AFL-CIO
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kevin Ancog
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kevin Ancog
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Kevin Ancog of AFSCME.
United Public Workers (UPW) Hawaii member Kevin Ancog is a building maintenance worker at the Department of Defense in Honolulu, where he has worked for nearly 20 years. He developed his leadership skills and discipline during his 23 years in the Army National Guard, where he was a well-respected and trusted leader. Ancog is chief steward and chair of UPW/AFSCME’s education committee, helping his fellow union members understand their rights and benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 05/08/2025 – 08:59
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO President Celebrates Historic Worker Rights Milestone in Vermont
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO President Celebrates Historic Worker Rights Milestone in Vermont
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On May Day, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Vermont, where she witnessed the passage of a historic constitutional amendment and attended a May Day rally on the State House lawn. Proposal 3 would enshrine the right to form a union and collectively bargain into the state constitution, just as Illinois did in 2022.The Vermont House took the final legislative action last week needed to make this a reality by passing the amendment in a landslide 125–15 vote. This effort has been a four-year legislative process, with the last step being a ballot measure that Vermont voters will decide in November 2026. President Shuler sat in the gallery with Vermont union leaders for this exciting moment in state history and was introduced to the entire House by Vermont Worker’s Caucus co-chair Rep. Conor Casey. After the vote, more than 1,500 people gathered on the State House lawn in Montpelier for the Vermont State Labor Council’s May Day rally.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 05/08/2025 – 08:49
Tell Congress: No Cuts to Medicaid
Tell Congress: No Cuts to Medicaid
Right now, Congress is considering a reckless budget package that would make the 2017 tax giveaway to billionaires and giant corporations permanent, and expand the tax cuts for the rich by cutting $1.5 trillion from essential programs like Medicaid.
Medicaid is the single largest source of health care coverage in the United States, and a major source of funding for hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes.It’s Medicaid—not Medicare—that is the primary payer for 63% of nursing home residents. It’s Medicaid that pays for 42% of births in the United States each year. And it’s Medicaid that provides health care for nearly half of all children in our country. The proposed cuts would tear health care away from millions of people, including kids and our most vulnerable Americans. It would raise health care and insurance costs for everyone else. And massive cuts to Medicaid would cause hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home-health agencies to close or downsize, especially in rural and lower-income communities—causing 477,000 health care jobs to be lost in 2026 alone.We would all suffer the consequences if Medicaid is harmed. Call your representative at 231-400-0602 to tell them, “no cuts to Medicaid,” or click here and fill out the form to be connected. The domino effects of these cuts would be severe and wide-reaching. If you spoke out to protect the Affordable Care Act, we need you to speak out even louder to protect Medicaid.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 16:34
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 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:Join us for the next Embracing Equity Series Event: “Out of The Shadows: Our Unique Mental Health Challenges,” a mental health panel moderated by Sean Hayden, host of Stage Combat: The Podcast.Advance registration required! Sign up on the member portal: https://t.co/71lOT0fHH4 pic.twitter.com/8GOXFz9FEJ— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 3, 2025AFGE:This is the largest and most significant challenge to Trump’s attempt to remake the government without congressional approval.Here’s what you need to know ⬇https://t.co/MquNHrBrPq— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 7, 2025AFSCME:Saving Medicaid from reckless cuts was the purpose of a trip 70 AFSCME members made to Capitol Hill last week. https://t.co/vyhmxRr4Mk— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 6, 2025Alliance for Retired Americans:Today’s Senate vote to confirm Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner is deeply troubling for seniors.Read our statement to learn more: https://t.co/q6bzNQ22j2 