AFL-CIO
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: Jobs with Justice
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: Jobs with Justice
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our allied groups. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered each of the departments. Next up is Jobs With Justice (JWJ).
Name of Organization: Jobs With JusticeMission: Jobs With Justice believes that expanding the ability of workers to collectively bargain is one of the most important ways to make good on the promise of democracy. For nearly 40 years, Jobs With Justice has lived these values by bringing together labor, community, student and faith voices at the national and local levels to win improvements in people’s lives, shape public discourse on workers’ rights and the economy, and build a multiracial and multigendered united front of workers pushing for working people’s shared interests against exploitation and corporate greed. JWJ and its network of 28 local coalitions stand shoulder to shoulder with workers in all wage sectors, centering the fight against White supremacy, systemic racism and patriarchy to expand economic democracy. Jobs With Justice believes that in order to build a functional and healthy democracy, working people must be able to practice governance and democratic decision-making in all aspects of their lives, including finances, housing, education and more.Current Leadership: Erica Smiley serves as executive director. A longtime organizer and movement leader, Smiley has been spearheading strategic organizing and policy interventions for Jobs With Justice for nearly 15 years. Prior to taking up her current position with the organization, Smiley served as organizing director for JWJ, developing campaigns that resulted in transformative changes to how working people organize and are civically engaged at their workplaces and in their communities. During her tenure at JWJ, Smiley has served in numerous leadership capacities, including as campaigns director and as senior field organizer for the southern region. With Sarita Gupta, she co-authored “The Future We Need: Organizing for a Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,” a book about collective bargaining and democracy released in April 2022. Prior to joining Jobs With Justice, Smiley organized with community groups and unions such as the Tenants and Workers Support Committee (now Tenants and Workers United) in Virginia and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 in Baltimore. Her career in social and economic justice began in the reproductive justice field; she served as national field director for Choice USA (now URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity), where she received the Young Women of Achievement Award in 2004.Mackenzie Baris serves as deputy director of program and base building. Candace Johnson serves as deputy director for organizational strength.Allied Unions: AFL-CIO; AFGE; AFSCME; AFT; American Postal Workers Union; Association of Flight Attendants-CWA; Communications Workers of America; Electrical Workers; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers; Ironworkers; Laborers; National Education Association; North America’s Building Trades Unions; SEIU; UAW; UNITE HERE; United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America; United Food and Commercial Workers; and United Steelworkers.History: Since its founding in 1987, Jobs With Justice has been winning campaigns that build power for working people; advancing a sustainable and powerful network of grassroots coalitions; supporting the growth and leadership of local leaders and activists; and developing strategic alliances nationally and globally that strengthen the movement for workers’ rights, economic justice and democracy. On July 29, 1987, more than 11,000 individuals participated in the first Jobs With Justice convening in Miami and together recited the JWJ pledge. Pledge takers commit to showing up at least five times a year for someone else’s fight so that together working people can challenge corporate greed from all angles; protect the vital public services that communities need and the jobs of the people who deliver those services; defend institutions that work to improve working conditions, wages and dignified retirement; protect immigrant workers from unjust workplace raids and inhumane deportation; and support workers demanding jobs with justice, the right to organize and the freedom to collectively bargain for fair contracts.Throughout its history, Jobs With Justice has been a strategic hub for the labor movement by bridging the gap between traditional labor unions and new worker organizations, and creating coalitions of diverse partners who understand the interconnectedness of worker issues to broader social justice movements such as health care, public education, immigrants’ rights, globalization and trade issues. Jobs With Justice has launched and co-anchored national campaigns such as Caring Across Generations; Change Walmart, Change the Economy; United Workers Congress; Debt-Free Future; Protecting Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation; and Always Essential. Across the country, JWJ has anchored successful minimum wage, wage theft, paid leave and “ban the box” policy victories in states and local communities. In 2020, Jobs With Justice launched the Advancing Black Strategists Initiative with a vision to create a cohort of Black economic justice- and labor-focused strategists committed to leading, developing and advancing policies and campaigns that support the collective power-building of working people, particularly in the South. In 2024, JWJ partnered with the W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy at Clark Atlanta University to co-found the Labor Institute for the Advancement of Black Strategists, the first-ever labor institute at a historically Black college or university in the U.S. South.Current Campaigns/Policy Agenda: Jobs With Justice is powered by a grassroots network of local affiliates and 350,000 committed supporters. JWJ projects include the Labor Research and Action Network, the Advancing Black Strategists Initiative, and the Worker Solidarity Fund. JWJ provides leadership development and training for its affiliates and partners and is building Strike Ready Committees to support workers taking bold action together. Jobs With Justice also develops and advances worker-first policies toward a 21st-century reconstruction for multiracial democracy. Current campaigns include fighting for pregnancy justice at Amazon by applying public pressure for accountability for Amazon’s cruel and systemic abuse of pregnant and postpartum workers who have been denied accommodations and have faced harassment, miscarriages and firings, violating federal law and putting workers’ health, livelihoods and lives at risk; defending immigrant workers and holding corporations that enable Immigration and Customs Enforcement accountable; and powering the green transition by advancing a union-led, community-rooted climate transition by empowering workers, aligning capital, and enforcing high road labor standards in clean energy and decarbonization projects.Learn More: Website, The Solidarity Hub, newsletter sign-up, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/03/2026 – 12:27
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at The Maine Monitor Win Voluntary Recognition
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at The Maine Monitor Win Voluntary Recognition
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.
