AFL-CIO
Worker Wins: To Affirm the Dignity and Value of Our Labor
Worker Wins: To Affirm the Dignity and Value of Our Labor
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
UFCW Celebrates Passage of First Statewide Self-Checkout Legislation in Rhode Island: Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Rhode Island has become the first state to pass legislation mandating staffing ratios for grocery store self-checkout stations. The bill, which would require one grocery worker for every three self-checkout stations, now heads to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk for his signature. “This bill means better service for customers and stronger support for grocery workers,” said UFCW Local 328 Secretary-Treasurer Domenic Pontarelli. “UFCW Local 328 members in the grocery industry are often overburdened, having to monitor too many self-checkouts while shoppers face delays. Staffing ratios fix this issue for all parties. We thank Senate President Lawson and Representative Cotter for their tremendous leadership standing up for both consumers and workers across Rhode Island.” “Staffing ratios are common sense for self-checkouts,” said UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso. “This technology has always been a raw deal for shoppers and workers, shifting the labor onto customers while taking hours away from workers. We applaud the Rhode Island legislature for passing this bill, making it easier and faster for families to put food on the table, and we look forward to Governor McKee’s signature.”Catapult Workers Collective Staff Win Union Election: An overwhelming majority of workers at Catapult Book Group have voted to form a union with UAW Local 2110. Under the name Catapult Workers Collective, the bargaining unit covers editorial, design, marketing, publicity, production, operations and rights workers at the publishing company. Staff cited concerns around job security, wages and leadership transparency as core motivators for organizing. “The goal of our union is to protect the wages and benefits of our workplace, to affirm the dignity and value of our labor, and to advance just and sustainable practices in our industry,” Catapult Workers Collective said in a statement posted to social media. “We’re immensely proud of what we do, but little is guaranteed for employees without a union. A fair contract will empower us to continue the meaningful work of supporting our beloved authors and engaging with the literary community for years to come.”AFSCME Members at SIU School of Medicine Secure Strong Raises and Longevity System: Members of AFSCME Local 370 (Council 31) ratified a new contract that includes strong raises and a first-ever longevity system that rewards employees for their years of service. The new contract doubles the amount of money in members’ pockets compared to management’s initial proposal. Some members will see wage increases as high as 14%. “We needed to show them that what makes the [Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU-SOM)] work is not just the six-figure doctors—it’s all of us,” said Local 370 President Gina Darden. “It’s the nurses, the front desk workers, the call center workers. We had to make them understand that keeping this place running as well as it does takes all of us.” They also won their first-ever paid parental leave policy, plus paid time off to vote. UAW Members Lock in $30 by 2030 with Tentative Agreement at American Axle: After 10 days on strike, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle/Dauch Corp. reached a tentative agreement with the company that secures the workers’ topline demand of $30 per hour by 2030, among other historic gains, in a record contract at the Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors. UAW members hired before May 31, 2012, will see an immediate $8 per hour increase upon ratification. Workers also secured more paid days off and no concessions on their current health care costs, something the company insisted could not be achieved during negotiations. “Tonight, after 10 days on strike, I am proud to announce that UAW Local 2093 has reached a tentative agreement at American Axle,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “And tonight, after 18 years of sacrifice, these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them.” Local 2093 members must still ratify the agreement.Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE : Information technology technicians and event coordinators who work at the San Diego Convention Center have voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122, creating a fully union strong convention center floor. These staff are employed by Smart City Networks, which provides internet and event technology to trade shows and exhibitions. In the lead-up to the vote, Smart City Networks retained the union-busting law firm Littler Mendelson, spending an estimated $58,000 to pressure workers to stop organizing. But staff held strong and secured a decisive union election victory. “At the end of the day, everyone deserves to have a union,” said Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE Local 122. “We’re proud that the workers at Smart City took their first step in having a voice on the job and having representation.” “To us, having a union means having a voice,” crew members said in a statement. “It means being united and being able to stand on equal footing with the company. It has shown us the importance of solidarity, and we look forward to taking an active role in the decisions that will impact our future.”Staff at Illinois School District Win Powerful First Contract: Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73 