AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GE Appliances Workers Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After months of negotiations, members of IUE-CWA Local 83761 in Louisville, Kentucky, have secured a new contract with GE Appliances.IUE-CWA represents approximately 5,000 production workers at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer and dryer manufacturer. Their new contract includes wins such as a 60% decrease in insurance deductibles, an additional holiday off, provisions establishing a career progression system that helps workers get regular raises with additional built-in wage increases at major milestones and more.“Trying to equally distribute what we can negotiate is hard…but everybody is getting contractual wage increases every year and that’s something we can continue to build on,” said Local 83761 President Dino Driskell. “We went through the four years so workers could see what their personal gains would be….We knew we’re going to take it, or we were going to be on strike.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/03/2025 – 10:22
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: WGAE Members Ratify Contract with ABC News
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.
Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) who work at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that contains powerful language protecting workers from the encroaching presence of artificial intelligence (AI).The unit secured meaningful provisions that prevent the news outlet from laying off any current staff as a result of generative AI usage and require management to alert members if the company plans to make the use of this technology a requirement in their jobs. Additionally, ABC News is obligated to bargain with the union over the impacts of any new AI practices. Other wins in the agreement include 5% annual wage increases, more paid time off and more.“Now more than ever, we need journalists who can report and present the news while they are protected in their workplace,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “A union contract is the only thing that ensures that protection. Our members and staff fought hard for this contract, and they deserve everything they won.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 01/31/2025 – 10:01
Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward
Worker Wins: An Important Step Forward
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election: On Monday, workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods Market voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776, making them the first union store in Amazon’s grocery chain. The e-commerce giant has owned Whole Foods since 2017. Since taking over, Amazon has rolled back numerous worker benefits, cut staffing and changed things like attendance policies for the worse. As expected, this campaign was faced with numerous instances of anti-union retaliation and intimidation tactics, forcing UFCW to file unfair labor practice charges against the grocer. Full- and part-time staff cite the need for livable wages, affordable health care and better retirement packages as key motivators for organizing. But members of Whole Foods Workers United also hope their story of taking on a union-busting behemoth—and winning—will also inspire their counterparts at hundreds of locations across the country. “I expect others to follow, and that will increase the leverage that we have at the bargaining table,” said Ben Lovett, a member of Whole Foods Workers United. “We’ve shown them that it’s possible to organize at Amazon.” “This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”Boston Commuter Rail Workers Unions Secure New Contracts: Commuter rail workers represented by Machinists (IAM) Local 318, TCU/IAM, the Brotherhood Railway Carmen of America, and the American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association (ARASA) have all ratified new contracts with Keolis Commuter Services. Keolis operates the commuter rail system on behalf of Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in the Boston metro area and parts of Rhode Island. The union coalition—which includes members who handle core responsibilities like engineering, locomotives and maintenance—garnered support from local lawmakers who called for a fair deal. “These union members stood together. We all came together as a coalition to demand that Keolis step up to meet the reasonable needs of the workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “We showed a lot of solidarity, and we’re happy to deliver new contracts to our unions’ hard-working rail members in Boston.” “Our members are dedicated to serving Boston’s commuters and worked under an outdated contract with no raises for two years until Keolis could make a fair deal,” said IAM District 19 Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “We never disrupted commuters’ lives, but we made it known that we would not settle for less than these members deserve.”Delaware County District Library Workers Win Union Election: Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board certified on Monday that staff at Delaware County District Library (DCDL) have successfully voted to organize with the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Under the name Delaware County United Library Staff (DCULS), the new unit covers 85 librarians and library workers. Despite the library’s board of trustees voting to remain neutral during the organizing effort, DCDL’s director included union-busting talking points at a mandatory staff meeting. Under Ohio law, the library is required to allow the same amount of time for a pro-union message, but workers were forced to file an unfair labor practice charge when management refused to do so. Now that DCULS members have won their representation by 82%, they’re looking forward to starting negotiations for a first contract. “Having grown up in Delaware County and seen its changes over my lifetime, there have been enormous changes that we never even imagined. Our community size and its needs have changed, but our commitment to the Delaware County community hasn’t,” said Kaleb Kramer, an Adult Services specialist at the Liberty Branch Library. “Our new union empowers all levels of staff to leverage our community relationships and experiences in partnership with our management and Board to keep pace with the rapid changes happening in our county.”UAW Welcomes Stellantis Recommitment to Restart Illinois Factory After Pressure Campaign: After months of the UAW organizing to keep the manufacturer accountable, Stellantis announced last week it will be producing a new mid-sized pickup truck at its shuttered assembly plant in