AFL-CIO
Working People Mourn Labor Icon Dolores Huerta
Working People Mourn Labor Icon Dolores Huerta
Labor icon Dolores Huerta died yesterday. Here is how labor organizations commemorated her life and work.
AFL-CIO:Dolores Huerta will forever be a shining example of the best of the labor movement, embodying the fighting spirit of our unions and workers for generations. Her superpower was sparking workers to achieve what was thought to be unachievable. She was a catalyst for one of the greatest organizing efforts over the past century, catapulting the farmworker movement and ultimately winning huge victories that improved the lives of generations of working people. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she sat across from corporate agricultural growers and out-negotiated them to win historic agreements at a time when women of color were shut out of bargaining rooms. When fighting against an unjust, anti-worker bill in Arizona in 1972, Dolores responded simply, “Sí, se puede.” This became a rallying cry for the labor movement then and remains so today. At her core, Dolores was always an organizer. Whether in the fields of California’s Central Valley or the halls of Congress, she spent every waking hour organizing for social and economic justice to build power for workers—someone who stood up in the face of violent anti-Mexican racism and deep-seated misogyny, who endured and overcame death threats, arrests, and brutal physical violence, to give those with the least a fair shot at a better life. In her later years, she continued to be a champion for human rights, traveling all over the country to rally for women’s health, immigrant justice, labor rights and much more. Until the very end, she used her influence and powerful voice to continue fighting for those who were most vulnerable to exploitation and greed. Every time Dolores was at an event or rally or picket line, she was surrounded by droves of young people, many of them women and immigrants, who looked to her as their hero. Dolores looked to them as the future. This next generation inspired her every bit as much as she inspired them. Generations of young organizers got their start in this movement because of Dolores. It was, without a doubt, her biggest source of pride. Those young organizers are her legacy. Dolores will forever be missed, but her spirit lives on in all of us. She was, undeniably, one of the greatest organizers to ever live. The AFL-CIO sends our condolences to her family, friends and the millions of working people she inspired with her activism. Rest in power, Sister Huerta. Actors’ Equity Association (Equity): Today, Equity celebrates the life of Dolores Huerta and the decades of work she spent fighting for voters rights, fair contracts, and healthcare for laborers. “Si, se puede”—yes, we can. Dolores Huerta’s words and work will continue to carry labor movement forward.Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU):
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) President Sara Nelson:Our hearts are with the Huerta family and all of our farm worker siblings. Dolores Huerta gave us all of the empathy, care, and encouragement of a mother for workers everywhere, with a fierce love for people that fueled her principled, relentless, strategic action for results that lifted millions of workers and our families. She never gave up, she never gave in and she fought for a better world to her last breath.Through courage and determination, she helped change what the world saw as possible, who the world saw as deserving of rights and dignity. Every worker owes her a debt of gratitude. It’s a debt that we must pay forward by continuing to fight for her dream of a world where no human is exploited and no injustice is written off as someone else’s problem.We grieve the loss of Dolores on earth, but feel her strength in our hearts. And we know the extraordinary power she built by inspiring especially the most marginalized to own the power of our labor and act on love for our families, communities and a world big enough for all of us.AFSCME President Patrick Moran:Dolores Huerta spent more than 70 years proving that working people have power when we organize.She led boycotts that brought growers to the bargaining table and helped win collective bargaining rights for farmworkers. Understanding that lasting change only comes with political power, she helped people with no voice overcome barriers to the ballot box. She fought for immigrants, for women, and for every worker who had been told to wait their turn.Every AFSCME member who has stood up at work and refused to be ignored owes a debt to Dolores. She never quit, and neither will we.We send our love to her children and her entire family. We will honor her by carrying on her life’s work: organizing working people to stand together and demand better.¡Sí, se puede!AFT President Randi Weingarten and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus:Today, we mourn the passing of an American shero, a giant of the labor and civil rights movements and a remarkable woman whose extraordinary life was dedicated to lifting up working people, fighting injustice and giving a voice to those too often left unheard.Dolores Huerta showed us what courage looks like. She stood alongside farmworkers, fought for their dignity and fairness, and reminded generations that working folks united in purpose have the power to change their circumstances. Her unwavering belief in the power of collective action gave us a rallying cry that will forever live in our hearts: ¡Sí, se puede!We will forever cherish spending time with Dolores this summer at the AFT convention. Being in her presence was a powerful reminder that the movements we build are carried forward by the courage, conviction and sacrifices of those who came before us.Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our labor movement and our nation’s ongoing struggle for justice. She leaves us with not only a remarkable history of accomplishments, but also the story of the personal struggle and sacrifice she disclosed in the twilight of her life. She taught us the responsibility to fight for working families, protect the vulnerable, teach our children and build a better future for generations to come.Rest in power, Dolores. Your voice, your courage and your spirit will live on in all of us who continue this work.¡Sí, se puede! Siempre.Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Claude Cummings Jr.:Our entire CWA family is saddened by the passing of United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta, just a few weeks after commemorating her advocacy and leadership during Hispanic Heritage Month.For decades, Dolores blazed a path towards justice for immigrants, farmworkers, women, activists, and community organizers, and she will be remembered by millions for the impact she’s had on civil rights and the labor movement. She fought for marginalized workers during a time when no one thought her vision was possible. It was her tenacity for a better future that will continue to inspire not only myself, but also working-class people everywhere.My prayers are with the Huerta family during this difficult time. CWA remains undoubtedly thankful for the opportunity to have experienced her wisdom, and we will continue fighting for workers’ rights in her name.Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President Kenneth W. Cooper:America has lost one of its greatest champions for workers’ rights and the dignity of all people. The daughter of union members, Sister Dolores Huerta devoted her life to uplifting working people and fighting for the civil rights of every working person. Her contributions to organized labor and human rights have immeasurably strengthened our movement and our nation. The IBEW joins with her friends, her family and the entire labor movement in mourning her loss and celebrating her tremendous legacy. Her voice will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide the labor movement she loved.IAM Union International President Brian Bryant:The IAM Union mourns the passing of Dolores Huerta, a larger-than-life human and a civil and workers’ rights icon whose courage inspired us all. As a farmworker organizer and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she helped build a movement that changed lives and showed the power of people standing together.At 96 years old, Dolores stood before the AFL-CIO Convention this summer and urged us to stand together when human rights are under attack. She called on labor to stand at the forefront of the fight for human rights and dignity for all, saying, ‘Labor is going to be at the front…of the march to make that happen.’ She also told us never to forget those who fought for the rights we have today, including the Haymarket martyrs who were hanged for demanding the eight-hour day. Later, on her own time, she met with an IAM member who had been wrongfully detained by ICE.She knew the power of people. We will never, ever forget Dolores Huerta.International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matt Biggs:Dolores Huerta was a trailblazer within our labor movement and a leading champion for workers, particularly some of the most vulnerable workers in our nation. It would not be an overstatement to say that she was one of the greatest union organizers of our time, and someone who clearly understood that when we fight, we win. Whether it was leading the historic multi-year grape boycott that brought corporate agriculture companies to their knees, or leading the fight to beat back anti-worker, anti-union legislation while at the same time procuring legislation to give farmworkers the right to organize and collectively bargain, she was and will continue to be a giant of our labor movement. IFPTE mourns her loss. We will always embrace and live by the rallying cry she coined – Si, se puede!” (Yes, we can).Laborers (LIUNA) General President Brent Booker:The entire LIUNA family is deeply saddened by the passing of our sister and a true giant of our movement, Dolores Huerta. Dolores was the absolute heart of labor solidarity, teaching us that when workers show up for each other day in and day out, we are unstoppable. One in five workers in this country is an immigrant, and Dolores lived by the truth that an attack on immigrant workers is an attack on all workers. We practice solidarity at LIUNA, and we will honor her memory by waking up every single day and continuing her fight for working families. Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU):OPEIU honors the life and legacy of Dolores Huerta (1930-2026). Throughout her long life, Huerta bridged movements while fighting tirelessly for farmworkers and their families. Until the very end, Huerta displayed courage, resilience and solidarity to the highest degree. OPEIU and its members extend our condolences to the millions of people whose lives Huerta has touched.Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU): The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) mourns the passing of Dolores Huerta, a fearless organizer and civil rights icon who helped change the course of the American labor movement.Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to making sure working people were not powerless in the face of exploitation. She helped farmworkers organize, challenged powerful interests, and proved that when workers stand together, they can win dignity, respect, and a better future. Her fight for immigrant rights and economic justice helped shape a movement that continues to inspire workers and organizers today. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) issued the following statement:“Dolores Huerta didn’t just fight for working people, she helped show them their own power. She understood that justice is never handed down; it is won when people organize, stand together, and refuse to be silenced.“At a time when workers are being pushed to the margins and immigrant communities are under attack, her legacy is more than a source of inspiration. It is a call to action. We honor Dolores by continuing the fight for every worker to have a voice, a union, and the dignity they deserve.”RWDSU extends its deepest condolences to Dolores’s family, loved ones, and the countless people whose lives she changed. Her work is not finished as long as workers are still fighting for justice.Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President April Verrett:I’ve spent all morning thinking about what it takes to be the person in the room who keeps pushing after everyone else has made peace with the way things are. Dolores Huerta was that person for more than seventy years.She started out as a teacher. She saw children coming to school hungry, and she couldn’t look away, so she went out to organize their parents. She raised her own kids on picket lines. She sat across the table from some of the most powerful growers in this country and walked out with contracts that changed farmworkers’ lives. And for much of that time, the credit went to someone else. She kept going anyway, because the work was never about her.That’s what I want young people to know about Dolores. You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a title or give you permission. You don’t need the spotlight to matter. Dolores gave a whole movement its words, ¡Sí, se puede!, and she meant every one of them. Yes, we can. Not someday, not when conditions are perfect. Now, with what we have.Dolores understood something our movement can never forget: no one wins alone. Farmworkers and teachers, nurses and janitors, immigrant families and civil rights organizers, women demanding a seat at the table, our fights are united as one. Our SEIU family knows that better than most, because Dolores showed up for us again and again. She marched with fast food workers in the Fight for $15. She stood on our picket lines and at our rallies. At 89, she was arrested alongside SEIU home care workers in Fresno, demanding a raise for the people who care for our elders. Our members, so many of them women and immigrants doing work this country can’t live without, see themselves in her story. We stand where we stand because she stood first, and because she kept standing with us.So let’s honor her the way she’d want. Not with a moment of silence and then business as usual, but by doing the work. To her children and grandchildren and the whole Huerta family, to the Dolores Huerta Foundation, and to every farmworker carrying her fight forward: we are holding you in our hearts. Rest well, Dolores. You did your part. Now it’s our turn.UNITE HERE:The labor movement is stronger beyond measure because of Dolores Huerta. She was an organizing pioneer, especially in nonviolent direct action. She was a force of nature who masterminded boycotts, led strikes, and against what seemed like impossible odds, led the United Farm Workers to victory after victory.Many UNITE HERE leaders learned how to campaign and organize from Dolores directly. Throughout her life, Dolores was a fierce ally of our union and was always quick to lend her voice and talents to our campaigns.In the face of racist and anti-worker attacks, she remained dedicated to fighting for immigrant and worker rights. In 1986 during the Reagan Administration, she organized to secure the success of immigration reform legislation, winning a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. She was fiercely courageous at every stage of her life, including this year sharing her painful truths with the world.We channel her SI, SE PUEDE every day across our union, in one-on-ones, on picket lines and at canvass launches. Sí se puede drives us forward with the confidence that together, we can take on any power that seems immovable. In that spirit, we will overcome the decades of attacks on unions and build a labor movement that is stronger than ever. And even when we are daunted and scared, we will stay the course by reminding each other: sí se puede.Thank you, Dolores Huerta, for what you made possible, for the workers you sacrificed for, and for all of us who will fight on. May you rest in power.United Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME Local 3930 Executive Director Doug Moore: Dolores was larger than life, a force of nature, and yet somehow never made the work about herself. She was a leader in every sense of the word. She fought for all working people, regardless of where they came from, the color of their skin, or who they loved. She believed in the rights and dignity of all people, and she never stopped fighting for them. Her work organizing farmworkers forever changed the labor movement in the United States and inspired workers around the world. That work continues today through the United Farm Workers and across the labor movement. Her legacy will live on with every worker organized, every representation card signed, and every contract won. The world was fortunate to have a fearless leader like Dolores, someone whose example challenges all of us to do more. Her courage also meant confronting sexism and abuse within the labor movement itself. She never stopped standing up for what was right. Our work continues, and through that work, we honor Dolores every single day. Our hearts are with her family, her loved ones, and everyone mourning her loss. She will be deeply missed, but her impact will never be forgotten.United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Milton Jones:The entire UFCW family mourns the loss of labor icon Dolores Huerta today. An inspiration for workers and labor activists everywhere, she organized farm workers through walkouts, boycotts, and strikes that secured unprecedented victories for working people. Throughout her life, she fought tirelessly for immigrant workers, breaking barriers and advancing the rights of workers everywhere. Her legacy reminds us that the fight for labor rights and immigrant rights are one and the same.This past summer, Dolores continued to lend her voice to the labor movement, speaking at the AFL-CIO Convention in Minneapolis, the site of ICE operations that terrified workers and left two protestors dead. At the end of her speech, she led us in a chant of ‘Sí se puede,’ or ‘Yes, we can,’ the