pic.twitter.com/3jsq914RWi— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 6, 2025Amalgamated Transit Union:Stay informed about the latest news, campaigns, politics, and all the issues impacting our Union, our members, and our industry by subscribing to our e-newsletter, the ATU Dispatch today at https://t.co/2zRvpNDZrE #1u #canlab pic.twitter.com/HPiW9qZ0xm— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 7, 2025American Federation of Musicians:President Trump, in his Fiscal Year 2026 Budget request, has called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA is essential to our livelihoods and our democracy. Without it, communities across the country, both rural and urban, will lack access to arts… pic.twitter.com/UMderdRkW8— AFM (@The_AFM) May 3, 2025American Federation of Teachers:As we continue to celebrate healthcare professionals this #NationalNursesWeek, today we want to thank the thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals working in our schools to keep kids healthy.Happy #NationalSchoolNurseDay, and thank you for all you do! @AFTHealthcare pic.twitter.com/FjHV3A08qz— AFT (@AFTunion) May 7, 2025American Postal Workers Union:☎️ 🚨 Call the APWU Legislative Hotline and urge your House Rep. to vote NO to cuts for federal and postal workers’ retirement. This week the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved significant cuts to our retirement. This measure will now be included in the…— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) May 2, 2025Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Evaluate your mental well-being on a routine basis just like you are advised to do for your physical health. pic.twitter.com/MUv57w515T— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 5, 2025Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:039: BCTGM Sugar Locals on Milling, Refining and Having a Voice at the Table https://t.co/oLUReY4CnN— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 27, 2025Boilermakers:Listen up! America’s Work Force Union Podcast spoke with the Founder/CEO of Bartlett Maritime Corporation, Capt. Ed Bartlett Jr. and mentioned their partnership with the Boilermakers https://t.co/svS6vSKEMA— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) May 6, 2025Bricklayers:Although falls are the leading cause of death in construction and these deaths have increased over the last 10 years, every fall is preventable. Learn how: https://t.co/5L9JzwysA0#StandDown4Safety #StopFalls #1uSafety #workplacesafety— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) May 6, 2025Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:Happy May Day from CBTU International Under 40 Leaders! pic.twitter.com/1JeiGRl8pc— CBTU International Under 40 Leaders (@Under40Leaders) May 2, 2025Coalition of Labor Union Women:Every four years, CLUW elects officers. Interested in running? Email info@CLUW.orgPresidentExecutive Vice PresidentTreasurerCorresponding SecretaryRecording Secretary pic.twitter.com/4NNq0jveJn— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) April 19, 2025Communications Workers of America:Rain or shine, Michigan @CWAUnion shows up! Fiber is faster, more reliable, and built to last. Don’t let greedy satellite companies tell you otherwise. #ProtectOurWork #CWAStrong pic.twitter.com/M78DC6cih2— CWA District 4 (@D4CWA) May 6, 2025Department for Professional Employees:DPE applauds the release of @USTradeRep’s Special 301 Report, which details the findings of USTR’s review of global IP protection and enforcement. Read our full statement: https://t.co/cdoWxaVueK pic.twitter.com/hoeAT6PXcD— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 7, 2025Electrical Workers:“If you think: ‘I work in the private sector. This doesn’t affect me,’ then think again. When public-sector workers lose their rights, it opens the door for anti-union forces to target everyone.” https://t.co/h41N6AbG0t pic.twitter.com/TKAn83cEx8— IBEW (@IBEW) May 6, 2025Fire Fighters:💛💙🔥 Support @MDAorg research by donating to #FilltheBoot and help people with ALS live longer, more independent lives.https://t.co/FYsG2Qc0Gw pic.twitter.com/NyIqQhea7r— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) May 6, 2025Heat and Frost Insulators:Building brotherhood—one catch at a time. 🐠When the weather’s right, you’ll find Local 132, out of Honolulu, Hawaii, not just working together but diving.