AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mission Nurses Reach New Contract Agreement with HCA
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mission Nurses Reach New Contract Agreement with HCA
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.
A little over a month after Mission Health registered nurses (RNs) voted to authorize a strike, they announced that they had ratified a new three-year contract with HCA. The contract will improve patient safety and nurse retention. The 1,600 nurses, who are represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), said the highlights of the contract include substantial wage increases, new measures that will ensure that nurses are “floated” (temporarily reassigned) to units similar to their normal specialty and the ability of nurses to use preferred names and add personal pronouns to name badges.“We are excited to have this new contract and ensure that our hospital is on a path to taking the best possible care of our patients and community,” said Huns Brown, an RN working in Mission Health’s pulmonary progressive care unit, in the release. “The devastation Hurricane Helene brought to our region underscores how Mission being the best possible version of itself is more important than ever.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/10/2024 – 10:02
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cleveland Institute of Music Joins AFM
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cleveland Institute of Music Joins AFM
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.
Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio joined the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 4. The workers voted 56-25 vote in favor of the union. The faculty organized to improve how the administration communicates with faculty about issues affecting them and to give faculty more input in financial decisions.“We’re handstands and pogo sticks about representing these world-class artists,” said Local 4 President Leonard DiCosimo. “So many CIM faculty are also Cleveland Orchestra members, who are already part of our union. This will only heighten the connection between the union and the CIM rank and file.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/09/2024 – 10:03
Solidarity Is What Makes the Labor Movement Run: In the States Roundup
Solidarity Is What Makes the Labor Movement Run: 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).
Arizona AFL-CIO:If you’re in the Tucson area this weekend and would like to join forces with the state fed and National Nurses United, please sign up via Mobilize 👇https://t.co/GQbOMHoHc2 https://t.co/YmvZmWUxo5— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 5, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Worksite political education! We love to see it! https://t.co/i0oZN1FcCz— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 4, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:Yesterday we stood in solidarity with @APWUnational in their Day of Action rally! ✊ pic.twitter.com/sb7MoZnvFk— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 2, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Great turnout of union members to knock doors for pro-worker candidates in Norwich, Colchester, Meriden & Danbury! #LaborVotes #1u pic.twitter.com/0gM259hqM8— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 5, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Solidarity is what makes the labor movement run.Illinois union members were in Wisconsin this past weekend to knock doors for Vice President Harris. Big thanks to Izzy Dobbel and our friends at @chicagolabor and @wisaflcio for organizing the day of action. Let’s win this! #1u pic.twitter.com/OR9cXD0KKR— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 7, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our IATSE Local 114 siblings! https://t.co/4Fw7xh5zoy— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 4, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Hundreds of union members are out in full force in New Hampshire for @KamalaHarris, @Tim_Walz, @JoyceCraigNH and more labor champions! Labor gets it done! @NHAFLCIO @VT_AFLCIO @AFLCIO @GBLCBoston @NASRCC_UBC @IBEW103 @IUPAT_DC35 @Mass_BTU@UFCW1445 @LIUNA #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/Hw3IBGYm5S— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 5, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:Shana tova to all our union family celebrating Rosh Hashanah! Wishing our Jewish brothers and sisters a very happy new year ahead.— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 2, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Another wonderful day out on the doors in support of our Labor-endorsed candidates! Plenty of opportunities to talk to fellow union members about the election. Visit https://t.co/QE6vC0hNMV to sign up! #BetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarris #mnleg pic.twitter.com/eE9ejTGUCo— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 5, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:”The simple matter is that $492 a week isn’t enough to live in any county in the state of Missouri…” We’re voting YES on Prop A for #PaidSickDays and a $15/hr minimum wage in Missouri. @mohealthyfam https://t.co/NJ4UfyRZ3s— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 6, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Our 3 Superwalks this morning out of Henderson, Summerlin, & Reno! Thankful to our guest speakers @WalshFreedom @XavierBecerra & Sharifa Wahab who took the time out of their weekend to speak to our wonderful canvassers before we launch.OFFICIALLY ONE MONTH LEFT 📆 pic.twitter.com/xuk7uip7tA— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 5, 2024New Hampshire AFL-CIO:We are proud to endorse @MaggieG603 to represent NH’s 2nd District. Maggie will fight for workers, here in NH, + across the country. We will work together to create good paying union jobs, expand workers’ rights, + build an economy that works for everyone!