AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Houston Symphony Musicians Ratify New Four-Year CBA
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Houston Symphony Musicians Ratify New Four-Year CBA
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 65-699 who perform in the Houston Symphony have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA).Highlights of the deal include annual wage increases, the addition of three new string jobs and two librarian positions to the orchestra, reimbursement for custom hearing protection, improvements to the audition process, and more.“We’re proud to have reached an agreement through the collaborative spirit that has long characterized the Houston Symphony,” said Wei Jiang, Houston Symphony acting associate principal violist and bargaining committee chair. “This contract represents a significant step forward for our organization, making meaningful investments in preserving our healthcare, addressing long-standing historical concerns, and strengthening the conditions that support both our artistic excellence and the health and wellbeing of our musicians.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/16/2026 – 10:02
Worker Wins: A Safe and Secure Workplace
Worker Wins: A Safe and Secure Workplace
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Nurses Celebrate Historic Victory Against Kaiser Wage Theft: The California Nurses Association (CNA)—part of National Nurses United (NNU)—successfully won an arbitration agreement compelling Kaiser Permanente to pay back tens of millions of dollars in stolen wages. CNA represents more than 25,000 nurses across 22 Kaiser facilities. The union was alerted by nurses about compensation issues several years ago following a change in Kaiser’s payroll system. Lost wages date back to at least early 2021—Kaiser spent years and untold sums in legal expenses to avoid paying nurses what they were owed. “Unfortunately, Kaiser wants to normalize stealing from nurses,” said Michelle Gutierrez Vo, RN in adult/family medicine at Kaiser Fremont Medical Center and a president of CNA. “They changed their payroll system, messed it up, and let the mistake steal millions of dollars from nurses. When we called them on it, their fancy lawyers fought us tooth and nail for every single dollar. Nurses wouldn’t take no for an answer, and we won back millions of dollars in stolen wages, and we went above and beyond Kaiser’s earlier attempts to settle for less.”Post-Gazette Journalists to Be Awarded Millions After Union-Busters Lose Supreme Court Case: This week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s appeal of a ruling requiring the company to pay Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 38061, members after management made illegal unilateral changes to their working conditions. The newspaper—which was owned by Block Communications until earlier this year—cut workers’ pay and implemented increases in health care costs. Now, with no further venue for appeal, the Post-Gazette owes millions of dollars to its current and former employees. “I’ve actually lost count of the number of agencies, judges, courts, and other authorities that have told the Blocks that the workers were right and the multi-millionaires were wrong. Our members were the first to tell them—more than nine years ago now,” said Jon Schleuss, president of The NewsGuild-CWA. “It’s staggering to think how much money and time the company wasted on losing when that could have been spent on dignified working conditions and improving the caliber of local journalism.” “A lot of honest, determined people sacrificed more than most know to get this ruling enforced and finalized,” said Andrew Goldstein, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. “The Blocks and their co-conspirators in company management and elsewhere knowingly and willfully broke federal law for years, bringing untold harm to not only their workers but the news industry more broadly. We’re looking forward to getting quite literal payback and hope this serves as a warning to similarly reckless owners. Shame on the Blocks.”UAW Members at Whitney Museum Ratify Contract on Eve of Strike: UAW Local 2110 members ratified their contract with the Whitney Museum of American Art the night before workers were set to walk off the job. Staff members had planned to picket throughout the week and during a new retrospective exhibit that was going to attract major press attention. The agreement contains major economic wins, longevity bonuses, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, greater bereavement leave, and stronger health and safety provisions. “This contract was hard fought,” said Katie Fong, a curatorial assistant who was part of the union’s bargaining committee. “I’m particularly proud that we’ve made significant gains for some of the lowest-compensated museum staff, especially front of house, facilities and curatorial staff.” “Solidarity across all ranks of our union made a huge difference at the end,” said Erika Wentworth, who works on the museum’s graphic design team. “The Museum knew we were serious about striking and in these last few days, we made a lot of progress.”Detroit Historical Society Workers Join AFSCME: Staff at the Detroit Historical Society have overwhelmingly voted in favor of forming a union with AFSCME Michigan, joining a growing movement of cultural workers in Detroit and around the country who are organizing for a strong voice on the job. This victory comes after months of organzing—an effort that was motivated by the need for fair wages and a contract that protects both workers and the future of the institution. “We often talk about moments in history at the Detroit Historical Society,” said Macsen Kirkpatrick Johnson, a visitor experience associate supervisor. “To know that we are part of the foundational history of the