“Once we hit the water, our stresses and worries fade away and we’re able to focus on one thing: spearfishing,” says Local… pic.twitter.com/apeKpwxTTx— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) May 2, 2025International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:WATCH: Our Local 110 brother Jeremy braved a torrential storm and spoke truth to power during a Kentucky May Day rally: “The labor movement is about more than just wages and benefits. It’s about justice, it’s about dignity, it’s about human rights.” pic.twitter.com/wVToA6euDt— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) May 7, 2025International Labor Communications Association:We want YOU to submit to the 2025 Labor Media Awards!Submit by May 30 and pay $60/entry, or submit by July 1 and pay $80/entry.Learn more about the contest and submit here: https://t.co/9YGKIYAudh pic.twitter.com/0xnlDbGthw— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) May 5, 2025Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🎬🔥 Join the DC Labor Film Fest! Don’t miss the screening of LA COCINA — a gripping, tragicomic drama by Alonso Ruizpalacios that takes us inside the heat and hustle of a Times Square restaurant, where undocumented workers fight for dignity and the American dream.— LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 6, 2025Laborers:What’s happened in the #First100Days?Delays. Canceled projects. Rolled-back protections.The impacts on workers and union jobs are REAL! 🎯 #1u 👀WATCH: pic.twitter.com/QoBmXa5mQT— LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 2, 2025Major League Baseball Players Association:Congratulations to the Players who reached 10 Years of Service Time this March and April! Learn more about their journeys, and follow along each month as we recognize the newest members of this elite club, at: https://t.co/PSrTsomFxe pic.twitter.com/J5k86e0Dvw— MLBPA (@MLBPA) April 30, 2025Major League Soccer Players Association:As we step into may, the MLSPA recognizes #AAPIMonth and celebrates the significant contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to both soccer, the labor movement, and well beyond 💙 pic.twitter.com/0qxv97Ibcr— MLSPA (@MLSPA) May 2, 2025Mine Workers:Happy Birthday Mary Harris “Mother” Jones. Born 1830, in Ireland, to become one of the most renowned women within the UMWA history and a prominent labor organizer and activist. Her presense lives on when her name is spoken. “Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.” pic.twitter.com/N3JhIsc7XL— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) May 1, 2025Musical Artists:Contract Negotiations Began Today at the Metropolitan Opera: https://t.co/0CyLqRki7y pic.twitter.com/yydrJQNu3A— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 6, 2025National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA is proud to recognize #AAPIHeritageMonth. We celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans to the United States, labor rights, and our Union. pic.twitter.com/rzGlmlZc2Z— NATCA (@NATCA) May 6, 2025National Association of Letter Carriers:Private shippers have been wanting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. We say #HellNo to handing them the keys! The Postal Service is for the people, and we’ll #FightLikeHell to protect the universal service all Americans rely on! 🔗 https://t.co/3CCvZzPPUj pic.twitter.com/aIHBxu9RHX— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 7, 2025National Domestic Workers Alliance:We’re showing up for the final vote on the POWER Act in Philly!If it passes, 750K+ workers could gain:✅ Anti-retaliation rights✅ Relief for abuse✅ Bad Actors Database✅ Paid sick time✅ Worker Justice FundLet’s win this! pic.twitter.com/1VjQxiVQQc— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) May 7, 2025National Nurses United:This is what democracy looks like! ✊ pic.twitter.com/R7iZWwK5OZ— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) May 6, 2025NFL Players Association:Shoutout to @Chargers TE @haydenrhurst on this #CommunityMVP Friday 👏 In its 6th year, the @HHFoundation81 golf tournament raised $118,250 in benefit of mental health programs for youth, military vets & more — with $89K going toward the Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville 💙 pic.twitter.com/jRnhbLuKXt— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 2, 2025North America’s Building Trades Unions:Arizona is stepping up by investing in Registered Apprenticeships that lead to real careers, real wages, and real union jobs. This is how we build the future right. https://t.co/1bVhhm60CO— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 7, 2025Painters and Allied Trades:Taxpayer-funded projects should not support contractors who break the law and exploit workers. Yet at the Oak Grove development in Norwalk, CT, subcontractors with egregious labor violations are still being used by AP Construction We’re calling on Norwalk Housing Authority to… pic.twitter.com/9zk4pDJglt— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) May 5, 2025Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:It’s PSRW, time to show gratitude for nation’s civil servants, what they do to keep nation running. But there’s been barrage of actions taken by gov aimed at federal workers. But that will not stop PASS from celebrating stellar service they provide! #PSRWhttps://t.co/F04BimIWuw— PASS (@PASSNational) May 4, 2025Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:.