Illinois and building the next-generation Dodge Durango SUV in Detroit. Stellantis—which owns Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and other brands—closed the Belvidere facility in 2023, then later that year agreed to reopen it as part of an agreement with the UAW. The corporation attempted to walk back that promise in August 2024, prompting the union to launch its Keep the Promise campaign that included demonstrations, grievance filings and other actions. “This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” said UAW President Shawn Fain in a press release. “We’ve shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.”PASS Ratifies Second Contract with Federal Aviation Administration: Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker (right) and Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) National President Dave Spero (left) signed a new contract this month covering approximately 7,200 employees in the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. PASS members voted to ratify the new five-year deal with 88% approval in early January. This contract went into effect right before a series of anti-federal employee executive orders were handed down by the new Trump administration. The contract offers financial incentives to workers, strengthens telework and remote work provisions, and increases rest requirements for this safety-critical workforce. “Although the process took longer than we would have liked, PASS bargained as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Spero. “PASS did not get everything we wanted but we made many improvements that will enhance employees’ work lives and address staffing issues at air traffic control facilities that have difficulty retaining workers. I’m proud of the work our team did at the bargaining table. It was challenging at times, but in the end, we achieved a strong collective bargaining agreement. I want to thank our members for their support and patience during the process.”Culinary Union Members Ratify Contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Ending Strike: On Wednesday, members of UNITE HERE’s Nevada affiliates—Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—who work at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas unanimously ratified a new contract. This victory ends 69 days of around-the-clock picket lines, the longest work stoppage in decades for these hospitality workers. Staff at the hotel-casino bravely held the line throughout the duration of the strike and received an outpouring of support—including from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which publicly pledged a boycott. In a joint statement, the unions and employer said: “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary and Bartenders Unions are pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property. Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract. Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more. “The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 01/30/2025 – 10:23
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood of Michigan Staff Ratify First Agreement
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 951 members who work at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo voted overwhelmingly last week to ratify their first contract.Kalamazoo Health Center was the first Planned Parenthood site in west Michigan to organize when workers joined UFCW in June. The agreement, which covers 25 medical assistants and five registered nurses, includes wins such as higher wages, more paid time off, increases in bereavement leave, creation of a safety committee and more.“The workers at Planned Parenthood—Kalamazoo Health Center wanted union representation to give them the guarantees and protections in the workplace they deserve,” said John Cakmakci, president of Local 951. “We are excited to represent the employees at Planned Parenthood of Michigan in Kalamazoo.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 01/30/2025 – 10:15
Building the Skills to Fight for Working Families: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Building the Skills to Fight for Working Families: 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:We are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Paul Robeson Award! Know an individual or organization that best exemplifies and practices the principles and ideals of Paul Robeson, please submit nominations by Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – https://t.co/bYVtsxMzdE pic.twitter.com/G2yqcUrNuQ— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 29, 2025AFGE:AFGE is urging ALL members and civil servants NOT to make a hasty decision to resign until you have further details. https://t.co/XMgUnOR7Vx— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 29, 2025AFSCME:Billionaires have amassed more power and influence than ever, and they are using it now to rob working people. This freeze on federal assistance funding comes straight from Project 2025 and threatens to hurt working families. https://t.co/3GrBpYOTf5— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 28, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Alliance members are already showing up to support workers this year! @TX4TARA members joined a ULP strike against Amazon and PA Alliance members helped shutdown Starbucks in White Hall. #1u #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/k1I6e7kJEW— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 28, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Local 616-Windsor, ON, joined with riders to push the City to save this critical bus service that many citizens rely on. #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab #1u #Windsor @OFLabour https://t.co/YY2mVv4nWV— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 28, 2025American Federation of Musicians:Thank you, @VernBuchanan and @RepJudyChu, for reintroducing the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act (PAPTA) to restore the ability of performing artists to deduct their ordinary and necessary unreimbursed business expenses. https://t.co/gZ6R1279EO— AFM (@The_AFM) January 27, 2025American Federation of Teachers:Working families are struggling to make ends meet while billionaires & corporations rake in record profits. Giving those at the top more tax breaks won’t lower costs for families, it will just make our economy even more rigged. Renewing the #TrumpTaxCuts is a scam. pic.twitter.com/nSqZiHhnPC— AFT (@AFTunion) January 27, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Reminder: Scholarship deadlines are approaching!Our AFA membership provides opportunities for scholarships, & the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees & books. More info, incl. @CWAUnion & @UnionPlus scholarships: https://t.co/xJeWNjAKe3— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 27, 2025Boilermakers:#Boilermaker travelers joined L-13 and L-28 to execute three impressive 450-ton reactor critical lifts. Have you boomed out for work? What’s your best Boilermaker travel story? https://t.co/oPbIjaQcd7 pic.twitter.com/zr0aZOhwIV— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 29, 2025Bricklayers:Recently, members from BAC Local 3 MA/ME/RI battled the elements to build the new Tobin Montessori School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Featuring 70 geothermal wells, a massive solar canopy, and is projected for LEED platinum certification!read more: https://t.co/RbAHMJV5Sv pic.twitter.com/zUIOOKHI3A— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 29, 2025Communications Workers of America:🙌 Thrilled to see our members stepping up at today’s legislative training in NY! Building the skills to fight for working families & make our voices heard in Albany. Together, we’re shaping a better future for all New Yorkers! 💪 #CWAStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/fs2a2ySSQ5— CWA District 1 (@CWADistrict1) January 27, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Today, the @BLS_gov released its annual union membership report which found that union professionals grew to 6.5 million in 2024. Here’s DPE’s full statement: https://t.co/8YISm3cj7M pic.twitter.com/igXWrdTjFI— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 28, 2025Electrical Workers:Happy Birthday, IBEW 569! For 105 years, 569 members have gathered in strength & solidarity, in unity for the dignity of our work, & safety of San Diego & Imperial Counties’ worksites, & for each other. Generations of electricians have benefited. #UnionStrong #IBEWProud pic.twitter.com/OobZ9FCyYh— IBEW569 (@IBEW569) January 29, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Students have rights! 🛑 Schools cannot disclose information about a student’s immigration status. It’s crucial to be prepared and know what to do in case of an immigration raid. Access resources to protect yourself and your family. Knowledge is power. 💪🏽 #StudentsRights pic.twitter.com/Cgg6CSGEXa— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 29, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:Listen now: MLK in Memphis https://t.co/cIykusMczB— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 26, 2025Laborers:When #LIUNA shows up, bosses listen! Like, these Mail Handlers on the picket line proving that #solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s our SUPERPOWER. Are you with us? pic.twitter.com/tklupMEJ36— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 29, 2025Machinists:(1/2) An IAM member lost their life on the job today at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The IAM is coordinating with authorities to conduct a full investigation. https://t.co/2OtSlP1wUd— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 28, 2025Musical Artists:Hats! Mugs! Totes! Announcing SwAGMA: the Union’s Official Merch Store. $5 from every purchase goes to the AGMA Relief Fund: https://t.co/k4IM8SZSEg pic.twitter.com/Nx4pEYsKon— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 28, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Limited edition merchandise for the NATCA Convention taking place in San Francisco May 9-11, 2025 is available to pre-order. Last day to order is February 1, 2025, for guaranteed pickup at NATCA Convention. https://t.co/oS5xfqlF5m pic.twitter.com/V5jTsi8WAw— NATCA (@NATCA) January 29, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Why is USPS consistently ranked as one of the most trusted government agencies?Because NALC members build community, serve with pride, and deliver dependability 💯 pic.twitter.com/fnT8q343gw— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 28, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:The Altadena fires have devastated many caregivers, adding financial strain on families raising children and taking care of aging parents without the protections and support they deserve.We must provide long-term solutions for care now.https://t.co/z1WWlnpey7— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 29, 2025National Nurses United:NNU nurses stand in solidarity with the @OregonNurses on strike demanding Providence put patients over profits! Hold the line! ✊ pic.twitter.com/2TYVdVqthM— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 28, 2025NFL Players Association:Our 2025-26 application window for the NFLPA Charitable Grants Partnership is now open!Clink the link to learn more about the program: https://t.co/Vi6oQPYYzh pic.twitter.com/GifsvapWUJ— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 29, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:There is power in a union. pic.twitter.com/N3qFixyszE— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 27, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Solidarity with the staff at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, who are one step closer to formalizing their union with OPEIU Local 98! https://t.co/UaDaSHbzsN— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 27, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:Four of our apprentices are competing this week at Surfaces — Jonathan Youn, a third year apprentice from DC 50 in Hawaii; Diana Jimenz, a third year apprentice from DC 36 in California; Harrison Aho, a second year apprentice from DC 5 in Washington; and Edgar Lopez, a fifth… pic.twitter.com/staMOZ5jBl— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 29, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Know your rights: you have the right to a safe workplace!Check out resources from RWDSU’s Health and Safety Department: https://t.co/6tmmHgYzhp pic.twitter.com/ZF6EbvSAup— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 26, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:This is truly historic–the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain. This is just the beginning. See what happens when workers unite against corporate greed and stand up to their union-busting tactics. #Solidarity https://t.co/uHrQv5Zq4X— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 28, 2025SAG-AFTRA:Check out the SAG-AFTRA podcast for key takeaways from #CES2025. EVP Linda Powell and NED Duncan Crabtree-Ireland are joined by members of the SAG-AFTRA National Innovation and New Technology Committee and A.I. Task Force Committee. Listen now: https://t.co/glo0fqULc1— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 24, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):🚨 SOLIDARITY WITH RICHMOND JANITORS! 