locals to give back and boost their PR. See how L-146 helped out at WIN House: https://t.co/LcNgIdEPNZ pic.twitter.com/OSChhtcXu0— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 10, 2025Bricklayers:Is your company providing proper ladder safety training? Join the webinars provided by @American_Ladder to learn about the ladder safety standards and master essential ladder safety skills: https://t.co/kTNJF6NQZc#LadderSafetyMonth pic.twitter.com/RKCdTNgIou— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 12, 2025Communications Workers of America:CWA condemns Trump admin’s termination of TSA collective bargaining agreement.This illegal action puts the safety of the American public at risk, including 80K CWA members who work in the aviation industry as Flight Attendants & Passenger Service Agentshttps://t.co/Ks1IlgnLCV— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 7, 2025Department for Professional Employees:”We now have stools at the registers, locked-in raises and increased rates of pay for positions for three years, and an excellent healthcare package through the RWDSU for our booksellers and baristas that we are very excited about.” https://t.co/LT56jcuU1n— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) March 11, 2025Electrical Workers:Sam Taylor founded Taylor Electric Co. in 1922, one of the oldest black-owned businesses in the U.S. Taylor and a group of Black electricians first joined the #IBEW as less-than-full members before a pressure campaign helped them gain full membership. https://t.co/YlWbBivuf4 pic.twitter.com/yGip7STT0R— IBEW (@IBEW) March 11, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Celebrating on 125 Years! 🎉Members of Local 17 along with our International’s leadership members, including General President Terry Larkin, gathered to celebrate 125 years of history, solidarity, & what it means to be a part of Local 17.Local 17’s Business Manager Tom McGrath… pic.twitter.com/ZmAts52ZuD— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) March 11, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:📣 LCLAA National President, Evelyn DeJesus, and members of the LCLAA DC Metro Chapter proudly joined the opening of “Stories of Belonging”, a powerful photo exhibing showcasing the struggles of tepesianos (TPS holders) in their fight for justice pic.twitter.com/z2FzmD2grf— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 12, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:🎭 This Week’s Labor Arts Calendar just posted!📅 Tue: NoVA Arts Union Caucus🎤 Wed: Labor’s Partisans & BVOCAL🎶 Thu: Labor Heritage Power Hour📚 Fri: The Road to Rights: Domestic Workers & New Labor Activism🎬 Sun: Made In Ethiopia🔗 More info: https://t.co/5xK0MAWAEB pic.twitter.com/5hNEuJHWDP— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 10, 2025Laborers:From strategy sessions at HQ to powerful advocacy on the Hill, LIUNA Public Employees & Non-Construction (#PENC) leaders made their voices heard in DC last week.They met with Members of Congress to push for the PRO Act, Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, Service Contract… pic.twitter.com/wS4gaOivf6— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 11, 2025Machinists:The @IAMW3Center hosted another lunch for local veterans, as they often have done for several years, providing a social outing for the veterans. Members and W3 staff are honored to sit with the veterans to break bread and chat. ⚙️❤️ #IAMcaring https://t.co/Z7zoRRzyS9— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) March 9, 2025Maritime Trades Department:https://t.co/173YlFsyPTMTD Backs New Pro-Maritime Legislation— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) March 12, 2025Mine Workers:On January 16, 2025, President Roberts announced to the International Executive Board that he would be retiring at the close of the International Special Convention that will be held in October, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.https://t.co/yvaqn7tMIw— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) March 11, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Today, NATCA issued a press release calling on Congress to act now to pass a funding resolution and avoid a government shutdown: https://t.co/A0XIsg8muF#GovernmentShutdown #FederalWorkers #SafetyFirst #AviationSafety pic.twitter.com/XW0ESJlizi— NATCA (@NATCA) March 12, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:On March 23, we’re putting this fight on the MAP! Join letter carriers across the nation as we #fightlikehell for the universal service Americans rely on. 📢 We’re delivering our message, loud & clear: #HELLNO to dismantling USPS!Find your local rally ➡️… pic.twitter.com/nYQvUjxCgA— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) March 11, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:NEW JERSEY: Your knowledge of your rights is your power!Here’s everything you need to know about your #DomesticWorkersBillofRights, which went into effect on July 1, 2024:https://t.co/cCvYKoh960— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 11, 2025National Nurses United:Trans people have always existed — they are our patients, colleagues, neighbors, family and community members. They will not be erased, ignored, demonized, or ostracized so long as there are nurses in this country with the hearts to care for them! 