@Local_1102 RWDSU members at Animal Care Centers of NYC — on the front lines of caring for the city’s most vulnerable pets and strays — have won a new 3yr union contract that reflects their essential work and unwavering compassion. #1U Read more:https://t.co/QEmWKFMJ6V pic.twitter.com/og0KJIpTn7— RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 7, 2025Roofers and Waterproofers:On National Skilled Trades Day, we salute the men and women who put in the hard work, day in and day out, to build, fix, and protect what matters.#SkilledTrades #UnionStrong #RooferPride pic.twitter.com/DeI2xZbOqK— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 7, 2025SAG-AFTRA:TAKE 5 🎬 You never know who you can get to join your project! 😉 Learn about the Ultra Low Budget Agreement, or UPA, from @StaceyTravis777, Chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Low Budget Committee, and Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre, Executive Director for Entertainment Contracts. #Take5SagAftra pic.twitter.com/LZJGXNDdR3— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 7, 2025Seafarers:Proud and grateful to have been part of the SHIPS for America press conference today. Thank you, @RepTrentKelly @SenMarkKelly @SenToddYoung @RepGaramendi #SHIPSforAmerica #1u #Maritime pic.twitter.com/5sqrrbmPx8— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) April 30, 2025Service Employees International Union:🛑 No cuts to Medicaid. Call Congress now! #CodeBlueForMedicaid #SaveMedicaid pic.twitter.com/EudBdNw7WP— SEIU (@SEIU) May 7, 2025Solidarity Center:”Solidarity isn’t about funding—it’s about people. LO Norway is helping continue Solidarity Center programs in Palestine and Ukraine to ensure workers have a voice, fair wages and safe jobs.✊🌍 #GlobalSolidarity #WorkerRights— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 2, 2025The NewsGuild-CWA:NEW: “Trump’s unlawful executive action to stop funding America’s public media is another attack on our 1st Amendment rights,” says NewsGuild-CWA president @gaufre.Defend local news: Become a monthly donor to your local @NPR | @PBS station.https://t.co/CBOZFDXgO8— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 5, 2025Theatrical Stage Employees:Join us for Safety and Health Week 2025 with a hop-on & hop-off webinar rebroadcast marathon! The Education Department will host two webinar rebroadcasts on Thursday, May 8. All IATSE workers are welcome to join! A schedule of events is as follows:Safety Awareness While Working… pic.twitter.com/jMdvhXvYhJ— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 6, 2025Transport Workers Union:Congrats to TWU Locals 2001 & 2055 for fighting back against NYS’s @MTA and its concessionary demands. Members ratified – with 98% in support – a new contract with @MetroNorth rail, proving again that when workers fight We Win!— TWU (@transportworker) May 2, 2025Transportation Trades Department:We are thrilled to introduce @TTDAFLCIO’s new PAC Administrator and Legislative Aide, Jeffrey Robb! Originally from Ohio, Jeffrey worked on state, local, and national campaigns. Join us in welcoming him to the transportation labor movement. pic.twitter.com/AqvT373jH3— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) May 6, 2025UAW:Stellantis could ramp up U.S. vehicle production right now just by utilizing the excess capacity at its active factories. Instead, the company continues to offshore jobs to low-wage, high-exploitation countries. It’s time for Stellantis to stop stalling and to invest in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/3cknYIPtUL— UAW (@UAW) May 5, 2025Union Label and Service Trades Department:For those of us who were paying attention, there was nothing quiet about it. Federal workers deserve better! https://t.co/asYGBPwgzh— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) May 1, 2025Union Veterans Council:On June 6, we rally in D.C. 🇺🇸 Unite for Veterans, Unite for America – The Bonus Army 2025Join us as we fight back against the attacks on vets’ jobs & benefits.