who work at Downers Grove (Illinois) Community High School District 99 (CSD99) have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. Staff in the Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds (CMG) department first organized with SEIU last year, motivated by concerns around outsourcing. Highlights of the deal include raises, a guaranteed uniform allotment, a guarantee of no outsourcing for the duration of the contract and more. “When we got the news about being outsourced, with a strong support from teachers and staff, a large group of CMG personnel from the three schools decided it was time to Unionize,” said custodian Steve Elmer. “SEIU Local 73 has lifted a great weight off our shoulders, being a union will make us stronger and better than ever for future CSD99 CMG employees.” “I never [thought] highly of unions before, but after going through our first bargaining contract with our union representative Shea Marshall, it has changed my mind about unions,” said maintenance worker Jesse Eliasson.Mid-Continent Public Library Workers Vote to Form Union: Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) workers have voted to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360. One of the largest public library systems in the United States, MCPL covers three counties across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The new bargaining unit includes nearly 700 part-time and full-time librarians, early literacy associates, information technology staff, delivery services staff and other critical workers. “From everyone that was there in the beginning four years ago to those that started supporting this week, we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of us,” said Kelli Mulligan Lindsey, an early literacy associate at MCPL Green Hills and MCPL Workers United-CWA Local 6360 member. “Together we can do anything, and together we can continue to make the library a place for everyone in our community.”A+E Factual Studios Workers Organize with the Writers Guild of America East: Workers at A+E Factual Studios, the nonfiction television production arm of A+E Global Media, voted overwhelmingly to form a union with the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE). A+E Factual Studios, co-owned by Disney and Hearst, produces popular series such as “Dance Moms: A New Era,” “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” “History’s Greatest Mysteries” and “Cold Case Files.” “We’re thrilled to welcome workers at A+E Factual Studios to the Writers Guild of America East,” said Michael Rauch, WGAE vice president of film/television/streaming. “We look forward to bargaining a fair first contract that reflects the value of their work, and continues to build on the momentum we’ve grown across nonfiction television production.”Denver Art Museum Workers Make State History with Contract Ratification: After two years of negotiations, members of Denver Art Museum Workers United (DAMWU)—who organized through AFSCME Colorado—have ratified their first contract, making them the first museum workers in state history to secure a collective bargaining agreement. As the first museum workers in Colorado to organize a union, DAMWU workers endured pushback from management, but they were undeterred. Their unity and solidarity allowed them to secure a deal with just cause rights, increased sick time, stronger parental leave policies and more. “Winning this contract feels like a huge celebration!,” said Rachel Brennan, a museum shop sales associate. “It took so much work to get to this point, and I’m so proud of us for fighting to have a voice in our workplace. I am beyond grateful to have such amazing coworkers who know their worth and show up for each other.” “This has been a long time coming, and I think we are all feeling relieved to have finally ratified our first contract,” said Chase, a gallery host. “We’re in a much better position as workers at the DAM than we were before and feel confident that we can achieve even more with our second contract. We are the ones who keep the museum running, and we must never forget that.” Lambert Airport Security Officers Ratify First Union Contract: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 members, who work as security officers at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, have voted to ratify their first union contract. These members are directly employed by GardaWorld Security, which was awarded last year with a new three-year, $38 million contract at the airport. The deal includes seniority raises, improved paid time-off provisions and other wins that will help retain experienced workers. “This is a major step forward for Security Officers at Lambert Airport,” said John DeWeese, GardaWorld security officer. “My coworkers and I joined Local 1 because we wanted respect, stability, and a real voice on the job. This agreement proves that when workers stand together, we can win improvements that make a real difference.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/18/2026 – 10:54
Tags:
Organizing
Pride Month Profiles: Chris Knight
Pride Month Profiles: Chris Knight
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Chris Knight of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Chris Knight is an experienced union organizer whose work with the Philadelphia Whole Foods workers union has inspired countless Amazon and Whole Foods workers to seek union representation. In addition to his work as field service coordinator, Knight has been co-president of Pride At Work Pennsylvania since 2024. His work with Pride At Work includes protecting his LGBTQIA+ siblings at work through strong collective bargaining language, training and other advocacy work.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/18/2026 – 10:14
