AFL-CIO
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Trade Departments: Union Label and Service Trades Department
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Trade Departments: Union Label and Service Trades Department
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our trade departments. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered each of the departments. Next up is the Union Label and Service Trades Department (UL&STD).
Name of Department: Union Label and Service Trades DepartmentMission: To promote the products and services produced in America by union members—especially those products and services identified by a union label, shop card, store card and service button.Current Leadership: Richard Kline serves as president. Union Label has 13 vice presidents: Debby Szeredy, Nicole Rhine, James B. Wood, Derrick Kualapai, John Daniel, David Beard, Kenneth W. Cooper, Amy Martin, Frank Lima, David Woods, Dora Cervantes, Fedrick C. Ingram and Jordan Esopa.Affiliated Unions: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); American Federation of Musicians (AFM); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); American Postal Workers Union (APWU); Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); Railroad Signalmen (BRS); Communications Workers of America (CWA); Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); Ironworkers; Fire Fighters (IAFF); Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU); IAM Union (IAM); Boilermakers (IBB); Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Longshoremen’s Association; Novelty and Production Workers; Bricklayers (BAC); Operating Engineers (IUOE); Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT); National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC); Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU); Plasterers and Cement Masons (OPCMIA); Seafarers (SIU); International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA); UAW; United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); Mine Workers (UMWA); Roofers and Waterproofers (Roofers) and Utility Workers (UWUA).Current Campaigns/Policy Agenda: UL&STD maintains Do-Buy and Don’t-Buy lists as well as a database of union-made products and services. The department publishes its printed newsletter, the Label Letter, and Rich’s Label Blog six times per year. Its Walk in My Shoes feature allows rank-and-file union members to submit a day in their lives, helping illustrate the rich, diverse tapestry of hard-working people who make up the American labor movement. The department urges its affiliates to submit their products and services to the database and contact the department if any listed product is no longer union-made.Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, Instagram
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/20/2026 – 14:48
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Brooklyn Bowl Stagehands Vote to Join IATSE
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Brooklyn Bowl Stagehands 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.
Production workers at Brooklyn Bowl’s flagship Williamsburg location voted 15–1 on Tuesday to form a union with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 4.This organizing victory is years in the making—workers have been in contact with Local 4 about getting a voice on the job since 2022.“This victory shows once again that when workers come together to improve their conditions, anything is possible,” said IATSE Special Representative Joseph Juntunen. “Local 4 and [IATSE] stand ready to assist and represent stagehands and workers throughout the entertainment ecosystem to build a stronger future for all.”“Union representation for me means I have support and protection as a working-class person,” added crew member Ryan Ramirez. “Working within an organization that earns when I earn rather than being a red-line item against profitability.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/20/2026 – 10:15
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Members Reach Tentative Agreement and Secure Historic Settlement at Piedmont Airlines
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Members Reach Tentative Agreement and Secure Historic Settlement at Piedmont Airlines
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.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) members who work for Piedmont Airlines as passenger services staff have reached a new tentative union contract. This comes days after the union also secured a settlement agreement after years of wrongful pay practices.While the previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering the CWA Passenger Services unit was in effect, Piedmont Airlines fluctuated wages at 45 stations in order to attract and retain staff. During negotiations for a successor CBA, the union became aware of errors impacting seniority and pay rate as a result of this practice. Now in addition to a new tentative agreement that ensures compensation bonuses, improved sick time rules, an additional paid holiday and other wins, workers who were impacted by the wage flexes will also be made whole.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 07/17/2026 – 09:51
Worker Wins: We Stood Together
Worker Wins: We Stood Together
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