✊ Sign up: https://t.co/LU1zIPHTmx#Unite4Vets #BonusArmy2025 #VeteransRise #UnionStrong— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) April 23, 2025UNITE HERE:We are BACK outside the Wilson Building with @unitehere23 and the Building Trades to stand up for i82, stadium workers, and good jobs at RFK! https://t.co/03Pyn8corT pic.twitter.com/6wYsTZ7xa7— UNITE HERE Local 25 (@UHLocal25) May 6, 2025United Food and Commercial Workers:#MomsEqualPayDay, marks how far into the year moms must work to earn what working fathers made the previous year.At UFCW, we fight every day to close this gap through strong contracts & respect for the essential work moms do.Want to learn more? Visit https://t.co/5EteFz3G3H pic.twitter.com/xVQuzs21co— UFCW (@UFCW) May 6, 2025United Steelworkers:For AANHPI Month, we’re highlighting members who are doing big things in the labor movement! Greta Jianjia Cheng helped 2,100+ Pitt grad workers unionize with 98% support. Now she’s bargaining for better support for international students, health care, housing, and inclusion. pic.twitter.com/rN42jZDRUi— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) May 7, 2025Writers Guild of America East:We’re proud to share we’ve reached a tentative agreement with CBS News Chicago! None of this would have been possible without your public support for our union. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/p5RPhqaxDJ— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) May 5, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 10:04
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kristy Pham
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kristy Pham
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Kristy Pham of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Kristy Pham is a member of Communications Workers (CWA) Local 9510. Currently, she serves as the District 9 representative of the CWA National Minority Caucus, the secretary-treasurer of Local 9510 and the chair of the Women’s Committee. Her union experience includes roles as a shop steward and executive board member. In 2022, Pham was honored as the Orange County Labor Federation Delegate of the Year. Pham is a passionate advocate for equity, fair wages and social justice.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 08:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) overruled every objection filed by Whole Foods regarding a landmark January election where workers at a Philadelphia location voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1776.After a majority of workers at the Amazon-owned grocer’s flagship storefront cast ballots in support of organizing a union, the corporate giant filed numerous objections with the NLRB to challenge the election results. Amazon argued that UFCW unfairly offered workers transportation to the polling site, that the NLRB could not certify the union because it lacked quorum and more. Following a two-day hearing that included testimony from 10 witnesses, Philadelphia-region Hearing Officer Deena Kobel rejected those arguments.“This ruling is definitive—Whole Foods lost, the workers won, and it’s time for the company to respect the results,” said Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV. “Amazon’s tired playbook of delay and obstruction has failed. We call on Whole Foods to stop wasting time and taxpayer resources with baseless legal challenges and sit down at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 08:50
RSVP TODAY: Airport Workers Virtual Roundtable
RSVP TODAY: Airport Workers Virtual Roundtable
Join workers, advocates, and community partners at the Airport Workers United’s Virtual Roundtable on May 7th at 12 pm ET featuring SEIU International President April Verrett, airport worker leaders from across the country, elected champions and other partners for an important conversation about the intersecting crisis of poverty and safety at our nation’s airports.
Special guests will share their experiences within the aviation system and highlight a new report Flight Path to Safe, Secure and Accessible Airports: The Case for centering fair workplaces, community needs, and passenger choice over airline’s soaring profits. This comprehensive report highlights workers’ experiences and conditions at PHX, DFW, and CLT airports and illustrates how lifting standards and enforcing protections for this workforce advances the safety, security, and needs of the entire airport ecosystem — workers, passengers, and surrounding communities all benefit. Special Guests confirmed to participate in the virtual roundtable:Airport Service Worker Leaders from each featured airports in white paper PHX, DFW, CLTApril Verrett, SEIU International PresidentUS Representative Yassamin Ansari, (AZ 3)Enrique Lopezlira, Ph.D., Director, Low-Wage Work Program, UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and EducationColleen Flanagan, Disability Rights AdvocateRSVP today HERE!For more information about the roundtable or SEIU’s Airport Workers United please contact Isaiah Wilson at isaiah.wilson@seiu.org.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/07/2025 – 07:06
Solidarity Forever: In the States Roundup
Solidarity Forever: In the States Roundup
It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X.
