AFL-CIO
A Vote for Union Work: What Working People Are Doing This Week
A Vote for Union Work: 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:Congratulations to the workers of Drunk Shakespeare United, who have unanimously ratified their first Equity contract! pic.twitter.com/oZ376D9XQw— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 21, 2024AFGE:.@AFGEPrezKelley getting a crowd of union members fired up at today’s @NCStateAFLCIO Labor GOTV canvass in Raleigh, NC! pic.twitter.com/jFaP5PCyPT— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 19, 2024AFSCME:Following months of negotiations and solidarity actions, Washington state workers who are members of @wfsec28 are celebrating a strong new contract. The two-year agreement includes strong wage raises and expanded leave. https://t.co/Vmc0Xu11Yl— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 21, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:Today a conservative think tank released an alarming report revealing that Donald Trump will wreak havoc on Social Security over the next decade if he’s re-elected. Read our 🧵 below to learn more. (1/5)— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 21, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:Congrats to our Local 1738-Latrobe, PA, on ratifying their strong new contract. #ATUStrongerTogetherhttps://t.co/gwd4y1XmiH— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 21, 2024American Federation of Teachers:Historian Heather Cox Richardson shares her insightful “Letters from an American,” unpacking what shapes our history and its implications. With the presidential election looming, she warns that we could be on the brink of losing our democracy. https://t.co/U4bUtu5IHV— AFT (@AFTunion) October 22, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Elections are just one day, but they matter for years and sometimes decades. @FlyingWithSara talks about the stakes of this election and the differences between the two candidates as they relate to our jobs. pic.twitter.com/MyyR8OyUKY— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 21, 2024Boilermakers:The Fall 2024 Reporter is hot off the press! 🗞️ Watch for yours, or find it online: https://t.co/1d8UfYYrKF pic.twitter.com/smgwHnce5R— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 18, 2024Bricklayers:A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for union work!#VoteUnion #KamalaHarris2024 https://t.co/dEGvKvsiBd— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 22, 2024Coalition of Labor Union Women:ALL THE VOTING WOMEN: Put a vote on it!(Music video w/lyrics by Lynn Marie Smith & Elise Bryant to the tune of @Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies)✊🏽 ✨ pic.twitter.com/6nryEkhHLU— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 21, 2024Communications Workers of America:Solidarity with @NYTGuildTech! https://t.co/WNhxIhBBdV— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 22, 2024Department for Professional Employees:Congrats!👑🍻🎉 https://t.co/AKwN2EUZk3— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 21, 2024Electrical Workers:#IBEW reaches tentative contract with @CSX and @nscorp https://t.co/3cw0F7Cg5q— IBEW (@IBEW) October 22, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:To our Brothers & Sisters recently impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — know that there is help. If you are a member in need of assistance, please contact our International Office for support. We’re looking to help! Let us know your community’s status & any… pic.twitter.com/yAFmtTtmSq— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) October 10, 2024International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:Jobs With Justice:UNION is coming to theaters across the U.S. this month!Directed by @mainmaing and @brettpstory, @unionthefilm follows the @amazonlabor’s historic journey to victory.🎟️ Learn more and get tickets: https://t.co/ZEkvVC9Zdc. pic.twitter.com/HxMeqG46JI— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 17, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🚨 Our latest video breaks down how Project 2025 pushes a conservative agenda that threatens to harm the Latino community and marginalized families across the country. pic.twitter.com/S3FkHjjjuD— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 22, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:WEEKEND LABOR ARTS CALENDARCheck out our Arts Calendar https://t.co/DIczSFlyeN pic.twitter.com/vLZDFz5YVe— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) October 20, 2024Laborers:14 days until the election! We’ve got to show up and vote for @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz to protect their lives in OUR future and #UNION way of life. Make your voice heard! #Vote #GOTV pic.twitter.com/qinW2uPo9G— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 22, 2024Machinists:Over 400 members of IAM Local 660 (District 9) in Eaton, Illinois, have taken a stand against Eaton B-Line, striking for fair wages. #UnionStrong #StrikeAlert https://t.co/vxw2T8fkdB— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) October 22, 2024Maritime Trades Department:MARINERS, JONES ACT TANKERS COMMENDED FOR RELIEF EFFORTShttps://t.co/DCppqEv6oM— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 22, 2024Musical Artists:Well if it isn’t the consequences of your union-busting actions…https://t.co/TiJiQ5J46W pic.twitter.com/Z8AOLYvvVb— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 22, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:Registration is now open for NATCA’s 2nd Biennial Activism and Training Expo (ATX), Dec. 9-12, at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. A chance to deepen your knowledge and expand NATCA’s influence. #NATCAATX Read more about #NATCAATX 2024 here. https://t.co/aWAcqEiEGt pic.twitter.com/prTtrVbiP8— NATCA (@NATCA) September 20, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:While delivering along his route, Branch 1259 carrier Jack Young has been able to get to know friendly faces like Rockport, TX resident Keith. One day, Jack saw Keith experiencing a seizure in the middle of the road, so he stopped his truck, shaded Keith with his umbrella, and… pic.twitter.com/67qhNGq3uU— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 21, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:WATCH 📽️: Georgia Organizer Dionne Davis and our Executive Director, @JennOStowe, discuss one of our core goals at NDWA: a federal #DomesticWorkerBillofRights. pic.twitter.com/LtDLOPMhPS— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 21, 2024National Nurses United:So exciting to see the effectiveness of infection control in practice! 