AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hampton Roads Transit Workers Score Major Raises with New Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hampton Roads Transit Workers Score Major Raises with New 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.
Hampton Roads Transit drivers and mechanics in Virginia secured huge pay raises in their new union contract. Starting pay for maintenance workers and operators will increase by 27%. The three-year contract also reduces the amount of time for bus and light-rail operators to reach the top of the pay scale and provides more sick leave and additional days off. The workers are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1177.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/30/2024 – 10:15
Fighting for a Fair and Just Contract: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Fighting for a Fair and Just Contract: 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:Sign up to march and/or have a meal with your fellow union members from Equity, SAG-AFTRA and AGMA! Visit the member portal to register. https://t.co/CFWhbcjJDj pic.twitter.com/0JKxuoUgja— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 24, 2024AFGE:ICYMI: @AFGEPrezKelley delivering the opening invocation for tonight’s @DemConvention events. pic.twitter.com/ClEzaekKv5— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 22, 2024AFSCME:In a video that was shown at the Democratic National Convention, AFSCME member Kelli Gray described how the Biden-Harris administration helped lift the weight of her crushing student loan debt. https://t.co/8EXdAnXLDX— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 27, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Let’s be clear: For those worried about their retirement security, a second term for Donald Trump would be devastating. We need to elect candidates who will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare — not cut them. https://t.co/qpBMawCBGR pic.twitter.com/VI6E93H887— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 27, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:We support our Local 1724 HandyDART members in their fight for the fair and just contract they deserve. #ATUStrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/Cn87HuUNR6— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 28, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Honor Emmett Till’s legacy and learn more with these resources from @ShareMyLesson: https://t.co/6QKUDni1wz https://t.co/tHVJIKc2iF— AFT (@AFTunion) August 28, 2024American Postal Workers Union:Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks summarizes the Clerk Conference at the APWU Biennial Convention, including delegate-approved changes to the national constitution and bylaws that will directly affect Clerk Division’s representation going forward. https://t.co/Qf1XIDoDei— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) August 28, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Our hearts are with Delta Tech Op workers and their families affected by the tragic incident in Atlanta where two workers lost their lives and others were injured earlier today. AFA EAP is always available at 800-424-2406. https://t.co/mgC2OZlKDP— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 27, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024Boilermakers:Breaking news: The International Executive Council has elected Clint Penny as International Secretary-Treasurer: https://t.co/VqWpTjwvZ6 pic.twitter.com/qz1Y1hGaHo— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 27, 2024Bricklayers:Our President Tim Driscoll had the honor of joining @MassGovernor Maura Healey and others in addressing the @IAFFofficial at their 57th convention. The conversation surrounded union solidarity and the importance of political advocacy!Thanks for the invite! #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/VdzArmYRwq— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 28, 2024Communications Workers of America:CWA members at AT&T in the Southeast are still on strike. When we fight, we win! Video: @PBNewsGuild & @CWA3108 pic.twitter.com/AqHvT6UZC8— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 26, 2024Department for Professional Employees:Historically, private-sector architectural professionals have not been union members. However, interest in unions is growing among architectural professionals and other professionals in design-related occupations. https://t.co/8ohEFS9wZ8— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 27, 2024Electrical Workers:#IBEW members were out in full force at the 2024 #DNC to make our voice heard and to support@KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz pic.twitter.com/5FYGLyNaIx— IBEW (@IBEW) August 28, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:In The City of Brotherly Love🔔Next time you’re in Downtown Philly, check out “Pat Eiding Way,” honoring the Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Emeritus & former Local 14 Business Manager.