🏳️⚧️❤️✊— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 7, 2025NFL Players Association:To the players of the UFL: We’ve got your back ✊ pic.twitter.com/0i6Pa2JOwF— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 7, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:Big paycheck. Safe job. Better benefits. This is what a union job gets you. pic.twitter.com/9VvCDeeTBN— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 12, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Congratulations to OPEIU President Tyler Turner on being elected to the @AFLCIO Executive Council. pic.twitter.com/UM1PmqusZk— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 12, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:If you look around today, you’ll see the faces of many women who have pioneered in our union and our skilled trades as the firsts.They have proven for decades that there is no limit to what women in our union can accomplish. pic.twitter.com/EB9j2XCplY— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 12, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Thank you @GerryConnolly for being a champion of federal workforce. Dedicated civil servants are under attack, their work for American people being demeaned. @PASSprezdc Dave Spero proud to stand with you to combat these relentless assaults. #federalemployees #publicservice pic.twitter.com/Wivov8MSuV— PASS (@PASSNational) March 7, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:CONTRACT VICTORY: congrats to @RWDSU Local 262 members in Union, NJ who make Smarties at Ce De Candy on their new 3-year contract! The agreement includes large wage increases and sees the employer picking up between 85-100% of the medical plan costs!https://t.co/NzddJB6H1L— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 12, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:Overdoses from opioids are on the rise. Learn about opioid addiction and how to prevent it at: https://t.co/qGkLyFBmK6 #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/HwKhDcI8sP— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 12, 2025SAG-AFTRA:🎮💪 #VideoGameStrike Update: The bargaining group would have you believe that we are close to reaching a deal. This is not the case. They are hoping our members will turn on each other. Read this comparison chart of A.I. proposals: https://t.co/pzZ3CV82jN pic.twitter.com/3QItbnclF3— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 12, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):“President Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s firing of 1,315 Department of Education workers is an all-out attack on our nation’s future and will roll back decades of progress to ensure that every student, regardless of race, gender, disability, family income or zip… pic.twitter.com/saNRPzgdhp— SEIU (@SEIU) March 12, 2025Solidarity Center:New way to stay in touch 🦋 ! pic.twitter.com/eW4SrLAuKG— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 6, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: A federal court ruled Trump illegally fired NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox and has ordered her to be reinstated. The courts are clear: the president isn’t a king, and labor law still matters.https://t.co/BSu6eFF8PT— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) March 6, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:BREAKING: 90 food and beverage employees at The Fillmore Philadelphia have overwhelmingly voted to join IATSE Local B-29!”For far too long, the hardworking staff taking your tickets, making and serving your drinks, and preparing your food have been treated as replaceable and… pic.twitter.com/RyoGnzEjQY— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 11, 2025Transport Workers Union:The TWU’s Future Leaders Organizing Committee is in Washington this week, learning critical arbitration skills and building relationships across all of the TWU’s industrial divisions! pic.twitter.com/nEzzHQKf0D— TWU (@transportworker) March 12, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Thanks for stopping by @CaHSRA! We were thrilled to hear updates about the progress on the largest infrastructure project in the U.S. from CEO Ian Choudri and Chair Tom Richards. pic.twitter.com/XQVscg2GzD— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 11, 2025UAW:Workers at the Volkswagen Parts Distribution Center in New Jersey know that there’s strength in numbers. That’s why they’re coming together to demand a voice on the job and to join the 4,000 VW workers in Chattanooga who joined the UAW last year.”There is a kind of fear in the… pic.twitter.com/ugLRbj8jwy— UAW (@UAW) March 4, 2025Union Veterans Council:The @unionveterans strongly opposes the dismantling of the Dept. of Education. Such actions are an affront to our democracy and threaten the educational opportunities of the most vulnerable among us, including minorities, those in poverty, and individuals with disabilities.— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) March 12, 2025UNITE HERE:This weekend, UNITE HERE Secretary-Treasurer Nia Winston and Local 634 President Nicole Hunt traveled to Selma, Alabama,to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a pivotal day in our history when brave individuals marched for voting rights on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. pic.twitter.com/OtHlQI4KOD— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 11, 2025United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:United Food and Commercial Workers:Applications for the Winter quarter of UFCW’s Free Foreign Language Program will open on March 20th at 1pm ET. Be sure to make your calendar, as enrollment is on a first come, first served basis! Learn more: https://t.co/61IC0Gx1LG pic.twitter.com/ipr2vMof3q— UFCW (@UFCW) March 11, 2025United Steelworkers:Back to Basics: Megan Butler of Local 7600 explains Communication and Action Teams (CATs)—rank-and-file volunteers who keep members informed and engaged. Megan and her local