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lambert Airport Security Officers Ratify First Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lambert Airport Security Officers Ratify First 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.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 members, who work as security officers at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, have voted to ratify their first union contract.These members are directly employed by GardaWorld Security, which was awarded last year with a new three-year, $38 million contract at the airport. The deal includes seniority raises, improved paid time-off provisions and other wins that will help retain experienced workers.“This is a major step forward for Security Officers at Lambert Airport,” said John DeWeese, GardaWorld security officer. “My coworkers and I joined Local 1 because we wanted respect, stability, and a real voice on the job. This agreement proves that when workers stand together, we can win improvements that make a real difference.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/18/2026 – 10:04
Why We Organize: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Why We Organize: 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:Keep Equity’s workplace harassment reporting info close at hand with our digital wallet card. Simply tap the image, save it and have it ready whenever you need it. Find out more at https://members.actorsequity.org/on-the-job/understanding-harassment[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) June 17, 2026 at 11:49 AMAFSCME:Health care costs are skyrocketing thanks to cuts by the Trump admin. Their solution? Put the burden on you to take out a loan — from your insurance company. Meanwhile, billionaires get richer.This can’t happen. And this is why we organize. https://t.co/AWAkjmfceg— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 17, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:This #PrideMonth, celebrate our diverse pilot community and wear your ALPA pride lanyard. Professionalism and respect for every crew member goes beyond words — it’s a safety imperative. #Pride 🏳️🌈✈️ pic.twitter.com/1fuaELYt6N— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) June 15, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:We agree with @SenWhitehouse: Social Security is integral to our ability to retire with dignity, and Congress has a duty to make sure everyone can fully enjoy it.That’s why we need to #ScrapTheCap and protect the benefits we’ve spent a lifetime earning! pic.twitter.com/hDa1suqtXL— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) June 16, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Congratulations to our Local 1338 DART paratransit workers on their strong tentative agreement. #OurVoiceOurPower pic.twitter.com/KYuY7tFq6G— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 16, 2026American Federation of Teachers:”Devices down, eyes up, hands-on.” Read @rweingarten.bsky.social’s full remarks outlining a bold new vision to boost teaching and learning in the AI era ⤵️ open.substack.com/pub/randiwei…[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) May 27, 2026 at 1:59 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:When working people stand united, we’re unstoppable! APWU joined 65 unions at the AFL-CIO Convention in Minneapolis to fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and Vote-by-Mail. Read more: https://t.co/3Jffa49L0D— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) June 17, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Horizon AFA Flight Attendants vote 99.8% to authorize a strike.“We have dedicated our lives to Horizon and the communities that we serve. We are simply asking for the pay, benefits, and improvements we have earned,” said Lisa Davis Warren, HZN AFA MEC President. pic.twitter.com/948iMrPv37— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 16, 2026Boilermakers:Train in a trade. Earn while you learn. Build the future. https://t.co/tL4ZesCE6z #Boilermakers pic.twitter.com/sJogDzwMwn— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) June 15, 2026Bricklayers:Craftsmanship matters. Every #tile and #terrazzo project built by our @Local1BAC members represents elite skill, sharp precision, and unmatched durability. Quality work built to last by the best in the trade. 💪#WorksiteWednesday #UnionProud #Construction #SkilledTrades pic.twitter.com/kWGWHkGsDa— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) June 17, 2026Communications Workers of America:SpaceX is officially the largest IPO in stock market history.The company’s $1.7 billion valuation is not a reflection of the company’s worth but of Elon Musk’s exaggerations about his AI business & corrupt capture of federal subsidies for Starlink. https://t.co/HonPA3qSxi— CWA (@CWAUnion) June 12, 2026Department for Professional Employees:Join us in standing with Theorist workers organizing with @mpeg700.bsky.social by telling Lunar X management to voluntarily recognize their union! actionnetwork.org/letters/tell…[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) June 16, 2026 at 4:13 PMElectrical Workers:As temperatures rise, heat safety is more important than ever. https://t.co/fORTWDdCba— IBEW (@IBEW) June 17, 2026Fire Fighters:🇨🇦🔥 BIG NEWS FOR CANADA’S FIRE FIGHTERS!After years of @IAFFCanada advocacy, Parliament has passed Bill C-14 – legislation to strengthen penalties against those who violently assault #firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders on the job. https://t.co/JNdDL79WQC— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) June 17, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:“If we can make them understand that working with your hands is a good thing, and the fact that they want to apply that and make a decent living to have an impact on a young mind and create that skill set, there’s nothing better than that.”https://t.co/jYby6sPvaa— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) June 15, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE + CLC = UNION SOLIDARITY! We proud to fight with @PresidentCLC and Canada’s working families. pic.twitter.com/N6vX6s7rZQ— IFPTE (@IFPTE) June 14, 2026International Union of Police Associations:Lakewood Police Union, I.U.P.A. Local #303 Members had some delicious cups of coffee and great conversations with Lakewood, Colorado community members at a recent Coffee with a Cop event. https://t.co/TSvm1BtPrB— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) June 17, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:We are proud to share that LCLAA Twin Cities Chapter President Grecia Palomar participated in the Twin Cities Solidarity panel, where panelists discussed how the @AFLCIO Rapid Response Network has been crucial in supporting our union siblings during critical moments. pic.twitter.com/xxhsVZP5ZR— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 10, 2026Laborers:UNION MADE gifts for a UNION STRONG dad. Check out @Labor411 for more #unionmade goodies. #FathersDay #UnionStrong #bluecollar #workingman pic.twitter.com/ZuiKc4u0BY— LIUNA (@LIUNA) June 16, 2026Machinists:“Know your contract. Know your labor rights. Document everything.”IAM Local 1930 member Nadith Schuster used the grievance process to challenge unfair discipline and defend the rights of union stewards.Read her story: https://t.co/c8C9vKHagF pic.twitter.com/NS8zoDbQYm— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) June 17, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:From generation to generation, the fight for Players’ rights continues. pic.twitter.com/GigGZ2LoJO— MLBPA (@MLBPA) June 16, 2026Maritime Trades Department:MTD President David Heindel gives opening remarks for 80 years of Maritime Solidarity. pic.twitter.com/wBoksubf21— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) June 4, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA’s National Executive Board (NEB) is meeting Tuesday and Wednesday in Juneau, Alaska. The NEB is responsible for the creation of policy for our Union between our conventions. Minutes from the NEB’s recent meetings can be found here: https://t.co/zdxO0HGA11 pic.twitter.com/PRUT72tCHL— NATCA (@NATCA) June 16, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Every single day we are fighting like hell to achieve a fair contract for America’s city letter carriers. These buttons, sent to active NALC members across the nation deliver a message that’s simple, straightforward and true: Letter carriers work harder, deserve higher pay.… pic.twitter.com/F2AQf5hsbf— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) June 16, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:Exactly 🫶 https://t.co/tA82JEFXpy— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) June 16, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:Off season just turned to dad season for Jeremy Swayman 💙🫡📸: Alessandra.iacaboni (IG) pic.twitter.com/B5jghLsYG9— NHLPA (@NHLPA) June 17, 2026National Nurses United:Nurses at Prime St. Mary of Nazareth in Chicago are voting UNION YES!Illegal union-busting tactics and firings won’t silence nurses — they only make us more united. Solidarity is our superpower. pic.twitter.com/jyxBL5ZlJ2— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) June 16, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:We connected! @frenchmontana and MDMotivator: you’re real ones!🫡Thank you to everyone who has shown their care and solidarity with our member Noureddine Bitat who was assaulted when the cab he was driving was vandalized outside MSG last week. Our hearts are full and we are… https://t.co/ervXS9oUQY— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) June 16, 2026NFL Players Association:Statement on behalf of the Los Angeles Chargers players opposing California SB 795. For more on how this bill restricts access to the workers’ comp system for all professional athletes: https://t.co/kOXvr49kGV pic.twitter.com/5bkNw0FEj4— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 17, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:NABTU President Sean McGarvey joined @iuoe_union leaders to talk about the opportunities ahead in energy, transportation, and data center construction.His message was simple: our strength starts at the local level. When we stay engaged, our unions grow, our members succeed, and… pic.twitter.com/AxM4kNlNOL— The Building Trades (@NABTU) June 17, 2026Operating Engineers:Local 963 has had a collective agreement with the school board since 1945. Saturday’s event marked the 31st annual retirement brunch the Local has been putting on as a show of thanks to those members retiring from the workplace, after as many as 43 years of service for some. pic.twitter.com/E98Hif9pod— International Union of Operating Engineers (@iuoe_union) June 16, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:Earlier this week, members of @thePHPA staff attended the @AFLCIO Convention in Minneapolis.This event provided an important forum to engage with labour leaders from across North America, exchange ideas, and advance the interests of professional hockey players within the labour… pic.twitter.com/aKk0suw5Ob— PHPA (@thephpa) June 12, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Having a union means having a say. 