➡️Read more: https://t.co/xvVYLZqU4T#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW pic.twitter.com/QlBEEG3d9D— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 28, 2024International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Members Attend DNC as Delegates and Advance Priorities for Workers, Communities, and All Americanshttps://t.co/juV8uSXHE0— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 23, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Today, we are proud ✊🏽 to join organizations across the country to shed light on the harmful effects of Project 2025 and how it will impact our comunidades. For more information or to get involved, visit https://t.co/tMivLyFh7B#DefendiendoNuestroFuturo #LatinosAgainstProject2025 pic.twitter.com/jjlscjih7O— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 27, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:Check out our updated 2024 Labor Day Labor Arts Calendar! Festivities include labor arts events across the country. Got a labor music, film, history, or art event in your community? Let us know at info@laborheritage.org, and we’ll add it to our calendar! https://t.co/dwuBAThirZ pic.twitter.com/mwoCsASz05— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 27, 2024Laborers:Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024Machinists:IAM branding is going up at the Hilton Midtown, NYC courtesy of Carpenters Local 157 members!Union members building a union Convention! ⚙️💪#IAM2024 pic.twitter.com/mwpFa6Titr— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 28, 2024Mine Workers:“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength…” – Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024Musical Artists:Sept 9: Join the AGMA Staging Staff Caucus for a discussion on labor-management conflict resolution w/ experts from Cornell’s Scheinman Institute. Open to AGMA Staging Staff members. Details: https://t.co/J2GKA8xWHY pic.twitter.com/hJ0b6Qeyq6— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 27, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:Reno, NV Branch 709 was proud to rally in solidarity with @NRLCA yesterday as letter carriers continue to call for protection from violence & crime while delivering mail in communities across the U.S. Learn more about the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act ➡️ https://t.co/ylwbV47kaq pic.twitter.com/89bWIoZiSj— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 27, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:SYRACUSE, NY 🚌❤️: We’re here! Join us TODAY on our next #CareCantWait Bus Tour stop to fight for an affordable and accessible care system we all deserve. RSVP here: https://t.co/7dHlZ5aEf5— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 28, 2024National Nurses United:Union nurses in @nynurses, @minurses, @mnnurses, and all across the country are fired up to see nurse values on the ballot this election season! Join the #NursesforKamala coalition in getting Harris and Walz into the White House! 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/6ZmKotNJ3a— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 25, 2024NFL Players Association:Help us give a warm welcome to our two newest NFLPA Player Directors: Michael Thomas + Scott Wells! Their first experience will be hitting the road for the next six weeks to meet and support all current players. pic.twitter.com/F4Lv2dJEl5— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 26, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:Donald Trump is not a friend to unions. pic.twitter.com/uG90kiiTqe— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 27, 2024Office and Professional Employees:OPEIU Local 251 represents over 550 workers at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their union contract expires on September 24, 2024. Sign a letter in support of their fight for a fair contract! ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/AstWPFWZUH— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 22, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:As we chart our course for the next five years, we honor a century of progress that has secured democracy, fair wages, and dignity for workers. Together, we can become an unmatched force in our industry—stronger, inclusive, and empowering at every level. #OneIUPAT pic.twitter.com/DxJnKhgHfC— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 27, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Active & retired union members may be eligible for home financing benefits through the @UnionPlus® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Equal Housing Lender. https://t.co/nXrO69XJC7 pic.twitter.com/xZ9j76bthh— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 26, 2024Pride At Work:Being LGBTQIA+ can be an obstacle as a voter who lives in a state that has voter identification laws. Join @prideatwork, @LCLAA, @CLUWNational and @VoteRiders on Tuesday, August 27th at 6:00 PM EDT to learn about the potential impacts.Register here: https://t.co/phYgZPZ0G6 pic.twitter.com/KWrw6rnTcK— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 21, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:61 years ago today, @RWDSU joined working people for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom! RWDSU leaders like Cleve Robinson helped plan the march, and Local 1-S members, pictured here, were among the union workers who traveled to the historic civil rights action! pic.twitter.com/gHQESertCT— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 28, 2024SAG-AFTRA:“We are thrilled that one of our top legislative priorities, AB 2602 has passed in the State of California. The bill, which