150 union workers from @32BJSEIU are on the picket line with contracted janitors standing against Nu-Tech’s illegal firings, discrimination, & cruel treatment. Janitors—earning as little as $15/hr with no PTO—deserve dignity, not retaliation. pic.twitter.com/YI0k7S1eFe— SEIU (@SEIU) January 28, 2025Solidarity Center:Our partners the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) are bargaining for better living & working conditions at Bridgestone’s Liberia rubber plantation ✊🏿. Join us in showing support & #solidarity by signing their petition: https://t.co/o2xVtcG9vX#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 23, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: First contract win for staff at Democracy Works (@dwcollectiveTNG)!✊ Their contract includes:✅ Guaranteed wage increases ✅ Layoff protections + severance ✅ 12 weeks of paid parental leave✅Expanded protections against discriminationand more:https://t.co/r2Yl7KCOvZ— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 24, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:We talked to Liv Rigdon and Christian Soto, workers who were picketing outside of the Atlantic Theater to hear their thoughts surrounding the current strike for a fair contract. pic.twitter.com/04InIyp55P— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 28, 2025Transport Workers Union:Always great to bump into TWU retirees enjoying the retirement they earned, like Errol Bassit, MaBSTOA, @TWULocal100, at the airport in Miami. @TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/krYWcoY6By— TWU (@transportworker) January 29, 2025Transportation Trades Department:From DC to NYC and back again, we’re grateful for the @Amtrak workers who keep us moving! 🚆 pic.twitter.com/INd6mBgBs4— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 28, 2025UAW:“Our members, who get paid roughly $35 an hour, have been asked to somehow figure out how they can compete with workers that make $3 an hour,” said Jason Wade, an assistant to UAW President Shawn Fain. “Those workers should be paid either the exact same or in close proximity to…— UAW (@UAW) January 29, 2025UNITE HERE:The union difference matters for queer and trans workers. At #CreatingChange2025, UNITE HERE members from across the union shared stories about how affordable and inclusive health care, good wages, & non-discrimination protections changed workers’ lives. pic.twitter.com/csbEVmWRyA— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 27, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at the Cannabis 21+ dispensary in Mission Valley, San Diego, have voted to join @UFCW135With the union backing them, these workers intend to secure better wages, benefits, and conditions.Let’s get to work!➡️ https://t.co/Zy4796z7GR pic.twitter.com/ZtDYopFj5P— UFCW (@UFCW) January 23, 2025United Steelworkers:We honored former U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai with the Wellstone Award for her dedication to worker-centered trade, good jobs, and strong supply chains during her tenure under Biden. Named for Sen. Paul Wellstone, the award recognizes champions of labor and public service. pic.twitter.com/tEgcIMqzL0— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 28, 2025Utility Workers:👏👏👏 ICYMI: New members of UWUA Local 105 at Dearborn Industrial Gas secured a milestone first contract with the help of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council. 🧵 #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/3to09bSXI6— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 29, 2025Writers Guild of America East:CONGRATULATIONS to our members at ABC News who just ratified a groundbreaking contract that includes language protecting members from being laid-off due to the use of generative AI. ✊ #UnionStrong Read more details via https://t.co/K9tSQPmaTP pic.twitter.com/DOQv0KE6Gv— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 28, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/29/2025 – 09:32
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Whole Foods Workers Make History with Union Election
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Monday, workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods Market voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776, making them the first union store in Amazon’s grocery chain.The e-commerce giant has owned Whole Foods since 2017. Since taking over, Amazon has rolled back numerous worker benefits, cut staffing and changed things like attendance policies for the worse. As expected, this campaign was faced with numerous instances of anti-union retaliation and intimidation tactics, forcing UFCW to file unfair labor practice charges against the grocer. Full- and part-time staff cite the need for livable wages, affordable health care and better retirement packages as key motivators for organizing. But members of Whole Foods Workers United also hope their story of taking on a union-busting behemoth—and winning—will also inspire their counterparts at hundreds of locations across the country.“I expect others to follow, and that will increase the leverage that we have at the bargaining table,” said Ben Lovett, a member of Whole Foods Workers United. “We’ve shown them that it’s possible to organize at Amazon.”“This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 01/29/2025 – 09:19
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Welcomes Stellantis Recommitment to Restart Illinois Factory After Pressure Campaign
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Welcomes Stellantis Recommitment to Restart Illinois Factory After Pressure Campaign
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 months of the UAW organizing to keep the manufacturer accountable, Stellantis announced last week it will be producing a new mid-sized pickup truck at its shuttered assembly plant in Illinois and building the next-generation Dodge Durango SUV in Detroit.Stellantis—which owns Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and other brands—closed the Belvidere facility in 2023, then later that year agreed to reopen it as part of an agreement with the UAW. The corporation attempted to walk back that promise in August 2024, prompting the union to launch its Keep the Promise campaign that included demonstrations, grievance filings and other actions.“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” said UAW President Shawn Fain in a press release. “We’ve shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 01/28/2025 – 10:13
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Health Care Workers Ratify New Contract with UM Health-Sparrow
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Health Care Workers Ratify New Contract with UM Health-Sparrow
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.