🗣️ Through our grievance procedure, RWDSU members have a formal way to challenge unfair treatment and hold management accountable. You don’t have to just “take it”—you have a contract that backs you up! #WorkplaceDemocracy #GrievanceProcedure pic.twitter.com/J8JTvQiz5d— RWDSU (@RWDSU) June 17, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Last night at the @UnionSportsmen annual gala in DC, our very own Gig Ritenour received the very honorable Outdoor Heritage Award. Roofers were also recognized for highest net shooting event—the annual Roofers Twin Cities Sporting Clays Shoot sponsored by Local 96.#conservation pic.twitter.com/QjkaUuzCS5— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) June 17, 2026SAG-AFTRA:SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin and @ActorsEquity President Brooke Shields are urging Congress to pass the PATPA, which would update an outdated income threshold and restore meaningful tax relief for entertainment workers. Read their @rollcall op-ed: https://t.co/U4CVONAsKj— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) June 17, 2026Service Employees International Union:This isn’t just happening in the Midwest, by the way. Corporations refuse to give us living wages, and politicians refuse to make them! Instead, energy and care goes into ICE & Border Patrol, Pres. Trump’s ballroom, and a money-grab UFC event. https://t.co/b4EkF9hctA— SEIU (@SEIU) June 17, 2026Solidarity Center:Today we celebrate 15 years of International Labour Organization Convention 189 and congratulate our domestic worker trade union partners on their persistence, courage, and SUCCESS ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/C5IlSZq0I7— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) June 16, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:WOOOOO! First Contract!!!!! Way to go @aajcollective_ !!!! https://t.co/XYySxrtM50— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) June 16, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:We commend the bipartisan congressional effort to speed up labor contract negotiations.This follows the US House passing the Faster Labor Contracts act, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/iKtjpAOyAh— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) June 10, 2026Transport Workers Union:Thank you @cndelarosa for supporting and co-sponsoring NYC Intro 937. This bill protects the livelihoods of hardworking, blue-collar @TWULocal100 horse-carriage drivers while raising the bar in terms of animal welfare and safety. @TwuSamuelsen @CentralLaborNYC @NYCCouncil pic.twitter.com/wBRJEUhH2E— TWU (@transportworker) June 12, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Happy Primary Day DC!75 voting centers and 55 ballot boxes across all eight wards are open until 8 P.M. Make your voice heard! pic.twitter.com/CyDwjPPrz0— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) June 16, 2026UAW:It’s Day Three of the UAW Constitutional Convention, and we’re looking back at some of the most iconic and memorable moments from conventions past.Delegates to the 1966 UAW Convention in Long Beach, California, made history when they elected Olga Madar as a member-at-large on… pic.twitter.com/hSRcvWdmpw— UAW (@UAW) June 17, 2026Union Veterans Council:UNION VETERANS COUNCIL SLAMS BILL THAT FUNDS EXPANDED VETERAN BENEFITS BY CUTTING SLEEP APNEA AND TINNITUS RATING COMPENSATIONS @AFLCIO @AFGENational https://t.co/Zdeew1p8Cu— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) June 11, 2026UNITE HERE:Happy Pride! ✨ Meet Kristen Mercer (she/they)👋🏻, a Server at Maria & Enzo’s in Disney Springs, UNITE HERE Local 737 “For me, a big part of fighting for the union is standing up for our rights through our union when legal protections and DEI are being rolled back nationally.” pic.twitter.com/uhecI41jej— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) June 17, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:UA Local 344 members are helping deliver a new $178 million expansion at Bethany Children’s Health Center in OKC. Including critical mechanical systems that will support specialized care for generations to come.Built by skilled UA members. Built to serve the community. pic.twitter.com/X4KXZXJ7KT— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) June 17, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:🚨The NLRB has DENIED Whole Foods’ request to overturn the historic union election at its Philadelphia store🚨🧵(1/3) pic.twitter.com/jmOIKmzaGg— UFCW (@UFCW) June 16, 2026United Steelworkers:Union workers make corporations more efficient, promote stability and cut costly turnover. Despite these benefits, employers still spend $1.7 billion a year on strong-arm tactics to try to keep workers from unionizing. Read more from @USWPrezRox’s blog: https://t.co/kqTuJ0cpug pic.twitter.com/ErKyYTjYFh— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) June 17, 2026Writers Guild of America East:Face the Facts: Nonfiction production workers want union protections! Congratulations to the 140+ workers at A+E Factual Studios (DANCE MOMS: A NEW ERA, HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES) who are now officially repped by the WGAE—and ready to bargain their first contract. 💪[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) June 11, 2026 at 11:39 AM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 06/17/2026 – 11:50
Pride Month Profiles: Chris Pena
Pride Month Profiles: Chris Pena
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Chris Pena of UAW.