Newsroom workers at The Maine Monitor have joined The News Guild of Maine, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 31128, after winning voluntary recognition from management.The publication is the nonpartisan, independent news outlet of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting. Staff are organizing in order to ensure that they can continue to deliver the critical reporting their readership depends on.“Our union will be a positive step forward for both union members and the overall organization,” Rose Lundy, senior reporter at The Monitor, said. “The Maine Monitor Union will strengthen our newsroom, make The Monitor more attractive to talented candidates and will give staff the ability to speak with one voice.”“We are thrilled to welcome the workers of The Maine Monitor into our union. This step will strengthen a respected news organization and enable these journalists to continue their important mission in our state,” The News Guild of Maine President Megan Gray said. “Media workers and journalists in Maine have sent a clear message in recent years with campaigns to form and expand our unions: We care deeply about our work, and we will be part of the conversation about the future of the news industry in Maine.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/03/2026 – 09:55
Tags:
Organizing
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Working People Weekly List
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: 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.
An Unwritten Federal Policy is Blocking Workers’ Discrimination Claims: “‘Justice delayed is justice denied, and the EEOC’s refusal to act on these class-action complaints is causing direct harm and personal injury to our members,’ AFGE National President Everett Kelley said in a statement.”Temple, Jefferson Resident Physicians Ratify First Contracts Since Voting to Unionize: “About 2,200 resident physicians at Temple University Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals announced Thursday that they ratified their first contracts since voting to unionize. The residents at the two health systems were the latest in the region to join the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), the largest union of resident physicians in the United States.”Mendocino County SEIU Members Ratify Contract: “The vast majority of Mendocino County public servants this week approved a new employment contract, officials with the local Service Employees International Union reported. In a press release, the SEIU 1021 reported that its members in Mendocino County, which include include public health nurses, social workers, employment and family assistance specialists, mental health clinicians, road crews, and others, ‘overwhelmingly ratified their union contract by 96.94%.’”Jake Hummel: Amendment 4 Will Lead to More Anti-Worker Laws: “As president of the Missouri AFL-CIO, I am incredibly proud of our union members and their families who have been hitting the streets to spread the word about Amendments 4 and 5 which will be on the Aug. 4 ballot. Amendment 5 has received plenty of attention, and rightfully so. It would allow politicians to create a new Everything Tax and raise the price of gas, groceries, medicine, and even doctor’s visits. It deserves to fail, and I feel confident we will deliver that defeat on Election Day. But Amendment 4 has received less attention, and for working families it is incredibly dangerous.”AFSCME Local 1343 Signs Two-Year Union Contract with City of Burlington: “Today, Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) announced the successful negotiation of a new, two-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract was signed this morning at a ceremony at City Hall. The contract extends the longstanding partnership between the union workforce of over 300 staff members and the City of Burlington from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. AFSCME Local 1343 ratified the contract prior to the Burlington City Council’s approval of the agreement at its July 13, 2026, meeting.”On-Set Visual Effects Workers on ‘Star Wars’ Productions Join IATSE: “A group of U.S. visual effects workers engaged directly by ‘Star Wars’ franchise productions has joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees for collective bargaining purposes. The new bargaining unit includes U.S. workers who contribute to titles including, but not limited to ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ ‘Ahsoka’ and ‘Starfighter.’ The unit, which overwhelmingly supported joining the union, will now begin good-faith negotiations with the employer for its first contract.”Sales Reps with New Jersey Cannabis Brand Vote to Unionize: “Sales representatives with a cannabis retail brand in New Jersey are the latest workers in the state’s legalized industry to unionize. According to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360, The Botanist New Jersey’s sales team recently voted to organize as members of the union. Headquartered in New York City, the Canopy USA-owned brand has retail sites in Williamstown, Collingswood and Egg Harbor Township. It also operates licensed cultivation and manufacturing facilities here.”Case to Be Dropped Against Labor Leader Caught in Los Angeles Immigration Raid: “Federal prosecutors moved on Monday to dismiss their case against David Huerta, a Los Angeles labor leader whose arrest during an immigration raid last year helped spark a wave of demonstrations against the Trump administration’s crackdown in the nation’s second-largest city.”University of Michigan Nurses Sign New Deal, Approve Wage Increases: “University of Michigan nurses approved