rallying cry she coined. She brought an energy and hope to the crowd that was nearly impossible to recreate, even in her 90s.Now, as immigrant communities face renewed attacks, Dolores’s legacy must serve as a rallying cry for all of us to stand with our immigrant siblings and continue the fight for justice and dignity for every worker. We must carry forward her tenacity and determination in the fight for workers’ rights. May she rest in peace.Utility Workers (UWUA) National President James Slevin:Yesterday we lost a pioneering labor and civil rights leader whose life’s work transformed the lives of working people across the country. Dolores Huerta demonstrated the power of solidarity and collective action, helping workers win dignity, respect, and a stronger voice on the job and in their communities.Her legacy extends far beyond the victories she helped achieve. It lives on in every worker who organizes, every union member who stands together for a better future, and every movement that seeks justice and equality. The impact of her leadership will continue to be felt for generations to come.Writers Guild of America East (WGAE):Today the labor movement mourns the loss of Dolores Huerta. The Writers Guild of America East and Writers Guild of America West honor a true champion of workers. Her legacy stretches from the historic campaign to organize farmworkers to speaking out about sexual abuse. Dolores has always been a powerful advocate for justice. The WGA was honored when she joined members on the picket line during the 2023 Writers Strike. Rest in Power. ¡Sí, se puede!California Federation of Labor Unions:
Colorado AFL-CIO:It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of union sister Delores Huerta from the United Farm Workers at the age of 96. Delores was no stranger to Colorado—joining workers from across the state to build strong unions. She also returned often to educate a new generation of organizers.She most recently fought alongside farm workers as Colorado’s legislature cut overtime by requiring farm workers to work a minimum of 56 hours before being paid any overtime. She helped pass Colorado’s Agricultural Worker Bill of Rights that finally required overtime pay for farm workers after years of racially motivated exclusion from those rules. That bill also granted collective bargaining rights and basic safety standards.She helped the United Steelworkers in Pueblo as they fought and won the long strike against Oregon Steel. The fact that steel is still being produced in the city, and by union workers, is a testament to her and many other organizers’ work.She was gracious and generous with her time. She’d complete a speaking event like the ones hosted at History Colorado with an exhaustive question-and-answer period followed by even more time spent with individual people who came up to tell their stories.Her legacy is too broad and deep to be fully explained here. She was a fighter, an advocate and a sister. She will be missed.Nevada State AFL-CIO:The Nevada State AFL-CIO is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist and union champion who dedicated her life to fighting for working people and farmworker rights. “President Liz Sorenson and I are only here today in our capacities as labor leaders because of the foundation Dolores Huerta created, ” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Susie Martinez. “She helped pave the way for generations of organizers, and her courage will continue to inspire us to speak up, stand together, and never stop fighting for working people. We honor her life by carrying that work forward.”Huerta’s legacy will live on through the generations of workers and organizers she inspired. The Nevada State AFL-CIO extends its condolences to her family, loved ones and all those who continue the fight for workers’ rights and social justice.New York City Central Labor Council President Brendan Griffith:The NYC Central Labor Council mourns the loss of Dolores Huerta, a giant of the American Labor Movement who spent her life fighting for workers’ rights, civil rights, and justice.Dolores understood the power of organizing, and she never stopped doing it. Just this past June, at 96 years old, she addressed the AFL-CIO convention. We were fortunate to hear her speak that day. Dolores reminded us that there was still so much work to be done. She spoke about the challenges facing our country, including unprecedented assaults on unions and immigrants, but she also spoke about the strength we find in standing together; and about her belief that we could come through these difficult times stronger.And she ended her remarks with a quote from the poet Pablo Neruda that I think is especially meaningful in these times: “They can cut all the flowers, but they can’t hold back the spring.”We’re grateful for her lifetime of leadership, courage, and commitment to working people. Her legacy will live on in the workers and communities she helped organize and the generations who will follow in her footsteps.Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.San Francisco Labor Council: The San Francisco Labor Council mourns the passing of Dolores Huerta, a legendary labor leader, fearless organizer, and lifelong champion of working people. Her death is an immeasurable loss to the labor movement, the farmworker community, and all those who continue the struggle for economic, racial, and social justice. Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to organizing workers who had too often been denied a voice, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity they deserved. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she helped build a movement that transformed the fight for farmworker rights and demonstrated the power of collective action, solidarity, and grassroots organizing. Her rallying cry, “¡Sí, se puede!” became a lasting call to action for generations of workers and advocates for justice. Her legacy also reminds us that the fight for justice must include the courage to confront harm, stand with survivors, and ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect. The San Francisco Labor Council extends its deepest condolences to Dolores Huerta’s family, loved ones, and all those whose lives were touched by her work. We will honor her memory through renewed commitment to the struggles she championed. Rest in Power, Dolores. ¡Sí, se puede! Texas AFL-CIO:“We are heartbroken over the passing of labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta, who never stopped believing in Texas workers,” said Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Lorraine Montemayor. “She believed that we could end anti-union laws in Texas. She believed that every person had the right to be who they wanted to be. And she believed in a better future for our state. Her legacy lives on in every single one of us, and she will continue to inspire the next generation of organizers.” “The only way that we can really free Texas is to go out there and do an awful lot of work,” said Huerta at a 2025 rally in Austin. “I know people say the eyes of Texas are upon you – the eyes of the world are upon Texas right now.” Washington State Labor Council President April Sims:Washington’s labor movement mourns the passing of labor legend Dolores Huerta. A fierce advocate for farm workers, Huerta’s legacy is found in the millions of working people who have followed her example to step into their own power and organize for a better world.As a founder and leader of the United Farm Workers, Huerta blazed a path for women, and particularly women of color, in organized labor. She expanded our idea of what leadership can be. For myself and countless others, Huerta showed that there is a place for us in our labor movement. She demonstrated the power of organizing rooted in our lived experiences.The enduring strength of the United Farm Workers is a testament to Huerta’s vision for a more just world. We honor her memory by continuing to fight to make that vision reality for farm workers and all working people.Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Today, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) joins the labor movement, civil rights leaders, and the Latino community in mourning the loss of Dolores Huerta, a beloved and unparalleled leader in the fight for workers’ rights and social justice.Una gigante in the farmworker and broader labor movement. An unapologetic, fiercely compassionate civil rights activist. A skilled, lifelong organizer and mentor. Dolores was all these things and so much more. Her courage, conviction, and audacity challenged traditional notions of a woman’s place in the labor movement and inspired thousands of farmworkers to put their livelihoods, and even their lives, on the line to demand the dignity, fair pay, and treatment they deserved.Dolores taught us that the fight for workers’ rights cannot be separated from the fight against racism, poverty, discrimination, and injustice. From championing women’s and LGBTQ+ rights to standing alongside marginalized communities, she showed us that organizing for justice is a lifelong commitment—and, above all, a labor of love. A labor that is often underappreciated. A labor that often asks more of us than we initially anticipated. But above all, a labor that is necessary and one that we cannot, and should never, carry out alone.In response to this heartbreaking loss, Evelyn De Jesus, LCLAA President, issued the following statement: “Dolores, hermana mía. Today, we mourn your partida with heavy hearts. Thank you for being an indomitable powerhouse, challenging all of us to ground our work in radical hope and joy. ‘¡Sí, se puede!’ was never just a rallying cry; it was a testament to the extraordinary power everyday working people hold when they refuse to be silent and dare to demand more from life, from our leaders, and from the systems that shape our lives.”Karla Pineda, LCLAA Executive Director, said: “I first met Dolores Huerta 22 years ago, during my first year at LCLAA and in the labor movement. Dolores was more than an icon of our movement; she was an inspiration, a mentor, and a powerful reminder that women, especially Latinas, belong at every table where decisions are made. She showed us that leadership is not about titles, but about lifting others, opening doors, and making sure the next generation has the courage and opportunity to lead. Her legacy lives on in every young organizer, every woman who finds her voice, and every worker who stands up for dignity and justice. Gracias, Dolores, por enseñarnos que ¡Sí, se puede!”As we approach consequential elections this November, Dolores Huerta’s life’s work reminds us of our shared responsibility and power to influence the decisions that shape our daily lives. Grounded in this truth, LCLAA stands on the shoulders of labor giants like Dolores, whose legacy continues to inspire our collective struggle and joy as Latino workers in the United States and beyond.While our movement cannot be reduced to a single person or moment in history, Dolores left an indelible mark on our collective efforts to forge a future where all workers, no matter where they come from or who they are, are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and have the opportunity to thrive, rather than merely survive.We extend our sincerest condolences to the Huerta family and remain steadfast in our commitment to carry forward this work—leading with heart, humility, and the unshakable belief that together, we can and will build a better world than the one we inherited.Labor Heritage Foundation:“She showed us that we belonged at the bargaining table, that we could lead, and that our voices could change lives.” On tomorrow’s Labor Heritage Power Hour—the Labor Heritage Foundation’s weekly radio show—co-host Elise Bryant remembers Dolores Huerta—United Farm Workers co-founder and one of the founding mothers of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, which Elise later led. Dolores died yesterday and on this week’s show we honor her with a remembrance and a special Labor History in 2:00. “Rest in peace and power, mi hermana,” says Elise. “We’ll keep organizing.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/29/2026 – 13:18
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at The Fresh Grocer Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at The Fresh Grocer Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152 members who work for The Fresh Grocer have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement.The contract covers meat, seafood and deli department staff at two Philadelphia-area locations. After approving the deal, members received immediate, across-the-board wage increases. Other wins include increased contributions to workers’ retirement savings plan, expanded bereavement leave and more.“Congratulations to members of Fresh Grocer on ratifying a strong new collective bargaining agreement that benefits everyone,” said UFCW Local 152 Recorder/Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders. “The workers now have higher starting rates, annual wage increases, additional paid time off, and they maintain their good union benefits.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/29/2026 – 10:18
AFL-CIO Honors Labor Icon Dolores Huerta
AFL-CIO Honors Labor Icon Dolores Huerta
The AFL-CIO released the following statement on the passing of labor leader Dolores Huerta:Dolores Huerta will forever be a shining example of the best of the labor movement, embodying the fighting spirit of our unions and workers for generations.
Her superpower was sparking workers to achieve what was thought to be unachievable. She was a catalyst for one of the greatest organizing efforts over the past century, catapulting the farmworker movement and ultimately winning huge victories that improved the lives of generations of working people. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she sat across from corporate agricultural growers and out-negotiated them to win historic agreements at a time when women of color were shut out of bargaining rooms. When fighting against an unjust, anti-worker bill in Arizona in 1972, Dolores responded simply “Sí, se puede.” This became a rallying cry for the labor movement then and remains so today. At her core, Dolores was always an organizer. Whether in the fields of California’s Central Valley or the halls of Congress, she spent every waking hour organizing for social and economic justice to build power for workers—someone who stood up in the face of violent anti-Mexican racism and deep-seated misogyny, who endured and overcame death threats, arrests, and brutal physical violence to give those with the least a fair shot at a better life. In her later years, she continued to be a champion for human rights, traveling all over the country to rally for women’s health, immigrant justice, labor rights and much more. Until the very end, she used her influence and powerful voice to continue fighting for those who were most vulnerable to exploitation and greed. Every time Dolores was at an event or rally or picket line, she was surrounded by droves of young people, many of them women and immigrants, who looked to her as their hero. Dolores looked to them as the future. This next generation inspired her every bit as much as she inspired them. Generations of young organizers got their start in this movement because of Dolores. It was, without a doubt, her biggest source of pride. Those young organizers are her legacy. Dolores will forever be missed, but her spirit lives on in all of us. She was, undeniably, one of the greatest organizers to ever live. The AFL-CIO sends our condolences to her family, friends and the millions of working people she inspired with her activism. Rest in power, Sister Huerta.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/28/2026 – 16:11
Your Voice Is Powerful: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Your Voice Is Powerful: 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 Association:Registration is now open for our fifth Solidarity School training: Using Your Powers for Good. https://bit.ly/4yUs5wY[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) October 21, 2026 at 11:47 AMAFGE:Thank you, Congressman @JamesWalkinshaw for your tireless support of AFGE members and federal employees!— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 26, 2026AFSCME:Midterm momentum in Michigan. Discover what AFSCME members in Michigan are doing to hold billionaires and corrupt politicians accountable and elect lawmakers with real plans to deliver for working families. https://t.co/06wpe88GWS— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 27, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:The Board of Directors of ALPA today reelected Capt. Jason Ambrosi to a second four-year term as president. Ambrosi, a Delta Air Lines captain first elected in 2022, has led ALPA through one of the most consequential periods in its 95-year history. https://t.co/u83AIuqhgq— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) October 28, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:📈💰 We’re struggling to pay for basics like gas, food, utilities… Trump’s response? “I don’t give a damn. […] We’re making a freaking fortune!” Question: Who exactly is making a fortune here? It’s not us… What would you tell Trump? https://t.co/vQ8ijYoTEV— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 28, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:The midterm elections are just over a week away. This is what’s at stake. Make your plan to vote @https://www.vote411.org #ATUVotes #VoteYourPaycheck #TransitVotes #OurRoutesOurVotes https://t.co/mA5JWimi7d— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 26, 2026American Federation of Musicians:Human Made, Human Paid is an advocacy campaign organized by the AFM to safeguard professional musicians and preserve human artistry against AI exploitation. Launched in response to the major record labels’ position during SRLA bargaining and their withholding of AI licensing revenues, this initiative unites musicians worldwide to defend creators’ rights. The campaign sets three core principles for any use of musicians’ work in AI training or output generation: consent, credit, and compensation. “The record labels cannot pocket profits built on the backs of human artistry while cutting working musicians out of the equation,” says Tino Gagliardi, International President of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. “Human Made, Human Paid is about consent, credit, and compensation. The AFM will not stand by and allow tech deals to bypass the very artists who made those music catalogs valuable in the first place.” Through the “Human Made, Human Paid” campaign, the AFM is rallying professional musicians and advocates to demand fair standards, transparency, and protective measures against unauthorized AI music generation and catalog exploitation. Take a stand against the unfair exploitation of musicians’ work by signing the petition at: https://t.co/BgamdPDAGr.