labor movement in our museum, in a city that helped form the labor movement, is nothing short of inspiring.” “My family has worked in the museum for generations,” added Rebecca Phoenix, a visitor experience associate. “By coming together to form our union with AFSCME, my co-workers and I will have a voice in the work that we do every day. We are passionate about the atmosphere we create, and we know that our union will ensure that the Detroit Historical Society remains an important cultural institution in the city of Detroit for generations to come.” Dayton Ballet Dancers Win First Collective Bargaining Agreement: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) have jointly announced that they have reached the first collective bargaining agreement covering Dayton Ballet dancers. The newly ratified three-year contract establishes a more consistent compensation structure for dancers while ensuring 29 weeks of work, expanded leave, short-term disability benefits, a guaranteed 4% retirement contribution match, improved scheduling provisions and much more. “Announcing our first union contract is an incredible milestone for the Dayton Ballet dancers,” said the Dancers of the AGMA Negotiating Committee. “This agreement reflects the strength of standing together and our steadfast commitment to building a stronger future for ourselves and for all who come after us. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”Philz Coffee Workers in California Join UFCW: Staff at four Philz Coffee locations in California have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals 5 and 770. These latest victories add 40 new members from cafés in Glendale and Torrance and roughly 35 from storefronts in San Francisco and Cupertino to the Philz Coffee United union. These baristas, shift leads and trainers are organizing to secure fair wages and benefits, improved scheduling processes, workplace safety provisions, and protections against invasive surveillance and unequal discipline. “I am really excited to move forward with unionizing,” said Makella Campbell, a barista at Philz Coffee’s Cupertino Main location. “This whole process has made me appreciate my coworkers more and it helped me understand my rights and responsibilities as an employee. It seems like we all have a common goal: a safe and secure workplace.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/15/2026 – 12:22
Tags:
Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philz Coffee Workers in California Join UFCW
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philz Coffee Workers in California Join UFCW
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.
Staff at four Philz Coffee locations in California have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals 5 and 770.These latest victories add 40 new members from cafés in Glendale and Torrance and roughly 35 from storefronts in San Francisco and Cupertino to the Philz Coffee United union. These baristas, shift leads and trainers are organizing to secure fair wages and benefits, improved scheduling processes, workplace safety provisions, and protections against invasive surveillance and unequal discipline.“I am really excited to move forward with unionizing,” said Makella Campbell, a barista at Philz Coffee’s Cupertino Main location. “This whole process has made me appreciate my coworkers more and it helped me understand my rights and responsibilities as an employee. It seems like we all have a common goal: a safe and secure workplace.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/15/2026 – 10:16
Tags:
Organizing
Building Tomorrow Together: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Building Tomorrow Together: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here’s a look at the broad range of activities we’re engaged in this week.
Actors’ Equity Association:Update your contact information and email subscription preferences in the “My Profile” section of the member portal so Equity can keep you up to date on news, events, public policy and other communication. https://members.actorsequity.org/my-account/my-profile[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) October 11, 2026 at 12:18 PMAFSCME:Public service is about showing up for your community, and AFSCME @SPUPR members like Adalberto Díaz do it every single day. As a forensic investigator, Adalberto brings discipline and commitment to his work by ensuring that victims and their families get justice. We never quit. https://t.co/DicChkWz4Z— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 12, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:”This accident could have been prevented if the PSA Flight 5342 aircraft and the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had been equipped with integrated ADS-B In technology.” -@ALPAPresident https://t.co/mDRYL8EGGv— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) October 9, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:🗳️ Together, retirees can elect our next Congress, but only if our votes are counted. Luckily, it’s easy to vote early and make sure our voices are heard. Go to the link in the comments and find out how you can make a plan! https://t.co/gg3YbqhAei— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 13, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:More than 200 Local leaders logged on for two well-attended Executive Board Trainings with International President John Costa and International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo. Costa opened both sessions with a moment of silence for our Local 308-Chicago, IL, Brother Julian Mobley, who was tragically killed on the job. We will never forget him. “From the epidemic of attacks on our members to automated vehicles, to transit funding fights and anti-union politicians, our Union is facing many challenges,” said Costa. “As Executive Board members, you play an important role for your Local. I’ve been in your shoes serving as an Executive Board Member. As leaders, you have a serious responsibility and duty to your membership. You must organize, strategize, and think outside the box.” Board members dug into their roles under the ATU Constitution and General Laws, Local Union oversight and fiduciary responsibilities. Strong Locals start with strong boards! Thank you to everyone who showed up for our members! Were you on today’s training? Drop your Local number below.— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 14, 2026American Federation of Teachers:Educators know what it takes to prepare students for good careers. Now AFT affiliates can apply for up to $15,000 to put those ideas into action through our Career Pathways Partnership Grants. Applications are open! Apply by Nov. 13th. www.aft.org/aft-career-p…[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) October 13, 2026 at 4:42 PMAmerican Postal Workers Union:Do the midterms put postal jobs at risk? Get informed about the issues that matter most to postal workers at the ballot box, and make a plan to vote – Join us Tuesday for APWU LIVE: 📅 Tuesday, October 20 | 7PM ET/ 4PM PT | https://t.co/BnGiN4YeTz https://t.co/9ze9lSPDeA— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 13, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! https://t.co/tjYyqJYGjW— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 12, 2026Boilermakers:💪 What an incredible 2026 Tradeswomen Build Nations conference! Here are just a few #Boilermakers pics! https://t.co/AgrSiiECql— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 13, 2026Bricklayers:BAC Local 8 Southeast members are using specialized IMI/IMTEF training to restore the historic Louisiana State Capitol, keeping local jobs local while bringing history back to life: https://t.co/J7e9stvUpm #BuildingTomorrowTogether #WorksiteWednesday https://t.co/eaHa5vzYPQ— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 14, 2026Communications Workers of America:CA Gov Newsom signed into law several bills supported by CWA in our fight to protect workers from invasive surveillance & replacement by AI. This raft of legislation has been at the forefront of our Working People’s Agenda as we push for AI guardrails. https://t.co/ALlb6A8Zxk— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 9, 2026Electrical Workers:”LaDonna Glass decided to leave college after a year. After working at Jersey Mike’s Subs, she signed up for a four-year apprenticeship with the #IBEW. She makes $21 an hour working while taking free classes to become a licensed member of her union.” https://t.co/97aU3SNFzu— IBEW (@IBEW) October 13, 2026Fire Fighters:📰 Inside the NEW edition of #FireFighter International: ➡️ #IAFF training: Ready for what comes next ➡️ #AllIn at the 58th Convention ➡️ Inside a #USAR response with IAFF members https://t.co/hcdntWOAss— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) October 13, 2026IAM Union:This morning @AFLCIOGeorgia-endorsed candidate for Georgia State House (District 53) Beth Fuller spoke with IAM members while meeting with @ATL_Labor as our Atlanta members get out the vote for pro-labor candidates! #IAMvoting ⚙️🗳️💪 https://t.co/ftDjgRHsgq— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 14, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:Keep knocking. Words worth remembering from SMART’s Director of Special Projects, Louise Medina, at #TWBN2026. https://t.co/KKBeNsMZzq— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) October 11, 2026International Union of Police Associations:The LEORF Golf Classic takes place annually to support LEOs and their families in their greatest time of need. Funds raised help officers who have been injured in the line of duty as well as the families of officers who have been killed. https://t.co/TPWCvN5yF2 https://t.co/DFQEhz1Wsy— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) October 14, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Todos somos América. ❤️✊🏽 Across the U.S., in our workplaces and communities, working people continue to show up, care for each other, and refuse to give up our power in shaping our daily lives and what happens next. That’s why we vote. 🗳️ LCLAA #NuestraVozNuestroVoto https://t.co/robjcde9jw— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 14, 2026Laborers:TWO LOCALS. TWO CONTRACT WINS. THAT’S UNION POWER! From Hollywood to Portland, LIUNA members are getting it DONE! Local 724 secured higher wages and stronger protections for 550 Technical Services members at Universal Studios Hollywood, while Local 483 won better benefits, longevity pay and expanded protections for 20 landscaping members in Portland. Different jobsites. Same fight. BIG UNION WINS! #UNIONYES #OrganizeOrDie #WhenWeFightWeWin #BetterInAUnion— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 13, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:🚨 Congratulations to the 2026 Players Choice Awards Finalists!