a new three-year labor contract that features wage increases, improved staffing rations and stronger workplace safety protections. The MNA-University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council—the group representing the Michigan Nurses Association—approved the agreement with a 94% ‘yes’ vote on Friday, July 24. The contract ratification vote took place from July 20 to the 24.”Fred Redmond: Black Women Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen: “Everywhere you look, people are talking about the rising cost of living. For Black women, this crisis is compounded by a persistent and unjust pay gap. That’s why we observe Black Women’s Equal Pay Day this year on July 21. It brings attention to the fact that among full-time, year-round workers, Black women earned just 65 cents in 2025 for every dollar earned by white men. That wage gap isn’t just a statistic—it means smaller paychecks, fewer opportunities to build wealth, greater financial insecurity and harder choices about providing for their families.”American Federation of Musicians Local 802 Reaches Agreement with Metropolitan Opera: “Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians has reached a tentative agreement with the Metropolitan Opera for a one-year contract for the Met’s more than 130 associate musicians. The deal follows an extensive nine-month period of negotiations during which representatives of the Met’s associate musicians pushed to achieve wage parity with their Met Orchestra colleagues. According to AFM Local 802 President Dan Point, the musicians faced ‘a challenging uphill battle” due to budgetary limitations that have affected the Met in recent years.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/03/2026 – 09:53
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: On-Set Visual Effects Workers on ‘Star Wars’ Productions Join IATSE
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: On-Set Visual Effects Workers on ‘Star Wars’ Productions Join IATSE
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.
U.S.-based visual effects workers engaged directly by “Star Wars” franchise productions have joined the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).Staff overwhelmingly supported joining the union—they contributed to major titles like “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Ahsoka” and “Starfighter.” Now these newly minted members are looking forward to establishing a fair and strong union contract.“These workers help bring some of the most ambitious stories in entertainment to life, and they deserve a meaningful voice in shaping their working conditions,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb in a press release. “We are proud to welcome these visual effects professionals into our proud Union.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 07/31/2026 – 09:30
Tags:
Organizing
Worker Wins: We Are Only Asking for What’s Right
Worker Wins: We Are Only Asking for What’s Right
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Federal Charges Against SEIU-USWW President David Huerta to be Dismissed: On Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California moved to dismiss the charges against Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) President David Huerta. In response, President Huerta released the following statement: Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is dropping its charge against me. This means the government is finally admitting what we knew from day one and what was obvious to anyone who saw the videos: the charge against me was baseless, meant to intimidate anyone who dares to speak out, organize, or demand justice. There was never a real case, only an attempt to punish and silence me for exercising my constitutional rights….I’m grateful for the support of SEIU members, our community, my family, my friends, and everyone who has stood with me this past year. To every worker, every immigrant, everyone who’s ever been marginalized or discriminated against—now is not the time to keep your head down or to keep silent. Now is the time to keep organizing. To keep showing up. To keep fighting. We will not be silenced. We will not be divided. And we will keep fighting until every worker and every family is safe from raids, separation, and fear. Read the full statement here.RWDSU-UFCW Members at Treehouse Foods Ratify New Contract: Members of the Tennessee District Council (TDC)—part of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-United Food and Commercial Workers (RWDSU-UFCW)—at Treehouse Foods have ratified a powerful new contract. Thanks to the efforts of their highly engaged, member-led bargaining committee, workers at the food processing company secured major victories such as a wage increase, a $1,000 ratification bonus, improved vacation language, a new floating holiday and more. In a post on its website, the union said, “What makes this ratification even more special is how the committee used the bargaining process to unify and expand our union. Every single person who filled in a bargaining survey signed a new membership application. By actively connecting with workers at every step, personally handing out contract surveys and guiding members through the ratification process, the committee signed up enough new members to boost overall union membership by 10%. That growing unity gave our bargaining team the leverage they needed at the table.”Brooklyn Defender Services Staff Reach TA: Staff represented by the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys–UAW (ALAA-UAW) Local 2325 at Brooklyn Defender Services have reached a tentative agreement (TA), ending a strike at New York City’s