— AFM (@The_AFM) October 23, 2026American Federation of Teachers:Who’s got the power? We’ve got the power! ✊ We’re excited to join our FL union family at @unitehere.org to kick off a canvassing session for pro-worker, pro-education, and pro-democracy candidates.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) October 27, 2026 at 4:53 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Your voice is powerful, but so is the consequence of not using it. Go vote. Make it matter. Learn more at https://t.co/ZMduNQtH3g. https://t.co/aX337n2H3Y— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 27, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Rest in power, Dolores Huerta ✊ https://t.co/Hy8m81EWo7— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 28, 2026Boilermakers:MOST programs hosted #Boilermakers from the U.S. for project management training. See who attended the most recent training. https://t.co/h37ZjRBy6C https://t.co/3oqgJDE1vq— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 27, 2026Bricklayers:Beautiful #mosaic and #tile work being performed by our skilled members of BAC Local 13 #Nevada! #WorksiteWednesday #BuildingTomorrowTogether #UnionProud #1u https://t.co/WHspr3RN3G— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 28, 2026Communications Workers of America:CWAers have been busy. ✊ https://t.co/p3RX60oHWc— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 26, 2026Electrical Workers:”I entered the five-year apprenticeship with the #IBEW after military service in 2003. That decision allowed me to raise a family in one of the most expensive regions in the world.” – Pete Seaberg, Business Manager, IBEW Local 332 https://t.co/exxCzj09U0— IBEW (@IBEW) October 26, 2026Fire Fighters:🚒 This National #FirstRespondersDay, the #IAFF honors all first responders for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication. We’re proud of the work our over 369,000 members do every day in communities across the US and Canada. https://t.co/Xww9eacWXp— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) October 28, 2026Heat and Frost Insulators:Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Do you have a plan to vote? 🇺🇸 Know When 🗓️ Choose a day & time, then plan transportation. Know Where ✉️ Voting by mail? Know where to drop off your ballot. 📍 Voting in-person? Find your polling site or locate an Early Voting site, if available. Know How 🗳️ Learn who’s on your ballot & support pro-worker candidates. Check out election resources & make your plan today: 🔗 https://t.co/udcYDDTEUH 🔗 https://t.co/yILSbVBxJb #InsulatorsUnion— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) October 27, 2026IAM Union:✈️ ATL!! We hit the ground at Hartsfield-Jackson, talking with our members about the importance of this election. We’re making sure working people have the information they need to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Have you voted? https://t.co/CcNnuiZLh0. https://t.co/Y2ScvziwR7— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 28, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:November 3rd is Election Day. And this year, it’s clear what issues are on the ballot. Gas and diesel prices. The cost of living. SMART jobs. Watch General President Coleman’s video message to members to learn more about what’s at stake: https://t.co/r2YFp9odkY— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) October 26, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:With one week remaining until election day, IFPTE participated in the Maine AFL-CIO’s Labor 2026 mobilization program in support of IFPTE and @AFLCIO-endorsed candidate for the United States Senate, Troy Jackson. https://t.co/kXl7qbmQtp— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 27, 2026International Union of Police Associations:The I.U.P.A. brings you the NewsWatch every week. Click on this link to see the latest news for I.U.P.A. members! https://t.co/9vx3GTKUMt https://t.co/CEniS5Q01U— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) October 28, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Which early voter are you? 👀🗳️ The Snack Packer 🍿, the Planner📋, or the one who brings the whole familia 👨👩👧👦? Comment yours and tag your voting buddy! 👇🏽 📅 https://t.co/6qARVl5uvc ✏️ Make your plan: https://t.co/OaPm3rJpgR #LCLAA #NuestraVozNuestroVoto https://t.co/wRkXqQPIhw— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 26, 2026Laborers:The numbers don’t lie. UNION CONTRACTORS DELIVER! A recent study confirms what LIUNA members already know: union contractors get the job done faster and more cost effectively, completing comparable public works projects up to 60 days sooner with lower cost increases. Skilled labor. Better results. That’s the UNION DIFFERENCE! #LIUNABuilds #union #contractor #construction #uniondifference— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 28, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Since 1992, the Players Choice Awards have celebrated excellence across Major League Baseball, recognizing performance, leadership, perseverance, and impact on and off the field. The awards are especially meaningful to players, because they’re determined through a vote of their peers. Congratulations to the 2026 Players Choice Awards winners! https://t.co/f1YVWtFTdZ— MLBPA (@MLBPA) October 28, 2026Maritime Trades Department:Congressman Carbajal Stands Up for Jones Act @RepCarbajal https://t.co/qojJbY2xsr— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 26, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA President Nick Daniels spoke at the @ALPAPilots Board of Directors meeting in DC on Oct. 27, 2026, where he shared a message of solidarity. https://t.co/JOXkXeTY4k https://t.co/37blVBnodl— NATCA (@NATCA) October 27, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:When Albuquerque, NM Branch 504 member James Jarm Jr. spotted a fire on his route, he called 911 and jumped into action. With help from a neighbor, he rescued the homeowner, who had collapsed into the flames while trying to douse the massive fire. The man suffered burns but recovered after hospital treatment. Thank you, Brother Jarm, for stepping up when it mattered most! #MemberMonday— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 26, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:One for the books at #HeritageClassic for Jacob Fowler. https://t.co/5NAIH4qvyu— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 26, 2026National Nurses United:Nurses back @AbdulElSayed because he understands that we need federal safe #SafeStaffing ratios now! We deserve a public health professional in the U.S. Senate who can’t be bought by our corporate employers — and who answers to the people! https://t.co/hkb9QrPjup— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) October 28, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Memories of the struggle. Five years ago today. @ZohranKMamdani @RichardChow929 #EndCabbieDebt https://t.co/Puhg5swE9v— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 25, 2026NFL Players Association:Week 7 NFLPA #CommunityMVP 🤝 @SuccessfulQuon The @Colts wide receiver partnered with the IWIN Foundation to host a Breast Cancer Awareness Month “High Tea”, celebrating breast cancer survivors and their daughters with a luncheon, jewelry-making activities, gift bags and more. Through his Lead the Way Foundation, he also recognized 14-year-old Kayla as this season’s third Laquon’s Leaders in Training (LLIT) honoree and awarded her two tickets to a Colts game. Learn more here: https://t.co/LNNS4v0Qxm In honor of being named this week’s #CommunityMVP, the NFLPA is donating $10,000 to Laquon’s Lead the Way Foundation. You can also support this charitable cause through our supporting partner @gofundme by using the link below. 