University of Chicago Press Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union: Staff at the University of Chicago Press have overwhelmingly voted to join the Chicago News Guild, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34071. Under the name University of Chicago Press Workers Guild (UCPWG), workers at one of the largest and most prestigious university publishers in the country are organizing to secure fair wages, manageable workloads and workplace transparency. “I’m immensely proud of my fellow workers for their hard work and dedication to winning this election,” said Meredith Nini, senior promotions manager at the Press. “These election results show that Press workers are bound together with a common mission. We look forward to bargaining for a contract that ensures a sustainable and equitable workplace for years to come.” “I am so excited to have these workers join the Chicago Guild,” said Chicago News Guild President Owen Schmidt. “This result demonstrates that these workers are ready for real change and a voice in their workplace. I’ve been so impressed by the organizing committee for their persistence and commitment to democracy. They are going to do so many great things at the local level and I stand with them in their fight for pay equity, better working conditions and a more democratic workplace.”CBS Production Assistants File to Join LIUNA: Production assistants (PAs) on the set of CBS’ new show “Cupertino” have filed for an election to join the Production Assistants United, an affiliate of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 724. If the vote is successful, the bargaining unit would cover 23 PAs working on the upcoming Silicon Valley legal drama. “The entertainment industry on the production level is full of incredibly hardworking craftspeople and laborers,” PAs said about their organizing drive. “Healthcare, turnarounds and fair wages are all safeguards for workers to ensure that they are given a high quality of life. Why have production assistants been conditioned to think they don’t deserve those things as well? Especially right now, studios are actively eroding the old standard for PA contracts – taking away 12-hour guarantees and lowering pay rates. Our union effort is a way for us to ensure that we can have a voice in these conversations that determine our livelihoods.”NYSNA Members at Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital Secure Tentative Contract: Members of New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)—an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU)—reached a tentative contract agreement late Thursday night with Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital administrators, averting a work stoppage that was set to begin today. The three-year deal contains a number of major wins like enforceable safe staffing standards, new workplace violence protections, safeguards on artificial intelligence, an 11% wage increase and more. “NYSNA nurses at St. Charles fought tooth and nail for a fair contract that will help us fix the staffing crisis at the hospital we love,” said Rob Barone, RN, the president of NYSNA’s local bargaining unit at St. Charles Hospital and intensive care nurse. “We are proud of what we accomplished and encourage our members to ratify this contract. We are looking forward to improving accountability for safe staffing, so we can deliver the best possible care to our friends, families and community. As we move forward with our transition with Good Samaritan University Hospital, St. Charles nurses’ goal is to ensure a strong future for this hospital based on quality care with enough nurses—and this contract will do just that.” Illinois Public library Workers Vote to Form Union: Staff at the Geneva Public Library District in Illinois are coming together to form a union with AFSCME Council 31. The workers filed a petition with the Illinois Labor Relations Board in May. The bargaining unit will represent 55 staff members who are ready to have a strong voice on the job, respect and stability. In a letter to their co-workers, members of the union organizing committee said, “An empowered and unified workforce leads to greater employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, resulting in a better library for everyone. To that end, we have filed to form a worker’s union of Geneva Public Library staff in order to collectively claim a seat at the table where decisions are made in this institution that means so much to us and to our community.”Hachette Book Group Employees Win Election for Largest Union in Trade Publisher History: Workers at Hachette Book Group—the third-largest trade publisher in the world—have decisively voted to form a union with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild (WBNG), Local 32035 of The NewsGuild-CWA. Approximately 600 staff will be covered by the bargaining unit, which is now the largest union in trade publishing history. Workers cite concerns around pay, benefits and work-life balance as core motivators for organizing. “We now go into negotiations with a strong mandate from our coworkers,” said Maisa Nammari, a production associate, in a WBNG press release. “Hachette workers have shown that we reject a publishing industry model that prioritizes corporate profits while actively undermining our career growth and making it increasingly difficult for us to support ourselves and our families. We will build a better Hachette and set new standards that benefit the whole company. When workers tap into our collective bargaining power, change is possible! A publishing model that protects the integrity of workers and enables us to work with passion and dignity is within our reach!”Maryland Dispensary Workers Ratify First Contract: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 members at The Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Maryland unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement. The new agreement contains a number of wins, including guaranteed wage increases over the life of the contract, paid bereavement leave, a formal grievance procedure, mandated work-week schedule postings, severance pay and more. “It’s great to work for a company that listens and actively works with the union to hear our needs and try and come to the best possible solution that works for everyone,” said Samira Wilson, who was also part of the bargaining committee. “And a big thanks to our union for being there and checking in on us to make sure that we have everything we need.” “I congratulate our Apothecarium members on their first collective bargaining