AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Embarcadero Media Foundation Wins Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Embarcadero Media Foundation Wins Union Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Embarcadero Media Foundation staff represented by Pacific Media Workers Guild-CWA Local 39521 have ratified their first union contract.The 20 reporters, editors, designers and photo staff at the Silicon Valley-based media nonprofit make up the Embarcadero Community News Guild. The deal comes after nearly a year and a half of negotiations and contains major wins like a median 10% wage increase, job security protections, vision insurance coverage and more.“This deal is the result of countless hours of work from former and current members and staff at Pacific Media Workers Guild, and we’re proud to see these long sought-after benefits and protections being implemented for our newsroom,” said Julia Brown, Embarcadero Community News Guild chair and a member of the union’s bargaining committee.“Local news is more important than ever, and our contract protects the reporters, editors, designers and photographers who form the backbone of our newsroom and keep our communities informed,” said bargaining committee member Riley Cooke.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/26/2026 – 10:10
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Joins Texas Union Members for Talarico Rally
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Joins Texas Union Members for Talarico Rally
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.
More than 200 union members joined U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico in Houston on Wednesday, as IAM Union’s Workers vs. Billionaires tour rolled into Texas. IAM International President Brian Bryant and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler attended the rally, which was co-organized with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and the Texas AFL-CIO.As the affordability crisis in Texas deepens, working people across the state are mobilizing to support Talarico in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. Shuler joined members after the rally to phone bank for the campaign.“This election cycle, everything we have ever fought for is on the line,” said Bryant. “Texas is ground zero for the attacks on working-class life as we know it in this state. We will not give up our way of life and the values we hold dear; working people are rising up in ways we have not for generations in this country, and we’re taking control for our economy, our lives, and our futures.”“Let them spend another $124 million. Let them put up another thousand TV ads,” Shuler said of the billionaires like Elon Musk attempting to sway voters in this election. “We’re going to do what we do best. Talking to the people we work with. The guys on third shift. The neighbors we’ve known for 20 years….It all comes down to the people in this room. What we do today, what we do between now and November 3rd, that’s going to decide the future of Texas and the future of this country.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/23/2026 – 10:03
Tags:
Elections 2026
Worker Wins: A Significant Step Forward
Worker Wins: A Significant Step Forward
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
NYC Ferry Tech Supervisors Join the TWU: Tech supervisors at the NYC Ferry voted unanimously last week to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The waterfront transit system operates six transit routes that span over 60 nautical miles of waterways. With this latest victory, the TWU now represents hundreds of workers at NYC Ferry and is working on a first contract for the tech supervisors, as well as ferry captains and technicians and welders. “This is a complete and total victory for the TWU, organizing every work title, wall-to-wall at NYC Ferry, building worker power with industrial trade unionism,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “Workers at the NYC Ferry are well on their way to being fully unionized with additional organizing efforts underway.” City Colleges of Chicago Workers Reach Tentative Agreement: City Colleges of Chicago faculty and professional staff represented by Cook County College Teachers Union (CCCTU) Local 1600—an affiliate of the AFT—reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract in the early hours of Monday morning. The development comes after months of bargaining and a work stoppage that was slated to begin the day the deal was reached. It contains annual raises that keep up with inflation, protections against health insurance cost increases, safeguards around artificial intelligence and more. “I am proud of our negotiating teams, of our members who were prepared to strike, and of this contract,” said CCCTU President Tony Johnston. “It should not have taken until 3:45 AM the day of a strike to get here. But we are happy to reach a fair agreement that supports students, faculty, and professionals.”After Two-Week Strike, OAPSE School Bus Drivers Win Contract: Members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE)/AFSCME Local 184 have successfully won a new contract with First Student Transportation after a powerful work stoppage. Princeton School District bus drivers have been fighting for fair wages, health care and solutions to an employee retention problem, which the company had long failed to address. Local teachers and community members expressed an inspiring amount of solidarity by showing support for workers on the picket line. “They’re standing up to corporate power and making sure that members get affordable healthcare and a living wage,” AFSCME President Patrick Moran said, referring to the fact that First Student does not provide affordable health benefits and many of its drivers must rely on Medicare or Medicaid. “We’re here, we’re standing with them, and we’re going to continue