Alaska AFL-CIO:Electric May Day celebration in Anchorage, Alaska yesterday! Our community came together to stand up for workers in every sector and demand answers from our federal delegation.One Union. One Alaska. One Fight. ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/rZW2pYFvZF— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Arizona AFL-CIO:✊Today is International Workers’ Day! We celebrate the strength and solidarity of the labor movement and say “enough.” We are fighting back on illegal attacks on our jobs, our unions, our contracts, and our freedoms.https://t.co/HSVGdh5wLs pic.twitter.com/LumNIfOyxW— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We stand in strong solidarity with @UPTECWA and @afscme3299, who are on strike today protesting unfair labor practices at the University of California. Here’s a photo from the UPTE action in Sacramento! #MayDay pic.twitter.com/Xa6NhhY85l— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 1, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:The Colorado House just heard the Worker Protection Act! This bill is a fair shot at strong unions and an economy that works for all of us. @GovofCO , sign this bill & stand with the workers who power our economy every day. @baconforco #coleg pic.twitter.com/tDSB15jjiS— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:Incredible support from Day 1 on the IAM strike line in East Hartford! We appreciate you all and we’ll be here every day until the members get a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/uxzysvFbjR— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:Senate Labor Chair Robert Peters joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about his journey into politics, Illinois’ pro-worker legislation and efforts to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the trades.Tune in here: https://t.co/HGhieHGQH1 pic.twitter.com/JfFG78lRV7— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Happy International Workers’ Day! Today the world celebrates the courage and resolve of workers who have fought for safety, dignity and justice at work. Solidarity Forever! ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/X0XUpTtW2E— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:”Unfortunately, [our staffing is] subject to potential reductions through the [Congressional] budget reconciliation process,” said Bangor air traffic controller Bryan Loquet, @NATCA State Coordinator for Maine. https://t.co/D7dV9vNhpm— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Support Macy’s Workers Fighting for a better future! @ufcw1445https://t.co/ygvXwKmbe6 pic.twitter.com/7vMgCsWkjh— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 6, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:Satellite company CEOs are being greedy and pushing to funnel more of the money intended for fiber buildout to unreliable satellite internet service. Enough is Enough. Protect our work and reliable, affordable internet service NOW: https://t.co/XNR6akvDqw pic.twitter.com/fSnqHaFXMS— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:Join us on June 29th! #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/zf8GmzOBtp— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:As Trump & his DOGE team attack our union contracts and basic freedoms, we must stand united in our fight for a better future for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength. You come for one of us, you come for ALL OF US. https://t.co/atG8VHy6AT— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Our rights weren’t given. They were fought for and won by workers who refused to accept dismal working conditions.On International Workers’ Day and every day, the labor movement carries their strength in our fight for worker justice. #MayDay2025 pic.twitter.com/brlO5XBLAC— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 2, 2025Nevada State AFL-CIO:This afternoon we joined SEIU 1107 at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center professionals at their rally for quality patient care and tetention! pic.twitter.com/OUgUg73XLP— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 6, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:Statement of President Mario Cilento on Unemployment Insurance Benefit: https://t.co/gKfivGHCjv— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 5, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Workers, veterans and retirees are speaking out about how North Carolinians are being hurt by DOGE cuts to our essential services. Why is @SenThomTillis so afraid of hearing from his constituents? pic.twitter.com/DUFqSDOyQQ— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 29, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:Oregon State Representatives are considering a key labor bill, SB 916A, which extends unemployment benefits to striking workers. Stand with Oregon workers today and send a letter asking lawmakers to Vote YES on SB 916A. https://t.co/TEH1DkhEjk pic.twitter.com/cEWmV0lND4— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The U.S. Department of Labor exists to protect workers—like coal miners. But they are trying to dismantle those protections piece by piece. Without a strong DOL, worker safety isn’t just at risk—it’s gone. pic.twitter.com/5MOJn1KqMl— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 5, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:Solidarity with workers at Austin’s @alamodrafthouse Slaughter Lane who just voted to join @UAW! Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! (via @KVUE) #ATX #UnionStrong https://t.co/hbMjuBXvve— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 6, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:NIOSH keeps Workers safe. Call and demand Congress save NIOSH from DOGE’s reckless cuts! https://t.co/hSCyIRrMKQ— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 5, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Worker safety agency NIOSH lays off most remaining staff https://t.co/3blbSUikep via @CBSNews— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 5, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 11:15
Pressure Comes from the People: The Working People Weekly List
Pressure Comes from the People: 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.
