AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni New Haven Workers Reach Contract Settlement After 4-Day Strike
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni New Haven Workers Reach Contract Settlement After 4-Day Strike
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 four-day strike has ended at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale in Connecticut, where 122 workers walked out seeking better pay, better working conditions and fair treatment. They overwhelmingly voted to ratify the contract that includes first-year wage increases of up to 14.5%, maintains current health care and pension benefits.“We are thrilled that our members at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale stood together and secured a contract that respects their hard work and dedication,” said Josh Stanley, secretary-treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 217.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/02/2024 – 10:01
Grab Your Walking Shoes: In the States Roundup
Grab Your Walking Shoes: 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).
Alaska AFL-CIO:Labor walks are the #1 tool we use to communicate with union members. They play a vital role in electing pro-worker candidates to public office. 🗳️Grab your walking shoes every Saturday from now to Election Day, and help us talk to union members about endorsed candidates. 👟✊ pic.twitter.com/BQbtAGvsXQ— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 27, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Thank you @GavinNewsom for signing our top priority – SB399 (Wahab) — to end mandatory captive audience meetings! pic.twitter.com/OmMPTzxRlE— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 27, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:Today we stood in solidarity with @UFCW_7 and @Teamsters455 in opposition to the Albertsons/Kroger merger. This merger would cause detrimental effects to local grocery stores pic.twitter.com/iZPnT9HTOd— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 1, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Union members are knocking doors for pro-worker candidates in Groton, East Lyme, Waterford, New Britain, Ansonia & Derby today! #LaborVotes #1u pic.twitter.com/gClg6dpD66— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 28, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:Even in the darkest hours, our union family shines bright. Let’s support each other through the challenges of this hurricane and come out stronger on the other side. We’ve got each other’s backs! #UnionResilience #1u #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/nphOefnN7Z— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 27, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Good communications are vital to the labor movement. Join us for a FREE training with 617 Media Group to discuss member communications for GOTV and beyond. 🗓️ 10/15/24🕐 4PM📍 Hire 360, 2540 S. State St., Chicago // Zoom option availableRSVP here: https://t.co/hHFeFGKIqU pic.twitter.com/4pHgWAOlgo— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:You’re damn right they do! 💪 Order your shirt today: https://t.co/jbvyJIiTbo pic.twitter.com/odm25YisPF— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) August 29, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Rep. Laurel Libby is running for re-election to represent Auburn & Minot. She is also one of a tiny number of Maine state legislators with a 0% lifetime score on the Maine AFL-CIO Working Families Legislative Scorecard. That’s pretty hard to do! pic.twitter.com/jn8VbsTru9— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 27, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Dozens of union members are out on the doors in Mansfield, Norton, and Foxboro talking to other members about electing proud @IBEW2222 member @PaulFeeneyMA and proud @seiu888 member @KostasLoukos to the MA Senate and MA House #mapoli pic.twitter.com/mMEAK69jEe— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 28, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:A huge victory for Michigan home care workers!Tens of thousands of home care workers across the state struggle to make ends meet while working tirelessly to care for our seniors and most vulnerable.Restoring their collective bargaining rights is long overdue. https://t.co/lN6xmCPqh6— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 25, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Ahead of Tuesday’s Vice-Presidential debate, Minnesota’s union members wanted to share a little bit about the @Tim_Walz we know. #BetterInAUnion #UnionsforHarris #UnionsforHarrisWalz pic.twitter.com/OpIz2qM9W5— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:Canvassing and phone banking for candidates that support working people is key. Grassroots efforts like these are vital in shaping policies that impact Missouri’s working families. Every conversation makes a difference. Sign up: https://t.co/MozdUEsxRA pic.twitter.com/2D1FuaigYX— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:From the north to the south, the Nevada State AFL-CIO was out in full force canvassing with our union brothers & sisters!38 days, 5 weekends to go. We’re getting closer and closer to the finish line and it’ll be so sweet to celebrate our victories on November 5th! pic.twitter.com/usp7hTxr5p— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 28, 2024New Jersey State AFL-CIO:Women’s rights are at stake this November. Register and vote. For more information on Project 2025, go to https://t.co/2b65aZzG0q.