agreement,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. “Their activism and solidarity earned them a contract that improves their lives and strengthens their security.”Judge Sides with AFSCME to Protect Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Last week, in a lawsuit filed by AFSCME and other allies, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from implementing a new rule that would disqualify public service workers for federal student loan forgiveness. Since the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created, more than 1 million borrowers have received debt relief by working in public service or nonprofit jobs. The court’s ruling ordered the U.S. Department of Education to abandon this proposed change, which would have allowed the administration to exclude organizations for political reasons. “We applaud the court for blocking this illegal, partisan effort to strip public service workers of critical debt relief,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders in a statement. “Countless public service jobs require workers to get degrees, leaving many in crippling debt even as they do the work necessary to keep our communities running. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a promise that those who dedicate their careers to helping others will receive the backing they need.”Columbus Metropolitan Library Workers Form Union: Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board confirmed on Tuesday that staff members at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) have successfully voted to form a union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers. The bargaining unit covers roughly 600 librarians, customer services specialists, youth engagement specialists, materials services associates, drivers, sorters and other library workers. Under the name CML United, workers came together to address concerns around working conditions and the library’s reliance on poorly compensated part-time employees. Despite facing multiple delays and unfair labor practices by management, workers persevered and overwhelmingly won their election. “We stood together, across different branches and different job titles, because we know that CML is a stronger library system for our communities when workers have a voice,” said Nancy Gillespie, an information services specialist at CML’s Whitehall Branch. “We not only know what changes are needed to improve conditions for CML workers, we also know what our patrons need and expect from their libraries because we’re the ones who have direct, daily communication with them.”CWA Wins Settlement with unWired Broadband Over Unfair Labor Practices: The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced that it has reached a settlement with unWired Broadband, resolving unfair labor practice charges stemming from the discipline and termination of several workers. As a result of the settlement, four union members who work for the internet service provider headquartered in Fresno, California, will receive $75,000 in back pay. This win is the latest milestone in an organizing campaign in which workers have endured captive-audience meetings, anti-union messaging from management and the illegal firing of workers on the organizing committee. “It is critical that every company respects workers’ rights—and even more important when a company like unWired is receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand broadband to underserved communities,” said CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce. “unWired technicians stood together through a tough organizing campaign, and this settlement delivers meaningful relief to the workers who were affected. CWA is proud to stand with them and we expect unWired to come to the table and negotiate the strong first contract these workers have earned.”Broadway Cleaners Reach Tentative Agreement: Broadway cleaners, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, have reached a tentative agreement with theater owners. Members across more than 30 venues voted in late June to authorize a potential work stoppage if the Broadway League refused to settle a fair contract. Highlights of the agreement include a $5 per hour wage increase, improvement to defined benefit pension, health care coverage safeguards, strengthened anti-discrimination protections and more. “We risked our lives during COVID to make sure Broadway could safely reopen,” said Martha Aristizabal, a porter at the Ambassador Theatre. “We work long nights and weekends, often missing major milestones with family and loved ones, to do the hard work it takes to put on each and every performance. This victory honors all that we’ve put in over the years. By winning wage and pension increases, improving paid leave, and protecting our health care, we can dedicate more to taking care of ourselves and enjoying time with the people we care about.”Culinary Union Reaches Tentative Agreement at Allegiant Stadium: Members of UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union have reached a tentative agreement (TA) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. More than 730 cooks, servers, bartenders and concessions workers at the venue are employed by Oak View Group. Negotiations for this new deal covering essential staff at the highest-grossing stadium in the country have been ongoing since last summer. In a social media post, the union said, “Culinary Union is pleased to announce a tentative agreement on a strong union union contract was reached with Oak View Group protecting 730+ cooks, servers, bartenders, & concessions workers at Allegiant Stadium. Congratulations to Allegiant Stadium workers!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/16/2026 – 13:09
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Louis IBEW Members Help Community Following Natural Disaster
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Louis IBEW Members Help Community Following Natural Disaster
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.
Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and its National Electrical Contractors Association contractors were honored in April with an Innovation in Philanthropy Award in recognition of their efforts to help families recover from a tornado that tore through St. Louis last year.The joint recovery initiative, called Reconnect STL, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars and brought together city officials, suppliers and various agencies to speed up the restoration of power. Their efforts were lauded at a gala sponsored by the St. Louis Business Journal.“Fly-by-night contractors were exploiting vulnerable people,” the news outlet wrote. “Others had lost important documents, and insurance providers denied claims, if they even had insurance. They needed professional help. The city couldn’t wait for federal aid to arrive. It had to act, and industry leaders answered the call.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/16/2026 – 09:57
The Gift That Keeps On Giving: What Working People Are Doing This Week
The Gift That Keeps On Giving: 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:Congrats to the federal employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Engineering Laboratory who voted to join together in union with AFGE earlier this month. www.afge.org/article/nist…[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) June 30, 2026 at 4:07 PMAFGE:The administration has fired more than 5,000 State Department and USAID career experts while outsourcing work to loyalists & expensive contractors. We urge Congress to end the contractor hiring spree and reinstate, compensate, and protect public servants. https://t.co/VGn21t1Sso— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 8, 2026AFSCME:AFSCME members haven’t just witnessed the last 90 years of history—we’ve helped shape it. From the Memphis sanitation strike to organizing cultural workers, our union has always been powered by activists and fighters who stand up for working people. https://t.co/iBKHrwE4Hy pic.twitter.com/sDIIuZd58Z— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 14, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:🚨 A rising problem on social media: Scammers go after seniors with fake ads and impersonation.We want to be part of the solution: #StopTheScam shares ways to protect yourself online and hold tech corporations accountable for harms on their platforms.🔗 in the comments!— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) July 14, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:CapMetro needs to hold their contractor Keolis responsible for their bullying and regressive bargaining tactics against our hardworking members of Local 1091-Austin, TX. #OurVoiceOurPower #1u https://t.co/Kg84qzkK7W— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 15, 2026American Federation of Teachers:AFT convention kicks off this week, and we’re focusing on what it means for working people to build power together—and how we use that power to build a better life. Find the convention schedule, Activist Hub activities, and where to find video and story highlights of events ▶️ aft.org/convention[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) July 15, 2026 at 10:25 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:”We don’t care how you vote, we care that you vote,” APWU President Smith is live discussing the importance of Vote-by-Mail. Watch now: https://t.co/WUKgqzqRL7— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) July 14, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Known Crewmember (KCM) is continuing its transition to the new program called Crewmember Access Point (CMAP), which is managed by TSA. KCM is planned to sunset by the end of 2026.TSA is rolling out field testing for CMAP in the coming weeks. More info: https://t.co/nKkTmHl63G pic.twitter.com/aJI6s36IPZ— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 11, 2026Boilermakers:🚂 All aboard #Boilermakers! Local 1393 members visited Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 in Altoona, PA, on its coast-to-coast tour. Click here for tour information: https://t.co/DRLhvRh6Mo. Share your photos and videos at https://t.co/p2xpmGOahS pic.twitter.com/HfUYSWvshn— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 13, 2026Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:This one hits hard. Lillian Roberts was a founding member of CBTU. She was a role model for generations of women who aspired to became union leaders. Lillian Roberts set the bar high and never left the battlefield. We extend our deepest condolences to the Roberts family. pic.twitter.com/4Z1zNyxGBa— CBTU (@CBTU72) July 10, 2026Communications Workers of America:Congrats to @newsguild members at the National Abortion Hotline who ratified a strong new contract with AI protections and more!This win comes after members initiated a 24-hour unfair labor practice strike back in May. https://t.co/Le7BT8KRUe— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 10, 2026Department for Professional Employees:Congrats to the federal employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Engineering Laboratory who voted to join together in union with AFGE earlier this month. www.afge.org/article/nist…[image or embed]— Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (@dpeaflcio.bsky.social) June 30, 2026 at 4:07 PMElectrical Workers:LaDonna Glass decided to leave college after a year…she signed up for an apprenticeship with the #IBEW and now believes that the people who look down on trade jobs are missing out. “I’m watching things grow from the ground up,” she said. https://t.co/O3zHVhFYC6— IBEW (@IBEW) July 13, 2026Fire Fighters:🔥 Behind the helmet is a world few ever see.For months, documentary photographer Stephen Uhraney lived and worked alongside @IAFF1212, capturing the grit, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the people who respond when help is needed most.