🤓https://t.co/hmr7z5dh7y— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 22, 2024National Taxi Workers Alliance:This year, @Uber & @lyft tried to cheat drivers out of $200+ million by manipulating the data that @nyctaxi uses to calculate driver pay.And TLC might actually let them get away with it.Tomorrow, drivers will lead a motorcade to City Hall to demand the money they earned. pic.twitter.com/V6LC8FqxaQ— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 22, 2024NFL Players Association:.@ernestjones53 passes the #CommunityMVP torch to @denzelward 🤝 pic.twitter.com/s90bysbuCt— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 19, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:President McGarvey toured jobsites in Philly to chat with hundreds of building trades members about how @KamalaHarris has had our backs, and the importance of voting on November 5th.Get the facts, and vote for the candidate that truly cares about the working class. VOTE UNION. pic.twitter.com/WCgiRIf73V— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 18, 2024Office and Professional Employees:Solidarity with @TheWNBPA in their fight for a transformational contract that respects players’ work, reflects the league’s growth, and improves working conditions for every single player on every single team. ✊🏀#WNBPA #BetOnWomen https://t.co/uoWY4E8Rel— 🎃PEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) October 21, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:When someone shows you who they are, believe them. pic.twitter.com/736YNgVMnG— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 22, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:#OPCMIA members: Make your voices heard.@OSHA_DOL: 📣🔥 Have something to say about our proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention in outdoor and indoor workplaces? Comment period is open until December 30, 2024. Submit your comments here. ⤵️ https://t.co/pnKkBhGRNn pic.twitter.com/9p3oSXFaMw— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 22, 2024Pride At Work:Have you voted yet or are you voting at the polls on Election Day? Now’s the time to make your voter plan and shout it out! 🗳️#Vote #GOTV #prideatwork pic.twitter.com/TKQNIfVZ1g— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) October 21, 2024Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:At the @IFATSEA 52nd General Assembly opening ceremony , @PASSprezdc Spero welcomed attendees. “Our roots with IFATSEA run deep. We have been a member of the organization since PASS was founded in 1977,” President Spero shared with the group. @FAANews pic.twitter.com/Hp6uiu2sBn— PASS (@PASSNational) October 21, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:The final weeks of the election are upon us! Join us at the RWDSU offices for regular phone banks for Harris-Walz, Mondays and Thursdays from 6-8 PM, through the election.RSVP for Monday: https://t.co/zPK2hVNlPgRSVP for Thursday: https://t.co/pjp2FL4Pjq pic.twitter.com/k4g0XYTNTt— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 22, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Did you know? https://t.co/yxaaxjykYt has a growing collection of resources in Spanish to help prevent falls. All of the resources can be found at: https://t.co/jxGu2jV5n7 #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/oJJ8VLNJU8— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 21, 2024SAG-AFTRA:Well-deserved! 👏 Congrats to SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Small Locals Suzanne Burkhead on receiving the Howard Keel Award, which recognizes exceptional union service. #SagAftraStrong 💪 pic.twitter.com/6oK6hjnFD1— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 22, 2024Solidarity Center:Are you a student or professional journalist? Participate in the 2024 Global Media Competition on Labour Migration organized by the ILO and its partners!🗓️ Deadline: 31 October 2024🔗 https://t.co/R6ffic23Hb #Media4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/7cWl8gd9xn— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 17, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:🚨FIRST CONTRACT WIN: @AustinNewsGuild journalists at the Austin American-Statesman secured a tentative agreement last week after years of negotiations and a MARATHON 21-hour session with owner Gannett. ✊https://t.co/hkAqno13Uu— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 22, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:Happening TODAY: Join the IATSE Education and Training Department @ 3pm ET to learn about the causes of occupational hearing loss and how to prevent it.Register here:https://t.co/rdmTp5TK16 pic.twitter.com/A6lXh4AiRN— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 22, 2024Transport Workers Union:”The TWU stands with @SherrodBrown because he fights for transport workers and all working people on rail safety and other vital issues.” @TwuSamuelsen 💪 https://t.co/aVHpns5rEn— TWU (@transportworker) October 22, 2024Transportation Trades Department:Today the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $4.2 billion investment in major bridge, port, rail and highway projects across the country. These projects will transform our infrastructure while creating opportunities for union workers. https://t.co/wlPKtjUZ7V https://t.co/i0Nw9Vd6KG— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 21, 2024UAW:Stellantis management has launched a campaign of intimidation and harassment against our members, our local unions, and the International UAW to try to get us to back down from the fight to save our jobs.We have bad news for Stellantis: we’re not going anywhere. It’s time to… pic.twitter.com/b9ZKq9J3g8— UAW (@UAW) October 18, 2024Union Veterans Council:Standing with Rep.@ChrisforPA and Major General @BillEnyart to remind everyone what’s at stake. Get out and vote—for our veterans, our unions, and our democracy. This is our fight, and your vote is your voice. Let’s protect what matters most. 