🎨 : @heartlentgroup 🔗 : https://t.co/sJ2bRd5xaz— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 23, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:When students are weighing their options after high school, the building trades are worth exploring. The Jobs Machine, developed by NABTU and @Microsoft, helps students learn about Registered Apprenticeships, compare career paths, explore wages and benefits, and locate nearby training centers. Share it with a student or use it as a starting point for your next career planning conversation. Explore the tool: https://t.co/E9vmsqBhuE— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 28, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:New members of District Council 39, Kristin Dauphinee, Wally Mason, Davell Beals, Dana Crossley, and John Edwards came to the Union Training Centre and completed their Power Tool course inside the Mobile Blast Unit. This course was taught by Ray Lawrence, the RSE Safety/Industrial Coatings Applicator Instructor. Welcome to the family, everyone!— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 27, 2026Plasterers and Cement Masons:New members of District Council 39, Kristin Dauphinee, Wally Mason, Davell Beals, Dana Crossley, and John Edwards came to the Union Training Centre and completed their Power Tool course inside the Mobile Blast Unit. This course was taught by Ray Lawrence, the RSE Safety/Industrial Coatings Applicator Instructor. Welcome to the family, everyone!— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 27, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:We’re excited to partner with @eliteprospects— PHPA (@thephpa) October 26, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Happy #NationalChocolateDay! 🍫👻 Halloween is around the corner, so make sure your candy stash is union-made! Some from our union siblings include: ✨ Hershey’s Kisses ✨ Ghirardelli ✨ Butterfinger ✨ Tootsie Rolls Shop union! What’s your #1 treat? #UnionMade #HalloweenCandy https://t.co/IlNT3cav7W— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 28, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Election Day is less than a week away—do you have a plan to vote?! Follow this step-by-step list to make sure your vote counts on Tuesday, November 3. You can check your voter registration status at https://t.co/7AOoBRFJK8 #GOTV #Vote2026 https://t.co/pZ7ySnsG4y— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 28, 2026SAG-AFTRA:Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Are you ready to #Vote2026? The deadline to vote is November 3. Get all the info you need at https://t.co/qGLBsxFAHx. 🗳️ https://t.co/zOclPnYzVp— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 28, 2026Service Employees International Union:Losing ACA tax credits didn’t just raise prices, it’s causing a full-blown affordability crisis. For millions of people, premiums have jumped from hundreds to thousands of dollars a month overnight. It’s time to vote for candidates who will prioritize making healthcare affordable and accessible! https://t.co/iCdqxVsEpk— SEIU (@SEIU) October 28, 2026Solidarity Center:The union on the world’s largest rubber plantation just increased pensions by 10% for thousands of workers. Here’s how they did it 👉🏽 https://t.co/3goQqXPjsC— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 26, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨NEW: Journalists at two Ohio newspapers owned by USA TODAY Co. are withholding their bylines from stories featuring an AI bot that shares inaccurate information. The tool violates the company’s standards of requiring a “human in the loop,” raising editorial integrity concerns. https://t.co/DSF2X7qKlf— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 28, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Attendees at the IATSE Officer Institute in Denver are walking the walk! They are sending letters to their legislators in support of the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act (MPTERA) H.R. 10582 / S. 5552, which would create a federal incentive to help bring film and television production, and the good union jobs that come with it, back to the United States. They are also inviting their local kin to do the same! Join them and contact your reps today: https://t.co/h8PJRM3P1m— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 22, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Solidarity was loud and proud yesterday in Philly as @afa_cwa flight attendants picketed @FlyFrontier. Frontier doesn’t fly without flight attendants– they need a contract now! https://t.co/cmiFI01YE3— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 27, 2026UAW:UAW President Shawn Fain and @AbdulElSayed discuss the retirement insecurity crisis that’s robbing millions of Americans of the dignity they deserve. Watch the full candid one-on-one conversation: https://t.co/aSflmnWuX8 https://t.co/EFLQNQ2xUF— UAW (@UAW) October 28, 2026Union Veterans Council:@IBEW and local 29 showing solidarity today! Proud to stand shoulder to shoulder for dignity and safety! #onedaylonger @AFLCIO #unionveterans https://t.co/NWBd3mvwoF— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 7, 2026UNITE HERE:Local 355 is 💃🏽dancing their way to the election and getting out those early votes across Miami! #GOTV #ItsUpToUs https://t.co/cqcEEi7Jio— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 28, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:Happy Filipino American Heritage Month from the UA General Officers! https://t.co/GxfdluvRqx— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) October 28, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Union members across the country can make a difference this election. It’s time to build a future with leaders who will fight for good jobs, stand up for working families, protect our right to organize, & pass legislation that puts working people first. https://t.co/QSDJo4H1Qi https://t.co/WI2JJkOmNc— UFCW (@UFCW) October 27, 2026United Steelworkers:USW Activists who work tirelessly to build safer, healthier workplaces and communities came together earlier this year at the Health, Safety and Environment Conference. Read about the work done over the 5-day conference in the latest issue of USW at Work: https://t.co/3AEFHvvz6h https://t.co/aMOefJvTSj— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) October 28, 2026Writers Guild of America East:For our first episode of the season, OnWriting presents a live panel of writers behind your favorite late-night comedy shows about the state of late-night TV, political commentary, and the process of making current events funny. Listen via OnWriting.org, or wherever you get your podcasts![image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) October 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/28/2026 – 11:10
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arizona IAM Members Secure New Contract With Raytheon
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arizona IAM Members Secure New Contract With Raytheon
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.
IAM Union (IAM) Local 933 members in Tucson, Arizona, have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with Raytheon.This new contract covers more than 2,200 hourly workers and contains a number of major victories. Members won an average compounded wage increase of 24% over the lifetime of the deal, expanded education and training opportunities, paid time off improvements, and more.“Meeting the demand for these defense systems starts with taking care of the workers who build them,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Local 933 members know their work, they know their worth, and they stood together. This agreement delivers gains they can be proud of and helps secure the skilled workforce this industry needs.”“A lot of our members have built their lives around these jobs,” said IAM Local 933 President and Directing Business Representative Junior Alegria. “Their homes are here, their kids go to school here, and they want to keep doing this work in Tucson. This contract gives them more reason to feel good about that future. They earned it, and they had the final say.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/28/2026 – 10:08
Let’s Bring It Home: In the States Roundup