📷#IAFF Media Award Photo Archives 2024 pic.twitter.com/5RokEapMI1— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) July 15, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:WORKER WIN: After YEARS of being passed around to various employers while working under an old contract, Local 1590 (Anaheim) unanimously ratified an agreement with WeDriveU! Learn how members refused to give in and fought for what they deserved: https://t.co/4ZtTh0ifyg— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) July 15, 2026International Union of Police Associations:All exhibitors receive a booth space complete with a table and chairs, lunch, reception access, event registration, and their business logo featured in the 2026 Convention Journal. Sign up NOW! https://t.co/Nrhbt0z99k pic.twitter.com/M5XpqiIuQD— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) July 14, 2026Laborers:Another win in the books! @LiUNAlocal630 laborers at JEA in @CityofJax, Florida just secured a new contract, proof that #solidarity moves the needle every time.#OrganizeOrDie #LaborersRising #FeelThePower #CollectiveBarganing pic.twitter.com/JLbHLG1gso— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 15, 2026Machinists:.@NFFE_Union secured a major arbitration victory for U.S. Forest Service employees, restoring telework and remote work agreements and protecting negotiated workplace rights.https://t.co/uBdqWHy0q4— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) July 15, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:Players want to grow the game. Hear more from Junior Caminero during his recent appearance on Sources Tell Jeff Passan. // Los jugadores quieren que el deporte siga creciendo. Conoce más de Junior Caminero en su entrevista con el programa “Sources Tell Jeff Passan”… pic.twitter.com/3NQYA4Wq7Q— MLBPA (@MLBPA) July 7, 2026Major League Soccer Players Association:The stars are ready to shine🌟 Congratulations to every player representing the 2026 MLS All-Star Team! pic.twitter.com/YjuzDByS18— MLSPA (@MLSPA) July 9, 2026Maritime Trades Department:Waiver Has Failed Americahttps://t.co/XO1vT3nXgI@AMPmaritime— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) July 13, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Nineteen NATCA members recently completed the two-day Drug and Alcohol Training course which took place June 8-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. The course educates participants about the proper drug test procedures. https://t.co/d6K4HCwmMe pic.twitter.com/Ads0rEO8wq— NATCA (@NATCA) July 14, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Management calls you in for a disciplinary interview without your steward? Automatic red card! 🟥Remember exercising your right to union representation is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself during an investigation. pic.twitter.com/07HwtITMpe— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 14, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:William Carrier heard it was BYOC at his local lemonade stand and did one better 🏆😂🎥: @keeperofthecup pic.twitter.com/5oyOSns0W2— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 13, 2026National Nurses United:Dozens of @aboutKP nurses protested Kaiser CEO Greg Adams speaking at @ahahospitals Leadership Summit this week. We can’t stay silent while executives chase business trends like A.I. at the expense of patient care!https://t.co/snID0AbNxW— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) July 14, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Thank you @CMShekarK for being a steadfast hero for NYC Uber and Lyft drivers today and every day! Livestream of protest happening now: https://t.co/ZcVW9i7zMq pic.twitter.com/595mviaFhB— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 14, 2026NFL Players Association:Shoutout to this week’s CMVP, @ZiggySmalls_, who’s creating opportunities inspired by those who shaped him. Last month, the @packers linebacker hosted a Women in Sports weekend in his hometown of Philadelphia to shine a light on women working in the sports industry. He kicked… pic.twitter.com/p4Zf7SCO8F— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 10, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:Around 6,000 tradeswomen and allies showed up last year. This October, we’re doing it again. Don’t forget to register for TWBN 2026 and be part of the largest gathering of unionized tradeswomen in the world.💪https://t.co/p8J8lJdGjf pic.twitter.com/W15a1SVwyw— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 14, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Every worker in our trades matters, including those who work non-union. Their standards affect our standards, and the opposite is true, too.Hear from Jeff Stark, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of District Council 82, about how we all have to look out for each other. pic.twitter.com/YmzgUM0Hbk— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 15, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:For decades, Bert Villarini has been a trusted advocate for professional hockey players.At last week’s PHPA Annual Meetings, Bert was surprised with the Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the Association and its members.… pic.twitter.com/KlQnUZnosk— PHPA (@thephpa) July 3, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:Wednesday Wisdom: A union contract is the gift that keeps on giving. 