to stand with them.”Allina SEIU Hospice Nurses Approve First Union Contract: After more than a year of bargaining and two unfair labor practice (ULP) strikes, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa members who work at Allina Hospice have ratified their first union contract. SEIU members demonstrated remarkable resolve and unity throughout bargaining and now have a powerful contract protecting them on the job. The agreement contains provisions that establish a fair and consistent union wage scale, immediate pay increases, an improved mileage-reimbursement system, and more. “We are deeply grateful to every member of our bargaining unit, as well as our patients, our community, and our fellow unions who stood with us throughout this fight,” said Abby MacDonald, a RN case manager for over three years at Allina and member of the bargaining team, in a press release. “The support helped us push for the changes necessary to recruit and retain the best nurses to do this critical work.…This fight has strengthened our collective voice and will continue to guide us as we work to ensure that the essential work of caring for dying patients and their families is respected, valued, and supported. This victory belongs to all of us.”Houston Symphony Musicians Ratify New Four-Year CBA: Members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 65-699 who perform in the Houston Symphony have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Highlights of the deal include annual wage increases, the addition of three new string jobs and two librarian positions to the orchestra, reimbursement for custom hearing protection, improvements to the audition process, and more. “We’re proud to have reached an agreement through the collaborative spirit that has long characterized the Houston Symphony,” said Wei Jiang, Houston Symphony acting associate principal violist and bargaining committee chair. “This contract represents a significant step forward for our organization, making meaningful investments in preserving our healthcare, addressing long-standing historical concerns, and strengthening the conditions that support both our artistic excellence and the health and wellbeing of our musicians.”Nurses in Wichita Ratify New Contract: National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) members at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal includes safe staffing improvements, workplace violence prevention language, a 17%–24% wage increase over three years, additional paid holidays and more. Registered nurses (RNs) also won one master agreement that covers all NNOC-represented nurses in the city. “After a successful strike in July, and with the threat of a second strike, we were able to win key improvements on all our priority issues,” said Marvin Ruckle, an RN in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Joseph. “Patients will be safer, and nurses will stay at our hospitals because of this agreement.” “Nurses in Wichita are one,” said Shelly Rader, an RN in the emergency unit at St. Francis. “And now, we have one master agreement to cover all union nurses in Wichita, we are united for our patients.”Pittsburgh Regional Transit Workers Ratify New Contract: Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85 have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). The 2,300 bus operators and maintenance and office staff are covered by the new contract, which includes a 15% pay increase over the lifetime of the deal, expanded freedom for senior workers to choose their routes and more. “The great members of Local 85 have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract which will enhance the wages and benefits for members and their families for the next 4 years! That’s how a democratic union works. It’s time to move forward together and enforce what we fought for,” the union said in a social media post.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/22/2026 – 12:24
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Pittsburgh Regional Transit Workers Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Pittsburgh Regional Transit 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.
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85 have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT).The 2,300 bus operators and maintenance and office staff are covered by the new contract, which includes a 15% pay increase over the lifetime of the deal, expanded freedom for senior workers to choose their routes and more.”The great members of Local 85 have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract which will enhance the wages and benefits for members and their families for the next 4 years! That’s how a democratic union works. It’s time to move forward together and enforce what we fought for,” the union said in a social media post.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/22/2026 – 10:29
Do You Have a Vote 2026 Plan? What Working People Are Doing This Week
Do You Have a Vote 2026 Plan? 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 Association:For an Equity member working at Ten Thousand Things Theater in the Twin Cities, there likely comes a moment where the magnitude of the work they’re doing hits them, where they have a visceral experience that stays with them long after closing. Read Theatre Spotlight today! https://bit.ly/4yThwKr[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) October 17, 2026 at 11:51 AMAFSCME:It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising. Across the country, working families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why the city workers of Corvallis, Oregon, who power their community, are fighting for better benefits and the fair contract they’ve earned. https://t.co/FPWEuw1Fzt— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 20, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:On