AFL-CIO
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Novelty and Production Workers
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Novelty and Production Workers
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the Novelty and Production Workers (IUANPW).
Name of Union: International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production WorkersMission: To unite, within the international union, all workers employed in the industry under its jurisdiction, regardless of race, sex, color, creed, or nationality. To increase wages and lessen hours of work. To increase job security and to better the working and living conditions of its members. To establish and maintain collective bargaining throughout the trades and industry within its jurisdiction. To defend and extend democratic institutions and procedures and the civil rights and liberties of its members and all others. To promote the health and security, and to provide facilities for advancing the cultural, educational, social and recreational interest of workers and their families. To give assistance and encouragement to organizations in organizing workers, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary and proper to strengthen the labor movement. To affiliate with or lend assistance to associations of labor organizations. To further legislative protection for all working people in their rights to organize for mutual protection and improvement. To work for the advancement of union-made products and of all union labels as a source of strength in the attainment of fair conditions of employment.Current Leadership of Union: Mark Spano serves as president. Joseph Giovinco Jr. serves as secretary/treasurer. The officers and general executive board consist of Anthony Iori (1st vice president), Nicole Jean-Charles (2nd vice president), Phil Sitkowski (3rd vice president), Carl Whaling (4th vice president), Angel Febus, Cristina Ramirez, Anthony Miranti, James Vogt and Joseph Manzella.Current Number of Members: More than 18,000Members Work As: Allied, novelty and production workers.Industries Represented: General manufacturing and related industries.History: The International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers was established in the 1940s. The union was originally named the International Union of Dolls, Toys, Playthings, Novelties and Allied Products of the United States and Canada, but was changed to the International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers in the late 1970s as toy manufacturing was mostly shipped overseas. Today, the union represents a wide array of jobs in industries such as the general manufacturing, construction, food production, transportation and automotive fields.Learn More: Website
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 06/08/2026 – 15:24
Pride Month Profiles: Ashley Deschenes
Pride Month Profiles: Ashley Deschenes
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Ashley Deschenes of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).
Ashley Deschenes has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ members through community outreach, volunteer efforts and her involvement with SMART Local 2. She has helped create greater awareness, build meaningful connections and support a more welcoming environment for all members. Her commitment to visibility, education and solidarity has positively affected both the membership and the broader community.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 06/08/2026 – 09:25
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE
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.
Information technology technicians and event coordinators who work at the San Diego Convention Center have voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122, creating a fully union strong convention center floor.These staff are employed by Smart City Networks, which provides internet and event technology to trade shows and exhibitions. In the lead-up to the vote, Smart City Networks retained the union-busting law firm Littler Mendelson, spending an estimated $58,000 to pressure workers to stop organizing. But staff held strong and secured a decisive union election victory.“At the end of the day, everyone deserves to have a union,” said Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE Local 122. “We’re proud that the workers at Smart City took their first step in having a voice on the job and having representation.”“To us, having a union means having a voice,” crew members said in a statement. “It means being united and being able to stand on equal footing with the company. It has shown us the importance of solidarity, and we look forward to taking an active role in the decisions that will impact our future.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 06/08/2026 – 09:14
Tags:
Organizing
WATCH: Union Solidarity in Action in Minneapolis
WATCH: Union Solidarity in Action in Minneapolis
On Sunday, union leaders and activists from around the country will gather in Minneapolis for our 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention. We’ll do the work to define a labor movement agenda that empowers working people, changes lives and builds an America that works for all of us.
In the three days following the start of the convention, we will hear speeches from workers, leaders and allies. We will feature panels and trainings on crucial issues like AI, immigration, organizing, worker safety and much more. We’ll talk about what’s happening in Minnesota, and how labor and allies have come together to fight injustice and oppression, and to stand up for working people. Will you tune in?WATCH SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. ETWe’ll be streaming the convention live on aflcio.tv and our social media platforms:Sunday, June 7: 2–6 p.m.Monday, June 8: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Tuesday, June 9: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Wednesday, June 10: 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.We can’t do this work alone. That’s why the theme of our convention is “With You.” Our solidarity is critical. We know the power unions have to change lives. Our labor built America, and our unions have kept it strong and will continue pushing it forward.With you, we can. Will you join us?
