AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at First Avenue and Sister Clubs Ratify First Union Contract, Secure ‘Big’ Raises
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at First Avenue and Sister Clubs Ratify First Union Contract, Secure ‘Big’ Raises
Christopher Bahn
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 legendary Minneapolis music club First Avenue and its six sister clubs in the Twin Cities ratified their first-ever union contract in a unanimous vote. The 230 event and service staff are now represented by UNITE HERE Local 17. In addition to First Avenue, the contract also covers Minneapolis clubs 7th Street Entry, Union Depot, and Fine Line, as well as St. Paul venues Fitzgerald Theater, Palace Theater and Turf Club. The three-year contract includes “big raises,” longevity pay, improved scheduling, training and safety policies and protections for LGBTQ+ workers.First Avenue, in its 55th year of operation, is one of the most hallowed music clubs in the country, because of its connection to Prince, who featured it prominently in his hit 1985 movie “Purple Rain.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/12/2025 – 09:30
Tags:
Organizing
Black History Month Profiles: Walter D. Andrews
Black History Month Profiles: Walter D. Andrews
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Walter D. Andrews of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Walter D. Andrews was born in Atlanta and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining Southern Bell in 1978. That same year, he began his activism with CWA Local 3204. Andrews made history as the first African American executive vice president and president of Local 3204, serving in these roles for nine years. He also held leadership positions with the AFL-CIO, CWA’s National Minority Caucus and other labor committees. Andrews’ long list of achievements includes receiving the Eugene Mays Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Joe Biden in 2024.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/11/2025 – 10:30
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Local 400 Secures Settlements Over Wage Theft and Discrimination
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 has successfully won financial settlements from Union Kitchen and Mom’s Organic Market on behalf of members who have been victims of wage theft and discrimination, respectively.At the ironically named Union Kitchen, Local 400 filed a lawsuit in March 2023 against the boutique convenience store chain and its owner for withholding tips left by customers in its Washington, D.C., stores that were intended for staff. The settlement included $133,333.34 for 79 impacted members and a requirement for Union Kitchen to pay the union’s attorneys’ fees.After staff at the Mom’s College Park, Maryland, location voted to join the UFCW, management sent an email announcing pay raises and other workplace improvements for all employees except those at the newly organized store. This was a violation of federal law, prompting Local 400 to file an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge, which resulted in a settlement of $17,302.67 to compensate 74 workers.“Our union is committed to protecting workers from unscrupulous bosses who are willing to violate their employees’ rights and break the law instead of properly compensating them for their hard work,” said Mark Federici, president of Local 400. “We’d like to thank the workers who took a stand and participated in this lawsuit for holding Union Kitchen accountable for its unlawful practices.”President Federici also said: “Given its reputation and purported values, we expected much better from MOM’s Organic Market, so we were especially disappointed that the company chose to violate the law and discriminate against its own employees. But no matter the employer, our union will always fight to protect our members’ rights and hold bosses accountable for breaking the law.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/11/2025 – 10:20
Solidarity is the Secret to Our Strength: In the States Roundup
Solidarity is the Secret to Our Strength: In the States Roundup
It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Colorado AFL-CIO:Immigrants’ rights are workers’ rights. When the Trump administration talks about deporting millions of immigrants, that creates an environment where our most basic rights and freedoms are on the chopping block.Read more here: https://t.co/SnQUNqmokt pic.twitter.com/xOxlxhww99— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) February 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:”16 states introduced legislation to roll back child labor protections since 2022 and 6 states enacted laws lifting restrictions.” -CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 on resolution to ratify amendment to the U.S. Constitution permitting Congress to regulate child labor pic.twitter.com/SuqGFyYm3y— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Art + Labor have long been connected. As a Union actor and @sagaftra member, Black History Month gives Alma an opportunity to talk about the many contributions Afro Americans have made to our country. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/vFmUejMW8u— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:“The 2 tier wage system creates resentment between employees. A lot of people were expecting the two-tier wage system to go away. I just think they neglected the newer people too much.” — NALC 391 Pres. Mark Rose https://t.co/avTnsUGhP1— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Meet Jeff Plaistead from @Ibew223, one of the many union members building the clean energy future in Massachusetts and across America. #CleanEnergy https://t.co/e4XODdweUA— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 3, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:The @afgeunion, the largest federal employee union, grew to a record size of 319,233 active members after adding more than 14,000 in the past five weeks. That’s nearly as many as the union added in the previous 12 months. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/2OIqWm9CE3— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:📈 Did you know union workers earn 10-30% more than their non-union counterparts? Plus, they enjoy job security, pensions, and healthcare that provide peace of mind for their families. 💙 Life is better in a union! #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/JmNuy3cjVb— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:Happy first day of session! We are excited to work with legislators, labor leaders, and affiliates to help ensure that pro-labor bills are passed during Nevada’s 83rd legislative session. pic.twitter.com/7VRtNpnwq6— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 4, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:The Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body is crushing these calls in support of Ken Jenkins for Westchester County Executive. Great work! 