🛡️ From guaranteed raises to workplace safety standards, your membership ensures you don’t have to navigate your career alone. Have questions? Talk to your local leadership today! #WednesdayWisdom #LaborRights pic.twitter.com/g3rMukmL7E— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 15, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Help prevent falls! Identify potential hazards and fix them before starting work to prevent a fall. https://t.co/AJhbswXfqX #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/f0JVuEpMA2— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 15, 2026SAG-AFTRA:The Contracts Toolkit cuts through the legal jargon with one-sheet bulletins, explainer videos, and digital flipbooks with essential contract knowledge developed for you. Stop guessing. Start knowing. Contracts Toolkit: https://t.co/29rFYiKwBh. pic.twitter.com/PNaLu4iK0m— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 14, 2026Service Employees International Union:The fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo continues a horrifying pattern of masked ICE agents inflicting violence, murder, and fear in our communities in Texas and across America. No matter where we’re born or our skin color, we should safely get to and from work. We mourn the…— SEIU (@SEIU) July 15, 2026Solidarity Center:These municipal cleaners in Albania were not getting the proper protections at work. So they started a podcast. Here’s what they had to say 🎤 https://t.co/wAKcoh8TkY— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 15, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:Journalism is not a crime. We strongly condemn the Justice Department subpoenas demanding journalists at The New York Times testify about their reporting on security concerns surrounding Air Force One. https://t.co/atpWUFWT9m— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 11, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:🚨 BREAKING: Production workers at Brooklyn Bowl’s Williamsburg location have voted overwhelmingly to join IATSE Local 4! They join a growing wave of live event workers across the country who are organizing for better conditions and a real voice on the job. Congratulations to… pic.twitter.com/X48QT1pbFt— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) July 15, 2026Transport Workers Union:The @NYCCouncil is blindly following an absolutely unserious person pushing a ban on carriage horse rides in Central Park – @ChrisMarteNYC says a 1,600-pound horse propelling a carriage is like asking a Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, or a Siamese cat to pull a carriage. Absurd.… pic.twitter.com/eFbXTw3yEf— TWU (@transportworker) July 14, 2026Transportation Trades Department:Today, labor leaders & @NTSB Chair @JenniferHomendy discussed the importance of worker safety across the rail industry.Every rail worker deserves to be safe on the job. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the Norfolk Southern conductor who was killed on the job last week. pic.twitter.com/QMqj7m4J3r— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) July 14, 2026UAW:Get informed! Tune in to hear directly from candidates running in the 2026 UAW International Officer Election about their vision for our union. Virtual candidate forums will be held for the following offices:7/23 – International Secretary-Treasurer7/27 – International Vice… pic.twitter.com/Lgbc3Doa8w— UAW (@UAW) July 9, 2026Union Veterans Council:Political spin says #TCAVA doesn’t cut benefits. The reality? Section 108 raids $57B from future disabled vets by gutting tinnitus & sleep apnea ratings. A future cut is still a cut. Tomorrow, UVC and @AFLCIO hit the Hill to demand a CLEAN Star Act. No poison pills. #StopTCAVA pic.twitter.com/uPTnQVXSNr— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) July 13, 2026UNITE HERE:For months, hospitality workers have warned the industry about how U.S. immigration policy & the resulting travel slump are harming the tourism & service sectors.Even the World Cup couldn’t make up for the damage.https://t.co/upch0GipOG pic.twitter.com/LavEx4jgRd— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 14, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:Congratulations to everyone who brought home hardware at the 47th Annual UA National Softball Tournament!Hosted once again by UA Local 392 in Cincinnati, Ohio, this year’s tournament was another great showcase of competition, sportsmanship, and UA pride. pic.twitter.com/niP8jf36PM— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) July 14, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Workers at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) ushered in a win & joined @UFCWLocal328!With the power of the union, these ushers & ticket takers are gaining a stronger voice to advocate for fair treatment, improved working conditions, & a seat at the table.https://t.co/Yhnq9XqlGR pic.twitter.com/59UrN8351i— UFCW (@UFCW) July 15, 2026United Steelworkers:Negotiating health care, safety, and basic rights isn’t a game. That’s why U.S. House representatives passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act. Now it’s up to the Senate to fix a broken system that lets employers ignore the law. Read more: https://t.co/j2TSSf7bkG pic.twitter.com/X0nFyRAYl4— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) July 15, 2026Writers Guild of America East:The Writers Guild of America will not stand idly by as Paramount attempts to violate our country’s antitrust laws and deepen the contraction entertainment workers already feel. #BlockTheMerger[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) July 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/15/2026 – 10:28
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Culinary Union Reaches Tentative Agreement at Allegiant Stadium