International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, we thank @NATCA and @CATCA5454 for their partnership. Although we perform different jobs, we all share the same mission: getting every aircraft safely to its destination. https://t.co/rE36zS4qX6— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) October 20, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:Social Security is money we earned over a lifetime, NOT a risky investment. Anthony DiLorenzo’s reckless plan to allow Wall Street to gamble with our earned benefits shows why @Stefany4NH is the person New Hampshire’s retirees can count on. https://t.co/6aNEY0puEY— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 20, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:It’s National School Bus Safety Week, thank you to our school bus members for the important job you do each day. #SchoolBusSafety https://t.co/yMaTMdqTXW— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 19, 2026American Federation of Teachers:Good morning from Detroit, MI! @rweingarten.bsky.social & the #AFTVotes bus are in Michigan. We’re meeting with AFT members who are volunteering to help voters get the information, support and protection they need to cast their ballots and have them counted.[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) October 21, 2026 at 11:31 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Do the Midterms Put Your Job at Risk? https://t.co/XN448B39o6— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 20, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Thank you @MaryPeltola for always showing up and fighting for working people in Alaska! Contract Now for Horizon @afa_cwa Flight Attendants.— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 15, 2026Boilermakers:Boilermaker recruiters are meeting students and teachers at the FFA Convention in Indianapolis today through Saturday, getting the word out about a career with the Boilermakers. What would you tell a high school senior who’s considering indenturing into the Boilermakers? https://t.co/BkbmdHj3cB— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 21, 2026Bricklayers:Great having @RepJasonCrow join us today. Thank you for your continued fight for our labor brothers and sisters! #MidtermElections #1u #solidarity https://t.co/RS806u8CTi— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 20, 2026Communications Workers of America:Years in the making, TNG-CWA members at the North Carolina AFL-CIO have created an American Labor History Coloring Book! https://t.co/WbKeyr9cVT— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 16, 2026Electrical Workers:”The voters can smell if you’re authentic or not from a mile away, and at the end of the day you have to remember that those are the people you’re representing.” – Florida Senator, #IBEW Local 915 member Brian Nathan https://t.co/Xm1ewlxSA3— IBEW (@IBEW) October 20, 2026Fire Fighters:🙌 KENTUCKY ORGANIZING VICTORY! Congratulations to the members of Crescent Springs-Villa Hills Professional Fire Fighters Local 5654 in #Kentucky who received their official IAFF Charter. Welcome to our great union! #UnionStrong #OrganizeTheSouth https://t.co/hT5oaFJICf— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) October 21, 2026IAM Union:Great to be out on the campaign trail with Will Lawrence, the pro-worker candidate for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District! This election is about workers vs. billionaires — and we know damn well which side we’re on! ✊ Join us! https://t.co/CcNnuiZLh0. https://t.co/786XOk0eE2— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 21, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:Extremely Long Trains and Blocked Crossings Threaten Lives. Read about SMART-TD’s fight for sensible train lengths, emergency access, and railroad accountability in the wake of a needless tragedy in Southern Ohio: https://t.co/MO9U0aFsrm— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) October 20, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Backs Pro-Worker Candidates for 2026 U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Elections https://t.co/tyBdtssJKc— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 19, 2026International Union of Police Associations:🎣 LAST CHANCE TO WATCH, COMMENT & WIN! Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Solid Ground video series brings together people, trades & outdoor traditions that make our union community special. Watch Episode 2 on YouTube & comment! https://t.co/gvex5Ycgbg @unionsportsmen #SolidGround https://t.co/wseekfsxOE— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) October 21, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:✊ United in Pride, Stronger in Solidarity! The @CFLCLAA proudly joined the Pride Parade in Orlando, FL, standing strong with our community and LGBTQ+ siblings, celebrating diversity and respect! Together, we continue the fight for our rights and democracy! https://t.co/HjGzOBLZ2P— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 19, 2026Laborers:LABORERS build the future. Our VOTES help shape how. 15 days until the MIDTERMS. Our voice at the table starts with our vote. Check your registration. Make a plan. Vote early. #LIUNAVotes #LABORVotes #GOTV https://t.co/jw8nJ3gKRm— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 19, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:🚨 Congratulations to the 2026 Players Choice Awards Finalists!🚨 Since 1992, the Players Choice Awards have celebrated excellence across Major League Baseball, recognizing performance, leadership, perseverance, and impact on and off the field. The awards are especially meaningful to players, because they’re determined through a vote of their peers. The winners will be revealed the week of Oct 26. Congratulations to this year’s Finalists! https://t.co/MjNF7JYVJf— MLBPA (@MLBPA) October 14, 2026Maritime Trades Department:ITF Starts New Worldwide Effort to Aid Mental Health @ITFglobalunion https://t.co/Myvz6Q2Ohk— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 9, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Oakland Center (ZOA) FacRep and California State Coordinator Erik Mandt (ZOA), ZOA NATCA Vice President Heather Stein, and NATCA member Bryan Amezcua Sanchez (ZOA) gave U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (Calif.