U.S. Labor Unions Demand ‘Brother’ Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Return from El Salvador: “The letter was signed by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation; James Williams, Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT; Gwen Mills, president of the hospitality union Unite Here; and Michael Coleman, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, or SMART, which is Abrego Garcia’s union.”Writers Guild Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union: “The Writers Guild of America West has voluntarily recognized its staff’s intent to unionize with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, allowing the bargaining unit to move forward on its first labor contract. ‘We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,’ WGAW Operations Coordinator II and Writers Guild Staff Union leader Doug MacIsaac said. ‘We’re happy to be able to advocate for ourselves and look forward to negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement.’”AFL-CIO President Visits Maine to Highlight Potential Impacts of Veterans Administration Cuts: “Union officials are warning that potential cuts to the veterans’ administration will result in longer wait times for services and benefits. Last month, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs announced a reorganization plan that calls for reducing the VA workforce by 83,000 employees this year, one of many federal cost cutting measures. In response, members of the AFL-CIO gathered in Augusta Wednesday to share their stories as part of a roundtable discussion with National President Liz Shuler. She’s been traveling the country to meet with workers in places like Maine, that ‘aren’t strongholds for either political party,’ she said. ‘This is about capturing workers’ voices and bringing their stories to life because often they are left out of the conversation,’ she said.”Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Agree on New Contract: “Established in Kansas in 1944, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra has recently come to an agreement with its musicians to increase their salaries, among other deals. In all, 45 members of the Wichita Musicians’ Association, local union No. 297 of the American Federation of Musicians, unanimously approved the contract, which will run through June 2028 and cover around 80 orchestra musicians.”Coalition of Nonprofits, Unions Launch Challenge to Trump’s ‘Unlawful’ Attack on Government: “‘The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security,’ said AFGE national president Everett Kelley. ‘This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this coalition to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves.’”Too Many Workers Die on the Job Every Year. Trump’s Attacks on OSHA Will Kill More: “This Monday marked Workers Memorial Day, an annual international day of remembrance of workers who have died on the job, as well as a day of action to continue the fight for workplace safety. An estimated 140,587 U.S. workers died from hazardous working conditions in 2023, according to a new AFL-CIO report. This amounts to roughly 385 workplace-related deaths a day. While mourning these lives lost, there is also reason to fear this death toll will only rise due to aggressive Trump administration attacks on basic health and safety protections long taken for granted in most U.S. workplaces.”Referendum to Repeal Anti-Union Law Meets Threshold to Qualify for 2026 Ballot: “Labor groups have met the requirements to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to repeal a law banning police, firefighters and teachers unions from representing their members in contract negotiations. As of Monday morning, the referendum backers had reached their target in the required 15 senate districts, in addition to the 146,480 verified signatures statewide, according to the lieutenant governor’s office.”SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal: “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025’s Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three.”AFL-CIO President on Mass Protests: ‘Pressure Comes from the People’: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins The Weekend to discuss how to keep the momentum going following massive anti-Trump protests this month.”Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Its Attack on Union Rights: “Trump’s executive order, which AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called ‘the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history,’ applied to workers at a wide swath of agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Shuler applauded Friedman’s injunction. ‘We commend the court for recognizing the Trump administration’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights for what it was: illegal, retaliatory union-busting,’ Shuler said in a statement. ‘This was the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history, and if Trump was allowed to do it to federal workers, he would be able to do it to every worker in America, in every workplace and every industry.’”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 11:11
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Ili Meaole
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Ili Meaole
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Ili Meaole of AFGE.
Ili Meaole has dedicated more than 21 years of her life to the labor movement, fighting tirelessly for the rights of workers. Her journey began in 2002 when she joined the union and became a steward, driven by a desire to advocate for her colleagues. In 2008, she was elected as local secretary, working relentlessly to ensure equality in the workplace. Meaole continues to lead with determination as AFGE District 11’s elected National Fair Practice and Affirmative Action Coordinator. She is also a proud member of the AFGE Council of Prison Locals.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 09:42