protects not only SAG-AFTRA performers but all performers, is a huge step forward. … 1/2https://t.co/jNF0bRYOef— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 28, 2024Solidarity Center:The support from @Culinary226 for striking Evolution Gaming workers in the Republic of Georgia is what true global #solidarity looks like. ✊https://t.co/i1rBZLe1jC@casinosc0m— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 27, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨 More than 3,000 supporters have already given to @ThePUPNews strikers to cover rent, unexpected expenses, groceries and much more. We’re so close to blowing past $800k raised in support of the LONGEST strike in the country! Pitch in here: https://t.co/rSonkCeva7 pic.twitter.com/iGtE8Lyt4B— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 27, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:On #WomensEqualityDay, we honor the fearless women who fought for the right to vote, paving the way for equality. This November, let’s exercise our right to vote, ensuring that the hard-won victories are preserved, and our voices continue to drive the fight for gender equality. pic.twitter.com/htFpPTu4sq— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 26, 2024Transport Workers Union:pic.twitter.com/USvu57iqy2— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024Transportation Trades Department:WATCH: @TTDAFLCIO President Greg Regan spoke at the @DemConvention last week to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in America’s working families, transportation and infrastructure. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5WrDbl31Sg— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 26, 2024UAW:Workers at the Detroit-area Webasto plant are standing up to form their union and UAW Local 900 has their backs! #StandUpWebasto pic.twitter.com/7Doiq1j2xQ— UAW (@UAW) August 28, 2024UNITE HERE:Hotel workers are putting the industry on notice.Our wages aren’t enough.Staffing cuts have made our jobs more painful than ever.And we’re ready to strike for what our families need. pic.twitter.com/UITZ58wlyJ— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 27, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:Over 45 workers at 17 CBD Kratom & Mr. Nice Guy cannabis dispensaries have joined UFCW Local 655. Workers organized to join UFCW due to shared concerns about insufficient wages, benefits, health insurance, & job stability. Let’s get to work! ➡️ https://t.co/tXit8QFQYF pic.twitter.com/KVWoVJvTaG— UFCW (@UFCW) August 27, 2024United Steelworkers:For Paige Cisco of Local 689 in Ohio, fighting for workers’ health and safety is what motivates her every day. Read her full story: https://t.co/fNURJ8TXGw pic.twitter.com/9nV2ATGGCF— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 27, 2024Utility Workers:The Executive Board of @UWUA_Local_1_2 is ready for Labor Day!Every UWUA local received a limited quantity of these #ItsBetterInAUnion shirts so that across the country our union will be visible as we celebrate the labor movement. pic.twitter.com/w1JY5TjHvq— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 28, 2024Writers Guild of America East:When writers decide to work together to organize a union at their workplace, they create the leverage and power they need to improve their working lives. You are the union. Reach out to us at organize@wgaeast.org to learn more and ask questions. #UnionStrong 💪— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 27, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/28/2024 – 10:04
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SMART-TD Announces Tentative Deal for Conductors with Amtrak
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SMART-TD Announces Tentative Deal for Conductors with Amtrak
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.
Last week, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced a tentative agreement for a seven-year contract with Amtrak that covers conductors and assistant conductors.Details of the agreement will go out to membership for a ratification vote over the next few weeks. Key economic highlights of the contract include substantial wage increases that are retroactive to July 2022, greater new hire training per diem, more conductor certification pay and improved training pay. SMART-TD also secured major wins relating to worker health and work-life balance, such as more paid parental leave, designating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday, improvements to bereavement pay and expansion of overtime.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/28/2024 – 09:56
Break the Bias: In the States Roundup