🇺🇸 #GOTV #DefendDemocracy #VetsVote pic.twitter.com/2CW0pWWsY0— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 19, 2024UNITE HERE:Want to change your own sheets and take out your own trash?During a recent strike, Hilton provided guests with plastic garbage bags – because regular housekeeping wasn’t available.Don’t stay at a struck hotel. Find a hotel at https://t.co/JuVQwwx7oj. pic.twitter.com/pBuCv9wz2z— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 21, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:In a UNANIMOUS vote, Health care hospitality workers at McKellar Place, an independent senior living facility in the city of Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, have officially voted to join @UFCW175633.Congratulations!➡️ https://t.co/hIvblOYSBF pic.twitter.com/QKN6xRkpEX— UFCW (@UFCW) October 21, 2024United Steelworkers:Local 7600 knows that the early bird gets the worm! The more than 7,000 health care workers in Southern California are prepping for major negotiations next year by filling out bargaining surveys and building their Communication and Action Team (CAT). Way to go, siblings! pic.twitter.com/akHejY5mB3— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) October 21, 2024Utility Workers:Here is a lovely profile of the @UWUA310 members who traveled from Rhode Island to Florida to help with hurricane recovery. UWUA members from across the country are still restoring services in storm affected areas. #UnionStronghttps://t.co/DQL1wOFCJv— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 21, 2024Writers Guild of America East:We demand voluntary recognition of the A+E Nonfiction Union. Workers have made their voices heard, now it’s time for @aenetworks to respect their choice without delay or division. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/Lk0wNjFj0C— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) October 21, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/23/2024 – 12:32
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Hotel Workers in Boston Ratify Historic New Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Hotel Workers in Boston Ratify Historic New Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
UNITE HERE Local 26 members unanimously voted to ratify a new contract on Sunday after months of negotiations and about a week with nearly 700 workers on strike at Omni Hotels in Boston.Members who work at the Omni Boston Seaport and Omni Parker House hotels began an open-ended strike last week to secure fair wages, better benefits and improved job security. And now, hospitality workers are celebrating a historic deal that includes $10-an-hour wage increases over the lifetime of the contract and more. This victory comes as thousands of other UNITE HERE members continue fighting for the same goals across several major cities.“For me, the most important aspect of this new contract is that everyone will get meaningful raises,” said James “Smitty” Smith, a banquet server at the Omni Parker House, in a UNITE HERE press release. “I’m glad that Omni came to the table in good faith, and we finally reached an agreement. But we’re not done until we’re all done, in Boston and everywhere else.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/23/2024 – 10:15
Working Every Day to Elect Worker Champions: In the States Roundup
Working Every Day to Elect Worker Champions: In the States Roundup
It’s time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:Yesterday, President Joelle Hall participated in a forum on Ballot Measure One at the RDC breakfast. This historic initiative will:✅ Increase the Minimum Wage to $15 Over 3 Years✅ Guarantee Earned Sick Leave for Alaska’s Workers ✅ Improve Worker Freedom on the Job pic.twitter.com/7Mjwd9d32S— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 18, 2024Arizona AFL-CIO:This morning we joined our fellow #UnionSiblings for a Labor Rally and canvass launch at Arizona Education Assiciation in support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz!— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 12, 2024California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:🚨 Stand with CVS workers, join a @ufcw324 picket line near you! ✊ https://t.co/nSH9EJzDs3— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 20, 2024Colorado AFL-CIO:The election is right around the corner! On November 5th, we need to show our collective powers as workers at the ballot box. We’re working everyday to elect these worker champions in November. Make sure you’re registered to vote! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/ZLQ4Y5dgdz— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 17, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Thanks to our incredible Connecticut @ActiveRetirees members for making phone calls and writing post cards to fellow retirees about supporting pro-worker candidates! #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/tAmbBbH5bA— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:Early voting for the 2024 general election has started in several counties this morning. If you haven’t voted already, find a convenient early voting location close to you at https://t.co/EugzngMA1S!— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:Need a ride to the polls? Union members and workers’ rights supporters, get your voice heard. Rides provided by Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda from early voting to November 5, 2024. Schedule at https://t.co/a3DqfGznS0. 💪 #YourVoteMatters #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/xg7BggVpEb— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 15, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Transportation advocates were in Springfield last week testifying on the importance of adequately funding our transit systems across IL. Access to good, public transit impacts all of us: from getting us to our jobs, our healthcare and spending time with our loved ones. #1u pic.twitter.com/3VKfsoBctO— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Union member volunteers have knocked over 17,000 doors to elect pro-worker legislative candidates so far!https://t.co/TGBKBelJKD #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Don’t miss the rally at South Station on Wednesday to support Keolis Commuter Rail Workers! These workers transport over 100,000 passengers in and out of Boston every weekday, yet they are the lowest paid commuter rail employees in the country. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/VVwYdSwMCj— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 21, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:This is what standing with union workers looks like. While Trump trashes Detroit, insults auto workers, and brags about denying workers overtime, Kamala Harris is fighting to save the livelihood of the working class. https://t.co/RMjc7EbkIE— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 17, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:Another great Saturday for our Labor 2024 volunteers! Want to talk to your fellow union members about our Labor-endorsed candidates? Sign up at https://t.co/RrBFREJreF #BetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarris #mnleg pic.twitter.com/qMKSbVERHW— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 19, 2024Missouri AFL-CIO:It’s time to close the gap and secure the #PaidSickDays we deserve. Prop A also requires employers to provide 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.Vote #YesOnPropA this November to bring earned paid sick days to Missouri. pic.twitter.com/2OohA55LHz— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Another Day Another Labor SuperWalk!When We Fight, We Win!🗳️In-Person Early Voting: Sat, 10/19 – Fri, 11/1🇺🇸Election Day: Tue, 11/5 pic.twitter.com/YEKOOjUUT1— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 20, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Ready to hit the doors! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/Er3KIeG0aT— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 19, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:This week, the Trump-Vance campaign is making stops in North Carolina. So we’re taking this opportunity to talk about some of the top reasons why working people in NC are voting for @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz! 💪 🧵 #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/kKa6PITaYM— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:We are sharing this and we hope you do, too. Not just on Twitter, but text friends and family. We can turn the corner and have a better tomorrow where the rights of every American, not just a select few, are honored. https://t.co/1JDZUoMaiD— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 20, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:Join #OregonLabor this Saturday at a canvass for State Rep. and union member Hoa Nguyen and Dan Rayfield, our next Attorney General!A BBQ lunch will be provided by Portland Fire Fighters @iaff43! Sign up and get more info at https://t.co/B1B90w7Rqn pic.twitter.com/q1YjGhEZNC— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:That sea of green is going to help us GOTV in northeast PA. When we knock, WE WIN!Ready to help? 👇👇👇https://t.co/3RqtKf6D9i#Labor2024 #UnionsForHarris pic.twitter.com/TAdhlW0qdU— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 19, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:It’s finally here!Today is the FIRST DAY of Early Vote — so get out there and fight back against the billionaires and their anti-worker puppets by making your voice heard 😤Problems voting? Call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE pic.twitter.com/Nr3ouOJk2g— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 21, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Solidarity with @UniteHereLocal8 hotel workers at the Doubletree Seattle Airport and Seattle Airport Hilton!Hotel workers are on strike all over the US. Don’t cross the picket lin‼️ Check https://t.co/bciAS6IleJ before you travel. pic.twitter.com/M0XXsuZquD— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 18, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Union member candidate spotlight. Dana Glasstein, candidate for Wisconsin’s 22nd Assembly District, is a @WEAC member. pic.twitter.com/JZVy37sEan— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 21, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/22/2024 – 13:30
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Ratifies Contract with AT&T
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Ratifies Contract with AT&T
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 Communications Workers of America (CWA) ratified agreements with AT&T that cover some 23,000 employees across 11 states. Over the life of the four-year agreement, workers in the West will receive wage increases of at least 15% and those in the Southeast will get more than 19%. Wire technicians and utility operations professionals from the Southeast will receive an additional 3% wage boost under the bipartisan infrastructure law. More than 17,000 workers secured the increases after engaging in an unfair labor practice strike in August.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/22/2024 – 09:55
Pushing and Kicking Those Doors Open: The Working People Weekly List
Pushing and Kicking Those Doors Open: 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.
Biden Cancels $4.5 Billion in Student Debt for Over 60,000 Public Service Workers: “President Joe Biden on Thursday said an additional $4.5 billion in student debt is being canceled for about 60,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters and others, bringing the number of public service workers to get relief during his administration to more than 1 million. More than $73 billion in loans have been forgiven under a 2007 initiative, according to an Education Department news release. Borrowers eligible for the latest round of relief should learn of their debt being cleared in coming weeks.”Boston Teachers Push for Better Wages and Working Conditions with More ‘Walk-Ins’: “Boston teachers held ‘walk-ins’ outside five schools across the district Thursday morning as they continue rallying support amid ongoing contract negotiations. The Boston Teachers Union is fighting for better pay for teachers and paraprofessionals. They’re also asking for what they’re calling ‘inclusion done right’—they say the district needs to properly staff the inclusion model used in classrooms for students with special needs and English Language Learners. The union, whose contract expired on Aug. 31 right before the start of the new school year, has been in negotiations with Boston Public Schools since February. Right now, 8,000 educators are without a contract in the district.”Harris, Culinary Local 226 Are Mobilizing Their Efforts for Election Day Push in Nevada: “Before her nationally televised town hall in Las Vegas last week, Vice President Kamala Harris took part in a more private meeting. The Democratic presidential nominee made a visit to the headquarters of Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, taking photos with members and speaking about her proposals, including to tackle housing costs and price gouging. It was also an opportunity for her to remind the powerful union of their shared interests in continuing their work this fall to elect her to the White House.”Grad Students Are Unionizing in Droves. Can Postdocs Lead the Next Wave?: “When Marjorie Levinstein, 35, began working as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2021, she knew from the outset that she wanted to advocate for her fellow postdocs. At the University of Washington, where she had received her PhD in neuroscience, she saw firsthand ‘how the union really fought to improve our lives.’ But the unionization movement at her new employer, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), didn’t have that infrastructure. In July 2021, it amounted to ‘five people on a Zoom call,’ Levinstein told The Nation. Now, she’s fighting for her union’s first contract in an over-5,000-strong collective bargaining unit, which won its vote by a nearly 98% margin last year.”Petitions for Union Representation Doubled Under Biden’s Presidency, First Increase Since 1970s: “There has been a doubling of petitions by workers to have union representation during President Joe Biden’s administration, according to figures released Tuesday by the National Labor Relations Board. There were 3,286 petitions filed with the government in fiscal 2024, up from 1,638 in 2021. This marks the first increase in unionization petitions during a presidential term since Gerald Ford’s administration, which ended 48 years ago. During Trump’s presidency, union petitions declined 22%. President Joe Biden said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press that the increase showed that his administration has done more for workers than his predecessor, Donald Trump, the current Republican nominee who is vying to return to the White House in November’s election.”More Black and Latina Women Are Leading Unions—and Transforming How They Work: “‘Momentum for Black and Latina women rising into labor union leadership has picked up in the last five years. But the work began long before that by ‘our foremothers who laid this foundation and have been pushing and kicking those doors open for decades,’ according to Liz Shuler, who in June 2022 became the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, a federation of 60 national and international labor unions. ‘The #MeToo movement, I think, has really emboldened women across the board, including in labor, to say, “You know what? I’m not going to be sitting on the sidelines,’” Shuler said. The pandemic also put a spotlight on essential workers such as nurses, service workers, and care workers, who are predominantly women and minorities.”Hotel Workers Campaign Among Latino Voters in Arizona: “‘Hello, housekeeping!’ she called, breaking into a laugh upon realizing her mistake. The 57-year-old is a member of UNITE HERE, the hospitality union, and had taken a leave of absence from her job at a nearby Hilton to go door-to-door to keep Arizona blue. ‘I like to step back and wait, so they think I’ve left,’ she said. ‘Then they open the door and here I am.’”’A True Hero’: Pay Equity Crusader Lilly Ledbetter Dies at 86: “Labor unions and women’s advocacy groups on Monday paid tribute to Lilly Ledbetter, the former Goodyear employee whose fight for equal pay made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress, after her death at the age of 86—with economic justice advocates hailing Ledbetter as ‘an icon.’ ‘Lilly Ledbetter simply wanted to be paid the same as her male Goodyear co-workers,’ said the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) on social media. But to workers who have benefited from the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, added the union, ‘she was a true hero.’”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/21/2024 – 15:35
Urgent Union Update
Urgent Union Update
Bargaining a good contract is a union’s top priority.Based on our research of candidate proposals and positions, we’ve identified significant differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump that would strongly impact unions. We hope that you will share this important information from the AFL-CIO—America’s largest federation of labor unions—with your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors:Kamala Harris stands with union members and says that America’s union workers are the best in the world. She has stood on picket lines with us even before she was vice president. Her policies have helped bring new workers into unions, saved union members’ pensions, created training programs that give young people opportunities for good union jobs and increased wages, and provided better benefits in union contracts. Donald Trump, on the other hand, is pushing proposals that big corporations want like cuts to wages, overtime pay, retirement, health and safety, and more. The labor chapter in Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda, written by the chief counsel of Trump’s transition team and the head of Trump’s policy team at the Department of Labor, would eliminate public sector unions, make it illegal for companies to voluntarily recognize unions, let corporations union-bust in secret and take away unions mid-contract, eliminate the Biden–Harris rules requiring project labor agreements and Davis–Bacon prevailing wages on federally funded construction projects, and more.If Donald Trump takes office, we’re deeply concerned about pro-corporate policies that will make it harder to win gains in our next contracts, and stack the deck in favor of the CEOs.Trump and some politicians are already thinking about how to make it more difficult for workers to join a union and put our wages, pensions, health care and retirement security at risk. And just this week, he insulted UAW members by saying that making cars is so easy, a child could do it.The bottom line is this—there’s a big difference between the presidential candidates on these issues and the result of this year’s election could have major consequences for our unions.
Audrey Edmonds
Fri, 10/18/2024 – 10:12
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Montana Cannabis Workers Make History by Joining UFCW
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Montana Cannabis Workers Make History by Joining 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.