#StopProject2025 pic.twitter.com/wcX6hla8LZ— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 27, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:ALBANY: APWU’s National Day of Action is next week! Don’t miss the Capital Region rally: https://t.co/6Cr1zSoDfo pic.twitter.com/7gfdogzIV8— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 27, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Meanwhile, actual voter fraud is happening in #Ohio but @FrankLaRose and @DaveYostOH have said nothing. Proves two things:1) We must continue to support local media outlets and;2) This has never been about voter fraud, just a false narrative to continue mass voter suppression https://t.co/EoF1wqAaTX— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 1, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Join #OregonLabor for TWO canvasses on Saturday. In Portland we’re knocking doors for April Dobson and Dan Rayfield. In Bend we’re talking to voters about Anthony Broadman and Emerson Levy. Coffee, lunch and training provided. Sign up and get more info at https://t.co/B1B90w7Rqn pic.twitter.com/9Dk2hUY68Y— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:As AG, @KamalaHarris cracked down on wage theft & delivered for working people. When it comes down to brass tacks, she’s repeatedly demonstrated she will fight WITH working people instead of AGAINST us. Just can’t say that about the other guy. #UnionsForHarris #Labor2024 https://t.co/waOH3wvN1I— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 30, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:JOB ALERT: The Texas AFL-CIO is hiring a Communications Director!Apply here: https://t.co/VDi4sn5LNN— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Solidarity with @myWSNA VNA Home Health nurses fighting for safety protections. If you’re in Spokane, please sign their community petition to show support for the workers’ demands for safety supports when providing in-home care. ⬇️ https://t.co/w8u0VKKTYo— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 30, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/01/2024 – 09:37
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez
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 Aleta Chavez of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
In addition to being active in her local union, Aleta Chavez has been very active in her community. She participated in mission work in Guatemala and volunteered with the Dallas Police Department and Habitat for Humanity. She has been a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and numerous student organizations while enrolled in Cedar Valley College’s veterinary technology program.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/01/2024 – 09:29
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel Workers Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel 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.
UNITE HERE Local 26 members who work at the Omni Providence in Rhode Island ratified a new four-year contract last week that secures higher wages and better benefits.This victory came seven weeks after workers at the downtown Providence hotel voted to authorize a strike over management’s refusal to bargain a fair contract. Their previous agreement expired last January, and members were laser-focused on winning a deal that would address rising costs of living. To show the Omni Providence they meant business, members began wearing lanyards to work to signal that they’d signed up for strike benefits and were ready and willing to walk out.“My co-workers and I put a lot of work into this fight,” said George Cook, a banquet attendant at the Omni. “We were ready to do whatever it took to win. I’m happy that we’re able to get the best contract we ever had, with wage increases that will help us pay our rent and take care of our families.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/01/2024 – 09:24
A Say Over the Future: The Working People Weekly List
A Say Over the Future: 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.
Omni Providence Workers Ratify New Union Contract: “UNITE HERE Local 26 said workers at the Omni Providence Hotel ratified a new union contract on Sept. 24. The union said that negotiations on a new contract began after the previous expired on Jan. 31, and that workers voted to authorize a strike on Aug. 7. The new contract includes wage increases and more affordable healthcare.”Apple Store Workers in Oklahoma City Ratify First Union Contract: “U.S. retail workers at the Oklahoma City Apple store in Penn Square Mall have successfully ratified their first collectively bargained contract. The union workers are part of Communications Workers of America (CWA), operating as Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. The ratified three-year contract promises up to an 11.5% wage increase up to 2027, alongside provisions for worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off for voting.”Project 2025’s Plan to Gut Civil Service with Mass Firings: ‘It’s Like the Bad Old Days of King Henry VIII’: “Even as Donald Trump seeks to disavow Project 2025, he and the rightwing effort’s authors have voiced similarly hostile plans for the U.S.’s 2 million-plus federal employees—to replace many of them with political appointees. These plans are stirring alarm among federal employees, with many warning that ‘politicizing’ the civil service will hurt not just them, but also millions of Americans across the US by undermining how well the U.S. government provides services and enforces regulations that protect the public.”Congress Passes Bill to Avert a Shutdown Before the Election, Sending It to Biden: “Congress overwhelmingly passed a funding bill Wednesday to avert a government shutdown next week after House Republicans removed a proposal demanded by Donald Trump that would require Americans nationwide to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. The Senate voted 78-18 Wednesday evening, shortly after the House passed the same measure on a 341-82, with all opposition in both chambers coming from Republicans.”Labor Wants—and Gets—A Say Over the Future: “The AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute will announce today an ongoing collaboration with the NSF, in which the two groups will explore how labor can consult on the foundation’s cutting-edge research projects.”Wesleyan Graduate Students Vote for Union Membership: “Graduate student workers and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) at the University will cast their ballot in a vote to join the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 on Thursday, Sept. 26. The vote comes after months of organizing and internal discussions within the Wesleyan Graduate Labor Union (WesGLU). WesGLU first announced their intention to unionize last April, and subsequently entered into negotiations with the University. Those negotiations ended earlier this semester, when the administration refused to voluntarily recognize the union. WesGLU leadership determined that the University’s decision was a departure from the status quo, and that it was not in line with the good faith labor relations expected by some organizers.”Federal Funds, Clean Energy Projects Boost Maine Union Workforce: “Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state’s clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around. Skilled trade workers are in high demand as the state aims to install 275,000 heating pumps by 2027 and construct numerous offshore wind projects. Kim Tobias, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1253, said learning a trade nearly tripled her income and she is encouraging her own daughters to do the same. ‘With apprenticeships and with the union jobs that are going to be here, it’s a good way for people to be able to afford to stay here,’ Tobias pointed out. Tobias noted young people are motivated to help fight climate change and the Inflation Reduction Act is helping create not just jobs, but well-paying careers. The state aims to double its clean energy workforce to 30,000 by 2030.”Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations, Including Illinois, Ratify New Contract: “Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York have ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers.”Redmond: Labor Has ‘the Responsibility to Lead’ the Fight for Democracy: “AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond is repeating a somber warning to workers, union and non-union alike: This November’s election is not just about the presidency, but about democracy. Redmond told a panel discussion at the Labor Department on September 17, the anniversary of the founders’ signing the Constitution, that organized labor must lead the fight to preserve the republic. ‘Unions thrive in democratic countries and in countries where you have democratic principles. They don’t survive in autocracies and dictatorships,’ Redmond declared. ‘So we have the responsibility to fight for democracy and it should be the responsibility of the entire labor movement to lead that fight.’”Culinary Union Celebrates the End of Its Longest Campaign: “Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge said at an event Thursday to mark the signing of the contract that he had faith that the Venetian would one day be a union property. ‘I can tell you that I knew one day we would be doing that, but honestly, we didn’t know when,’ he said. ‘We have a fighting spirit at the Culinary and Bartenders union here in Las Vegas, and we look at time maybe a little differently than some organizations do.’”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/30/2024 – 10:13
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances
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 Odalis Betances of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Odalis Betances is a hardworking, 13-year member of HFIU Local 3. Betances always steps up when needed for the union, serving on the executive board and assisting with any language barriers. Betances is proud of his Dominican roots and of being a Local 3 member.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/30/2024 – 10:02
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Tiffany Roman
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Tiffany Roman
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 Tiffany Roman of AFGE.
Tiffany Roman has been an AFGE member and licensed practical nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2018. She is currently the southern Colorado vice president for AFGE Local 1117. She is also the national chair of AFGE’s Hispanic Coalition (HISCO) and the AFGE District 11 HISCO coordinator. Roman recently became president of the newly established Rocky Mountains chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. She is a single mother and is pursuing her master’s in social work.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/27/2024 – 11:10
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Tool & Die Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement at Ford’s River Rouge
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Tool & Die Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement at Ford’s River Rouge
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 Wednesday, the UAW Local 600’s Tool & Die Unit at Ford’s River Rouge Complex reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co., one day ahead of its strike deadline.Roughly 500 workers in the Tool & Die Unit work at the Dearborn, Michigan, facility. Members were prepared to go on strike starting Sept. 26 if the multinational automotive manufacturer refused to address issues such as job security, wage parity and work rules. The negotiated TA includes protections against the impacts of advancements in 3D printing and establishes a process to secure additional die work as required. Additionally, UAW won a provision to eliminate the wage disparity for skilled trades, ensuring fair and equal pay across the board.“The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers,” said UAW Vice President Chuck Browning. “They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/27/2024 – 09:58
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Sorenson
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Sorenson
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 Liz Sorenson of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Liz Sorenson has served as president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO since 2017. She began her career over 40 years ago and in 1990 transferred to Nevada Bell, where she served as a steward, organizer, lobbyist and officer for CWA Local 9413. She was hired as CWA District 9 staff representative and, later, area director/political director. Sorenson has run the Nevada State AFL-CIO political walk program since 2000. She was elected as a board member of the Nevada State AFL-CIO in 2009 and is currently serving her second term as president after being re-elected in 2021.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 09:33
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Ford’s River Rouge Tool and Die Unit Reach Tentative Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Ford’s River Rouge Tool and Die Unit Reach Tentative 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.
UAW members working at Ford’s new tab tool and die unit in the River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, reached a tentative agreement one day ahead of its strike deadline. The more than 500 workers in the tool and die unit will review the details of the agreement and hold a ratification vote in the coming days. Last week, the union said it would go on strike on Sept. 26 if local contract issues were not resolved. Core issues included job security, wage parity and work rules.”If ratified, the agreement will set a new standard for the skilled trades at Ford,” the union said.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 09:33