#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/juILmia4cu— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 7, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:BINGHAMTON: Support Josh Riley and Lea Webb at the labor walk on Saturday! https://t.co/207aEl1jmE— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 4, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:How will Trump’s #Project2025 impact taxes for working North Carolinians? Let’s break it down. #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/gq9WmTyfPV— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 3, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Meanwhile, her opponent supported a Right to Work law on the Ohio House of Representatives. @RepMarcyKaptur is the real deal and a #UnionStrong OG! https://t.co/VIakbAnUOh— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 7, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Join #OregonLabor this Saturday at a canvass for State Rep. Zach Hudson, State Rep. Ricki Ruiz & State Sen. Chris Gorsek.A BBQ lunch will be provided by Portland Fire Fighters @iaff43! Sign up and get more info at https://t.co/B1B90w7Rqn pic.twitter.com/jw2owB7J3G— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 7, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:One month left until the election! Make a plan to #vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz—leaders who will fight for you. Your vote is your power! 🗳️OCT 21 – Voter registration deadlinehttps://t.co/3OrvlRlsPIOCT 29 – Last day to apply for a mail ballot.https://t.co/AYOCunHCrE pic.twitter.com/hP4FYNBQeF— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 6, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:Corporate concentration doesn’t just hurt consumers – workers get shafted, too.As @linakhanFTC told Texas workers, lack of competition reduces workers’ leverage & depresses their wages.That’s why she, @SenSanders, @RepCasar, and @RepLloydDoggett are fighting corporate power. pic.twitter.com/Xp6vY12x1h— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 3, 2024Virginia AFL-CIO:We are fired up and ready to go this morning to hit the doors for @YVindman ! Let’s win this 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/lkJBTGB3KY— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) October 5, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:😍 What a week of worker power! Rallying with @APWUnational, supporting our @IAM751 family on the lines, and flexing people power with @teamsters117. Looks like a sunny weekend ahead, perfect for bringing the family out for a picket shift with the Machinists 👀 pic.twitter.com/38xjfy0viM— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 4, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:President Joe Biden will return to Milwaukee on Tuesday to discuss his administration’s progress in replacing lead pipes in Wisconsin and across the country. https://t.co/ucv3MHw1tU— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 7, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/08/2024 – 12:00
Seeking Fair Pay: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Seeking Fair Pay: 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:The performers at Chippendales in Las Vegas are unionizing with Actors’ Equity Association, seeking fair pay and improved working conditions guaranteed by a union contract. We look forward to representing these iconic workers at the bargaining table. https://t.co/0QOMkGAU3H pic.twitter.com/zCzlEcT9Co— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 8, 2024AFGE:Federal correctional officers work in some of the most dangerous and violent places imaginable and, as a result, are at increased risk for developing depression, PTSD, and suicidality as compared to those in other professions.https://t.co/tBY06Y3CSJ— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 8, 2024AFSCME:A new report by @afscme31 describes how illegal drugs are spreading throughout Illinois’ prisons. https://t.co/MvaxjNhFPl— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 8, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Vice President Harris’ new home care plan is exactly what millions of older Americans and their caregivers need. Learn more by reading our release: https://t.co/4nZPk1IQas pic.twitter.com/6AHm7V7iHJ— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 8, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:We wrap up our celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month by honoring our Local 846-St. Catharines, ON, Sister Monica Restrepo. #HispanicHeritageMonth2024 pic.twitter.com/Dpvkl93Vpj— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 9, 2024American Federation of Musicians:The Musicians of the @NatSymphonyDC have reached a tentative agreement. Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/jS12qgrBke— AFM (@The_AFM) September 27, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Emergency nurses and healthcare professionals care for patients when they need it the most.Today, we thank them for their work, and continue the fight for safe staffing, safe working conditions, and fair compensation for these livesaving workers! @AFTHealthcare pic.twitter.com/yeLnrAVACQ— AFT (@AFTunion) October 9, 2024American Postal Workers Union:President Dimondstein appeared on PBS Newshour to discuss extraordinary measures used to move election mail and to advocate for this level of priority service year-round. “No matter where we live, no matter who we are, we should get the same good service.”https://t.co/Npy23kx2As— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 3, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:As aviation’s First Responders, we want to make sure we have the tools onboard to save lives. @FlyingWithSara joined the @WhiteHouse Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose to discuss how we can save lives in the air and beat the overdose crisis no matter where we are. pic.twitter.com/V8bmDJgzXG— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 8, 2024Boilermakers:We’re at the Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference in Idaho Falls where 400 leaders from the U.S., Canadian and worldwide nuclear industry met to talk about removing barriers to break ground on over 300GW of nuclear projects in the U.S. by 2050. That’s good #Boilermaker work. 👷♂️ pic.twitter.com/ttKbyg5HXm— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 8, 2024Bricklayers:Happy #WorksiteWednesday! This week we have pictures of some amazing stonework out of @BacLocal1Sk.Brother Derek Cattell is a member who started his own Union company, DC Masonry about a year ago! So proud to see what you accomplish!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/CLPI4BTo6z— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 9, 2024Coalition of Labor Union Women:”The Coalition of Labor Union Women joins with the millions of union members in mourning the death of a great labor leader and a true man of equality, the late Bill Lucy. Brother Lucy was the personification of the saying, “A man of quality is not threatened by women…” EB— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 1, 2024Communications Workers of America:Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers have been on strike now for two years. They are outside the @PittsburghPG newsroom today to send a clear message: Follow the law, bargain fairly, and end this strike. https://t.co/ynA8alexWt— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 8, 2024Department for Professional Employees:Congrats to @The_AFM members at the Toledo Symphony Orchestra who have a new contract which will raise the musicians’ pay by 39%! https://t.co/m0DCFEX13K— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 7, 2024Electrical Workers:For the first time in 60 years, there’s a new crossing across the Detroit River between the U.S. and Canada, and it’s being constructed in part by #IBEW members from both countries. https://t.co/GlfN1hvCxv pic.twitter.com/5I1O6LiSxi— IBEW (@IBEW) October 8, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Have Your Voice Heard! 🇺🇸See how the candidates have supported labor unions, then set your Election Day plan for Nov. 5th.➡️Check your registration & voting options: https://t.co/YyeZcck8ip#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #electionday pic.twitter.com/QbDCPhuZtC— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) October 8, 2024Jobs With Justice:Safety over profits! @centralfljwj have launched a confidential survey to compile info on employers threatening retaliation and leaving workers no time to prepare for #Milton. Take the survey at https://t.co/7pu9Usegom. pic.twitter.com/v74q2YUOVc— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 7, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨Vote Early, Arizona! 🗳️ Early voting for the 2024 general election starts on October 9th and ends November 1st at 5 PM. For more info, visit: https://t.co/C54FiDaFYY. Let’s make our voices heard! #Vota #Empower24 #VoteEarlyArizona pic.twitter.com/PHXDUq6Uz5— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 7, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:🎨 This Week’s Labor Arts Calendar: Oct 7-14 🎨 📚 Tue: What Can We Learn From the Great Depression? 🎤 Wed: Patronage & Culture in Nashville’s Honky-Tonks🎥 Fri: Unrest 📚 Sat: The Road to Matewan 🎶 Sat/Sun: The Cradle Will RockDetails here https://t.co/ePAgFzTs9D pic.twitter.com/ZUB3LdYXgW— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) October 7, 2024Laborers:#LIUNA is proud to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s new rule requiring the removal of lead pipes across the nation. This action will improve the drinking water of millions of Americans and support good union jobs in the process. READ STATEMENT: https://t.co/38FpytOOv9 pic.twitter.com/rvjOC5LiQD— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 9, 2024Machinists:We stand with Boeing workers and Textron workers on strike! pic.twitter.com/1z1HtH9gMT— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) October 8, 2024Maritime Trades Department:We thank Gen. Van Ovost for her tireless commitment and the high esteem in which she held workers in the maritime trades. We look forward to working with Gen. Reed! https://t.co/YVZUizFEW4— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 7, 2024Metal Trades Department:https://t.co/q6dzXNGYrV 👏 👏 👏 The new order further solidifies Philly Shipyard’s position in the U.S. shipbuilding and Jones Act markets— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 2, 2024Mine Workers:UMWA Endorses MaryAnn Folz for Monongalia County Commissioner.https://t.co/XLlehfdPKX— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 8, 2024Musical Artists:AGMA Ratifies 4-Year Agreement with Chautauqua Opera: https://t.co/v9oMhgS8hS pic.twitter.com/AoshojW9Bl— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 8, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA President Rich Santa addressed ATC staffing and air traffic control modernization on a panel at @RAAtweets Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. https://t.co/eKFZMzKe4I pic.twitter.com/r9VQY3REIA— NATCA (@NATCA) October 8, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:NEXT WEEK ➡️ Letter carriers are rallying together to demand protection from violence and crime on the job. If you are in the Madison, WI area, please come out and stand with letter carriers as we continue to make our message loud and clear: #EnoughIsEnough! More info about the… pic.twitter.com/Zy6Bls7UvJ— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 8, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:Thank you, @POTUS, for your commitment to being a Care Champion! pic.twitter.com/O4rMPMogof— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 8, 2024National Nurses United:Union nurses endorse @tammybaldwin for U.S. Senate! Sen. Baldwin always stands with the nurses on our priority issues like #MedicareForAll, #WorkplaceViolencePrevention, #SafeStaffing, and the #PROAct, just to name a few! pic.twitter.com/RmsYWpTR2H— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 9, 2024NFL Players Association:Statement on behalf of our Executive Committee regarding the locker room media policy. pic.twitter.com/Hn8LgzGDrU— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 4, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:October is Careers in Construction Month. Visit https://t.co/JslIo3sMrS and see if a career in the building trades is right for you. pic.twitter.com/6ZMs5L5S8k— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 3, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Inspired by his culture and heritage, David Olivera became an early childhood educator. Because of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta & @UFWupdates, he became a lifelong unionist.We’re proud to honor his contributions to @OPEIULocal8 & the entire movement this #HispanicHeritageMonth! pic.twitter.com/CcrmJX0cTB— 🎃PEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) October 7, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:The work of our union is profound and it shapes our communities and the way we live! We’d like to spotlight our Glaziers from DC 81 Local 109 who are currently working on the new Omaha Central Library. pic.twitter.com/K4IhBSv77z— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 9, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Project 2025 would restrict access to overtime, erode workplace safety, let states sidestep worker protections, allow worker misclassification, limit your free speech rights, make it harder to win union recognition & weaken bedrock worker protections. https://t.co/ttuS5sCj6o— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 9, 2024Pride At Work:Pride at Work Treasurer and Vice President of @afa_cwa is TRANSFORMING labor by the work she does! https://t.co/B2UoA4iOZl#solidarity #union— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) October 7, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Did you know that last #PrimeDay, warehouse worker injuries surged by 37%? As part of the New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition, @RWDSU calls on @GovKathyHochul to #ProtectWarehouseWorkers and sign the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act into law!https://t.co/fdOc2bFJaS— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 8, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:A handheld device takes real-time readings of hydration levels. Could be lifesaving for laborers who work in high heat environments.https://t.co/CjrOVbiLKf— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 4, 2024SAG-AFTRA:Attention #SagAftraMembers in Illinois, New Mexico and Nevada! Today is the LAST DAY to register online to #Vote2024! Make sure you’re ready for the general election on November 5: https://t.co/Or9KENeuWX pic.twitter.com/Ytc4twRmNK— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 9, 2024Solidarity Center:Creating safe & secure work environments is essential for all employees” said #Kyrgyzstan Minister of Labor Jyldys Polotova during our recent panel on effectively applying @ILO #C190 on #Gender-based violence & harassment. @ILO_Research @womenslink pic.twitter.com/GiuP9LxPSO— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 8, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🎲We’re LIVE with @law360union on Twitch and we’re talking about what it takes to WIN a STRIKE!🎉Come and join us here: https://t.co/YxHO7neTnq pic.twitter.com/r1zOforR4z— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 2, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:Meet today’s #HispanicHeritageMonth spotlight, Graciela Zapata of @IATSELocal764! Graciela’s proudest career moment was helping run the Local 764 costume shop by organizing drives, which boosted new member enrollment. Graciela, you rock! pic.twitter.com/AsI1nag7y7— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 8, 2024Transport Workers Union:.