siblings were honored with the Groundwork Award for their work ahead of major bargaining this spring! pic.twitter.com/fTLgk9HXLQ— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 12, 2025Utility Workers:🥳 Congratulations to members of @RWDSU who recently ratified their first contract with Barnes and Noble! Over 200 workers now have codified safety protections, industry setting wages, and union health coverage. pic.twitter.com/Ug8gD7CEmg— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 12, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Take action to support our nearly 100 dedicated @MSNBCUnion members who were recently laid off. These highly skilled professionals are now being forced to endure the humiliating process of reapplying for their own jobs. Send a letter to @MSNBC mgmt: https://t.co/mrxCX40OfB pic.twitter.com/PbRtNPH8gE— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 12, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/11/2025 – 12:07
Women’s History Month Profiles: Helene Brown
Women’s History Month Profiles: Helene Brown
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s 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 Helene Brown of the Bricklayers (BAC).
“I began my journey as a tuck pointer in 1999,” said Helene Brown, a member of BAC Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois. “After 26 years of hard work and dedication, I now have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience as an instructor. Tuck pointing has allowed me to create a life and legacy that myself and my children can be proud of. I am proof that women can excel in a male dominated trade!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/11/2025 – 10:06
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Workers Ratify Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Workers Ratify Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a vote taken last week, production workers represented by The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, officially ratified their first union contract with Walt Disney Animation Studios.The unit covers production coordinators, production supervisors and production managers who first started organizing in 2022—the next year, a supermajority of production workers voted to join TAG. The newly minted contract includes victories like a pension, health care benefits and double-digit increases to minimum wage rates for all job roles.“In Hollywood, we love an underdog story. Our ratification was just that—the underrepresented and underpaid coming together and demanding better pay and equity with our artistic counterparts,” said production supervisor Nicholas Ellingsworth. “In the end, we were heard and seen, and we have a pathway to further improving the conditions in which production management works.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/11/2025 – 10:03
Celebrate Women’s History Month: In the States Roundup
Celebrate Women’s History Month: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:BREAKING NEWS: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security just revoked the right of 47,000 TSA workers to have a union. An attack on TSA workers is an attack on workers everywhere. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. https://t.co/cgTsEfBSxX— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 7, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:The California Federation of Labor Unions stands in strong solidarity with @APWUnational in opposition to President Trump’s plan to privatize the U.S. Postal Service.The Postal Service belongs to the people, not the billionaires. U.S. mail is NOT for sale! pic.twitter.com/cnSMU9zJRC— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 6, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:Thank you to US Congressional Reps @RepDianaDeGette & @pettersen4co for your vocal support for the #WorkerProtectionAct! 👏👏👏 #coleg @GovofCO @GovofCO Your proud support for pro-worker policy will make a difference in helping working families get ahead, not just get by. pic.twitter.com/RTGuNiUPxg— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) March 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:Progress may be slower than we like, but do not be deterred! As the federal judge wrote, “An American President is not a king”. pic.twitter.com/SPBg2B692n— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 10, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:We are deep in the legislative session. Legislation is moving in and out of committee and legislators are voting to advance bills that may eventually become law. Do you know how a bill becomes law? Check out this chart to learn more about the legislative process. pic.twitter.com/bbvaeIxOQu— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 9, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Women have always had to fight twice as hard as men for less rights, less pay and less respect in the workplace. As we celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth let’s recommit our fight for equality! pic.twitter.com/CqpYAMoan2— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) March 1, 2025Kentucky State AFL-CIO:Check us out! 