second-largest public defender group. Staff attorneys, social workers and support staff at the organization serve more than 40,000 people across Brooklyn and Queens each year. Members walked off the job for five days to secure a contract that will allow them to continue their critical work. The new deal includes pay increases, more sick leave, higher retirement contributions and remote work options. “Tonight, we reached a Tentative Agreement on a contract and our STRIKE IS OFF,” the union said in a social media update posted late Tuesday night. “We owe this win to the tireless work of our bargaining committee, the dedication of our rank and file members who held down the picket line, and the support of our elected officials, union siblings, and community members.”Pennsylvania Library Workers Win Union Election: Workers at the Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Library have successfully voted to form a union with AFSCME Council 13. The Pennsylvania library system dates back to the 1930s and contains three different branches. Now that workers have won their union representation, members are ready to bargain a contract that ensures fair wages, cost-of-living adjustments, stronger workplace protections and a greater voice in shaping the future of the library. “People wanted more agency at work and a bigger voice in decisions that have such a huge effect on the services we can offer the community,” customer service assistant Hunter Montgomery said. “Once people realized the power that collective action gives you, it kind of felt easy. The momentum just kept building, and we were able to ride that wave of enthusiasm right through the successful election.”New Flyer-NFI Parts Workers Ratify First Contract: Members of IUE-CWA Local 83600 in Louisville, Kentucky, have voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with New Flyer-NFI Parts. These workers produce bus, motorcoach and transit shuttle parts for the multinational bus manufacturer. Members’ new five-year contract builds upon the New Flyer national agreement that was reached earlier this year. Highlights of the deal include wage increases, protections against unexpected health care premium hikes, 100% company-paid dental and vision insurance, new just-cause protections, the introduction of paid maternity leave, and more. “Working class people around Kentucky are not only organizing unions but also winning,” said Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Dustin Reinstedler in a social media post. “Instead of sitting around and waiting on something to trickle, we stand up and fight back with our coworkers. We exercise our freedoms to collectively bargain which leads to worker power. Thank you to each person employed at New Flyer who has that kind of courage to say enough is enough. Congrats on an exceptional first contract!”Swaybox Workers in Louisiana Vote to Join IATSE in Major Organizing Victory: Workers at Swaybox Studios in New Orleans won their National Labor Relations Board election to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), one of the largest film and television organizing victories in the union’s recent history. The new bargaining unit will cover 136 animators, digital puppetry artists, facilities staff and other workers—membership is expected to grow as Swaybox progresses on current and future projects. “Too many workers in this segment of the entertainment industry believe they have to accept low pay or poor conditions because they’re told that’s how the job works,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “The workers at Swaybox proved otherwise. If you’re working non-union and things aren’t right, if pay is low, take the first step and call the union. We’ll have your back.” “Today, by standing together across crafts and departments, [Swaybox workers have] shown that productions coming to Louisiana to build world-class films can’t expect to succeed by lowering standards or ignoring the people whose talent and dedication bring those projects to life,” said Simonette Berry, business agent of IATSE Local 478. “Their courage and solidarity send a powerful message: when workers stand together, they have the power to shape their future. This victory belongs to the crew.”QVC Group Hosts Vote to Join SAG-AFTRA: Television hosts across QVC, HSN and Omni Channel have voted overwhelmingly to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. Hosts delivered a petition to QVC Inc. management in mid-June requesting voluntary recognition, citing concerns around the use of artificial intelligence (AI). These newly minted members are also seeking a contract with greater workplace transparency, pay equity, clearer guidelines for career advancement and a strong voice on the job. QVC Group hosts are dedicated professionals who have played a key role in making QVC Group a leader in the live, social shopping industry,” SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said in a press statement. “Like everyone, QVC, HSN and Omni Channel employees deserve fair compensation, AI protections and a stronger voice in decisions that affect their work. All of SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members are proud of these individuals for bravely exercising their right to unionize, and we stand with them as they begin bargaining for their first contract.”American Federation of Musicians Reaches Tentative Agreement with Metropolitan Opera: After nine months of negotiations, members of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802 have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Metropolitan Opera. AFM represents more than 130 associate musicians at the iconic New York City opera