Break the Bias: 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:💪Michael “BIG MIKE” Dawson, a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has made the 10,000th call in our #2024LaborVotes campaign! pic.twitter.com/ZtBxIG3XSe— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 21, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We are training up more union members throughout the state to hit worksites and the doors about the importance of the upcoming elections. pic.twitter.com/zXQ9WklIs9— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 24, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:The Connecticut AFL-CIO strongly condemns the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rep. Figueroa. @ehawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/Fwvi0lj7hy— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:We love to see it! ✊ 💪 https://t.co/Srce55p0aP— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 23, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:As of 2020, roughly 10.6 million of the 15.9 million workers covered by a union contract are women and/or people of color. Almost half of workers represented by a union are women (47.1%).#WomenEqualityDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll #love #Equality pic.twitter.com/6ger5qGLvM— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 26, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Our friends at the @CFM10208 are organizing Hip Hop musicians, DJs, and EDM artists. These genres have rich ties to Illinois. Let’s celebrate these artists as they fight for fair wages and an end to a “pay to play” culture of exploitation. More here: https://t.co/QOyVYfkV2M pic.twitter.com/vfERUxuiEl— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Indiana State AFL-CIO:https://t.co/GsrHDWdQ7Q— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:🚨Primary GOTV Alert🚨 Election Day is Tuesday, 9/3!! We will be working to elect our endorsed labor champions before, during, and after primary day! To kick off GOTV week, join Women Build Boston in Cambridge Monday to support State Rep. Marjorie Decker! 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Km15WcTJJ2— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 23, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:The two-year-old Inflation Reduction Act is fulfilling its promise of accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy while creating good-paying, union jobs along the way. #1u https://t.co/Ym21wOop4P— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:🌡️ ☀️ It is very hot. Make sure you are hydrating and know the symptoms of a heat stroke. #heatwave pic.twitter.com/eQCoY2MS3X— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Thank you to our amazing affiliates, sponsors, elected officials, and community partners for joining us for our 68th Constitutional Convention Welcome Reception! pic.twitter.com/iyMTdSliHN— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 26, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to our President Mario Cilento, Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin, and the Vice Presidents on their elections! A special thanks to @NYSDOLCommish for swearing in our leaders this morning. pic.twitter.com/0suk9PNu6N— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 27, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:It’s easy to see where @johnlegend got his values when we find out he grew up in a @UAW @AFLCIO #union household. https://t.co/HPtJLOqJjN— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 26, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:The clock is ticking Boeing ⏰ @IAM751 and District W24’s contract expires on September 12. Boeing Machinists deserve a #FairContractNow. #Solidarity Read more 👇https://t.co/tFCm6fxtvM pic.twitter.com/JsrHVCMP9Y— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 27, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Unions are the best tool to stand up to the historic inequity & corporate greed we are up against. In 2022 unions won 76% of National Labor Relations Board elections, the highest rate ever. And unions are more popular with the public now than at any time since the 1960s.#LaborDay pic.twitter.com/lltdUBH44S— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 26, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:NEWS: Through our 2024 Scholarship Program, the Texas AFL-CIO awarded 25 grants of $1,500 each to an outstanding class of applicants.Thank you to the locals and members who made this possible through their generous donations.Read more: https://t.co/3M5bK7ZO1A— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 26, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Under Gov. Walz, Minnesota runs one of the most effective OSHA state plan programs. The state ranks fifth-lowest in the rate of workplace fatalities, significantly lower than the federal workplace fatality rate. https://t.co/FX4BpGhOm0— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 24, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/27/2024 – 10:37
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations Ratify New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations 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.
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York 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. Additionally, members are maintaining their union health care plan with the addition of a new short-term disability benefit. Other highlights are an updated attendance policy that increases the grace period for being late, provisions protecting the right to call additional labor-management meetings during the year, work schedule transparency, upward mobility opportunities, protections for the current commissions policy and more.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 08/27/2024 – 09:56
Saving Workers’ Lives and Limbs: The Working People Weekly List
Saving Workers’ Lives and Limbs: 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.