💪 Thank you Governor Beshear for taking the time to speak with our UAW members at Working Families Lobby Day. https://t.co/AjmfU3xuLv— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 8, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:Unconscionable. The Trump administration has ended collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration airport screeners, including hundreds of TSA workers in Maine. https://t.co/R8HHaS66Po— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 7, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Happy #InternationalWomensDay! We celebrate and honor all of the women who have fought for workers’ rights and work every day to make our movement stronger. pic.twitter.com/OnGud1TPOW— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 8, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:Unfortunately, there’s no Schoolhouse Rock episode for when legislators hold bills hostage.But we do know it’s their job to send bills to the governor. And it’s the governor’s job to sign them.Help us pass pro-worker legislation: https://t.co/HLCYuDtE8X pic.twitter.com/8xVFODUEMQ— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 7, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:ALERT: The Minnesota House is taking up a bill to DELAY Paid Family & Medical Leave TODAY! Make sure your lawmakers know where you stand! #mnleg #PaidLeave https://t.co/Q1p9ugSE6x— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 10, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:Why should billionaires have more rights and advantages than the #Workers who create their wealth? The AFL-CIO is stepping up to combat corruption and #UnionBusting with the reintroduction of the PRO Act! Read more here: https://t.co/4SBV0XZxTt— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 9, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:Our Executive Secretary-Treasurer Susie Martinez proudly testified in support of SB 182, a bill to improve patient safety and working conditions for healthcare workers!SB 182 ensures safer nurse-to-patient ratios, saving lives and reducing long-term care costs. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/MfpHcOgSCM— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 7, 2025New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Thank you for your #Solidarity @RepGoodlander! https://t.co/ouNOzLQLVk— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) March 10, 2025New Jersey State AFL-CIO:New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:New York State AFL-CIO:”The labor movement in this state and across this country will always fight to protect our public schools, we will always fight to protect our public education system, and we will always fight to protect our children.” #ProtectOurKids pic.twitter.com/Mm8hI0oL6I— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 4, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:North Carolina Republicans are Trying to Throw Out College Students’ Votes to Steal an Election https://t.co/FVZwcGC6m1 #ncpol #1u via @TeenVogue— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 28, 2025North Dakota AFL-CIO:Take action for ND Kids: Universal Free School Meals for All ND Students. Write your Rep. here: https://t.co/BYu7A9emvu— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) February 6, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:This is what democracy looks like. There is no stronger force than worker #solidarity. We must not let Elon Musk and the billionaire class divide us while they conquer and raid our tax coffers https://t.co/B3k1sCw8Xq— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) March 5, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:In 2024, Fred Meyer workers represented by @ufcw555 went on strike. Noah Aasen, a Fred Meyer worker, shared the struggle of exercising his right to strike as a worker while facing the reality of lost income.#ORPol #ORLeg #SB916 #OregonLabor #OregonAFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Y6xXjs60UO— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 10, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Last month employers announced plans to slash 172,017 jobs, a 103% increase from a year ago and the highest February total since 2009. This isn’t putting workers first. This is leaving them behind.https://t.co/PqBcijS1fc— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) March 9, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:For Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting some of the trailblazing women who forged Texas labor!This week: Becky Moeller, the first woman to be elected Texas AFL-CIO President 💪 pic.twitter.com/tFgffq7Y88— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 5, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Today we celebrate International Women’s Day. The World Economic Forum says it will take 5 generations to reach full gender parity. Working women aren’t waiting until the year 2158. Solidarity with women around the world fighting for equality here and now. #AccelerateAction pic.twitter.com/VaI6yEOQt1— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 8, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:War heroes are among 26,000 images flagged for removal in Pentagon’s DEI purge https://t.co/u7NEhFatvJ— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 9, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/10/2025 – 10:49
Women’s History Month Profiles: Jessica Timo
Women’s History Month Profiles: Jessica Timo
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s 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 Jessica Timo of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. “Women’s History Month is important because it recognizes and amplifies our contributions, many of which have been overlooked or undervalued,” Timo said. “This month provides an opportunity to educate, reflect and inspire future generations to continue advocating for equality in the workplace and beyond.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/10/2025 – 09:57
Tags:
Women’s History Month