Nurses and health care professionals at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow voted to approve a new contract with 95% approval, averting a planned five-day strike. The Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), said the contract runs until Oct. 30, 2027, and covers some 2,000 workers.The new contract includes competitive wage increases (with most members receiving between a 20% and 32% raise); large increases in differentials for night shift, evening shift, and weekend work; a guaranteed health care plan equal or better to the union plan the employer is ending; a permanent decrease in the cost of members’ premium contribution to Blue Cross Blue Shield; new language guaranteeing no permanent replacement of positions with subcontractors; and maintenance of open postings for these positions, extended COVID-19 protections for members, increased benefits for employees injured by workplace violence, vacation accrual for salaried members on paid-out comp time, and a ratification bonus.“We’re really proud that we as a union stood strong to get what nurses and healthcare professionals at Sparrow need and deserve,” said Leah Rasch, RN and co-chair of the elected PECSH-MNA bargaining team. “This is one of the best contracts anyone can remember at our hospital. A great agreement for our members is a win for all of us, because it will help make sure Sparrow can attract and keep enough nurses and health care workers to take excellent care of our community.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 01/27/2025 – 10:20
Keep the Promise: The Working People Weekly List
Keep the Promise: 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.
Whole Foods Workers in Philadelphia Vote to Form Chain’s First Union: “Workers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia voted on Monday to become the first unionized store in Amazon’s grocery chain, opening a new front in the e-commerce giant’s efforts to fend off labor organizing in multiple segments of its business. Employees at the sprawling Whole Foods store, in the city’s Spring Garden neighborhood, voted 130-100 in favor of organizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers union, the National Labor Relations Board said.”Las Vegas Hotel Workers Union Reaches Deal with Casino to End Strike: “Hundreds of workers at a Las Vegas hotel and casino who have been on strike for more than two months will go back to work after agreeing to a new contract Wednesday. The Culinary Workers Union and an affiliated bartenders union, which together represented about 700 striking workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, announced the employees had unanimously approved a five-year deal. The unions and the hotel said in a joint statement that they are ‘pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property.’”Healthcare Worker Union Ratifies New Contract with UM Health-Sparrow: “Nurses and healthcare professionals at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow voted to approve a new contract, the Michigan Nurses Association announced Thursday afternoon. The vote passed with 95% approval, averting a planned five-day strike. Members of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH-MNA) began voting on Monday. Voting ended Thursday and was tallied that same afternoon. Workers would have gone on strike if the contract had not been approved.”UAW Forces Stellantis to Keep Promises, Wins Back Thousands of Jobs: “After months of campaigns, rallies, grievances filed, and strike votes taken, the United Auto Workers have just won back thousands of jobs in a new agreement with Stellantis. The union’s ‘Keep The Promise’ campaign kicked off after the company reneged on a number of key issues that the workers and their union won in their historic 2023 Stand Up Strike. ‘This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,’ Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, and Kevin Gotkinsky, UAW Stellantis Department Director, said in a statement released Wednesday morning.”Workers at Genesis HealthCare Ratify First Contract with UFCW Local 152: “Workers at the Genesis HealthCare assisted living facility in Millville voted to ratify their first union contract on Jan. 9, giving them a voice on the job and secured wages and benefits. The workers, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152, voted unanimously to accept their three-year agreement.”Justice Demands That Colorado Legislators Modernize the State’s Labor Law This Session (Fredrick D. Redmond): “Colorado’s outdated labor law is rooted in unmistakable racism. Now is the time to modernize the law to provide all workers—especially workers of color—with the freedom to organize a union so they can openly voice their opinions at work and negotiate on safety and pay. Colorado’s economy was very different 81 years ago, when our current labor law was passed. In 1943, Colorado’s total population was just over a million people. One of the biggest employers was the Denver Ordnance Plant, where almost 20,000 workers produced bullets for the World War II war effort in three shifts around the clock. And more than 7,000 Japanese-American citizens were prisoners at Camp Amache in Prowers County.”AFT President Randi Weingarten Discusses Resistance to Trump’s Education Policies: “What will resistance to Trump’s education policy look like this time around? NPR hears from Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. Randi Weingarten is the longtime president of the American Federation of Teachers. It’s a union representing 1.8 million teachers nationwide. She joins us this morning by way of Skype. Randi, thanks for joining us. Now, how would the teachers you represent be affected by, say, a dismantled Department of Education if indeed he does that?”New Labor Coalition Wants Colorado’s Unions at the Forefront of the State’s Green Energy Transit: “In a classroom full of motors and switches, Dan Hendricks is going over what goes into a 3-5-year electrical apprenticeship. ‘This is towards the end of their apprenticeship, where they would learn motor control, different switching systems, things of that nature,’ he says, showing me a piece of machinery. ‘So as they progress, right, the work gets more interesting.’ He flicks a switch and triggers a sharp buzzing noise.”Cecile Richards, Former Planned Parenthood President, Dies at 67: “Cecile Richards, the dynamic former president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and one of the country’s most well-known defenders of abortion rights, died on Monday at her home in Manhattan. She was 67. She was diagnosed in 2023 with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, her family said in a statement. A former political organizer, Richards was a daughter of former Gov. Ann Richards of Texas.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 01/27/2025 – 09:38
Demanding A Seat On the Bus: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Demanding A Seat On the Bus: 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:ICYMI – Equity members who have been impacted by the California Wildfires can find resources including emergency financial assistance, disaster unemployment insurance, and more on our website. https://t.co/TnrFBsMvll pic.twitter.com/6GelpNq6kp— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 23, 2025AFGE:These attacks on DEIA are just a smokescreen for firing civil servants, undermining the apolitical civil service, and turning the federal government into an army of yes-men who are loyal to the president, not the Constitution.https://t.co/Pbn4Zs8uw0— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 23, 2025AFSCME:Congrats to AFSCME member Amy Peters, a scientist with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, who is the latest winner of our union’s Never Quit Service Award. https://t.co/LEugiblimW— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 23, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:BREAKING: Amazon workers in North Carolina are ready to have a union election. #1u #ItsBetterInAUnion https://t.co/otKswMflCA— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 23, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Local 713-Memphis, TN, demands ‘Seat on the Bus’ as MATA names new CEO. #ATUStrongerTogetherhttps://t.co/6uDUggVGl3— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 23, 2025American Federation of Musicians:On your way to NAMM? Visit the AFM Booth (#7806) with representatives from Local 7 (Orange County, CA) and Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA). Current AFM members can pick up a gold lapel pin. pic.twitter.com/ZTpynQYFc8— AFM (@The_AFM) January 22, 2025American Federation of Teachers:As educators, we know our duty is to create safe, welcoming spaces for all of our students. Our locals across the country are going above and beyond to do just that. Read our resource guide to help navigate these challenging times. https://t.co/AdKdbMwkpt📸: @UFT pic.twitter.com/3nDdiHMpJ6— AFT (@AFTunion) January 24, 2025American Postal Workers Union:This month in Labor History, we look back at two major strikes that shifted their industries: the nationwide General Electric and Westinghouse strike of 200,000 electrical workers; and the New York City Transit Strike which shut down the city’s public transit for 12 days. Learn…— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) January 22, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:“The company needs to recognize the contributions we have made to its continued growth. We are hopeful that with the help of a federal mediator we will work with urgency to get the pay, benefits, and scheduling provisions we have earned.” https://t.co/4EMxsK2Mj9— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 22, 2025Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:Martin Luther King, Jr. knew unions are one of the best tools we have to dismantle systemic racism and build power for the working class.BCTGM honors this #MLKDay by re-committing to The Dream through our activism and exceptional contracts. 🫱🏾🫲🏼 pic.twitter.com/it4bqfiNfi— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) January 20, 2025Boilermakers:👍 Local D194 produces cement. What does your local fabricate or produce? pic.twitter.com/ixxiaJLBbp— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 22, 2025Bricklayers:Completed projects, hard work, and dedicated training going down in BAC Local 3 #NY!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #UnionStrong #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeships pic.twitter.com/BpiyxPjfj4— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 24, 2025Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:Keep Rising#MLK2025#1u#MLKDay pic.twitter.com/oaOyf9lgnx— CBTU (@CBTU72) January 20, 2025Communications Workers of America:Congratulations to the United Academics of Philadelphia-CWA (UAP-CWA) for ratifying their first contract!https://t.co/rAA1HvU3q6— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 19, 2025Department for Professional Employees:Congrats to the stagehands and technicians at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine who organized a union with @IATSE. https://t.co/dt9n2kehQr— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 17, 2025Electrical Workers:British Columbia construction sites just got an upgrade. Thanks to lobbying by the #IBEW and other members of @WeBuildBC , jobsites with 25 or more workers now must provide flush toilets. https://t.co/A9n0jdVteK pic.twitter.com/mWAWnJnQfv— IBEW (@IBEW) January 23, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Revitalizing the Sunport with Local 76 ✈️Albuquerque International Sunport, New Mexico’s largest airport, is undergoing an extensive renovation as part of a national infrastructure effort. The signatory contractor, Yearout Mechanical, has been leading the work at the Sunport… pic.twitter.com/YVRLFYLv4c— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 22, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:📰✨ Check out the latest edition of El Avance!