Let’s Bring It Home: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:Senate. House. Governor. 🔥 For the first time in years, all three of Alaska’s top races are competitive at the same time. Alex breaks down why control of Congress matters for working Alaskans, and why we’re backing MaryPeltola for Senate and BillHillAK for House. jktforak https://t.co/VpUaHGwN9q— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 21, 2026Arizona AFL-CIO:Arizona is fired up 🔥 Thank you, @LizShuler for your leadership ✊— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 17, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Corporations want to push aside working people’s voices, pollute California, and force us to pick up the bill. Join California Labor this Thursday and talk to voters about voting NO on Prop 45! https://t.co/1oWXfWMRhb— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 26, 2026Florida AFL-CIO:Remember, Election Day is actually the LAST day to vote. This week, take advantage of the flexibility of Florida’s weeklong Early Voting and make your plan to get out and vote today anytime between now and October 31st! #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/Eqv9KJOx1t— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 26, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Today, early voting expands across locations in Illinois. Check your registration, find your early vote location, and make a plan to vote by Nov. 3! https://t.co/PiXpgjxlJe— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:When we send @TroyJackson207 to DC, we won’t settle for scraps. Neither will he. We’re demanding Medicare For All, higher wages, universal childcare & housing that people can actually afford. That’s why the billionaire class is so desperate to stop this movement. They will fail. https://t.co/USFLdN0ihn— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 27, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Today is the LAST DAY to apply to vote by mail. Make your voice heard. Make your plan to vote at https://t.co/FIeGPmXI3m https://t.co/W1er82PHch— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 27, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Early voting starts TODAY. Every day for nine days, two Saturdays, two Sundays, at least eight hours at every site. There’s no excuse left — and we’re not making one. Go vote! https://t.co/4MSPstkKza https://t.co/xNDA2QXp7I— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 24, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:”Flanagan’s focus on delivering health care, child care and easing costs for American households is so important. On the issues most vital to the greatest number of Minnesotans, Flanagan offers solutions that will improve people’s lives.” https://t.co/wSq9goCViq— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 26, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Our Springfield team was out knocking doors and talking to voters about protecting their vote with a YES ON 6! When the people speak, leaders should listen. That’s why we need to Vote Yes on 6 (the rest are tricks!). #solidarity https://t.co/5KIGXzUWRx— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 26, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:The Nevada State AFL-CIO proudly endorses the candidate for Governor that doesn’t want Nevada’s working-class families to “feel the pain for a little bit.” We need leadership that sees Nevadans as people, and works to protect the rights of unions who fight day in and day out to protect our rights!— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 26, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:ONE WEEK until Election Day. Let’s bring it home 💪 https://t.co/cFjxBeQ1b2— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 27, 2026North Carolina State AFL-CIO:”My name is Jason Gentle, and I’m a member of the United @steelworkers (USW) Local 8498 at the Ardagh Metal Packaging Plant in Winston-Salem, NC.” Member Spotlight: https://t.co/VLMXANyIag @AFLCIO #1u https://t.co/BBEfiyXU7k— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 23, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Vote by mail is safe and easy! If you plan to mail your ballot, do so TOMORROW to make sure it’s counted or drop your ballot off at an official drop box. Find your nearest drop box here: https://t.co/MaSo0Hs6O9— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 26, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Have you made your plan to vote yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Check your polling place: https://t.co/aUjEbyhphM https://t.co/LSejfaOHK7— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 25, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:With only FOUR DAYS LEFT to vote early, we are in the final stretch of this election. Billionaires are trying to buy Texas. We need every union member in this fight to secure our healthcare, our schools, and our retirements. Make your plan ➡️ https://t.co/MZi3RSJRuZ https://t.co/zEcyTeuuD2— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 26, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Thanks to everyone who came out for Labor Neighbor in Bellingham, Redmond & Mount Vernon. We came together to talk about the issues impacting working families and get out the union vote ✊ https://t.co/jsHo4om77D— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 20, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Worker conversations fuel our movement. Fired up and ready to vote Nov. 3. @IBEW @IAM_Union @ibewlocal494 https://t.co/S9ORNalSTo— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 22, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/27/2026 – 12:51
ONE WEEK until Election Day. Let’s get it done!
ONE WEEK until Election Day. Let’s get it done!
There’s just ONE WEEK left to make your voice heard in this election. Let’s leave it all on the field in our push to elect pro-worker candidates.
Americans trust unions more than they trust any political party or institution—and we have get-out-the-vote operations running full steam ahead in 140 field offices across 35 states to turn out the vote. Union members are fired up and working hard to win. Will you join us? We’re asking every single supporter of working people to step up and make a difference. Every vote is going to count. Here are ways you can get involved: Make calls from home tonight through Election Day.We are holding national phone banks to make calls to our battleground states tonight, Thursday, Saturday, Monday and Election Day. No experience is needed. We’ll train you on everything before you pick up the phone. Learn more and sign up.Attend an in-person volunteer event.Union members are knocking on doors, volunteering at community events and helping out as election protectors. Join fellow trusted community members in talking to their neighbors about the importance of voting in 2026. Find an event: go.aflcio.org/eventsRemember your voting rights.Do you, your friends or your co-workers have questions about your voting rights? Are you having an issue with registering to vote or casting your ballot? There’s a lot of misinformation online right now. Bookmark these trusted resources and spread the word about your rights. We know what’s at stake in this election: lower gas and grocery prices, affordable health care, good union jobs, guardrails on AI, pro-worker legislation, and the right to form or join a union. It comes down to this: Will we elect the candidates who will stand with us instead of the billionaires and greedy CEOs who are making life unaffordable for working people while filling their own pockets? Will we make a real change in this country for workers and families? Our energy is high. President Trump and his billionaire allies know there are more of us than there are of them and that we are more powerful when we stand together. That’s why they’re trying to stop us from voting—or stop our votes from counting—instead of trying to win our votes. It’s up to us to turn out the vote, protect our democracy and make sure the will of the people wins. We’re going to drive turnout for pro-worker candidates so this election is too big to rig. This week, it’s all hands on deck. Thank you for joining us!
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/27/2026 – 11:16
Tags:
Elections 2026
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Shares Stage With the Dropkick Murphys and Barack Obama, Kicks Off Amy Acton Canvass
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Shares Stage With the Dropkick Murphys and Barack Obama, Kicks Off Amy Acton Canvass
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Friday, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler welcomed the Dropkick Murphys as they played at a rally in support of Brian Poindexter, an Ironworkers Local 17 member and a candidate to represent Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. The next day, she kicked off a canvass with Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton before joining Acton, U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and former President Barack Obama for a powerful rally.“Far too often, decisions are made that affect working people without working people in the room,” said North Shore AFL-CIO Executive Director Brian Pearson at the Poindexter event. “We’re changing that in Cleveland. We’re building a labor movement that elects our own and brings working people to the table. And that starts when union members step up to run for office.”“In the labor movement, there is a question we have been asking for nearly a hundred years, and that is, ‘Which side are you on?’” Shuler said to the crowd gathered at the Cleveland Public Auditorium ahead of Obama’s remarks. “Ohio is and always has been a state for working families. We know Sherrod Brown will fight for Ohio workers in the Senate. Amy Acton will protect our unions and stand up for workers’ rights. Together, Amy and Sherrod will fight like hell for us. But first, we need to fight like hell for them!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/27/2026 – 09:51
Tags:
Elections 2026
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Constituency Groups: Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Constituency Groups: Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our constituency groups. Next up is the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA).