house. Throughout bargaining, artists stood strong and fought for the wage parity they deserve after more than a decade of pay cuts. “The Associate Musicians of the Metropolitan Opera make up 30–50% of what audiences hear each night when the curtain goes up at the Met, and after more than a decade of absorbing cut after cut to their pay, they have won a contract that recognizes that contribution,” said AFM Local 802 President Dan Point. “This deal is a testament to what these musicians accomplished by standing together behind their committee, signing their names to a petition, and telling management face-to-face that they would not trade permanent concessions for temporary gains.”Adventist Health St. Helena Nurses Join California Nurses Association: Registered nurses (RNs) at Adventist Health St. Helena voted last week to form a union with the California Nurses Association (CNA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). The 250 newly minted union members won their National Labor Relations Board election in a landslide victory. RNs report that a primary motivator for organizing was their need to have a strong voice on the job to help recruit and retain experienced nurses in order to ensure quality patient care. “The nurses and patients of St. Helena are my community,” said Mark Gonzalez, an RN in the intensive care unit. “We need a union so we have a voice to advocate for our patients and to ensure that Adventist administration invests its profits back into our hospital. We are only asking for what’s right, like safe staffing and adequate supplies and equipment. Our patients depend on it.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/30/2026 – 11:39
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Adventist Health St. Helena Nurses Join California Nurses Association
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Adventist Health St. Helena Nurses Join California Nurses Association
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Registered nurses (RNs) at Adventist Health St. Helena voted last week to form a union with the California Nurses Association (CNA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU).The 250 newly minted union members won their National Labor Relations Board election in a landslide victory. RNs report that a primary motivator for organizing was their need to have a strong voice on the job to help recruit and retain experienced nurses in order to ensure quality patient care.“The nurses and patients of St. Helena are my community,” said Mark Gonzalez, an RN in the intensive care unit. “We need a union so we have a voice to advocate for our patients and to ensure that Adventist administration invests its profits back into our hospital. We are only asking for what’s right, like safe staffing and adequate supplies and equipment. Our patients depend on it.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/30/2026 – 09:53
Tags:
Organizing
Take Action: Heat Safety at Work
Take Action: Heat Safety at Work
Cities coast to coast are breaking all-time heat records this July, as the extreme heat continues.But while workers continue to face dangerous and potentially deadly working conditions, anti-worker leaders in Congress are quietly attempting to stop any heat safety protection laws from being passed, now or in the future.
H.R. 6213, the misnamed Heat Workforce Standards Act, would prohibit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from creating or enforcing any national heat safety law. This cannot stand. Will you make a call? Tell Congress to protect workers from heat—and not block heat safety protections.Working in extreme heat, both inside and outside, makes workers vulnerable to heat-related illness and even death. It’s difficult to track as heat-related deaths and illnesses are not always recorded as such. As a result, this is a serious problem that is undercounted.Working in hot environments also impacts a worker’s ability to think clearly, concentrate and react quickly, all of which can lead to further risk and harm.Please make a call in favor of heat safety standards and to protect workers from heat at work. Call 844-937-2517 now.In 2024, OSHA proposed the nation’s first heat safety standard. The Trump administration has yet to implement these much-needed protections. But the truth is, leaving heat exposure at work unaddressed doesn’t help big corporations—it costs them $7.8 billion each year and additionally would prevent more than 500 worker fatalities a year. What’s good for workers is what’s good for businesses, and many heat safety measures are common sense, widely accepted and necessary to save lives. Workers are facing increasingly hot temperatures across the country, year after year. And all workers are at serious risk of harm from the heat. Thank you for standing with workers this summer and every day.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/29/2026 – 16:45