📣 Read an inspiring message from our National President and stay up to date on the incredible work being done by our LCLAA chapters across the country. 👉 Don’t miss out—read it now! 💪🏽 https://t.co/doRc0ZDcfp #ElAvance #lclaa— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 17, 2025Labor Heritage Foundation:🎙️ Today on Labor Heritage Power Hour (1pm @wpfwdc):MLK in Memphis: Part 3 of AFSCME’s I AM STORY podcast on the ’68 sanitation strikeJoe Uehlein’s “Morning Song” tribute to Pete SeegerLabor History in 2:00: The First MLK Day & Charleston Five https://t.co/NQj4Xpvwa9… pic.twitter.com/NVXuSV3yuG— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 23, 2025Laborers:Can’t wait to hit the road again, visiting job sites and meeting the incredible people who make this union great — YOU. Where should I stop first? Drop your suggestions. #FeelThePower #LIUNA https://t.co/rsHNl85awC— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 24, 2025Machinists:🚨 BIG NEWS! The PACCAR (Kenworth) facility in Renton, WA, is receiving a major boost from Biden’s @ENERGY grant program to transition to zero-emission vehicles!Over 300 IAM members will benefit as this grant helps sustain and grow IAM union jobs.https://t.co/o53dlmAAw8— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 24, 2025Metal Trades Department:Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a great leader who dedicated his life to justice, freedom, and equality. His civil rights work is inextricably linked to labor rights. His vision continues to influence our fight daily. pic.twitter.com/ij6xmtmtsM— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 20, 2025Mine Workers:Dr. King had the same hopes and dreams we still fight for today. He taught us that despite challenges, hardships, and division we must keep moving forward. pic.twitter.com/zohMQ6v3kd— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 20, 2025Musical Artists:AGMA Stands in Solidarity with the ARTS-MSM Precollege Faculty Union: https://t.co/OyXMhhQWCw pic.twitter.com/Oq6DU5075f— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 22, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Limited edition merchandise for the NATCA Convention taking place in San Francisco May 9-11, 2025 is available to pre-order. Pre-order deadline: February 1, 2025, for guaranteed pickup at NATCA Convention. https://t.co/oS5xfqlF5m pic.twitter.com/mEeFlRaJxx— NATCA (@NATCA) January 17, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:DYK: Letter carriers deliver more than 376 million pieces of mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses daily.Postage and stamp sales fund our work, not tax dollars.— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 23, 2025National Day Laborer Organizing Network:READ NOW! This in depth interview explores NDLON’s, Pablo Alvardo’s, journey from organizing in the ‘90s to now, mobilizing fire relief efforts out of @pasjobcenter to help uplift those who have been affected by these wild fires the most.https://t.co/XecQqhfnBD— NDLON (@NDLON) January 22, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:Thank you, @harpersbazaarus, for highlighting our LA Wildfire Fund to help domestic workers.Time and time again, we are reminded how essential they are to our communities, and it is time we show up for them. https://t.co/jv9DkthVUY— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 24, 2025National Federation of Federal Employees:WFPPA Reintroduced, Message on LA Fires, Social Security Bill Signed into Law, and more – https://t.co/Nwecr5rvBF pic.twitter.com/F6aZE3IXjs— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) January 17, 2025National Nurses United:🚨 New Orleans nurses strike vote alert! 🚨 Nurses at @UMCNO voted to authorize a two-day strike to demand a strong contract in the face of management’s union-busting stall tactics. Nurses say their proposals on issues like emergency preparedness have been ignored.— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 23, 2025National Taxi Workers Alliance:Taxis & FHVs face a crisis as largest insurer is headed to insolvency. The approach to cut no fault by $150K saves drivers only $600/year in premium. It’s a bad trade off. The solution is a driver co-op. Cut profits not coverage. @GovKathyHochulhttps://t.co/4sUd8v60MS— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) January 13, 2025NWSL Players Association:We’ve joined @bluesky and sent out our first post! Check it out here: https://t.co/lv5Wyf2eU3 pic.twitter.com/Rz3ocCq3If— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) January 24, 2025NFL Players Association:🚨The Final Five 🚨After over 11K fan votes & picks from an external committee, we’ve narrowed the #CommunityMVPs to 5 finalists for the Alan Page Community Award!Congrats to: @cambeezy_24@demariodavis@last_king_2@slimslay_81@ryan_kelly70🔗: https://t.co/kWozFXWDIw pic.twitter.com/7agAhMQddA— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 21, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:REGISTRATION