Labor Leaders Stand Up, Show Out for Kamala at DNC: “The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the next vice president commenced with a wave of endorsements from the nation’s largest labor unions. On the very first night of the convention, an impressive gathering of union presidents took the stage. AFSCME’s Lee Saunders, SEIU (Service Employees International Union) President April Verrett, LIUNA (Laborer’s International Union of North America) President Brent Booker, Ken Cooper of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Claude Cummings Jr. of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), and Liz Shuler of the AFL-CIO stood on stage together, they displayed the power of unions.”NWSL, Players Reach New CBA That Includes Elimination of Draft: “The National Women’s Soccer League and its players agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that will grow salaries and further expand player rights regarding free agency and trades, the sides announced Thursday. The deal includes the elimination of the college draft, a first for a major North American professional sports league. The new CBA will extend the current contract, which was negotiated in 2022 and was set to expire in 2026, through 2030. Some of the new terms, such as the elimination of the draft and free agency for all players when their contracts expire, will go into effect immediately; others will begin in 2025.”How Tim Walz Saved Workers’ Lives and Limbs: “In 2023, with a narrow Democratic majority and working closely with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state legislature passed several innovative laws that greatly strengthen the safety and health protections provided to Minnesota workers employed in high-hazard jobs. These include: Protecting Workers from Ergonomic Hazards: About 30% of all serious injuries reported by employers to the Bureau of Labor Statistics are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These are injuries to the back, wrist, neck, or arm caused by exposure to lifting, twisting, repetitive motions, and other ergonomic hazards.”Union Leaders at DNC Push Back Against Trump Overtures to Organized Labor: “Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is highlighting its pro-union stance at the Democratic National Convention this week, pushing back against Republican Party overtures to organized labor at their own convention last month. It’s an attempt to refute former President Donald Trump’s claims that he will work with organized labor amid recent meetings with the president of the Teamsters union, and an effort by Harris to hitch onto President Joe Biden’s labor record, which includes being the first president to walk a picket line. Addressing the Wisconsin delegation to the DNC Wednesday morning, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su argued Harris had fought wage theft as attorney general of California, and would enact worker-friendly policies as president.”Venetian Las Vegas Reaches Tentative Deal with Workers for First Union Contract: “The Venetian Resort has agreed to its first union contract with more than 4,000 hospitality workers. The Culinary Union announced that a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday morning for workers at The Venetian and Palazzo. A contract ratification vote will be scheduled soon, according to a union spokesperson. Culinary and Venetian leadership reached an agreement in June last year for ‘card check neutrality.’ That meant the resort would not take a position as employees explored possible unionization.”University of Alaska and Graduate Student Union Reach Three-Year Contract: “A new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the University of Alaska and the Alaska Graduate Workers Association-UAW Union (AGWA-UAW) took effect on July 1. This is the first time the University of Alaska and AGWA have negotiated a CBA. The agreement comes less than a year after University of Alaska graduate student employees voted to form a union.”Union Leaders Frame Harris as Champion of the Working Class in Night 1 of DNC: “Union leaders championed Vice President Kamala Harris as the choice for working class folks in a series of speeches on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. ‘This election is about two economic visions,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO. Her union represents nearly 13 million American workers, she said.”Kamala Harris Names a Unionist as Her VP: “Just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris named Tim Walz as her running mate Aug. 6, AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler celebrated the pick in a press statement, calling Walz a ‘principled fighter and labor champion’ who’s not just an ally but a union brother. Walz is a former public high school teacher and football coach who has been Minnesota’s governor since 2019. As governor, he signed lots of pro-worker legislation, including: Paid family and medical leave and mandated paid sick days; A ban on noncompete clauses; A ban on employers from holding mandatory anti-union meetings; Letting teachers unions bargain over class size; and $2.6 billion in infrastructure investments.”The Rev. Barber: Kamala Harris Isn’t Just Listening to Workers. She’s Sounding Like Them: “With its rallies that pack arenas, Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign has harnessed an energy that many have compared to Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Polls in battleground states indicate that the dynamics of the presidential race have fundamentally shifted, but skeptics question if the good vibes can last once the vice president starts to detail policy. Is this burst of excitement, they ask, just the momentary enthusiasm of voters surprised by an unexpected transition? When we pay attention to what Harris and Walz have already said, though, it’s clear they have tapped the energy of worker-driven movements that want to create an economy that works for all of us. The good vibes and the economic vision of this campaign are, in fact, deeply connected.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/26/2024 – 12:04
Service & Solidarity Alert: 17,000 AT&T Southeast Workers on Strike
Service & Solidarity Alert: 17,000 AT&T Southeast Workers on 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.