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 06/05/2026 – 13:39
Tags:
AFL-CIO Convention
Pride Month Profiles: Alyssa Goodstein
Pride Month Profiles: Alyssa Goodstein
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Alyssa Goodstein of the Illinois AFL-CIO.
Alyssa Goodstein joined the Illinois AFL-CIO in 2022 after serving as LGBTQIA+ caucus director for Young Democrats of Illinois. A former UAW member while earning her degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, she views organized labor as a powerful force for workplace equality and LGBTQIA+ rights. At the state labor federation, Goodstein co-founded Pride At Work Illinois and helped organize the state’s first LGBTQIA+ and workers’ rights symposium, bringing together labor and advocacy leaders to strengthen protections for LGBTQIA+ workers across Illinois.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 06/05/2026 – 09:56
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mid-Continent Public Library Workers Vote to Form Union
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mid-Continent Public Library Workers Vote to Form Union
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.
Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) workers have voted to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360.One of the largest public library systems in the United States, MCPL covers three counties across the Kansas City metropolitan area. The new bargaining unit includes nearly 700 part-time and full-time librarians, early literacy associates, information technology staff, delivery services staff and other critical workers.“From everyone that was there in the beginning four years ago to those that started supporting this week, we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of us,” said Kelli Mulligan Lindsey, an early literacy associate at MCPL Green Hills and MCPL Workers United-CWA Local 6360 member. “Together we can do anything, and together we can continue to make the library a place for everyone in our community.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 06/05/2026 – 08:01
Tags:
Organizing
Worker Wins: With A Clear Voice They Achieved Those Goals
Worker Wins: With A Clear Voice They Achieved Those Goals
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
REI San Diego Store Votes to Form Union: Workers at REI’s San Diego store voted last week to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135, making it the largest union-represented location for the retailer in the country. This victory for REI Union’s growing organizing efforts comes just days after the conclusion of a nationwide boycott of the company’s Anniversary Sale. More than 70,000 co-op members pledged not to shop and stood in solidarity with workers calling for the company to bargain in good faith. “It’s been a long road, but we all want to make REI the best version of itself that it can be, and that is what brought us to this moment,” said staff member Jae Michael. “We are the ones stewarding the values of this co-op every single day, especially when we cannot rely on executive leadership to do the same. With our union, we’ll have a say in the decisions that affect our jobs and our lives. When we first started to organize, I knew we were joining a nationwide movement to hold REI accountable to its green vests and co-op members. I’m beyond proud to be a part of the REI Union so we can achieve that mission together.”Netflix Production Workers Ratify First Contract: Members of The Animation Guild (TAG), Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839, who work at Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) have voted to ratify their first union contract. Feature production workers at the streaming platform approved the new deal with an overwhelming 89% casting ballots in favor. The agreement contains provisions establishing wage minimums, dismissal pay and critical workplace protections. “Since I started at NAS in 2019, production workers had undergone constant change, and the shifts in the industry made it clear that we needed to unionize,” production coordinator Thalia Nalapraya said. “It was a heartbreaking experience to see my colleagues laid off from projects without any safety net. Now that we have ratified our contract, I feel so proud and grateful—to the organizing committee who guided us through the Union vote, the Negotiations Committee for taking the seat at the table and setting the foundations for future negotiations, and the production workers at DreamWorks, Disney, Nickelodeon and others who unionized before us. We wouldn’t have gotten here without learning from their experiences.”Seattle Hospitalists Vote to Join AFT, Make State History: Swedish Medical Group hospitalists have voted to join Northwest Medicine United, AFT Local 6552, making history as the first physicians in the Providence system to unionize in Washington. Swedish Medical Group is part of Providence Swedish, Providence’s health system in the western part of the state. Approximately 115 medical professionals across five campuses in the Seattle area participated in the union election. “Physicians