FOR LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE 2025 IS NOW OPEN.Join us April 6-9 at the Washington, DC Hilton. Visit https://t.co/W8Tj7jswNl to register and for more information. pic.twitter.com/CEqg299irt— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 24, 2025Office and Professional Employees:Stand in solidarity with the staff of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, who are unionizing with OPEIU Local 98!Sign your name in support ➡️ https://t.co/ikqaPmu7g8 pic.twitter.com/yTZBaVIzJp— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 14, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:The IUPAT Black CORE Committee held the first ever Black CORE Cohort in November of last year – our members were able to keep developing their skills as leaders in our union and will bring it back to our jobsites and union halls! pic.twitter.com/GX2DEfdHqW— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 24, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Good morning to the green vests of @reiunion Greensboro, who are voting in their union election today! Y’all GOT THIS, vote #UnionYES! pic.twitter.com/PzeijkLomB— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 24, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:In the union, we lift each other up. Letting forgiveness heal & letting go help us thrive as a team. Together, we grow stronger every day!#RoofersUnion #BuiltToLast #UnionStrong #UnitedWeStand #UnionPower #TogetherWeRise #KeepPushingForward #NeverBackDown pic.twitter.com/tsP3DsqOyb— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 23, 2025SAG-AFTRA:The late Ernest Borgnine was #BOTD in 1917. The WWII veteran had a career that spanned six decades, with notable roles in the films ‘Marty’ and ‘McHale’s Navy.’ A beloved performer and #SagAftraMember, Borgnine received the SAG Life Achievement Award in 2011. pic.twitter.com/5EvDemPQ8F— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 24, 2025Service Employees International Union (SEIU):Healthcare workers like Yolanda Navarro are fighting for ALL of us! 🩺✊ Congress, listen up: We won’t stand by while you threaten MEDI-Cal. Patients and workers deserve better. https://t.co/hx97XuDGbd— SEIU (@SEIU) January 23, 2025Solidarity Center:Our partners the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) are bargaining for better living & working conditions at Bridgestone’s Liberia rubber plantation ✊🏿. Join us in showing support & #solidarity by signing their petition: https://t.co/o2xVtcG9vX#WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 23, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: Journalists at nonprofit newsroom, EdSource, announced their intent to unionize today. ✊The EdSource Guild is asking leadership at EdSource to recognize the union voluntarily!https://t.co/lIGTefuY6W— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 17, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:NEW CONTRACT: IATSE Local 87 (Richmond VA) and ASM Global are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement was reached over the weekend, and was ratified by an overwhelming 88% of eligible workers.Segment featured on ABC 8 pic.twitter.com/9zFpd8qele— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 22, 2025Transport Workers Union:Congratulations to our International President John Samuelsen who is being named tonight Irishman of the Year and Aide to the Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade by the United Emerald Societies. @TwuSamuelsen #stpatricksdayparade #irish pic.twitter.com/vDB6rAC8D1— TWU (@transportworker) January 23, 2025Transportation Trades Department:Catch the train with us in 2025! Always a pleasure visiting our partners at @Amtrak 🚆 pic.twitter.com/34ZnfwVF0t— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 24, 2025UAW:Daimler workers are ready to strike if necessary, when their contract expires Friday. Daimler has the money and can settle this today. Daimler, share the pie, not the crumbs! pic.twitter.com/EwI2mENsUP— UAW (@UAW) January 23, 2025UNITE HERE:Enrique Fernández, UNITE HERE General VP for Immigration, Civil Rights & Diversity on protecting immigrant workers in the current environment:https://t.co/ar8eNnaUhM— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 22, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at the Cannabis 21+ dispensary in Mission Valley, San Diego, have voted to join @UFCW135With the union backing them, these workers intend to secure better wages, benefits, and conditions.Let’s get to work!➡️ https://t.co/Zy4796z7GR pic.twitter.com/ZtDYopFj5P— UFCW (@UFCW) January 23, 2025United Steelworkers:We’re celebrating a few more 2024 wins our Rapid Response program helped deliver for workers – before we crush 2025💪 pic.twitter.com/PXOc80v6a1— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 24, 2025Utility Workers:Hungry for more?In the latest issue of The Utility Worker Magazine, Human Rights Committee Chair Darryl Taylor reminds us how @aflcio constituency groups can satisfy the need for connection, knowledge, and community support. https://t.co/8zMzqQQdPi pic.twitter.com/3aSkwpPYVl— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 24, 2025Writers Guild of America East:Lucky 8 management is using one of the oldest tricks in the book, but their stalling won’t discourage us. We’ll continue to fight until workers at Lucky 8 have union recognition AND protections.We’re just getting started, @Lucky8TV. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/Q0xKNKU3sy— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 23, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 01/24/2025 – 11:04