@TwuSamuelsen told @KellyCNBC that automating our industries is always designed to increase and maximize corporate profits, not to help Americans. And that Biden-Harris’ policies have advanced economic security for transport workers. https://t.co/nyj2Fj7t0k— TWU (@transportworker) October 7, 2024Transportation Trades Department:Project 2025 is an attack on transportation workers and systems across the country. Learn more at https://t.co/EWIRPCblcq. pic.twitter.com/I75mIQDWy3— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 7, 2024UAW:Today! It’s crunch time at #Stellantis.RALLY with President Fain and our UAW family on Wednesday, 4 p.m., at Local 869 in Warren, MI, to make #Stellantis KEEP THE PROMISE.RSVP: https://t.co/yiOO8Yuuoj#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/l1yl1y9HJ9— UAW (@UAW) October 9, 2024Union Veterans Council:While @Tim_Walz fights for veterans and union workers, J.D. Vance stands with Trump’s anti-worker agenda. The choice is clear: stand with Walz, stand with unions. #VetsForWalz #UnionStrong #BetterInAUnion— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 2, 2024UNITE HERE:Charles believes this election is about protecting what they’ve built💪🏾💪🏼Under Trump, working people would face potential national abortion bans, mass deportations, the repeal of healthcare protections & more.He’s making sure every door is knocked & every vote is cast. pic.twitter.com/urahQHcePJ— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 8, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:A win for the history books!49 workers at Bookmans bookstore in Tucson, recently made HISTORY by becoming the FIRST bookstore in Arizona to unionize by joining @UFCW99.Congratulations!➡️ https://t.co/h5zFqR8WQ4 pic.twitter.com/ATZNiU0MBy— UFCW (@UFCW) October 7, 2024United Steelworkers:💪 Remember your power 💪 When it comes to holding your elected officials accountable for representing you and your fellow union siblings, remember the power you hold. They’ve been elected to represent you, and you have the right to ask for their support. pic.twitter.com/cmcGEV0kao— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) October 8, 2024Utility Workers:“Companies are always looking to use technology to streamline things. We’ve seen changes in software and hardware for everything from timekeeping to restoration efforts.’🧵 pic.twitter.com/zkIGDfteOg— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 9, 2024Working America:Wages just aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. We deserve a decent wage for a decent day’s work. Are you with us? Let us know in the comments below.#FairWages #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/Tppz6J9u2K— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 8, 2024Writers Guild of America East:A union will drastically improve your work life. If you work in documentary, podcasting, online media or TV/radio news, contact a representative from the WGA East to answer your questions. #UnionStrong https://t.co/1OHXMbLO4g— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) October 8, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/08/2024 – 11:37
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Toledo Symphony Ratifies New Five-Year Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Toledo Symphony Ratifies New Five-Year 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.
The Toledo Federation of Musicians (TFM)/American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 15-286 and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) ratified a new five-year contract last month that will run until the end of the 2028–2029 season.Throughout the lifetime of the agreement, TFM members will see major victories like a pay increase of 39% and higher matching contributions to their 403(b) retirement plans. The deal also includes the establishment of two new core string positions and conversion of several previously part-time roles into full-time positions. Musicians additionally won more paid parental leave, standardization of the tenure evaluation process and more that will allow them to continue giving world-class performances.“We are proud of the collaborative spirit that defined these negotiations,” said Casey Gsell, TSO principal bassoon and chair of the Orchestra Committee. “This agreement not only provides significant financial improvements for our members but also enhances our role in the community, supports education, and ensures equitable treatment of our musicians. It is a true testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/08/2024 – 10:02
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Indiana PetSmart Workers Win First Union for Chain in the U.S.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Indiana PetSmart Workers Win First Union for Chain in the U.S.
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.
In a landslide 12–2 victory, PetSmart workers in Mishawaka, Indiana, have successfully won the first union election at a U.S. location of the pet superstore chain.With organizing help from the United Commercial and Food Workers (UFCW), PetSmart associates, trainers, groomers and other staff are coming together and forming unions across the country. Workers are fighting for higher pay, improved hours and better working conditions with the protections of a powerful union contract. With a collective bargaining agreement, PetSmart Union said they will be able to better serve the animals of all shapes and sizes that they care for.“With this victory, we’ve shown the company that we’re serious about coming together and unionizing for real change in our stores,” PetSmart Union wrote on their website. “Now, we’re focused on putting our collective voice into action and building strength throughout the country! We can’t wait to see which PetSmart store joins us next in our fight to make PetSmart the company we know it can be.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/07/2024 – 10:13
Honoring the Contributions of all Working People: The Working People Weekly List
Honoring the Contributions of all Working People: 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.