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Culinary Union Reaches Tentative Agreement at Allegiant Stadium
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 UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union have reached a tentative agreement (TA) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.More than 730 cooks, servers, bartenders and concessions workers at the venue are employed by Oak View Group. Negotiations for this new deal covering essential staff at the highest-grossing stadium in the country have been ongoing since last summer.In a social media post, the union said, “Culinary Union is pleased to announce a tentative agreement on a strong union union contract was reached with Oak View Group protecting 730+ cooks, servers, bartenders, & concessions workers at Allegiant Stadium. Congratulations to Allegiant Stadium workers!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/15/2026 – 09:57
A True Trailblazer: In the States Roundup
A True Trailblazer: 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:Our Labor Walk program for the 2026 election cycle is kicking off in Anchorage on July 18th.Knocking on doors and talking to union members is the #1 way to get out the #UnionVote! pic.twitter.com/gvuoXR88U3— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 9, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:The California Labor Movement stands with every peaceful immigrant in this country simply trying to get to work without being killed. Our hearts are with the families of both fathers, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero. These killings are heartbreaking and…— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) July 14, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:Join the Connecticut AFL-CIO as we kick off our door-to-door canvassing campaign to support our endorsed primary candidates in the Greater Hartford area on Saturday, July 18! pic.twitter.com/VaIVByFIkm— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) July 14, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Welcome to the newest members of the labor movement, the University of Chicago Press Workers Guild! Congratulations on your overwhelming victory!https://t.co/2g9FQHW9WT— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 8, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Our statement on today’s ICE killing in Biddeford. pic.twitter.com/bp2uohb4Gb— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 13, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:On July 10th, 1902, the Johnstown Rolling Mill Mine disaster claimed the lives of 112 miners. We honor their memory, legacy, and sacrifice and remember the importance of fighting for safe workplaces. pic.twitter.com/0m7jFZHX0F— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 14, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:Pausing these projects puts 1,200 construction jobs at risk. When indirect and induced employment is included, the total number of potentially lost jobs in Minnesota reaches 4,400. Via @NSPolicyAction https://t.co/ceFPbsBMlb— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 7, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Workers across the state had a great time canvassing this weekend to talk with voters about the August election. Amdt 5 would make everything more expensive while Amdt 4 would take away your power to do anything about it. Join us THIS WEDNESDAY as we hit the doors again! pic.twitter.com/roD9NgeGQd— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 14, 2026Montana State AFL-CIO:Working families in Montana are feeling the squeeze and the math simply isn’t adding up. pic.twitter.com/FLxMtx3hYU— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) July 13, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:We congratulate the Culinary Union on reaching a tentative agreement with Oak View Group that employs over 700 cooks, servers, bartenders, & concession workers at Allegiant Stadium.Negotiations have been ongoing with OVG since early 2025, and this agreement is long overdue! pic.twitter.com/PNncnKx5X1— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) July 14, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:The entire union movement mourns the passing of Lillian Roberts. She was a true trailblazer who helped to transform the lives of working people. Her legacy will live on to inspire future generations. https://t.co/e5oAz9fQl3— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 10, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Swipe for an incredible opportunity👉March with us in the Portland Pride Parade on July 19. Register now: https://t.co/uHNKDInH26 pic.twitter.com/S1Wa3XSLbK— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 12, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Read our full statement on the approved the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania state budget. pic.twitter.com/BJyZClOzxm— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 12, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:🚨 TAKE ACTION: These skilled workers are trying to keep @AshlandInc safe for the whole Texas City community! 1️⃣ Add your name: https://t.co/sZ3Fn5boUV 2️⃣ Donate to the strike fund: https://t.co/hLygQRFFY6 3️⃣ Join the picket line: https://t.co/hAKeSQohTY #KeepAshlandSafe pic.twitter.com/88kSJU9bwY— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 9, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/14/2026 – 12:23
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Broadway Cleaners Reach Tentative Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Broadway Cleaners 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.