Our Seat At the Table: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Our Seat At the Table: 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:Join us online for Equity 101 to deepen your understanding of what being a union member is all about. Save the date: Monday, August 10 at 6 p.m. PT. / 7 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. CT / 9 p.m. ET. RSVP in the Upcoming Events section of Equity Weekly. https://bit.ly/4yuabBp[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) July 28, 2026 at 12:33 PMAFSCME:Thanks to the Trump administration’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 1 million children have been kicked off food aid. When families are already struggling to make ends meet, working people deserve better. https://t.co/ddctG73SaP— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 29, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:For 95 years, ALPA has worked to advance aviation safety and protect those who fly. Vigilant. Unwavering. Ready. Because safety isn’t just our standard. It’s our promise. #ALPA95 pic.twitter.com/AX6pB35qHH— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) July 27, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:⏰ Do you know you can join the fight to protect and strengthen retirement benefits in just a few minutes?Join the Alliance for Retired Americans now at the link in the comments, and share this post with your friends and family! pic.twitter.com/bu0170Q5YR— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) July 27, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:Our Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, hospital transfer workers are fed up with poor pay, disrespect on the job, and poor working conditions. #OurVoiceOurPower #canlab @bcfed https://t.co/X6vPU5FLTq— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 29, 2026American Federation of Musicians:Protect Working Musicians Act Forum Webinar with @RepDeborahRoss, Thurs. August 6th. Learn more: https://t.co/xtLh2zuDGrRegistration link: https://t.co/CDHWSjAnDG #ProtectWorkingMusiciansAct #FairPayForMusicians pic.twitter.com/pHbWaRWukg— AFM (@The_AFM) July 27, 2026American Federation of Teachers:The Senate education committee is considering a bill that stops Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education. Take action and tell your lawmakers to support this critical legislation and help students get the resources they need to succeed ⤵️[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) July 29, 2026 at 11:05 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Cleveland Area Local steps up during rush hour to hand out flyers and share the news about threats to our public Postal Service and how to fight back. pic.twitter.com/9Cejc8UHuv— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) July 29, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:In 2025, AFA EAP assisted one-third of AFA members. Of those assisted, 35% were first-time users. 91% of users improved or resolved their problem w/ AFA EAP support. We are so grateful to our AFA EAP reps!No matter the problem, AFA EAP is just a phone call away: 800-424-2406. pic.twitter.com/Suhg7ausZn— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 24, 2026Boilermakers:She went looking for a job; instead, she found a calling. Read about how L-693 President Martina Taite became the Pascagoula Metal Trades Council President. https://t.co/F3iEMd8N1B pic.twitter.com/6csUvy6BUK— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 28, 2026Bricklayers:The new Pittsburgh International Airport is flying high! From stunning #terrazzo & precision #tile to durable #masonry, our skilled craftworkers brought unmatched expertise, training, and solidarity to this massive project: https://t.co/JCcxzjGTut#WorksiteWednesday #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/5Zn1ssAiuc— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) July 29, 2026Communications Workers of America:Our new report details how interpreters at TP (formerly known as Teleperformance) face unsafe and stressful working conditions. Interpreters are organizing a union with CWA to address low wages and unsustainable working conditions.https://t.co/jjlDYyJw26— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 28, 2026Electrical Workers:The #IBEW is a proud member of the Energize Coalition, which today launched its new website, showcasing the coalition’s critical work to unleash EV charging across the U.S. and creating IBEW jobs. https://t.co/XckVOVYY07 pic.twitter.com/m4hK4mVaAQ— IBEW (@IBEW) July 29, 2026Fire Fighters:🏖️ 💪 NEW MEMBERS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS! Congratulations to the new members who joined Professional Firefighters Of Monroe County, FL – Florida Keys. Welcome to our great #union!#UnionStrong #OrganizeTheSouth pic.twitter.com/PrYk5uGO7o— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) July 28, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:WORKER WIN: Rhode Island became the latest state to require a minimum two-person crew on trains on July 23, and SMART-TD’s New England Safety & Legislative Board helped lead the way.Read more about this victory for workers and communities: https://t.co/znpbA3WKiZ— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) July 28, 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/97783NKNiv pic.twitter.com/SRtl7u1qv8— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) July 29, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:The charges against our union brother David Huerta have been dropped—a powerful victory for justice, solidarity, and the rights of working people pic.twitter.com/UuFVCnoNhB— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 28, 2026Laborers:#ICYMI: Local 120’s Veteran Committee and VOC volunteers fired up the grill twice in one week for the HVAF cookout. Serving those who served. That’s union solidarity. #LaborersRising #Solidarity #LIUNACares pic.twitter.com/GxosLbZTtn— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 27, 2026Machinists:Int’l President @IAMBrianBryant and @steelworkers Int’l President Roxanne Brown have sent a joint letter to the @USTradeRep calling for a policy that reflects our trusted and valued partnership with Canada, rather than imposing tariffs on Canadian goods. https://t.co/9UFds9SZXN— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) July 28, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Today is the