We are CWA members on strike at AT&T Southeast because AT&T is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations for a new contract.We are a big part of AT&T’s success, but we have been at the bargaining table since June, unable to make any progress because of the Company’s bad faith bargaining.The National Labor Relations Act requires companies to bargain in good faith. We have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company and are on strike to protest the Company’s unfair bargaining tactics. We want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve and getting to work making sure every household and business in the Southeast has reliable high-speed internet service.Tell AT&T to show us the respect we deserve and get serious about bargaining.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/26/2024 – 10:22
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Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Memphis City Employees Celebrate Across-the-Board Pay Raises and Bonuses
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Memphis City Employees Celebrate Across-the-Board Pay Raises and Bonuses
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.
Employees of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, are celebrating much-needed wage hikes and bonuses they secured through the union they formed—a testament to the power of a union.They are celebrating $5,000 bonuses along with pay raises of at least 5%. Workers who keep Memphis’ hospitals, schools and roads running saw this increase last month.Employees of the city’s Solid Waste Department, who keep Memphis clean, saw pay raises ranging from 6% to 34%.Corrections officers and deputies saw raises of 6%.These well-deserved pay raises and bonuses are thanks to AFSCME Local 1733 members, who had been negotiating with the Memphis City Council since April and came to an agreement.Tomorrow Bonds, a member of Local 1733’s negotiations team and a crewperson in the Memphis Public Works Department, said that she and her co-workers were not going to back down from their proposals.“We came to the table with our proposals for the wage increases that we wanted, but the city kept turning it down,” Bonds said. “But we decided we weren’t going to take their counterproposals for less, and we wanted a fair wage.”On June 18, Local 1733 members ratified a memorandum of understanding that they reached with the city for these pay increases and bonuses to take effect on July 1.For Bonds, these wage increases are only the beginning. The fight for a livable wage continues.“It’s very important to me that everybody has a livable wage, and right now, we’re still not at a livable wage,” Bonds said. “But I can see that fighting for this pay increase has opened up a path for us to get there.”This post originally appeared on the AFSCME blog.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/23/2024 – 10:02
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Women’s Soccer Players Association Scores Historic Collective Bargaining 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.
The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced their historic new collective bargaining agreement, which ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections, and other provisions that will help create a more equitable League. For the first time ever in American professional sports, this contract also eliminates the draft, empowering athlete workers to have a real say over their futures.“The new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a reflection of the collective power of the Players,” said NWSLPA President Tori Huster. “Together, we secured freedoms that empower the Players to have autonomy over their careers and in doing so, reshaped American sports.”“Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together. The revolutionary victories they secured—from eliminating the draft to requiring player consent for trades to safeguarding player health—advance the critical work of professional sports associations to let players decide what’s best for their families. Collective bargaining is a powerful tool in achieving women’s equality in any workplace, and these results are a testament to the visionary leadership of President Tori Huster, Executive Director Meghann Burke, Vice President Simone Charley, the bargaining committee and all members of the Players Association who are dedicated to creating a better, fairer League. The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/22/2024 – 09:58
More Freedom for Working People: What Working People Are Doing This Week
More Freedom for Working People: 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:Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for July 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/myvtrd4Ufv pic.twitter.com/Ck1c3B8GWp— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 21, 2024AFGE:Thank you @RepMarkTakano for working tirelessly to improve our VA medical centers and the workplace rights of those who serve our nation’s heroes. pic.twitter.com/G2zo9Rqu5I— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2024AFSCME:ICYMI: AFSCME backs @KamalaHarris for president because she believe in “more freedom for working people,” President Saunders said at #DNC2024. https://t.co/86PYM4udOz— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 20, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Affordable health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are on the ballot this year. https://t.co/JVPEeqg7tB— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Day 2 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was just as exciting as the first. Representing the ATU were #DNC New Jersey Delegate International President John Costa, International Vice President Yvette Trujillo, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice… pic.twitter.com/wnkQQCx9pf— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 21, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Are you absolutely sure that you’re registered to vote?Couldn’t hurt to check. Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Flight Attendants save lives. We are aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense in aviation security. We are the first impression and the smile of aviation connecting the people of our nations.Happy National Aviation Day to Aviation’s First Responders! pic.twitter.com/EmNC7roE7l— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 19, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024Boilermakers:‼️ Breaking News: IBB announces leadership changes: https://t.co/QMz9Hcpvqq pic.twitter.com/kAnuH7Fuxz— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2024Bricklayers:Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, Justin Guillermo, Jeris Orian, and Joe Ermitano from BAC local 1 Hawaii are working on the Wahiawa Civic Center!Thank you for your hard work!#Unionstrong #thebesthandsinthebusiness pic.twitter.com/wevdu6PwPL— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 21, 2024Coalition of Labor Union Women:Sylvia Lieberman Recalls First CLUW Convention. #CLUW50 https://t.co/Xt7NNGc6ki— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 19, 2024Communications Workers of America:🚨Strike Alert! 🚨CWA members at AT&T Southeast are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract. pic.twitter.com/qb4iCXdyzX— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 16, 2024Department for Professional Employees:ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024Electrical Workers:. @UnionSportsmen brings you Major League Fishing Angler Jesse Spellicy who shares five baits you need in your tacklebox. https://t.co/KrWt0oJ5uY— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:Asbestos Memorial🕊️During the 2024 Officers Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, General President, Terry Larkin & former IVP, Anthony Ceraldi, visited the Memorial. ➡️Read more: https://t.co/NInou94huB #InsulatorsUnion #HFIAW #asbestos #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/VCyZzCTBAx— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 19, 2024Jobs With Justice:We just heard from union leaders at the #DNC. They are right—it’s time for workers to be able to freely organize w/o interference from billionaire CEOs, take home family-sustaining wages, and retire w/ dignity. #UnionYes @AFLCIO @AFSCME @IBEW @CWAUnion @SEIU @LIUNA— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 20, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Eliminating the Department of Education under #Project2025 would have devastating effects on our society and communities. Historically, authoritarian regimes target education to control citizens and impose conservative ideals, undermining democratic values. pic.twitter.com/tUtC8EWNZA— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 21, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:No Contract, No Cartoons.”After weekend rallies, The Animation Guild (TAG) started contract talks w/the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. “We’re defending the soul of this industry,” said TAG President Jeanette Moreno KingRead more: https://t.co/8ual57wPpt pic.twitter.com/SWpigI22g4— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 21, 2024Laborers:Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024Machinists:Celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, IAM Western Territory Locals united with community organizations in her honor. Their service magnifies the dedication Maria had for our communities. https://t.co/9aWtkhzpYc.— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 21, 2024Mine Workers:“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength…” – Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024Musical Artists:Save the San Francisco Symphony Chorus: Send a Letter to Management – https://t.co/OfUYN7k9AO pic.twitter.com/EJYjSxAAyT— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 19, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Are you keeping your contact information current on MyNATCA? It’s crucial for all NATCA members to regularly update their preferred contact details on MyNATCA to ensure they receive important communications.Visit https://t.co/snJux6foFR and log in with your credentials. pic.twitter.com/6Iys6A3Tey— NATCA (@NATCA) August 20, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:This #MemberMonday, we’re giving a shout-out to New Castle, PA Branch 22 carrier Bill Rubin. For Scott Collar, a customer with disabilities who lives on Bill’s route, the kindness that Bill delivers each day makes him more than a mailman – he’s become a true friend. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/nc2YQCgM1U— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 19, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:Coming up next month!#BringHumanRightsHome https://t.co/x6jgzPxeM6— NDLON (@NDLON) August 20, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:More workers than ever need paid time off for mental health conditions and are getting denied. Employers must support the well-being of their employees. That means investing in care. https://t.co/HeWXEO2RNu— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 15, 2024National Nurses United:Nurses met with @RevDrBarber today at #DNCConvention2024!We’re excited and honored to be fighting alongside such a powerful champion for working families. #NursesForKamala pic.twitter.com/pVInzv04cc— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 20, 2024NFL Players Association:Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning tackled back-to-school prep at a block party last week, where 100 kids and their families scored school supplies and a day of fun at the team’s training facility. 