🚨 Since 1992, the Players Choice Awards have celebrated excellence across Major League Baseball, recognizing performance, leadership, perseverance, and impact on and off the field. The awards are especially meaningful to players, because they’re determined through a vote of their peers. The winners will be revealed the week of Oct 26. Congratulations to this year’s Finalists! https://t.co/MjNF7JYVJf— MLBPA (@MLBPA) October 14, 2026Maritime Trades Department:ITF Starts New Worldwide Effort to Aid Mental Health @ITFglobalunion https://t.co/Myvz6Q2Ohk— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 9, 2026National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA President Nick Daniels, Central Region Vice President Aaron Merrick, and several other NATCA members took part in the Wingnuts Flying Circus in Tarkio, Mo. The annual event, hosted by @RepSamGraves brings together leaders from across aviation. https://t.co/8a70JzTqsy— NATCA (@NATCA) October 14, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:The NALC Health Benefit Plan’s 2027 Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) premiums have been released. Mark your calendars for Open Season, and visit https://t.co/bMLssSXDJZ to explore your options and learn more about the plan built by and for postal employees. https://t.co/jWFjj8Wgie— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 14, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:Making NHL history with your brother > > The Tkachuks combined for 9 points with the @FlaPanthers as Brady became the first player to score a natural hat trick with his brother assisting on all three goals! https://t.co/3SQ9RIRTQI— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 14, 2026National Nurses United:Nurses at four hospitals – which employ 4,500 nurses and serve 1.7 million patients a year – filed to join our union this week! This momentum confirms what we already know: Unions are more popular than ever and workers are fed up with the status quo. ✊ https://t.co/uelfTlnDym— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) October 13, 2026NFL Players Association:This is what investing in the next generation looks like. For our 6th annual HBCU Business of Sports Symposium, we welcomed 40 students from 12 different HBCUs to our headquarters for an experience rooted in access, connection and mentorship. Through panels, group sessions and scholar awards, those who attended were able to build toward their bright future in the sports industry.— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 13, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:Different trades. Different journeys. One sisterhood. #TWBN2026 https://t.co/b7h4GpNwnn— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 11, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Congratulations to our brother Pete Turner on 50 years as a member of District Council 46! Business Manager Bruno Mandic gave him his pin. That’s five full decades of dedication, commitment, and solidarity. What an incredible milestone to celebrate! https://t.co/xd17SkRn0o— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 14, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:The election is just weeks away! We’re mobilizing to ensure pro-worker candidates win up and down the ballot. Get involved today! 🗳️ #LaborVotes #Politics #Vote2026 https://t.co/UHTmDpX9pO— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 14, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:Early voting has already started in some parts of the country. Workers are ready to fight for an economy, a government and a country for the people, not for billionaires. Join us as we take our country back. https://t.co/jLIiSFvoFe— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 8, 2026SAG-AFTRA:The 2026 TV Animation Agreements guarantee a 3% wage increase in each year of the agreement, including retroactivity to July 5, 2026, for the first year increase. Vote to lock in this gain. Get more info at https://t.co/lHYGgYFpYC. https://t.co/GGSjiWDeyb— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 14, 2026Service Employees International Union:#GreedyCEOs profit when workers are divided. We know that together – black and brown – when we organize together across race, we build the power to win fair wages, demand respect, and hold corporations accountable. Our strength is in our solidarity. https://t.co/LUVQRVUOhL— SEIU (@SEIU) October 14, 2026Solidarity Center:Drop a ✊🏽 in the replies if you agree: ALL WORKERS DESERVE DECENT WORK! #WorldDayForDecentWork2026 #WDDW26 #WDDW #SDG #SDG8 https://t.co/xZUqtJY64W— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 7, 2026The NewsGuild-CWA:BREAKING: The NewsGuild and other organizations are petitioning the FCC demanding a freeze to a recent illegal order that effectively allows conglomerates to dominate the broadcast landscape. A legal challenge to the repeal is forthcoming. https://t.co/WGjUGDo9bx— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 9, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:The @IATSE_DEI Committee recognizes #IndigenousPeoplesDay by honoring the histories, cultures, resilience & contributions of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas. We encourage connection with our Indigenous kin & continued solidarity among workers of all backgrounds. https://t.co/q7DbxRxwDR— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 12, 2026Transport Workers Union:Today The TWU honors and celebrates Italian-Americans. Like so many other immigrant communities that make up our great country, Italian-Americans are bonded together by their shared culture grounded in family, faith, and a desire to make a better future for their children. Today, we remember the struggles, celebrate their achievements, and proudly honor the Italian-Americans who shaped the Italian-American story and the story of the Transport Worker Union.