Broadway cleaners, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, have reached a tentative agreement with theater owners.Members across more than 30 venues voted in late June to authorize a potential work stoppage if the Broadway League refused to settle a fair contract. Highlights of the agreement include a $5 per hour wage increase, improvement to defined benefit pension, health care coverage safeguards, strengthened anti-discrimination protections and more.“We risked our lives during COVID to make sure Broadway could safely reopen,” said Martha Aristizabal, a porter at the Ambassador Theatre. “We work long nights and weekends, often missing major milestones with family and loved ones, to do the hard work it takes to put on each and every performance. This victory honors all that we’ve put in over the years. By winning wage and pension increases, improving paid leave, and protecting our health care, we can dedicate more to taking care of ourselves and enjoying time with the people we care about.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/14/2026 – 09:58
Unions Keep the American Dream Alive for Working Families: The Working People Weekly List
Unions Keep the American Dream Alive for Working Families: 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: Harms to Working People in One Year of the Big Ugly Bill: “Since the passing of the Big Ugly Bill, the U.S. economy has had one of the worst years of job growth in decades. Black workers have been hit the hardest, with an unemployment rate now more than double the rate for White workers. Millions of Americans have lost their health care and access to the food programs they rely on, all while dealing with higher costs on everything from gas and groceries to electricity. With even bigger cuts going into effect after the midterm elections, states’ budgets are getting blown up and local lawmakers are planning devastating cuts to even more essential programs to cover their residents’ SNAP and Medicaid costs.”Roxanne Brown: How Unions Keep the American Dream Alive for Working Families: “Union members across the country make significantly more money than their non-union peers. They’re also more likely to have family leave, paid time off, and work-life balance. This all adds up to cars in the garage, summer vacations, and sports leagues for the kids, along with all of the other pluses that make life worth living. This is what independence looks like. Marcelo simply calls it the ‘union life.’”Both University of Chicago Press and Hachette Book Group Have Voted to Unionize: “As of this afternoon, the University of Chicago Press Workers Guild (UCPWG) has won their union election, with a majority of the group’s 134 members voting to become a unit of the Chicago News Guild. In this decisive victory, 89% of workers voted in favor of union representation. Which should create the conditions for the first union in the press’s 130-year history. But wait, it gets better! (And how often do you get to read that, these days?) This effort is part of a nationwide labor movement that’s currently gunning for the publishing industry—and gaining huge wins. For just yesterday, employees at the Hachette Book Group also voted (388 to 130) to unionize with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.”Columbus Metropolitan Latest Among Central Ohio Libraries to Form Union: “More than 80% of Columbus Metropolitan Library’s eligible staff voted to form their union—to be called CML United—now the largest of among five other local library systems in recent years to do so. According to secret ballot election results released July 7 by Ohio’s State Employment Relations Board (SERB), 86% of valid ballots agreed to unionize. The new union includes about 600 librarians, customer service specialists, youth engagement specialists, materials services associates, drivers, sorters, and other library workers.”Roxanne Brown: We Pay Our Fair Share. Why Don’t the Rich?: “United Steelworkers (USW) retirees in Granite City, Ill., held a birthday celebration of sorts on Aug. 14 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s signing of the Social Security Act. These activists, members of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), delivered a birthday cake to a local member of Congress and posed for photos, all to send a message about Social Security’s importance and the need to protect this lifeline for seniors. It’s a message that gets more urgent each year, with this vital program hurtling toward insolvency and the Republican-led Congress refusing to take the common-sense measures needed to sustain it.”Longtime Nashville Labor Leader Vonda McDaniel Dies at 60: “According to a biography published by the CLC, McDaniel joined the United Rubber Workers in 1992 at the Bridgestone plant in La Vergne. In addition to her local roles, she spent nearly a decade on the national executive council of the AFL-CIO. She was also a longtime member of the Convention Center Authority. Tributes to McDaniel poured in from around the country. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond called her ‘a trailblazer and true champion of working people.’”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/13/2026 – 13:32