👏 pic.twitter.com/heBhVdOt8O— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 7, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:#FMLA turned 32 this week—used 500M times—but the U.S. is still one of only 6 countries without a national paid family leave program. Workers in NC lose $914M every year due to lack of #PaidLeave. Time to demand what we deserve! #WorkersRights #PaidLeaveForAll #Unionize pic.twitter.com/K7u8zLSowg— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 7, 2025Ohio AFL-CIO:Today is #SuperBowlLIX but the #Ohio @AFLCIO joined others at the @Tesla dealership in #Columbus to protest the attacks on working people. Was great to see young women who happened to be shopping join the protest. pic.twitter.com/1DzP2ULV8I— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 9, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:The ruling class will continue to try to divide working people.That’s why solidarity is the secret to our strength. pic.twitter.com/SoYScL6lFX— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 10, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Geisinger nurses are standing up for fair wages, safe staffing, and the respect they deserve. When nurses win, we all win! 💪🏥https://t.co/YncQqkSQOq— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 8, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:We’re getting ready to kick off our first Citizenship Clinic of the year!Thank you to all our union volunteers for showing up bright & early on a Saturday and @IBEW Local 20 for hosting 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/QdBHoQK0YA— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 8, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Throughout this month we will honor all those who came before us and those currently fighting for racial justice in the workplace and in the Pacific Northwest. We uplift Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, an independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement pic.twitter.com/XYxHmhGZCk— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/smuIsfQYgn— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 13:44
Black History Month Profiles: Denise Moore
Black History Month Profiles: Denise Moore
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Denise Moore of the Industrial, Technical & Professional Employees Union (ITPEU/OPEIU).
Denise Moore began working in the dining facility at Joint Base Andrews in 1983, becoming an ITPEU/OPEIU Local 4873 member. Eventually, she was elected shop steward and, in 2008, became a union representative.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 10:03
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses at Portland Legacy Hospitals Organize with the Oregon Nurses Association
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses at Portland Legacy Hospitals Organize with the Oregon 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.
Nearly 2,300 nurses at three Portland Legacy hospitals (Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital) voted to organize with the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Voting results showed nearly unanimous support from nurses at all three facilities, with about 599 nurses at Randall Children’s Hospital, 1,095 nurses at Legacy Emanuel and 596 nurses at Good Samaritan. The nurses will now negotiate their first union contracts.”This victory is about nurses standing together for the future of our profession, our patients, and our hospitals,” said Emanuel nurse leader Sarah Zavala. “We’re ready to build a strong contract that protects and empowers nurses so we can continue to provide the best care possible.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/10/2025 – 10:02
Black History Month Profiles: Allen D. Jones
Black History Month Profiles: Allen D. Jones
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Allen D. Jones of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Allen D. Jones is a dedicated and accomplished member of IUPAT Local 1010, representing Leon County Public Schools Support Staff. With 34 years of service, Jones has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advocating for his fellow members and strengthening the union’s impact. For 24 years, Jones served as a steward. He then served as vice president for eight years. In recent years, Jones stepped into the role of local unit chair during a challenging time, when Florida passed anti-union legislation requiring public sector bargaining units to maintain 60% membership and creating barriers for members to pay union dues.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sun, 02/09/2025 – 10:22
Black History Month Profiles: Lois Carson
Black History Month Profiles: Lois Carson
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Lois Carson of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4).
Lois Carson has been a secretary at Columbus City Schools for 37 years and works in the Department of Higher Education Partnerships. She is proud to serve as president of OAPSE, where she advocates for education professionals and students across the state. For years, Carson has fought to repeal Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, outdated rules that unfairly denied public service workers their hard-earned Social Security benefits. In 2024, after years of nonstop advocacy, the Social Security Fairness Act finally became law, thanks to the hard work of union members like Carson who courageously shared their stories.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sat, 02/08/2025 – 10:22
Black History Month Profiles
Black History Month Profiles
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Check out the union members we’ve featured so far:Raya FaggLatauna BigelowAndrea WinzerCharron CarterWade Dennis
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 10:46
Black History Month Profiles: Wade Dennis
Black History Month Profiles: Wade Dennis
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Wade Dennis of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Wade Dennis grew up in the Bronx in New York City. After he graduated high school, he joined the Army and did one tour in Afghanistan as an infantryman. After his military service ended, he started a new career with Con Edison. He became a proud UWUA Local 1-2 member, eventually becoming a shop steward in his department. He was inspired to do more and ultimately received life insurance and securities licenses to help the middle class learn about investing and protecting their income. He was also elected as a financial observer.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 09:56