Cannabis workers at two Honey Sour dispensaries in uptown and downtown Butte, Montana, late last month voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1889.This election victory marks the first time Montana cannabis workers have successfully organized since the legalization of cannabis in the state three years ago. Staff initially reached out to the union with concerns about workplace safety issues—including mold and lack of running water—job security, customer well-being and more. Now members are looking forward to bargaining with Honey Sour to secure the fair working conditions that reflect their dedication and expertise.“I am incredibly proud to announce this historic achievement for us cannabis workers in Montana,” said Milo Vukovich, a Honey Sour dispensary worker. “Through today’s victory, we hope that we can pave the way for all cannabis workers in the state to receive the representation and benefits they deserve. This milestone shows just how powerful we are when we stand together, regardless of the industry.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/18/2024 – 09:24
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Charles Bend Techs Ratify New 3-Year Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: St. Charles Bend Techs Ratify New 3-Year Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Nearly 200 employees from the technical bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend ratified a union contract with 100% of workers voting in favor of the deal. These health care workers are members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (AFT Local 5017). The contract includes raises, cost of living adjustments, a predictable pay scale that determines raises according to years of tenure and experience, improved language governing time off, reformed disciplinary procedures, and language to protect workers if St. Charles is ever sold to a new hospital system.“The ratification of our new contract is a positive step forward, one that will serve our community through better recruitment and retention of highly skilled health providers,” said Tyler Ecklund, a nuclear medicine technologist and member of the union’s bargaining team.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/17/2024 – 11:38
One Day Longer, One Day Stronger: What Working People Are Doing This Week
One Day Longer, One Day Stronger: 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:Today we honor Indigenous People’s Day.Formerly Columbus Day, this important holiday is shifting the national conversation towards centering the stories and histories of Native Peoples. Learn more: https://t.co/OaDE6CotWq pic.twitter.com/lVjRIoK6Xa— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 14, 2024AFGE:We’re 3 weeks away from Election Day!And, early voting has already started in some states. Find the early voting schedule in your state: https://t.co/XNIShiH8kk pic.twitter.com/QU2oEjumnN— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 15, 2024AFSCME:During a rally in Columbus, Ohio, AFSCME stood proudly behind Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. https://t.co/HImXZOnXKJ— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 15, 2024Alliance for Retired Americans:The work that legislators do to strengthen retirement security matters for seniors. Thank you for being a 2024 #RetireeHero, @BennieGThompson! pic.twitter.com/KshY50YpKy— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 16, 2024Amalgamated Transit Union:We stand with our Local 1189-Guelph, ON, members in their fight for a fair contract. #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab #UnionStrong @OFLabour pic.twitter.com/9sNCZPqarP— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 16, 2024American Federation of Teachers:“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for us. Their North Star is making life better for working people.” Hear from @rweingarten about @KamalaHarris & @Tim_Walz’s plans to expand healthcare access & more.🩺https://t.co/lt2GKr4tO9— AFT (@AFTunion) October 16, 2024American Postal Workers Union:This past weekend in Orlando, FL, APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell was awarded CBTU Region III’s 2024 Labor Legend Award for her outstanding achievements in labor. pic.twitter.com/kfr3sFjMpe— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 8, 2024Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:“Stock buybacks are a sickness…the industry was rid of them, but a greedhead hedge fund broke the seal in its efforts to gain control of @SouthwestAir & now @united mgmt is following their lead to manipulate the stock, & cheat workers & passengers.” 1/4 https://t.co/mriWAN2iQG— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 15, 2024Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) stopped by a BCTGM Local 19 (Cleveland) Retirees event this week to reflect on the outcome of the Butch Louis Act.We MUST remember who our friends are in this election! 🗳️ https://t.co/ohqBdOLpWF— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) October 12, 2024Boilermakers:This Local 1, Chicago, #Boilermaker bounced his way to gold. 🥇 See what sets Earl Pote leaps, bounds and technical tricks ahead of the competition. https://t.co/IVxVaGt0zj pic.twitter.com/4k4let5FEa— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 16, 2024Bricklayers:Happy #WorksiteWednesday!In 2019, a $300 million restoration project on the Brooklyn Bridge commenced, giving BAC Local 1, NY members a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build the next chapter in the history of “America’s Eiffel Tower.”Read more: https://t.co/JQ4zaxQJZS pic.twitter.com/bFXa7ETgN3— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 16, 2024Communications Workers of America:Shout out to all the CWA members and retirees who have been working hard to get out the vote! ❤️✊https://t.co/3zPioj5pxz— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 12, 2024Department for Professional Employees:Professionals can formalize remote work by forming unions. For example, @AFGENational members at the Defense Health Agency, @OPEIU members at TruStage & @IFPTE members at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis have already done so. Learn more: https://t.co/JoD99wNCzj pic.twitter.com/z4J1xMAITa— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 15, 2024Electrical Workers:#IBEW members are getting out the vote for @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz in Georgia https://t.co/STvjUVLuI1— IBEW (@IBEW) October 16, 2024Heat and Frost Insulators:To our Brothers & Sisters recently impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — know that there is help. If you are a member in need of assistance, please contact our International Office for support. We’re looking to help! Let us know your community’s status & any… pic.twitter.com/yAFmtTtmSq— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) October 10, 2024Jobs With Justice:Communities across the Southeast are facing tremendous challenges in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and now Milton. From providing immediate relief to advocating for fair recovery, grassroots organizers are on the frontlines. pic.twitter.com/3bNmFPfulD— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 9, 2024Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:Honoring Sylvia Rivera, a leader of the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, and a fierce advocate for transgender rights. Her fight against the exclusion of transgender people of color from the gay rights movement continues to inspire. #SylviaRivera #LGBTQ+History @PrideatWork pic.twitter.com/chaOze81YI— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 16, 2024Labor Heritage Foundation:UNION is coming to DC October 23rd! Directed by Steve Maing @mainmaing and Brett Story @brettpstory, UNION @unionthefilm follows the Amazon Labor Union’s historic journey to victory @amazonlabor. To purchase tickets visit: https://t.co/DIIQhPQXEc pic.twitter.com/VWme3ivlwQ— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) October 15, 2024Laborers:Check out #LIUNA brother Michael, calling out Trump’s disrespect for Indigenous people: “They look down on us like we’re nothing. #Project2025 will hit LIUNA hard, slashing Workforce Development and job incentives.” Be like Michael—a warrior, making a difference! #LIUNAVotes pic.twitter.com/LF4eItrGsU— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 16, 2024Machinists:Solidarity in Seattle! ✊@IAM751 and W24 members joined with allies for a massive rally to support our 33,000 members at Boeing. The message was clear — “One day longer, one day stronger!” pic.twitter.com/Xc0WyVIGdp— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) October 16, 2024Maritime Trades Department:Fantastic piece by @hamiltonnolan. It features @MineWorkers President Cecil Roberts’ full remarks commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Union Miners Cemetery, where the one and only Mother Jones is buriedhttps://t.co/Cg7KH7Qh7S— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 15, 2024Metal Trades Department:https://t.co/iDXu4HHReD WASHINGTON — The new chief executive of the US unit of South Korean industrial conglomerate Hanwha Group wants to restore naval shipbuilding at Philly Shipyard, once the acquisition of that business is finalized this fall.— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 11, 2024Mine Workers:“Don’t tell me the blood of Mother Jones, and John L. Lewis, and all those great leaders don’t flow through your veins. I know it does.” – Cecil E. Robertshttps://t.co/P5A8c4xESn— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 15, 2024Musical Artists:@KlydeWarrenPark security tried and ✨️failed✨️ to kick us out. We aren’t breaking any laws. We’re still here leafletting @dallasblkdance’s festival and marketplace. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Dm8VUr0hr9— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 12, 2024National Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA was proud to attend this month’s @AeroClubDC luncheon, where other aviation labor leaders from @PASSNational, @TTDAFLCIO, & @transportworker discussed the future of aviation & workers’ rights. https://t.co/ctcQLrSIf3 pic.twitter.com/Fg3IrzOkJn— NATCA (@NATCA) October 14, 2024National Association of Letter Carriers:NALC President @BrianRenfroe19 and the members of Region 6 are proud to join @NRLCA in Indianapolis, IN this afternoon for a rally to pass the Protect our Letter Carriers Act. The rise in robberies and violent attacks on the men and women who work hard to deliver essential goods… pic.twitter.com/rIrHj0XDU5— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 14, 2024National Day Laborer Organizing Network:💥Happening Now! Dozen of workers are conveying in Solidaridad DuPage as part of the 50 popular assemblies throughout the country to protect migrants against anti immigrant rhetoric and attacks. pic.twitter.com/jGNwZ6yCZH— NDLON (@NDLON) October 12, 2024National Domestic Workers Alliance:🚨🗳️GEORGIA: Early voting has begun and will continue until November 1st! Check your early voting location and make a plan to vote early: https://t.co/w1FovcP05t— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 15, 2024National Federation of Federal Employees:Supporting Guide Dogs of America, FWS-GS Pay Parity Rule, VP Debate Recap, and more – https://t.co/FiiJahELPK pic.twitter.com/lyOnPwOTPZ— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 11, 2024National Nurses United:In coordination with @IMC_Worldwide, RN Response Network volunteers have come from across the country to Asheville, NC. Volunteer nurses will help meet the ongoing medical needs for the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. pic.twitter.com/mZzauToHTt— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 15, 2024NFL Players Association:.@WigginNathaniel sends his congratulations to @ernestjones53 for his #CommunityMVP nod 🤝. pic.twitter.com/HvyWGWRygY— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 13, 2024North America’s Building Trades Unions:To defeat Trump’s anti-worker policies, we need everyone on board. Check your registration status and #VoteUnionhttps://t.co/S9xkXpfmcT pic.twitter.com/Nyl3Hn6WO7— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 16, 2024Office and Professional Employees:In observing #IndigenousPeoplesDay, OPEIU honors and celebrates the rich histories, cultures, struggles and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the globe. pic.twitter.com/VJMmvMG8Mx— 🎃PEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) October 14, 2024Painters and Allied Trades:It is our responsibility to expand the benefits and opportunities of our union to as many people as possible. We’d like to welcome DC9 Local 1486’s newly organized members to the IUPAT! pic.twitter.com/sZ6JD4xTrU— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 16, 2024Plasterers and Cement Masons:Project 2025 would bring back the disastrous IRAPs proposal that would undermine OPCMIA’s world-class apprenticeship programs and send worker training on a dangerous race to the bottom. This is a must-read from @amprog: https://t.co/auc7qchTss— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 12, 2024Pride At Work:On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we pay tribute to the remarkable strength, bravery, & perseverance of Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to the Indigenous communities for their stewardship of these lands, & we stand in solidarity with them. pic.twitter.com/Io5HxvEzcC— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) October 14, 2024Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:.