-19) a tour of Oakland Center on Aug. 12. https://t.co/ob9223XhyR https://t.co/I9ADoqYJxy— NATCA (@NATCA) October 19, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Union members are coming together to turn out the vote for pro-worker candidates in this year’s midterm election. Join NALC members for a virtual phone bank as we call union voters in the battleground state of Texas this Sunday, Oct. 25 from 3-5:30 P.M. ET. Sign up at https://t.co/TTSZgViEBD— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 20, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:Childhood core 🤝 Cottage core The 2026 NHL #HeritageClassic has Lane Hutson feeling like a kid again ahead of his first outdoor game with the @CanadiensMTL: https://t.co/kQM1KJS1MS https://t.co/1rjRyeWtNd— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 20, 2026National Nurses United:Just like Troy Jackson, Maine nurses are saying: Hell no to the status quo! Mainers: Vote for Troy Jackson! ✅ https://t.co/QH9BX4BNcE— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) October 20, 2026NFL Players Association:A special nod honoring @Hunter_Henry84, our Week 6 NFLPA #CommunityMVP 🙏 The @Patriots tight end hosted the second annual “Freedom to Play” ping pong tournament, raising more than $220K for the International Justice Mission @IJM and its mission to end human trafficking and modern slavery. Hunter has served as a longtime advocate on IJM’s Team Freedom, including meeting survivors of child slavery in Africa and working alongside local law enforcement to support vulnerable families. Learn more here: https://t.co/gom620c6eI In honor of Hunter being named this week’s #CommunityMVP, the NFLPA is donating $10,000 to The International Justice Mission. You can also support this charitable cause through our supporting partner @gofundme by using the link below. 🎨: @heartlentgroup— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 16, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:We can feel the energy through the screen! Will we see you next year in Kansas City?? https://t.co/bYA6Ha2brT— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 21, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:District Council 53 member Seth Rhoades and District Council 57 member James Elish are working hard together on the Stage One parking garage at the Eye Care Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication on the project. We appreciate the work you do on the job site!— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 21, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:ECHL hockey is back! Wishing all our members the best as the 2026-27 season gets underway tonight. https://t.co/ChIO0nquMn— PHPA (@thephpa) October 16, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Warehouse work shouldn’t be dangerous. We’re pushing for stricter safety regulations to protect workers from preventable injuries. 🏗️ #WarehouseSafety #ProtectWorkers #SafetyFirst https://t.co/AxLWfA8MvB— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 21, 2026SAG-AFTRA:Hey #SagAftraMembers, do you have a #Vote2026 plan? 🗳️ Election day is coming up on November 3! Get ready to vote and check out https://t.co/qGLBsxFAHx for everything you need to know. https://t.co/ahhLtP81dH— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 20, 2026Service Employees International Union:Today, @SEIU1000 members are taking a historic stand and striking across California! They are the nurses, custodians, IT specialists, educators, analysts and scientists who keep California moving forward across 140 state departments. Now they’re protesting bad faith bargaining by the state and they are fighting for a contract that lets them afford to live in the communities they serve!— SEIU (@SEIU) October 21, 2026Solidarity Center:Food delivery drivers are lured in with promises of good pay, stable work, & flexible hours. Unfortunately, these promises are rarely realized. That’s why delivery drivers in Morocco just formed the country’s first union for app-based workers 🏍️ More here: https://t.co/M2s0xNqPbC— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 20, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:Solidarity with our @NUJofficial family going on strike this morning at The Lancet, a 200+ year-old medical journal. Fair contract now! ✊🇬🇧— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 19, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Join us TODAY @ 2pm for a presentation on the history of voting rights in the United States and a look at the current state of affairs. Join this presentation to stay informed and learn how to be engaged to protect this essential right. Register here: https://t.co/HcyTiiFvrO https://t.co/M9xT9grXcS— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 14, 2026Transportation Trades Department:We proudly celebrate International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, and salute the skilled, hardworking members of @NATCA who show up every day to keep passengers, crew and cargo flying safely. ✈️ https://t.co/5jjXs8AZcx— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 20, 2026UAW:John James doesn’t fight for the interests of the working class. John James supports the interests of Donald Trump and corporate America. The UAW is backing pro-worker champion @JocelynBenson for Michigan Governor on November 3! https://t.co/WPuz306PNe— UAW (@UAW) October 21, 2026UNITE HERE:Pennsylvania is knocking doors – more than 20,000 already this election season! We know that when