day. Congratulations to Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent on your induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/BQqjX57sZa— MLBPA (@MLBPA) July 26, 2026Maritime Trades Department:The Jones Act, the Waiver, and What’s Actually at Stakehttps://t.co/iekgF8Y1BY— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) July 27, 2026Metal Trades Department:Perhaps most crucially, data shows that 43% of workers in the U.S. want to unionize—well beyond EPI’s proposed goal of tripling union membership—and public approval for unions is even higher. https://t.co/s1WGGq7KIB— Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@metaltradesafl) July 23, 2026Musical Artists:Highlights from AGMA’s New Three-Year Agreement with NY Philharmonic: www.musicalartists.org/highlights-f…[image or embed]— American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) July 28, 2026 at 12:24 PMNational Air Traffic Controllers Association:Every delivery depends on a reliable aviation system.Air traffic controllers are the backbone of our economy, responsible for moving over 61,000 tons of cargo through our airspace every day. Their dedication ensures the items people count on arrive where they need to be. pic.twitter.com/CPGrFnOCNI— NATCA (@NATCA) July 29, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:The Postal Service needs common-sense reforms to ensure long-term financial sustainability, not cuts that harm letter carriers or our service. We’ve long advocated for:✅ Allowing USPS to diversify its investments instead of being forced to park hundreds of billions in…— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 29, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:Whether you’re caring for someone now, are thinking about caregiving in the future, or just trying to take care of yourself, you have something to say about care.We want to hear from you.Join us for the Day to Have Your Say & be a part of the convo: https://t.co/3DjUL6twIQ pic.twitter.com/SNvTTtxCro— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 21, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:It was a productive day at NHLPA Executive Board Meetings in Toronto, where players came together to discuss, learn and engage in union business to help lay the path forward for the future of the NHLPA. pic.twitter.com/UiPk3fR6WU— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 21, 2026National Nurses United:📢 @CalNurses and our allies gave powerful testimonies at the UC Board of Regents meeting. We know @UofCAHealth has the power to end this boarding crisis if they staff up and put patients over profits! pic.twitter.com/n8aiFoESd2— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) July 29, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Bhairavi Desai, head of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, called the judge’s move to block the law “misguided, wrong” and marked by “extreme pro-corporation bias.” https://t.co/qEduTDNZAH— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 22, 2026NFL Players Association:This week’s offseason #CMVP is taking his game global 🌍 The @commanders defensive end led the Harare Exchange in Zimbabwe, a sports diplomacy initiative focused on strengthening international relationships and creating opportunities for athletes around the world. During the… pic.twitter.com/dZMIXDKkmO— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 24, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:They show up, put in the work, and help pave the way for the next generation of tradeswomen. Congratulations to our July Tradeswoman Hero Award winners! pic.twitter.com/Xk2VyUI0ap— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 27, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Our union’s apprenticeship programs provide hands-on learning experiences to prepare workers from all walks of life for the work ahead. Check out District Council 53’s first year industrial painters erecting bridge scaffolding in the dark! pic.twitter.com/JgJPHkVuQE— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 29, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Happy #NationalLipstickDay! 💄 To the retail workers behind the beauty counters, thank you for your hard work! #RetailWorkers #BeautyIndustryGraphic: Photo of a member working in a retail beauty department. pic.twitter.com/JC56neGboi— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 29, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:When Roofers & Waterproofers Local 149 in Detroit sent out a call to the Michigan Building & Construction Trades Council for support during a picket last week against corporate behemoth automaker Stellantis, every single trade showed up.#solidarity pic.twitter.com/p2thBRMrcB— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 27, 2026SAG-AFTRA:SAG-AFTRA Announces Support for Lawsuits Challenging Merger of Paramount, Warner Bros. Read more: https://ow.ly/6A4l50ZtFSt[image or embed]— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra.org) July 27, 2026 at 9:00 PMService Employees International Union:Congrats to Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital workers for joining @1199SEIU!Being in a union means workers can better advocate for themselves and their patients, which is crucial especially while healthcare remains under attack in this country.https://t.co/IbnqmJvoDt pic.twitter.com/7w5JoNjTy2— SEIU (@SEIU) July 29, 2026Solidarity Center:The Solidarity Center congratulates the Sudanese journalists who not only showed the power of collective action as they deal with unsafe working conditions, but who are determined to ensure all people have access to free and fair information, a