— TWU (@transportworker) October 12, 2026Transportation Trades Department:LISTEN: @TTDAFLCIO President Greg Regan joined @AWFUnionPodcast to speak about new and existing safety challenges facing freight rail workers, including automation and AI technology. https://t.co/qa3oc7uOz4— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 13, 2026UAW:”For years, UAW members helped make this state a center of working-class power. Over time, however, some of that muscle atrophied. Complacency set in. That period is over. We are entering a new era of working-class political power in Michigan, built from the ground up.” — @ShawnFainUAW via @detroitnews 📰 https://t.co/YUMEiL04yz— UAW (@UAW) October 14, 2026Union Veterans Council:@IBEW and local 29 showing solidarity today! Proud to stand shoulder to shoulder for dignity and safety! #onedaylonger @AFLCIO #unionveterans https://t.co/NWBd3mvwoF— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 7, 2026UNITE HERE:✨ Celebrating Latine Heritage Month! Meet Alberto👋🏻, a Food Server at the Fairmont El San Juan, UNITE HERE Local 610. “Being part of a union gives workers the strength to stand up for our rights, demand fair opportunities, & protect what generations of workers have fought for.” https://t.co/FJWwdU8Kwq— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 14, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:If there’s work across the border, we should be able to man it. In the latest episode of Pipe Up! GP McManus talks about making that easier between the U.S. and Canada. Watch or listen to the full episode wherever you get podcasts. https://t.co/njIj0h6bCc— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) October 14, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:Cannabis workers and Local 1445 members at New England Treatment Access in Franklin, Massachusetts, have ratified a STRONG new contract! Click the link below to learn more about these members and their victory! 🔗 https://t.co/yau2G6sSn2 https://t.co/FNIM0bo2CX— UFCW (@UFCW) October 13, 2026United Steelworkers:We represent workers in a variety of trade-exposed industries, including tires, steel, aluminum, & paper. That’s why we work with policymakers like the Unites States Trade Representative to push for fair trade that accounts for workers and their communities. So what is the USTR? https://t.co/PRj7G42Jzt— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) October 9, 2026Writers Guild of America East:Interested in meeting fellow writers and learning more about your field? Join a WGAE Caucus! We encourage qualified writers (members & non-members welcome) to apply to join the Indie Film, Documentary, and/or Animation caucuses. Learn more via www.wgaeast.org/caucuses/[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) October 13, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/14/2026 – 10:15
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Dayton Ballet Dancers Win First Collective Bargaining Agreement
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Dayton Ballet Dancers Win First 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 American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) have jointly announced that they have reached the first collective bargaining agreement covering Dayton Ballet dancers.The newly ratified three-year contract establishes a more consistent compensation structure for dancers while ensuring 29 weeks of work, expanded leave, short-term disability benefits, a guaranteed 4% retirement contribution match, improved scheduling provisions and much more.“Announcing our first union contract is an incredible milestone for the Dayton Ballet dancers,” said the Dancers of the AGMA Negotiating Committee. “This agreement reflects the strength of standing together and our steadfast commitment to building a stronger future for ourselves and for all who come after us. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/14/2026 – 10:03
Workers Over Billionaires: In the States Roundup
Workers Over Billionaires: 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:Today we honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial. 🌄 Alaska is home to 229 federally recognized tribes, and Alaska Native workers, leaders, and union members are part of the backbone of our state and our movement. https://t.co/lUSvtzVGEj— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 12, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Psst, wanna make the billionaires really mad? 😡 Join us for an evening of phone banking to pass Prop 40, the one-time billionaires tax to save healthcare! 📞 Click the link to follow to sign up! 📋 Tax the billionaires, save lives! 💰 🩺 Vote YES on Prop 40 and NO on Prop 41 and 42! 🗳️— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 12, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Susan Collins’ corporate lobbyist husband Tom Daffron worked as a union buster on the 1987-88 International Paper Strike in Jay. https://t.co/CA4be5AJR8— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 13, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:All hands on deck! 10/24 Solidarity Rally at Encore @UNITEHERE26 @Teamsters25 https://t.co/bJbq8rcIbZ— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 13, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Real ones know campaigns are won in the streets. If you’re looking to make a real impact instead of just tweeting, sign up for a shift: https://t.co/sJm78L35T8 https://t.co/SsNTCNzaJt— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 7, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:Minnesota’s Labor Movement stands with Congresswoman Omar. She is a former union member and we believe an injury to one is an injury to all. If Donald Trump can do this to her, he can do it to any other American citizen. https://t.co/JgfQfTdMfs— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 12, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Union brothers & sisters are out knocking doors and talking with voters in Jackson County! Vote Yes on 6! The rest are tricks! #solidarity https://t.co/auacdFXXK1— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 10, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Northern and Southern Nevada labor turning out and doing it big this weekend! 24 days out & we’ll continue knocking doors, having conversations, and mobilizing voters because working people deserve leaders who will fight for them. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their Saturday to help improve the lives of working class families!— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 10, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:See how Governor Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan compare on issues that matter most to Oregon workers. https://t.co/pcUg2GZmgK— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 9, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Days of action are happening every weekend leading up to Election Day, find the closest one to you! ✊🏼 Check out https://t.co/3RqtKf6D9i for a full list of actions and to register. https://t.co/IKL1QLyYRz— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 9, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:Early voting is ONE WEEK away! Who you vote for impacts your job, your family, and every worker in Texas. Don’t sit this election out — make a plan to vote today! Plan ahead ➡️ https://t.co/ozb2pNVd6p https://t.co/Au4lokah9F— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 12, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:From @WAAFLCIO President April Sims: A handful of wealthy donors hoping to cut their own taxes are pushing a false narrative about I-645 and our union pensions. Don’t fall for the spin. https://t.co/wIPypeq9LF— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 8, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Wisconsin’s controversial anti-union law faces a reckoning this fall. Here’s what that could mean. https://t.co/5PgdFLF3As— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 8, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/13/2026 – 12:30
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: National Day Laborer Organizing Network
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Allied Groups: National Day Laborer Organizing Network
This is the next post in our weekly series that takes a deeper look at our allied groups. Next up is the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).
Name of Organization: National Day Laborer Organizing NetworkMission: To improve the lives of day laborers, immigrants and low-wage workers. To build leadership and community among those facing injustice so they can challenge inequality and expand labor, civil and political rights for all.Leadership: Francisco Aguirre serves as president of the board. Fernando Garavito serves as vice president of the board. Maria Marroquín serves as treasurer. Felix Menendez serves as secretary. Janet Hernandez is also a board member.History: The National Day Laborer Organizing Network was officially founded in July 2001 in Northridge, California, at the first national gathering of day laborer organizations. It began as an alliance of 12 community-based organizations and worker centers dedicated to improving the lives of day laborers in the United States. The organizing that led to NDLON dates back to the mid-1980s, with efforts to educate day laborers about their civil liberties and workers’ rights. Subsequent organizing evolved to include recovering unpaid wages, preventing workplace abuses, and advocating on behalf of day laborers with police and community stakeholders. In the late 1980s, these efforts led to pilot projects that helped establish the first day laborer worker centers. Concurrently, organizing also ensured that the right to seek work at informal street-corner hiring sites was protected.In the 1990s, local governments significantly changed how they responded to day laborers. A few municipalities became directly involved in establishing and operating day laborer worker centers. More often, they tried to drive day laborers away, first with repressive policing tactics and later through municipal codes that banned seeking work in public spaces. Organizers during this period developed a two-pronged approach to defending day laborers’ rights. First, they sued to block anti-solicitation ordinances in state courts. Then they sought to develop leadership and community among day laborers so they could effectively represent themselves to government officials, law enforcement authorities and other local stakeholders.Leadership development moved to the heart of day laborer organizing, while intensive community building continued to evolve at informal hiring sites. The protection of labor standards, setting of minimum wages and shunning of abusive employers signaled a new, more proactive phase in day laborer organizing. Increasingly, workers were uniting to defend their rights. As day laborer organizing matured, so did the recognition that local organizations would benefit from sharing their organizing philosophy, methods and practices with their counterparts in other cities and states.In the mid-to-late-1990s, informal exchanges between organizers led to the sharing of effective organizing tactics that were disseminated and replicated across the country. By the end of the decade, attempts were made to create a more formal collaboration among day laborer organizations. In 1999, a part-time national coordinator was hired to support an emerging collective of day laborer organizations. In 2000, a second, full-time coordinator was hired. NDLON was officially established in July 2001, at the first National Day Laborer Convention. More than 150 day laborers and organizers, from 12 founding member organizations, participated. They focused on deciding how the new network would be organized and structured and what it would do. Among the areas defined as programmatic priorities were protecting labor and civil rights; creating day laborer worker centers; enhancing the education and organizing of day laborers; and calling for legalization of undocumented immigrants. These areas would define and guide NDLON until the following national convention.The second National Day Laborer Convention was held in September 2002 in Silver Spring, Maryland. A steering committee was selected to help coordinate the growth of NDLON and its activities. Additional priorities included a campaign to