we vote, we win! WHEN WE VOTE, WE WIN! ¡Sí, se puede! @UniteHere274 https://t.co/z97sA6GPFY— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 19, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:@turek4iowa will fight to create UA jobs, bring down costs, and protect wages, benefits, and Davis-Bacon protections for working families. That’s why the UA is backing him for U.S. Senate. #IASen https://t.co/XLDpYqMDJX— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) October 21, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:85 home healthcare workers at Bayshore HealthCare Solutions in North York, Ontario, have voted to join @UFCW175633! Now, with the power of the union, they are ready to win the contract they deserve. Let’s get to work! https://t.co/DAPnnNke1K https://t.co/p2UhiTRjA4— UFCW (@UFCW) October 15, 2026United Steelworkers:Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard! Do you have a plan for election day on November 3? We’ve made it easy for you to find the information you need for your state at https://t.co/g3VDNZoP35. https://t.co/IWlynahsgi— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) October 21, 2026Writers Guild of America East:Protect your work from AI before sending it out to agents, producers, actors and others. Add Cloak when you register your script with the WGAE to receive a copy of your file that it is resistant to AI analysis, scraping and training. www.wgaeast.org/mo/script_re…[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) October 20, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/21/2026 – 11:43
![[Left to right] Joseph Bryant, Jaime Contreras, Roy Cooper, Fred Redmond and Braxton Winston.](https://unionsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/nc-500x281.jpg)
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Speaks at Charlotte Canvass Launch with Roy Cooper and SEIU Leaders
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Speaks at Charlotte Canvass Launch with Roy Cooper and SEIU Leaders
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.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond joined the North Carolina State AFL-CIO and the Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council for a canvass launch in Charlotte on Sunday. He spoke alongside SEIU Executive Vice President Joseph Bryant, SEIU Local 32BJ Executive Vice President Jaime Contreras and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper.With just two weeks until Election Day, volunteers heard from the speakers before heading out to knock doors. The event brought together faith leaders and members of Workers United—an SEIU affiliate—and other unions.“There’s no sitting this [election] out,” Redmond said in his remarks to union volunteers. “Our future is on the ballot. Our freedoms are on the ballot. The freedom to join a union. To earn a living wage. To access health care. The very freedom to vote….It all comes down to us. Every door, every call, every vote….Let’s secure a future that works for all of us. Everyone included. No one left behind.”“Workers in this state are sick and tired of politicians putting billionaires first while we struggle to make ends meet,” said North Carolina State AFL-CIO President Braxton Winston. “Through forging partnerships with faith communities and mobilizing around the kitchen table issues that matter the most to voters, our labor movement is playing a key role in electing candidates who will truly fight for working families. We’ve been knocking doors since spring to build the decisive momentum necessary to send Roy Cooper to Washington, D.C., so he can deliver for the workers who power this state.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/21/2026 – 10:07
Tags:
Elections 2026
Labor Votes: In the States Roundup
Labor Votes: In the States Roundup
It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations.
Alaska AFL-CIO:🚨 Early voting is OPEN, Alaska! From now through November 2, you can vote early in person. Absentee in-person voting is also available at locations all across the state. https://t.co/MbMSxzTz6j— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Arizona AFL-CIO:Arizona is fired up 🔥 Thank you, @LizShuler for your leadership ✊— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 17, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Working people don’t want billionaire handouts. They want billionaires to pay their fair share! Vote YES on Prop 3 and Prop 40 and vote NO on Prop 41 and Prop 42. #TaxTheRich https://t.co/VU1vLpq8zd— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 19, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Today, early voting expands across locations in Illinois. Check your registration, find your early vote location, and make a plan to vote by Nov. 3! https://t.co/PiXpgjxlJe— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Gas is up. Groceries are up. Zach Lahn is up there too, at about 8,000 feet, on his way in from Kansas. 🛫🛬 https://t.co/crhOa7NXxV— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) October 13, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:The Bangor Daily News has traced all of those negative ads against Troy Jackson to a handful of billionaires & dark money groups trying to buy Senator Collins another term. Troy is for the people. Collins is for the billionaires! https://t.co/MtSgobqHez— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Election Season is here! Make your plan to vote NOW! Visit https://t.co/ZclRnEjRXd to help make your plan to vote https://t.co/95uRQuWw3h— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 20, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Working people built the freedom to vote — and now we’re the ones who show up to protect it! Join the fight today and get deployed as a poll monitor, non-partisan challenger, or democracy defender! https://t.co/WSTnLxWoKk https://t.co/oktwyTmgVk— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:We need leaders who will stand up to Donald Trump. Vote Labor-endorsed candidates. #labor2026 #BetterInAUnion #mnvotes https://t.co/AncbNgIaPU— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Union Brothers & Sisters are having great weather this weekend in Kansas City talking to voters about Voting Yes on 6, the Rest are Tricks! Amendment 6 will help keep politicians in check, and ensure that when Missourians vote, leaders listen. #solidarity https://t.co/JC0Q898ILe— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 18, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Northern Nevada is on the ground and in the game for early vote kickoff! 