@RWDSU Local 110 stands in solidarity with @238Teamsters on strike at the Cargill corn milling plant! RWDSU members from Quaker Oats and General Mills came out to rally with our striking union family, and make it clear that Cedar Rapids is a union town! #1u pic.twitter.com/EjDtTEa8a7— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 16, 2024Roofers and Waterproofers:Planning to prevent falls includes having a rescue plan in place in the event a worker falls, and it should include more than calling 911: https://t.co/AmSwxW9Qih. Check out CPWR’s fall prevention planning templates to get started: https://t.co/3iotfGwuTC #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/sSO7tqgKZs— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 15, 2024SAG-AFTRA:Intimacy Coordinator Katherine O’Keefe explains how ICs unionizing with SAG-AFTRA will help actors, producers and directors! Actors always deserve to feel safe on set. #UnionizeICs Show your support for ICs in the comments and learn more: https://t.co/3xraLwab6c pic.twitter.com/gLB8GikCNO— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 16, 2024Solidarity Center:The workers of the world are in good hands with this amazing group of lawyers & activists on their side!#ILAWConf2024 #Solidarity#WorkersRights https://t.co/mVdHkqvOgH— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 11, 2024The NewsGuild-CWA:Yesterday, the @NLRB announced union petitions are surging & have doubled since 2021!At @PressClubDC, NewsGuild Pres. Jon Schleuss spoke with NLRB leadership about how underfunding/understaffing denies workers justice in the workplace and called for doubling the NLRB’s funding! pic.twitter.com/DlNX6u8oqb— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 16, 2024Theatrical Stage Employees:Reminder: Join us tomorrow at 2pm ET, to learn the history of voting rights in the U.S., current voter suppression efforts, and what you can do to protect this essential right. Register here: https://t.co/HYxykt7uJe pic.twitter.com/eJh5RNflMG— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 15, 2024UAW:”There has been a doubling of petitions by workers to have union representation during @JoeBiden’s administration, according to figures released Tuesday by the @NLRB. During Trump’s presidency, union petitions declined 22%.”https://t.co/O6o4AFjcSU— UAW (@UAW) October 16, 2024Union Veterans Council:1/ 🧵 The attacks on military voting rights by Republican-led lawsuits are a direct assault on the very freedoms our service members fight to protect.”Republicans face backlash for lawsuits targeting overseas and military voting.”https://t.co/mWjbFgHqxm— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 16, 2024UNITE HERE:Let’s get out the vote! If you have co-workers, friends, family or activists who want to knock on doors but can’t do it full time, volunteer with @seed_the_vote!https://t.co/GCbNNEN0bD pic.twitter.com/0rprzXVhcQ— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 16, 2024United Food and Commercial Workers:This #PharmacistTechnicianDay, we stand in solidarity w/ CA CVS workers as they FIGHT for the contact they DESERVE!It’s time for CVS to get serious & deliver our members a contract w/ benefits as essential as the labor provided by their workers.➡️ https://t.co/Y3teHeWW88 pic.twitter.com/zar1EZTDLU— UFCW (@UFCW) October 15, 2024United Steelworkers:🎙️ The latest episode of the Solidarity Works podcast just dropped and we’re diving into the fight for fair trade: why it matters and how we do it. 🎧 Listen now: //solidarityworks.libsyn.com/fighting-for-fair-trade-why-it-matters-and-how-we-do-it pic.twitter.com/TvWFrEQ860— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) October 16, 2024Utility Workers:What does #solidarity really mean? DeAnna Hill of UWUA Local 191 and the UWUA Women’s Caucus provides a powerful reflection in the latest issue of The Utility Worker magazine.🧵 pic.twitter.com/rmKlT7QGyv— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 16, 2024Working America:Happy 21st birthday Working America! What began as a small door-knocking campaign in Cleveland, OH, has since become a powerful organizing force for working people with 5 million members. Read our blog to learn more about how far we’ve come. https://t.co/HmrsptBZ7x— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 10, 2024Writers Guild of America East:Writers across Nonfiction and Fiction TV/film stand together in demanding strong union protections and voluntary recognition, without delay or division, for the A+E Nonfiction Union. @aenetworks, it’s time to respect your workers’ choices. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/cSyO0v8krW— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) October 16, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/16/2024 – 10:17
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: United Health Professionals of New Mexico Members Ratify Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: United Health Professionals of New Mexico Members Ratify Contract
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) affiliate, United Health Professionals of New Mexico (UHPNM), ratified a contract Sunday with the University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (UNM SRMC).The union includes nurses and other health professionals who work at UNM SRMC and have been fighting for better working conditions and improved patient safety. Highlights of the agreement include wins like wage increases, job protections, the establishment of a labor-management committee that will look into safe staffing ratios and other ways to improve patient healing conditions, and more.“This contract represents basic respect for hospital professionals who work tirelessly for their patients,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “It shouldn’t have been so hard to get to this place, and the workers’ tenacity and the public’s support for their current or future caregivers moved the needle and resulted in this contract. We need hospitals to work collaboratively with their front-line workers and respect their input. When that happens, workers and patients are better off.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/16/2024 – 10:05