It’s Time for a National Monument to Labor Hero Frances Perkins: “A monument to Secretary Perkins would stand as a monument not only to our country’s history, but also to our future. She believed deep in her soul that ‘a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.’ By honoring Secretary Perkins, we can make her legacy a living place that inspires our children and grandchildren, reaffirms our country’s commitment to making our union more perfect, and tells our national story in a way that honors the contributions of all working people.”Labor Union And Lawmakers Seek Solutions To Letter Carrier Robberies That Plague The U.S. Postal Service: “This week, a bill is expected to be introduced in Congress to appropriate federal dollars to help replace the antiquated keys with electronic versions that have no value to criminals, require all 93 U.S. attorneys to designate a prosecutor for postal crime, and to review sentencing guidelines for postal crimes, said Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.”Kamala Harris Joined Biden in Backing the Dockworkers’ Strike at Major U.S. Ports: “The International Longshoremen Association (ILA) went on strike early Tuesday morning after its contract with the group that represents shipping companies, terminal operators, and port associations expired. Some 45,000 workers are on picket lines at more than a dozen major ports that collectively account for about 51% of the nation’s port capacity. The union is pushing for protection against automation, new technology in terminals, and wage hikes.”Trick or Treat? It’s Always ‘Trick’: “Sadly, the holiday won’t be the only thing trying to scare us. It turns out that a lot of people want to scare us, and not just that friend or family member we know that just wants to make us jump in brief fear before laughing away all our concerns. Sadly, some people want to scare us in ways that aren’t an expression of joy or a celebration of a silly holiday. In case you missed the story last week, the Missouri Independent reported on a new development in the seemingly endless war between the worst corporate actors and their own workers. Once again, companies are looking to scare workers away from trying to unionize in their workplace. We just have to make sure it doesn’t work.”Wesleyan Graduate Students Win Vote to Unionize 86–7: “Graduate students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) voted on Thursday, Sept. 26 to become part of the Wesleyan Graduate Labor Union (WesGLU), which is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). The election, hosted by the National Labor Relations Board, was held in Usdan room B25. Of the 117 eligible voters, 79% voted in the election, with 86 votes in favor of unionizing and 7 against.”Washington Teachers’ Union Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement with DCPS: “The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) have reached a tentative five-year contract agreement that aims to improve working conditions for educators while addressing long-standing issues related to recruitment and retention. This agreement comes after more than a year of negotiations and is set to be voted on by union members in the coming weeks. AFT President Randi Weingarten applauded the union’s efforts, calling the tentative agreement a ‘real accomplishment’ for educators who have been waiting for a fair contract.”AFL-CIO Launches Ad Campaign Across Seven Battleground States in Support of Harris: “The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the U.S., said it launched a seven-figure digital and streaming ad campaign for Harris and Walz today in the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—its largest ad buy of this election cycle. NBC News was first to report the labor group’s ad buy. ‘This is the most consequential election in American history for union families,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. ‘That’s why we’re laser-focused on ensuring that the union voters who will decide this election know the stakes and know the stark contrast between Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s policies on our jobs, our unions, and our contracts.’”AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Why More Workers Are Joining Unions Even in Right-To-Work States: “North Carolina is and will, for the foreseeable future, remain a so-called ‘right-to-work’ state in which laws make it extremely tough build workplace unions. Despite this enormous barrier, however, there’s growing evidence that interest in and support for organized labor in our state is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. With wages in many companies remaining low and flat, even as corporate profits and executive pay have soared, many North Carolina workers—especially younger workers—are rethinking unions. This reality was on display recently in Raleigh as the state AFL-CIO hosted a large and energetic gathering at its annual convention. And right after she delivered a keynote address at the event, NC Newsline caught up with the national president of the AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler.”Would Trump Go After Workers’ Rights in a Second Term? Look at His Record: “GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have recently tried to woo unions and working-class voters, but Cemex is just one of several consequential rulings by the Biden-era NLRB that would likely be reversed if Trump wins in November. Under Cemex, companies that commit unfair labor practices in the run-up to an election—such as holding mandatory anti-union meetings or retaliating against pro-union workers—can now be ordered to recognize the union and begin bargaining with it. On September 17, the NLRB’s Region 2-Manhattan office issued a complaint and notice of hearing in a case against Trader Joe’s in Manhattan and sought a bargaining order based on the Cemex ruling.”National Symphony Orchestra Musicians Reach Agreement After Kennedy Center Strike: “The National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center reached an agreement Friday after musicians went on strike earlier in the day and picketed outside the D.C. landmark. The Kennedy Center said they and NSO musicians reached an 18-month labor agreement. Musicians walked off the job on Friday morning as part of an effort to secure higher pay, according to their union, the DC Federation of Musicians, Local 161-710, American Federation of Musicians.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/04/2024 – 15:30
It’s Time for a National Monument to Labor Hero Frances Perkins
It’s Time for a National Monument to Labor Hero Frances Perkins
Harris & Ewing, photographer
If you work for a living, you owe every comfort—every safety measure, every break, every vacation day—to Frances Perkins, the nation’s first-ever woman to serve as a Cabinet secretary.