Name of Group: Asian Pacific American Labor AllianceMission: To develop a comprehensive strategy to organize Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders into unions, and to promote the participation and leadership of Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders within the labor movement. This organization is further dedicated to strengthening international labor solidarity, especially with labor unions of Asia and the Pacific.Current Leadership: Mikayla Vu serves as president. She is a second-generation biracial Korean American who grew up in Michigan. Vu is currently a field representative for AFT Massachusetts and assists locals in organizing, grievance handling, contract negotiations and more to strengthen local unions and improve worker rights in the workplace. She began her time in the labor movement as a graduate student worker at Boston College, where she worked with her colleagues to organize and form the Boston College Graduate Employees Union-UAW. She helped organize and win a successful NLRB election at Boston College. Vu holds a Master’s degree in history with fields in U.S. immigration and Asian American history.Katherine General serves as first vice president. Steven Moy serves as second vice president. Seung Lee serves as treasurer. Mary Lindie Entoma serves as secretary.History: The role Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) play in the labor history is rich, varied and powerful. Our nation’s history has not always been welcoming to AANHPI workers. Despite legalized exclusion—from barriers to enter the U.S. to restrictions from participating in acts like owning land—and efforts to stop AANHPI workers from joining the labor movement, our ancestors nonetheless knew the power of the collective and the importance of solidarity in winning justice at work. It was against this backdrop that AANHPI labor activists approached the AFL-CIO in 1990 with a historic proposal to form a national Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander labor group. A year later, the AFL-CIO executive council established a committee to explore the formation of what would become APALA. The steering committee included the three regional AANHPI labor groups, representatives from the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and representatives from the seven founding unions. In 1992, over 500 AANHPI labor activists from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the founding convention of the APALA. At this convention, members marched to demand justice after the beating of Rodney King, signaling a deep commitment to racial solidarity that continues today. APALA remains the first and only national organization of AANHPI workers, most of whom are union members and allies, building power for AANHPI workers and communities. In 2011, it established the Institute for Asian Pacific American Leadership & Advancement (IAPALA), a 501(c)3 non-profit to handle broader education and civic engagement. Today, APALA is the voice of almost 1.1 million AANHPI union members and operates over twenty chapters across the country. APALA continues to advocate for worker rights, immigration reform, an end to anti-Asian racism, voter registration and racial justice. APALA works with their union partners to help AANHPI workers form their unions and to create pathways to leadership for AANHPI union members. Current Campaigns/Policy Agenda: Sign up for membership, sign up to volunteer, voter guide, action alerts, conventions, publications, AANHPI worker stories and online store.Learn More: Website, Facebook, X
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/26/2026 – 10:45
Tags:
APALA
The Power of the People Leads: The Working People Weekly List
The Power of the People Leads: 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.
AFL-CIO’s Shuler Tells Tucson to Vote Now Because ‘Shit’s Too Expensive’: “A standing room-only crowd of union members and retirees greeted AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler in Tucson to kick off a labor walk as part of Saturday’s No Kings Day observations. Over a hundred campaigners gathered at the IBEW union hall to meet Shuler, while thousands more Tucsonans turned out at a half-dozen other locations to protest against President Donald Trump and MAGA. The event included a spirited short welcome by Congresswoman Adelita Grrijalva, who next went to campaign with Arizona’s progressive attorney general, Kris Mayes. Local labor federation President Cecelia Valdez followed, encouraging everybody to mail their ballots now and to join the canvassing or phone calling.”Supporting R.I.’s Ballot Question 1 Means Investing in Workers and the State’s Economy: “Rhode Island’s economy runs on hardworking people who show up every day to care for our families, build homes and infrastructure, and provide the critical services our communities depend on. Maintaining that strong workforce in the years ahead means investing today in the people who will carry that work forward. We see the need across our economy. Health care is a profession that changes lives every day. Rhode Island is fortunate to have dedicated nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and other health professionals caring for our communities. But persistent workforce shortages are making their jobs harder and, in some cases, making it more difficult for Rhode Islanders to get the care they need.”Cait Conley Joined by NYS AFL-CIO and Leading Labor Unions for Rally and Canvass Launch: “Cait Conley, the Democratic nominee for New York’s 17th Congressional District, was joined by the New York State AFL-CIO and hundreds of members of New York’s leading labor unions on Oct. 17 for a rally and canvass launch. ‘Growing up in the Hudson Valley, the daughter of a postal worker and a construction worker, I learned the values of hard work and service to community at a young age—values I’ve carried with me throughout my lifetime of service to our country. That’s why I have the utmost respect for our organized laborers, the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our communities. I am incredibly proud to have the support of the New York State AFL-CIO, NYSUT, UFT, CSEA, 32BJ SEIU, and so many more of New York’s leading labor unions in this race. In Congress, I will stop at nothing to defend the right to organize, lower costs for working families, protect our public schools, and create a better, more affordable future for the Hudson Valley,’ said Conley.”Missouri AFL-CIO’s Jimmy Lappe Running for State Representative: “Jimmy Lappe, program coordinator for the Missouri AFL-CIO Dislocated Worker Program, is running as a Democrat for state representative in 81st District. Lappe has 25 years of experience working in grassroots movements for economic justice and workers’ rights, and has been endorsed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, the St. Louis City Labor Legislative Club and several unions. The 81st District seat is currently held by Rep. Steve Butz, who is term-limited and running for Missouri State Senate. The district takes in portions of south St. Louis neighborhoods, including areas near the Mississippi riverfront, Dutchtown, Marine Villa, and Gravois Park.”Kamala Harris Rallies Culinary Union Members in Final Push Before Election Day: “Former Vice President Kamala Harris rallied hundreds of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 members as part of a concerted push for Nevada’s Democratic candidates in Las Vegas today, urging them to keep up the support for Democratic candidates with less than two weeks left before the Nov. 3 election. ‘This is the moment where the power of the people reigns,’ Harris said. ‘Where the power of the people leads.’”Troy Jackson Rallies with Dropkick Murphys as Senate Campaign Enters Final Stretch: “With the debates behind them, Maine’s candidates for U.S. Senate have a little more than 2 weeks to make their final case to voters before Election Day on Nov. 3. Democrat Troy Jackson spent Friday night with some Boston musical royalty, joining the Dropkick Murphys at the ‘Rally for the Working Class’ in Biddeford hosted by the Maine AFL-CIO.”Corvallis City Workers Ratify Tentative Contract Agreement After Six-Day Strike: “City of Corvallis workers are set to return to their jobs after ratifying a tentative contract agreement following a six-day strike. Oregon AFSCME Local 2975 said the agreement was reached after the union bargaining team met with the city’s bargaining team during an all-day mediation session on Wednesday. The union said the parties worked together to reach a deal that delays increased health care costs for workers and makes investments in long-term employees.”Rhode Island Hospital Resident Physicians Ratify First Union Contract: “Union officials announced Tuesday that almost 700 resident physicians and fellows ratified their first contract with Rhode Island Hospital. The contract includes pay increases, better retirement benefits and other improvements for the early career doctors working at Rhode Island’s largest hospital in Providence, also the flagship facility of Brown University Health. The contract follows months of negotiations and was approved last week by 95 percent of physicians who participated in the vote, according to a news release by the union which represents the doctors, the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU).”WGA East Is Trying to Help Writers Make Their Work ‘Unreadable’ to AI Models: “The Writers Guild of America East is seeking to help its members make it more difficult for their work to be ingested by artificial intelligence models. The union has just begun offering members free access to a software called Cloak, which renders documents ‘unreadable’ by AI models while preserving the formatting. Writers can upload a script and receive back a copy that is resistant to AI analysis, scraping and training.”City Colleges of Chicago Faculty and Staff Reach Tentative Contract Agreement with School System, Avoiding Strike: “The union representing faculty and staff at City Colleges of Chicago reached a tentative agreement with the school system early Monday morning, hours before a strike was scheduled to begin. After months of drawn-out negotiations, the Cook County College Teachers Union, Local 1600, and the City Colleges of Chicago settled on terms for a new four-year contract for faculty and professionals.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/26/2026 – 14:22