at Swedish Medical Group are organizing because they want a stronger voice in the decisions that affect patient care, physician autonomy and the future of healthcare,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten in a social media post. “I’m proud to stand with these hospitalists as they work to protect quality care and physician autonomy.”Nevada Administrative and Clerical Workers Join AFSCME: More than 3,500 Nevada state employees in administrative and clerical roles have voted to join AFSCME Local 4041. The new bargaining unit covers administrative assistants in all state agencies, departments, state colleges and universities, as well as other assistants, clerks and clerical staff. Once the Employee Management Relations Board certifies the election results, the state will have up to 60 days to begin contract negotiations. “I am proud of my co-workers for coming together to organize our union. As admin assistants, we are the backbone of our offices — nothing happens without us. And we deserve the dignity and respect that comes with having a unified voice on the job,” said Maria Behic, an administrative assistant in Las Vegas. “We look forward to joining our AFSCME family in building our power in the workplace.”Weyerhaeuser Workers in Pacific Northwest Ratify Historic Four-Year Agreement: IAM Union (IAM) District W24 members who work for Weyerhaeuser have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The bargaining unit covers 1,160 workers at the timber company’s sawmills, trucking operations, export yards and logging camps across Washington and Oregon. Highlights of the deal include an 11% total wage increase over the life of the contract, stronger pension and retirement benefits, expanded bereavement leave and more. “Weyerhaeuser IAM members wanted key family and financial issues addressed in the contract,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “With a clear voice they achieved those goals with help from District W24, the Western Territory and the International. We’re proud of our entire Weyerhaeuser membership at District W24.” “Strength and power were with this negotiating committee during the whole process,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “The Committee told the company they needed to listen to the membership, and the ratified contract speaks clearly that those issues were heard.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/04/2026 – 10:37
Tags:
Organizing
Pride Month Profiles: Miranda Schubert
Pride Month Profiles: Miranda Schubert
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Miranda Schubert of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Miranda Schubert did what is asked of many unionists—she ran for office! And she won. She represents Ward 6 on the Tucson City Council and continues to be a member of United Campus Workers of Arizona, CWA Local 7065. She never fails to be a voice for the working class and will continue to advocate for labor and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/04/2026 – 09:44
Tags:
Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at Illinois School District Win Powerful First Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at Illinois School District Win Powerful First 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 Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73 who work at Downers Grove (Illinois) Community High School District 99 (CSD99) have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.Staff in the Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds (CMG) department first organized with SEIU last year, motivated by concerns around outsourcing. Highlights of the deal include raises, a guaranteed uniform allotment, a guarantee of no outsourcing for the duration of the contract and more.“When we got the news about being outsourced, with a strong support from teachers and staff, a large group of CMG personnel from the three schools decided it was time to Unionize,” said custodian Steve Elmer. “SEIU Local 73 has lifted a great weight off our shoulders, being a union will make us stronger and better than ever for future CSD99 CMG employees.”“I never [thought] highly of unions before, but after going through our first bargaining contract with our union representative Shea Marshall, it has changed my mind about unions,” said maintenance worker Jesse Eliasson.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 06/04/2026 – 09:38
Pride Month Profiles: Mariela Duran
Pride Month Profiles: Mariela Duran
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Mariela Duran of the Bricklayers (BAC).
“Being part of the BAC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Mariela Duran said. “From day one, I have always been treated with respect, professionalism, and equality. I’ve never felt excluded or judged for being myself; instead, I’ve been given opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed in every aspect of my journey. The BAC has shown me that inclusion is not just something we talk about—it’s something we truly practice every day.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 06/03/2026 – 09:55
Tags:
Pride