📚✏️ pic.twitter.com/mWm4Q4knai— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 16, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:Brent Booker, @LIUNA General President, says Trump made empty promises, while the Biden-Harris Administration delivered. As President, Kamala Harris will fight for the workers who are building America.https://t.co/zngunCZixh— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 21, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Standardized patients at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia are fighting for a fair contract!Tell university administrators to stop union-busting and pay them a fair wage! ↓↓↓ #UnionStrong https://t.co/KbvUUTanQ5— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 20, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:As we approach our General Convention, we reflect on each and every one of our members who have shaped the IUPAT into the strong and fighting union that we are today.For over 137 years, our members’ commitments and our union’s collective efforts have ignited a force of change… pic.twitter.com/EYtfCXqRkK— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 12, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024Pride At Work:Join us to organize this election season and ensure LGBTQIA+ worker power is a priority!Sign up here: https://t.co/jkPXJ0Ym8c #organize #solidarityforever pic.twitter.com/x1FtxpmvK7— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 19, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:.@RWDSU President @sappelbaum opens the 2nd @DemConvention Labor Council meeting. Asst. to the President Jessica Garcia who has spearheaded the planning led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. #DemConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/WQfY6rNCYY— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Certain weather conditions can be hazardous for roofers. Follow these tips to stay safe! https://t.co/4J2VP83XzI #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/XPjZABkM3D— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 21, 2024SAG-AFTRA:🎙️ “Voice Actor and Movement Performers, we love this work.” Check out the full Game Actors on Game Actors: SAG-AFTRA Panel At Comic-Con 2024: https://t.co/D7AguPJaC0 pic.twitter.com/sxkMuaMnSc— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 21, 2024Solidarity Center:“We will leave no one behind.”Amid victory against union busting after a month-long campaign, #Sofitel workers’ unions continue to lead the push for job security for all workers.🔗https://t.co/Oy6exvFsLu#StandWithSofitelWorkers #Philippines #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/qAN9sA8Suo— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 21, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨On Sunday evening, Adrian Szkolar – a member of the @CTnewsguild organizing committee – was fired. This comes a mere ten days after the guild went public with their union drive.Tell Hearst CT Media Group: Reinstate Adrian & recognize @CTnewsguild 👇https://t.co/8DjIkU4bh6— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 19, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:“As a union member, it’s important that we have candidates who support our values,” IATSE Local 720 (Nevada) Member Matt Kimball said.“Donald Trump crossed my union’s picket line in ‘04, and that’s something I can never forgive him for and never will.” https://t.co/SoqFek4XxA— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 21, 2024Transport Workers Union:pic.twitter.com/USvu57iqy2— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024Transportation Trades Department:The @seattletimes Editorial Board nails it with a message for the Washington State Ferry System: pay your workers! Low staffing levels, noncompetitive wages, and overworked @MEBAUNION marine engineers = compromised service. Read more: https://t.co/W4DjOzEPU8— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 20, 2024UAW:Cornell University has a $10 billion endowment. Management could easily afford to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. Instead, Cornell is attempting to union bust by encouraging retirees and faculty to scab.This is textbook corporate greed. @UAWregion9 pic.twitter.com/pyTIMaTxcx— UAW (@UAW) August 21, 2024Union Veterans Council:We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans’ legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024UNITE HERE:Hotel workers are at a breaking point – and thousands have now authorized strikes.Wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. Staffing cuts have made hotel jobs more painful than ever.But we know that when we fight, we win. pic.twitter.com/faAi8vrvTu— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock a wide variety of online degrees & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/BxpXkoA1kv— UFCW (@UFCW) August 20, 2024United Steelworkers:Congrats to USW Local 819, Pactiv Evergreen, in Turlock, Calif., for ratifying a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement after more than 18 months of difficult bargaining. pic.twitter.com/FaxuwJG75W— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 21, 2024Utility Workers:Louder for the folks in the back! 📣Every worker deserves the opportunity to join a union, and those with the lowest wages, fewest benefits, and the most unpredictable schedules have the most to gain by organizing! #UnionYeshttps://t.co/89SAkeba70— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2024Writers Guild of America East:A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum – and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/21/2024 – 08:10