fundamental democratic freedom ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/1sJHc1WJ3S— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 24, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨BREAKING: About a dozen @mainemonitor workers just unionized with @newsguildmaine!!! https://t.co/F5hLnI5vQh— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 28, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:BREAKING: On-Set Visual Effects workers on Star Wars Productions Join International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees pic.twitter.com/JVeubHxcIj— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) July 28, 2026Transportation Trades Department:As the largest federation of transportation unions in the country, @TTDAFLCIO is proud to present our “Faces of Transportation Labor” series, spotlighting the skilled, dedicated transportation workforce that keeps our country moving. First up is Terrance from @NALC_National: pic.twitter.com/NmhNKANg1l— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) July 28, 2026UAW:Get informed! Tune in on 7/30 to hear directly from candidates running for President in the 2026 UAW International Officer Election about their vision for our union.The Presidential forum will begin at approximately 6 pm ET and will be livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube.… pic.twitter.com/FBla8AqwPG— UAW (@UAW) July 29, 2026UNITE HERE:ICYMI: Earlier this month, @unitehere11 airline catering workers protested at American Airlines terminal regarding Sky chefs contract. 📢 Workers are fighting for quality healthcare at LAX! pic.twitter.com/wsrIQbusYQ— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 28, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:Pipe Up! is now on video!General President Mark McManus and UA International Representatives Lance Albin, Russell “Corby” Shelton and Price Dobernick discuss where the work is—and how the UA is preparing for it.Watch Episode 22: https://t.co/lySVMYrkz9— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) July 29, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Does your workplace have a plan in place for how to safely respond to the risks associated with warmer temperatures?Ensure workers have the necessary information on how to protect themselves in hot conditions.Learn more: https://t.co/GvYa8P7F5P pic.twitter.com/Xdpxhbf7MH— UFCW (@UFCW) July 29, 2026United Steelworkers:At the recent Rapid Response conference, we spoke with staff rep William Wilkinson, who originally hails from Local 560 about why the program matters, and why staying current with legislation that impacts us is important for every worker. pic.twitter.com/YuspRNRoAP— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) July 29, 2026Writers Guild of America East:WGA Statement on Paramount-WBD Merger Pause. #BlockTheMerger[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) July 24, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/29/2026 – 11:06
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: American Federation of Musicians Reaches Tentative Agreement with Metropolitan Opera
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: American Federation of Musicians Reaches Tentative Agreement with Metropolitan Opera
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 nine months of negotiations, members of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802 have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Metropolitan Opera.AFM represents more than 130 associate musicians at the iconic New York City opera house. Throughout bargaining, artists stood strong and fought for the wage parity they deserve after more than a decade of pay cuts.“The Associate Musicians of the Metropolitan Opera make up 30–50% of what audiences hear each night when the curtain goes up at the Met, and after more than a decade of absorbing cut after cut to their pay, they have won a contract that recognizes that contribution,” said AFM Local 802 President Dan Point. “This deal is a testament to what these musicians accomplished by standing together behind their committee, signing their names to a petition, and telling management face-to-face that they would not trade permanent concessions for temporary gains.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/29/2026 – 09:48
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: QVC Group Hosts Vote to Join SAG-AFTRA
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: QVC Group Hosts Vote to Join SAG-AFTRA
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.
Television hosts across QVC, HSN and Omni Channel have voted overwhelmingly to form a union with SAG-AFTRA.Hosts delivered a petition to QVC Inc. management in mid-June requesting voluntary recognition, citing concerns around the use of artificial intelligence (AI). These newly minted members are also seeking a contract with greater workplace transparency, pay equity, clearer guidelines for career advancement and a strong voice on the job.“QVC Group hosts are dedicated professionals who have played a key role in making QVC Group a leader in the live, social shopping industry,” SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said in a press statement. “Like everyone, QVC, HSN and Omni Channel employees deserve fair compensation, AI protections and a stronger voice in decisions that affect their work. All of SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members are proud of these individuals for bravely exercising their right to unionize, and we stand with them as they begin bargaining for their first contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/28/2026 – 10:47
Tags:
Organizing