defeat municipal anti-solicitation ordinances and a resolution to recognize and elevate the work and contributions of women day laborers and organizers.By 2004, buoyed by the creation of dozens of worker centers as well as several notable legal and policy victories, NDLON and its member organizations were poised to increase their influence within the labor and immigrant rights movements. NDLON continued to make significant strides in establishing itself as a national vehicle for the day laborer movement. The third National Day Laborer Convention was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, in July 2005. Members elected the first board of directors, setting NDLON on a path to become a sustainable and independent 501(c)(3) organization. The solidification of a regional organizing strategy, another major shift in NDLON’s organizing work, enabled it to quickly respond to attacks against the immigrant community that would only intensify in the following years.In August 2007, members met to reflect upon their collective accomplishments, review the preliminary draft of a five-year strategic plan, and reaffirm the guidelines for NDLON’s development and growth. Among the other actions that took place were educational legislative visits, affirmations of the growing relationship with the AFL-CIO and the Laborers (LIUNA), and leadership development training, as well as the distribution of leadership development materials for member organizations.Today, NDLON has more than 78 member organizations. These organizations are united by a shared mission and common vision that day laborers can be engaged in a civil and social rights movement to recognize their contributions and rights in the United States.Current Campaigns/Policy Agenda: NDLON publishes a monthly newspaper, La Talacha, and a staff blog. Current and recent campaigns include Somos Más Popular Committees, ¡No Más Mentiras!/No More Lies!, Day Laborer Workforce Initiative, Desde Abajo Labor Enforcement (DALE) campaign, End S-COMM: Alto Polimigra!, Adopt a Day Labor Corner Campaign, ICE Out of Our Communities, Take Action: Support Immigrant Workers Now, and Take Action Against Raids and Concentration Camps! Read about NDLON’s litigation efforts. NDLON sells branded merchandise in its online store.Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/13/2026 – 11:29
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Detroit Historical Society Workers Join AFSCME
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Detroit Historical Society Workers Join AFSCME
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.
Staff at the Detroit Historical Society have overwhelmingly voted in favor of forming a union with AFSCME Michigan, joining a growing movement of cultural workers in Detroit and around the country who are organizing for a strong voice on the job.This victory comes after months of organzing—an effort that was motivated by the need for fair wages and a contract that protects both workers and the future of the institution.“We often talk about moments in history at the Detroit Historical Society,” said Macsen Kirkpatrick Johnson, a visitor experience associate supervisor. “To know that we are part of the foundational history of the labor movement in our museum, in a city that helped form the labor movement, is nothing short of inspiring.”“My family has worked in the museum for generations,” added Rebecca Phoenix, a visitor experience associate. “By coming together to form our union with AFSCME, my co-workers and I will have a voice in the work that we do every day. We are passionate about the atmosphere we create, and we know that our union will ensure that the Detroit Historical Society remains an important cultural institution in the city of Detroit for generations to come.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/13/2026 – 10:25
Tags:
Organizing
‘A Useful Standard for Workers’: The Working People Weekly List
‘A Useful Standard for Workers’: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Alamo Drafthouse Workers Vote Yes for Union, Passing 47 to 28: “After seven months of building support, workers at the Alamo Drafthouse elected to create a union with United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 4 on Oct. 1. Logan Allgood, an Alamo worker who spearheaded union support among other workers, said the election should be certified within the next week, so long as the Alamo doesn’t object to the union. ‘I’m both relieved and antsy for the election to be certified, since the company has seven days to object,’ Allgood said. “If they do, the UAW general council is ready to respond if necessary.’”Strike for Hunger Supports Those in Need: “United Steelworkers Local 21 and the Women of Steel come together each year to support neighbors in need through a community-wide effort to fight hunger across Delta County. USW Local 21 Women of Steel Coordinator Donna Dams is helping to organize the event. ‘Today we’re here trying to refill and restock the food pantries, Salvation Army and Saint Vincent DePaul in Escanaba and Gladstone. So, we’re looking for monetary donations, paper products, canned goods, personal hygiene products,’ she said. Dams shared that union members and volunteers are collecting monetary contributions and nonperishable food at Elmer’s Country Market in Escanaba and Pats Groceries in Gladstone. The 3-day event helps support the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul locations.”Roxanne Brown: They Asked Themselves: What’s Missing? The Answer: A Union: “Davion Johnson long realized that they and their colleagues deserved higher pay, fairer treatment and greater respect at the Corning plant in Hemlock, Mich. But nothing drove home the need for change more than a supervisor’s callous response when a co-worker fell from a ladder. Instead of calling an ambulance, Davion recalled, the