Chris Pena, a Chicago-area native and third-term president of UAW Local 551, began his career on Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant line after high school. A lifelong car enthusiast and union advocate, he represents nearly 6,000 members, including assembly line workers and skilled tradespeople such as electricians, carpenters and toolmakers. Throughout his career, Pena has championed worker safety; diversity, inclusion and equity; and community outreach.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 06/17/2026 – 10:17
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Denver Art Museum Workers Make State History with Contract Ratification
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Denver Art Museum Workers Make State History with Contract Ratification
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.
After two years of negotiations, members of Denver Art Museum Workers United (DAMWU)—who organized throughAFSCME Colorado—have ratified their first contract, making them the first museum workers in state history to secure a collective bargaining agreement.As the first museum workers in Colorado to organize a union, DAMWU workers endured pushback from management, but they were undeterred. Their unity and solidarity allowed them to secure a deal with just cause rights, increased sick time, stronger parental leave policies and more.“Winning this contract feels like a huge celebration!,” said Rachel Brennan, a museum shop sales associate. “It took so much work to get to this point, and I’m so proud of us for fighting to have a voice in our workplace. I am beyond grateful to have such amazing coworkers who know their worth and show up for each other.” “This has been a long time coming, and I think we are all feeling relieved to have finally ratified our first contract,” said Chase, a gallery host. “We’re in a much better position as workers at the DAM than we were before and feel confident that we can achieve even more with our second contract. We are the ones who keep the museum running, and we must never forget that.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 06/17/2026 – 10:09
Solidarity Now, Solidarity Forever! In the States Roundup
Solidarity Now, Solidarity Forever! 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:Yesterday, during a meeting of the Alaska AFL-CIO, Vice Presidents voted to endorse Click Bishop for Governor. pic.twitter.com/kwLquxcv6i— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) June 16, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:On Monday, hundreds of Oakland city workers represented by IFPTE Local 21 shut down the City Council meeting to demand a fair contract that retains qualified staff and protects public services. We stand in solidarity with our @IFPTE21 members and call on Acting City… pic.twitter.com/hdfnIcGE5x— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) June 10, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Delegates from Illinois attended the @AFLCIO Convention in Minneapolis this week, where many of our leaders shared their wins and struggles with union members from across the country. Together, we are fighting for a future that works for ALL working people. #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/IhbCfG9gIq— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) June 10, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Powerful video about mobile home park organizing in Jay and the community’s legacy of standing up to corporate greed! https://t.co/rCsMQmQhGC— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) June 3, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:The Labor Movement has a simple, clear message for Nike: Sign an enforceable agreement to raise wages and guarantee organizing rights for the workers who make its products.@GBLCBoston pic.twitter.com/HBb3hOZBjy— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) June 15, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Congratulations, Local 2093! Solidarity now, solidarity forever!💪💪💪 https://t.co/mYYPmXLYPy— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) June 15, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:One year ago today, Melissa and Mark Hortman were taken from all of us. We remember them and everything Speaker Hortman did to make Minnesota a better place for working people and families. pic.twitter.com/JCuoyhhu4h— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 14, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Yep. And in Missouri, the GOP is pushing Amendment 5 to RAISE sales and uses taxes on working families in order to help the wealthy not pay income tax. Under their plan, 80% of Missourians will PAY MORE in taxes every year while the rich get richer. https://t.co/O16bBSUObB— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) June 16, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Nevada labor was proudly represented on a national stage as our Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Susie Martinez delivered the opening address at the @Teamsters 31st convention.As a 39-year Teamster out of local 986, we warmly welcome 3,000 Teamsters to fabulous Las Vegas! pic.twitter.com/NXBqCAby1b— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) June 15, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:LABOR WALKS are happening all over NYS on the first day of early voting! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/NaKVQKS4OV— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) June 13, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:The Oregon AFL-CIO is now the Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, but we’re still the same statewide union movement committed to fighting for Oregon’s workers! pic.twitter.com/HeaRWGVhwF— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 15, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Pennsylvania Unions are representing at the @aflcio convention ✊🏼@seiuhcpa @AlleghenyLabor @the_uwua@LIUNA @IBEW @IBEW3RDDISTRICT @ATUComm @ATU_Local85 pic.twitter.com/2Ptg3ozSxt— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 10, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:✊ TEXAS UNION WIN: @IAM_Union District 776 members at Lockheed Martin just won a groundbreaking contract with:✔ Historic wage increases✔ Better retirement benefits✔ More vacation time✔ No mandatory overtime✔ $6,000 ratification bonusThat’s the union difference! pic.twitter.com/Hk2JmcBcMo— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) June 15, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:It’s good for what fails ya pic.twitter.com/DMFgtrL8zb— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) June 10, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to St. Mary’s nurses on this organizing win! 🥳https://t.co/xjR5TGGDu2— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 12, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 06/16/2026 – 13:18
Pride Month Profiles: Doug Boney
Pride Month Profiles: Doug Boney
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Doug Boney of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Since joining IATSE in 2010, Doug Boney has worked as an assistant production coordinator for Local 871 and as a business representative of Local 884. Boney is a dedicated member of the IATSE Pride Committee, an IATSE representative on the national executive board of Pride At Work and the diversity committee chair for District 2.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 06/16/2026 – 10:24
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: A+E Factual Studios Workers Organize with the Writers Guild of America East
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: A+E Factual Studios Workers Organize with the Writers Guild of America East
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 A+E Factual Studios, the nonfiction television production arm of A+E Global Media, voted overwhelmingly to form a union with the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE).A+E Factual Studios, co-owned by Disney and Hearst, produces popular series such as “Dance Moms: A New Era,” “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” “History’s Greatest Mysteries” and “Cold Case Files.”“We’re thrilled to welcome workers at A+E Factual Studios to the Writers Guild of America East,” said Michael Rauch, WGAE vice president of film/television/streaming. “We look forward to bargaining a fair first contract that reflects the value of their work, and continues to build on the momentum we’ve grown across nonfiction television production.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 06/16/2026 – 10:18
Tags:
Organizing
‘Unions Change Lives’: The Working People Weekly List
‘Unions Change Lives’: 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.
Unions Prepare for Battle Over AI in 2028 Elections: “‘You’re either with workers or you’re with millionaires,’ AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler told Axios. ‘There’s just been a dearth of leadership in terms of elected officials really prioritizing this and putting workers at the center.’”Major Resolutions Passed by AFL-CIO Reflect Strong, Growing Labor Movement: “The 30th AFL‑CIO Constitutional Convention, which wrapped up here Wednesday, was a step towards strengthening labor’s fight back against the anti-worker Trump regime and building working-class unity. Delegates reelected President Liz Shuler and Secretary‑Treasurer Fred Redmond, welcomed the Service Employees International Union back into the fold after two decades, and set ambitious organizing goals for the mid-term elections and new union organizing. The spirit of solidarity was also proclaimed in several important resolutions passed at the convention.”Catapult Workers Collective Wins Union Election: “An ‘overwhelming majority’ of workers at Catapult Book Group have voted to join UAW Local 2110 via a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, per an announcement. The Catapult Workers Collective, which encompasses around 20 staffers at the Brooklyn-based publisher, expressed excitement to begin the collective bargaining process. Upon the initial announcement of their intent to unionize in April, workers cited concerns surrounding ‘job security, wages, and a need for greater transparency from company leadership.’”Sean Astin Sounds the Alarm to Rally Unions on Free Speech Protections: ‘Rights Paid with Blood’: “Sean Astin, amid a key moment for freedom of speech in the United States, didn’t mince words when talking about the importance of the First Amendment during a recent speech. ‘I love my country. I love my freedom of speech. I love my freedom to assemble,’ the SAG-AFTRA president said. ‘Rights that every one of our organizations counts on for our survival; rights paid with blood. If we don’t defend those rights together now, we will lose them.’ Astin delivered the speech at the Constitutional Convention of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), giving the keynote address (themed ‘Unions Change Lives’) to a crowd of 1,000 labor union leaders. This comes exactly one week after SAG-AFTRA voted to ratify a new bargaining agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers with 91.42% of votes in favor.”Huerta Pumps Up AFL-CIO Crowd with Calls for Economic and Political Democracy: “Legendary labor leader Delores Huerta, aged 96, pumped up the crowd at the AFL-CIO convention in Minneapolis with a wide-ranging speech urging action on everything from migrants’ rights to the Equal Rights Amendment to the PRO Act to health insurance for the nation’s farmworkers. Huerta, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers, and author of the now widely used motto ‘Si se puede!’ addressed the crowd for more than half an hour and repeatedly urged them to take to the streets. She added that the labor movement is a credible source not just of information, but of inspiration for progressive causes.”Randi Weingarten: America’s Teachers Can’t Afford to Teach: “Teachers’ paychecks have never fully reflected their passion or professionalism, but as America’s cost-of-living crisis persists, educators increasingly cannot afford even life’s basic necessities. Rebecca Mikkelson, a school counselor in New Mexico, currently works three jobs just to buy the basics—groceries, a place to live, and health insurance. ‘The message this sends is deeply troubling: even when educators follow the rules, invest in education, eliminate my debt, and work full time in public service, financial security is no longer guaranteed,’ she tells me. ‘This is not a personal failure, it’s a systemic one.’”Union Organizing, Midterms Take Center Stage at AFL-CIO Convention in Minneapolis: “The AFL-CIO, which is the country’s largest and most important labor organization, gathered in Minneapolis this week. The focus was on new union organizing during the Trump administration and the upcoming midterm elections. NPR’s Don Gonyea reports. The delegates kicked off this week by reelecting AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. In her acceptance speech, she first highlighted a major success. Liz Shuler: ‘We said—if you remember, we said we would organize a million new workers over the next 10 years. Well guess what? We got it done in three.’”AFL-CIO Convention Builds Strategy Around a United Movement: “Liz Shuler is the first woman to be the national leader of the AFL-CIO—the democratic federation of 65 national and international unions that represent 15 million working people. She opened by saying: ‘Conferences like this are [about more than] sitting in a room talking. It’s about forming relationships, challenging each other, building trust. What we’ve endured over the past 18 months is the single most egregious coordinated attack on working people and human rights than we have ever seen—purging federal workers from their jobs and attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that have made us stronger.’”Unions to Mobilize Army of 22,500 Election Workers by July 3: “The mobilization is important because, as Shuler and other speakers at the conclave noted, the labor movement is a trusted source of information for both its members and for swing voters whom its organizers contact. Opinion polls back that up. Some 70% of U.S. workers say they would join a union if they could. Even more notable was a survey earlier this year, which showed unions as the only institution with a positive view from voters. All the others—Congress, the presidency, the Supreme Court, corporations and the mass media among them—were underwater. The political organizing target complements a separate target the federation set the day before: To add two million new voters from union households to the 14 million who cast ballots in the last off-year election, in 2022. Shuler called that ‘a very tangible goal.’”Labor Jumps Full Force into 2026 Election Battles: “Entering her second full-term as AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler laid out big plans for the nation’s labor federation over the next five years. For the current midterm elections, the federation plans to put 50,000 ‘election protectors’ in the field. Accepting her re-election, unopposed, at the AFL-CIO Convention’s opening session in Minneapolis, Shuler also set a target of organizing two million new members over the next five years—the term to which delegates unanimously elected her and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. ‘And that’s a floor, not a ceiling,’ Shuler declared.”AFL-CIO Calls for Strengthening of U.S. Cargo Preference Rules: “The AFL-CIO’s maritime unions are calling for comprehensive cargo policies to generate the revenue base for an American maritime revival. Commercial and government cargo interests often pick foreign-flag carriers when the law allows, since foreign operators are the least-cost option. Since this has a deleterious long-term effect on the health of America’s maritime industry, the AFL-CIO’s maritime affiliate unions (MEBA, MM&P and SUP) are calling for expanded cargo preference laws to force more government agencies to ‘Ship American’ with taxpayer dollars, along with tax incentives for commercial shippers who choose to move their freight to market on American vessels.”Liz Shuler: America’s Workers Are Fighting Back—and Winning: “This year, we are gathering for our convention in the Twin Cities under vastly different circumstances, with the current administration tearing down the economy, unions, longstanding programs and institutions, and democracy itself. Throughout history, the labor movement has risen to meet the moment—and with you we have again risen to the challenge. We stood together to defend the rights of working people and became the trusted voice this country needed to lead the fight against injustice and oppression. And we did not just fight back and survive—we grew and thrived. We saw more organizing and membership growth across sectors and industries.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 06/15/2026 – 09:34