400 miles apart, but we’re working towards the same cause and hitting the doors every day between now and Election Day! https://t.co/fjmUNKnPW3— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 18, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:GET READY! Labor walks are happening all over New York State this weekend. Find one near you: https://t.co/IfP38SI3Qy https://t.co/3fjemYX6xK— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 16, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:We were honored to speak with voters in Salem on Saturday about Sen. Deb Patterson for State Senate and Rep. Paul Evans for State House! Thank you to everyone who volunteered today – learn more and sign up for your next volunteer shift at https://t.co/1I10aOuzmw! https://t.co/ctRrMfBkoT— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 19, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Election Day is just two weeks away, and every conversation matters. So where will YOU be this weekend? We hope it’s at a canvass near you! https://t.co/3RqtKf6D9i Last weekend, President Ferritto laced up and knocked doors alongside @JustinWagnerPA 🗳️ https://t.co/p1LX9NFvbW— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 20, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:We’re tired of the same lies and distractions – Texans know the reality. While defunding our neighborhood public schools, Greg Abbott gave $1 billion to his private school voucher scam. Our educators and students deserve better. Vote early. ➡️ https://t.co/MZi3RSKpkx https://t.co/nOZkl7pwg5— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 20, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:From @WAAFLCIO President April Sims: A handful of wealthy donors hoping to cut their own taxes are pushing a false narrative about I-645 and our union pensions. Don’t fall for the spin. https://t.co/wIPypeq9LF— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 8, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Early in-person absentee voting starts today. Make a plan to vote. Workers over billionaires. 💪 https://t.co/OsBi4YNjMQ— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 20, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/20/2026 – 12:45
![[Left to right] Cecilia Valdez, Regina Romero, Liz Shuler, Adelita Grijalva and Gabriella Cázares-Kelly.](https://unionsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/arizona-500x281.jpg)
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Joins Arizona Union Members for Tucson Canvass
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: President Shuler Joins Arizona Union Members for Tucson Canvass
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 Saturday, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined the Arizona AFL-CIO, labor-backed candidates and local union members for a canvass kickoff to mobilize southern Arizona voters ahead of Election Day.More than 100 union members filled the Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 570 union hall for the event. Alongside President Shuler, IAM Western Territory General Vice President Bobby Martinez, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Arizona AFL-CIO Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Yamashita, and Pima Area Labor Federation Chair Cecilia Valdez fired up the crowd. After their remarks, union members attended an election protection training before heading out to knock doors and talk to voters.“Elon Musk has poured $276 million into political efforts since July,” said Shuler. “One man. More than a quarter of a billion dollars. Let me tell you something: He can buy Twitter, he can buy his rocket ships, but we sure as hell aren’t going to let him buy our elections. Working Arizonans are not for sale.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/20/2026 – 10:11
Tags:
Elections 2026
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses in Wichita Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses in Wichita 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.
National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) members at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement.The deal includes safe staffing improvements, workplace violence prevention language, a 17%–24% wage increase over three years, additional paid holidays and more. Registered nurses (RNs) also won one master agreement that covers all NNOC-represented nurses in the city.“After a successful strike in July, and with the threat of a second strike, we were able to win key improvements on all our priority issues,” said Marvin Ruckle, an RN in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Joseph. “Patients will be safer, and nurses will stay at our hospitals because of this agreement.”“Nurses in Wichita are one,” said Shelly Rader, an RN in the emergency unit at St. Francis. “And now, we have one master agreement to cover all union nurses in Wichita, we are united for our patients.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/19/2026 – 09:47
‘Union Contracts Raise Pay for Workers’: The Working People Weekly List
‘Union Contracts Raise Pay for Workers’: 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.