supervisor threatened to dock the injured man a sick day if he left to seek care on his own. An angry Davion subsequently helped to lead 1,400 co-workers in a successful union drive with the United Steelworkers (USW). Now, they wield a collective voice on safety, pay and other issues as they do the important work of manufacturing components for the nation’s solar industry.”Unions and Democrats Stump for Federal Film Incentive: ‘We Are So Close to Getting This Done’: “A delegation of California Democrats campaigned with union leaders on Tuesday for a federal film incentive as they seek to build momentum to pass the measure by the end of the year. Sen. Adam Schiff and eight Democratic representatives from Southern California argued that the U.S. must counter incentives from 65 other countries that have lured American production jobs overseas. ‘When this passes in this lame-duck session, it will immediately impact production in 2027,’ said Mike Miller, vice president of IATSE. “And there are hundreds of thousands of entertainment industry workers that are counting on it.’”These Candidates Don’t Talk to Working People—They Are Working People: “‘Working people are tired of politicians who talk about their struggles without having lived them,’ an AFL-CIO spokesperson said in a statement, echoing the sentiment. ‘For too long, the people writing the rules on wages, health care and retirement have no real experience with what those rules mean for the rest of us.’”George Eastman Museum Workers Vote to Unionize: “Workers at the George Eastman Museum voted 41-16 to unionize with Workers United, according to the organizing group, George Eastman Museum Workers United. The National Labor Relations Board election was held Friday, Oct. 2, and the group announced the result Sunday. Seventy-five workers were eligible to vote, the group said. By its count, 57 votes were cast, a turnout of 76%. NLRB records list the museum as having about 100 employees. Supervisors, managers and other classifications were excluded from the voting groups.”Philadelphia Inquirer Employees Secure New Union Contract with Raises and AI Protections: “Unionized journalists and product engineers at The Inquirer secured a new contract on Friday that includes AI protections, raises, and changes to healthcare coverage. The company reached a tentative deal with the News Guild of Greater Philadelphia Local 38010 on Sept. 15. Union members ratified the new contract by email vote this week. Of 238 eligible union members, 160 workers voted, with 156 in favor of the new contract.”Community Transit Finalizes Contract with Union Through 2027: “Community Transit’s board of directors signed off on a contract between the transit agency and its drivers union on Thursday, bringing an end to over a year of negotiations between the two parties. Workers at the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1576, which represents bus drivers, dispatchers and maintenance employees at the Snohomish County transit agency, will receive a 5% retroactive pay increase for 2025, a 4% increase for 2026 and a 4% increase in 2027. The contract will expire at the end of 2027.”Current Affairs Has Ratified a Union Contract: “We’re happy to share some good news: after a series of bargaining meetings concluding in September, the Current Affairs staff union has ratified and signed a new contract with the magazine, covering the next two years. We’re represented by the Chicago News Guild, Local 34071, an affiliate of the The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA), and this contract gives Current Affairs workers a number of important protections and benefits. We’re proud of what we were able to secure through collective bargaining, and hope this contract will become a useful standard for workers at other media organizations who are considering unionization.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/12/2026 – 16:14
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Post-Gazette Journalists to Be Awarded Millions After Union-Busters Lose Supreme Court Case
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Post-Gazette Journalists to Be Awarded Millions After Union-Busters Lose Supreme Court Case
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.
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s appeal of a ruling requiring the company to pay Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 38061, members after management made illegal unilateral changes to their working conditions.The newspaper—which was owned by Block Communications until earlier this year—cut workers’ pay and implemented increases in health care costs. Now, with no further venue for appeal, the Post-Gazette owes millions of dollars to its current and former employees.“I’ve actually lost count of the number of agencies, judges, courts, and other authorities that have told the Blocks that the workers were right and the multi-millionaires were wrong. Our members were the first to tell them—more than nine years ago now,” said Jon Schleuss, president of The NewsGuild-CWA. “It’s staggering to think how much money and time the company wasted on losing when that could have been spent on dignified working conditions and improving the caliber of local journalism.”“A lot of honest, determined people sacrificed more than most know to get this ruling enforced and finalized,” said Andrew Goldstein, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. “The Blocks and their co-conspirators in company management and elsewhere knowingly and willfully broke federal law for years, bringing untold harm to not only their workers but the news industry more broadly. We’re looking forward to getting quite literal payback and hope this serves as a warning to similarly reckless owners. Shame on the Blocks.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/09/2026 – 09:41