During her 12 years as secretary of labor, Perkins transformed work in the United States. To address the devastation of the Great Depression, she advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt on creating a public works program that put unemployed Americans back to work building critical infrastructure across the country. She was the powerhouse behind many of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, establishing a federal minimum wage and overtime pay and banning child labor exploitation. And she was the chair of the Committee on Economic Security, which created the blueprint for Social Security. Frances Perkins got it done.As the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of labor unions, I am deeply inspired by the example that Secretary Perkins set. Even though her work has touched the lives of every working person in America, Perkins remains an unsung hero in our national history.It’s time to change that. President Joe Biden, the most pro-labor president at least since FDR and arguably in American history, now has an opportunity to recognize Secretary Perkins’ remarkable legacy by designating the Perkins Homestead in Newcastle, Maine, as a national monument and a part of the national park system.Monuments tell the story of who we are as a country. They connect us to past generations, and they serve as educational tools and inspirations for our future. They reflect our deepest-held values. But historically, our monuments have failed to capture the critical roles women have played in our nation’s story.This past March, Biden signed an executive order to increase the representation of women in our national parks and historical sites, and depicted in monuments. A public monument dedicated to Frances Perkins would greatly expand our collective imagination about what’s possible in America—exactly in line with what Perkins herself believed. She knew that maintaining a broken status quo that leaves our friends and neighbors behind is far more dangerous than being brave and trying something new.In a last-minute attempt to negotiate a new contract, Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins met today with representatives of the United Mine Workers and Pennsylvania Anthracite Operators at the Waldorf-Astoria. The meeting ended without agreement.Secretary Perkins once said that “a healthy discontent keeps us alert to the changing needs of our time.” When I travel the country and speak to working people and organizers, I hear that same spirit of productive unrest.I hear these workers say they’re tired of the way things have been going. I hear them say they’re tired of their rent going up while their paychecks don’t go as far as they used to. They’re tired of watching CEOs get richer and richer while they struggle to save for the future.But I also hear something else very clearly: Workers are fighting back. Workers are growing our power in this country in a way we haven’t seen in a generation. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with.This post originally appeared in Newsweek.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/04/2024 – 10:18
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lewiston-Auburn Transit Drivers Ratify First Contract with Western Maine Transportation Services
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lewiston-Auburn Transit Drivers Ratify First Contract with Western Maine Transportation Services
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.
Drivers with Lewiston-Auburn’s Citylink bus service ratified their first union contract with Western Maine Transportation Services. The contract covers about a dozen transit workers, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and includes a nearly 13% wage increase over three years. The new contract also includes pay increases that reward longevity.”At the end of the day, when you have happy drivers,” said Andy O’Brien, communications director of the Maine AFL-CIO. “You’re better able to provide a better service for the riders in the community.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/04/2024 – 10:04
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Raul Aceves Cisneros
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Raul Aceves Cisneros
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today’s profile features Raul Aceves Cisneros of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Raul Aceves Cisneros has been a union member since 2019. “The union has made a difference in my life since I joined. I’m able to provide insurance to my family because of the union. I also have a better wage, which means a lot nowadays. I have learned many more things about my job throughout the years I’ve been with the union, and I have implemented those skills so I can be better at my job. One more thing I have learned is that there is more equity and respect in a union workplace than other jobs.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/03/2024 – 10:30