Liz Shuler & Heidi Shierholz: Unions Are the Key to America’s Cost of Living Crisis: “Ask an everyday working American, and they’ll likely tell you there’s something fundamentally wrong with our economy. Across industries, big cities, and small towns, working people are struggling. Their paychecks aren’t stretching far enough. They stress over every expense and struggle to cover rent and electric bills, let alone take their families to dinner once in a while. Meanwhile, our research shows that top CEOs gave themselves massive raises in 2025 and now make well over 300 times what typical workers are paid. As everything gets more and more expensive, we believe there is a powerful solution: unions. Union contracts raise pay for workers.”Fredrick D. Redmond & Fredrick C. Ingram: All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk: “Byron Donalds wants to be Florida’s next governor. Not on our watch. Our stance is rooted in an old saying coined by Floridian Zora Neale Hurston in her final major nonfiction work, Dust Tracks on a Road, set in Florida. ‘All skinfolk ain’t kinfolk’ is an idiom that distinguishes shared identity from shared interests. The congressman has done little to advance the cause of Black workers. In fact, on the AFL-CIO’s legislative scorecard, which tracks how legislators vote on the issues and policies that matter to working people, Rep. Donalds has voted against working people every time except once—giving him a lifetime score of 1%.”Workers at Union Loafers, 2 Other St. Louis Restaurants Vote to Unionize: “Workers at three area restaurants are now in a union. Employees at Union Loafers Cafe, Bagel Union and The Station voted on Wednesday to unionize by a vote of 51-6. Once the union vote is certified by the National Labor Relations Board, the union can begin to bargain with ownership. They’re looking for a contract that includes more pay, better working conditions and more input on workplace decisions.”Flint Council Approves Ratified Contracts with Unions Representing 100s of City Employees: “Ratified contracts between the city of Flint and two labor unions representing more than 230 city employees have been granted final approval. The Flint City Council approved contracts ratified by rank and filed members of AFSCME Local 1600 and the Flint Police Sergeants Union in a 6-0 vote following a closed session at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 12.”Princeton City Schools Bus Drivers Approve New Four-Year Agreement, Ending Strike: “The union representing Princeton City Schools bus drivers has ratified a new four-year agreement with transportation company First Student, clearing the way for drivers to return to work. Members of OAPSE/AFSCME Local 184 approved the agreement Wednesday with ‘overwhelming support,’ according to a statement provided to WLWT.”Houston Symphony and Musicians Agree on New Four-Year Contract: “The Houston Symphony and its players, represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 65-699, have recently announced that they have agreed upon a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, which will run until October 5, 2030. Over the course of the new contract, the players will receive tiered pay increases of 3%, 3.5% and 4.25%. In addition, the size of the orchestra will be expanded to 95 players, which includes the addition of three new string jobs and two librarian positions.”Ascension Via Christi Nurses Vote to Ratify Contract: “Ascension nurses at Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph approved a new, three-year contract on Wednesday, according to the National Nurses United union. It came after nurses went on strike in July over patient safety and workplace violence. ‘We were able to win key improvements on all our priority issues,’ St. Joseph nurse Marvin Ruckle said in a statement. ‘Patients will be safer, and nurses will stay at our hospitals because of this agreement.’ The union said the contract includes the following: safe staffing improvements, workplace violence prevention, a 17- to 24% pay increase over three years and additional paid holidays.”Unions Sustain 10-Year High in Discharge Labor Arbitration Wins: “The percentage of union victories in labor arbitration termination disputes reached a 10-year high in 2025, and doubled from 15% to 30% between 2021 and 2025, according to Bloomberg Law data. Additionally, the percentage of union wins held steady from 2023 to 2025, suggesting that the landscape is moving in labor’s favor.”Museum of History & Industry Workers Vote to Unionize: “Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) workers have voted to unionize. According to The Seattle Times, nonprofessional workers voted 16-1 Thursday in favor of forming MOHAI Workers United. Employees in education, programs, special events, and visitor services are classified as nonprofessional workers. The vote follows an organizing campaign announced earlier this fall. Workers cited concerns about pay, staffing shortages, and employee turnover, according to earlier reporting by The Seattle Times.”AC Transit Ratifies Collective Bargaining Agreement with Employees’ Union: “The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District on Friday announced it had ratified a bargaining agreement with the union representing more than 300 of its employees. The agreement reached with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3916 offers greater stability and certainty for members while reinforcing workforce stability.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/19/2026 – 08:10