AFL-CIO

Worker Wins: ‘Stronger When We Stand Together’

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Worker Wins: ‘Stronger When We Stand Together’

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

Retail Workers at Five Macy’s Locations in Washington State Ratify New Contract: Macy’s workers at five storefronts in Washington state—who are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 3000—approved a new collective bargaining agreement. The new three-year deal covers sales associates, beauty advisers, inventory managers, merchandise processors and receiving clerks at mall and furniture outlets in Bellingham, Lynnwood and Tukwila. “We had a really strong bargaining unit, and more importantly, the support of our fellow union members behind us. With that, we were able to secure a contract that featured minimal takeaways and one of the best general wage increases we’ve gotten in recent years,” said Samantha Wilson, a Bellingham Macy’s worker.University of Vermont Medical Center Support Staff Members Secure TA After Authorizing Strike: Support staff and technical professionals at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC)—who are represented by AFT Vermont—have reached a tentative agreement (TA) just days after voting to approve a strike authorization. A powerful 82% of UVMMC Support Staff United members had signaled their readiness to walk off the job to secure a fair contract. The approximately 3,300-person bargaining unit and UVMMC’s management had been locked in negotiations since April. The members’ previous contract expired in August. “We’re taking a stand against the continued destruction of our staffing levels, of being asked to do more with less, [of just] basically having the brunt of the collapse of the American healthcare system put on our backs,” Jacob Berkowitz, president of UVMMC Support Staff United, said in an interview.National Low Income Housing Coalition Staff Form Union: After a supermajority of staff signed union authorization cards, workers at the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) have requested that management voluntarily recognize the Washington-Baltimore News Guild (WBNG), Local 32035 of The NewsGuild-CWA, as their bargaining representative. Nonprofit staff are organizing under the name NLIHC Workers United in hopes of securing a contract that ensures organizational transparency, better staff development opportunities, and support and improved collaboration. “NLIHC was the first job I took on after graduate school, and was immediately the place I knew I wanted to be at,” said staff member Nada Hussein. “It’s where I have developed a life-long passion for housing justice, and it’s the place I hope I can give back to others in the ways it’s given to me. This is why I am joining our union—for the belief that our organization is stronger when we stand together, with our guiding, core mission being the catalyst for what we do ”Oregon’s Public University Workers Secure TA Following Powerful Strike Threat: Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503-represented classified staff at Oregon’s seven public universities have called off a strike after reaching a tentative agreement (TA) early Monday morning. The bargaining unit covers more than 4,000 school custodians, dining hall workers, office and support staff and other essential workers at Oregon State, Portland State, Western Oregon, Eastern Oregon and Southern Oregon universities, the University of Oregon, and the Oregon Institute of Technology. Back in mid-September, members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a work stoppage to get the fair contract they deserve. “We’re setting a standard here for not only other unions on campus, not only other unions across Lane County and in the state of Oregon, but also for non-union workers who don’t have the ability to collectively bargain,” said Jennifer Smith, president of SEIU 503, Sub-local 085. “But now, we’re setting a standard for wages and benefits across the state.”Cannabis Dispensary Workers in Ohio Vote to Join UFCW: Staff at Sunnyside Dispensary in Chillicothe, Ohio, have successfully voted to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1059. These wellness advisers—also sometimes called budtenders—provide expert recommendations for products, educate customers and more. Workers rallied together to win their election so they could secure fair sick-leave policies, improved health care benefits, better safety protocols and more input into day-to-day operations. “We are excited to get to the bargaining table and negotiate a first contract that empowers us and reflects the value that we bring every day,” said Stacie Hupp, a wellness adviser at Sunnyside Dispensary. “We started this movement by simply talking to each other about how to make our jobs better, and now we have an opportunity to make that vision a reality.”Apple Studios Visual Effects Workers Secure First IATSE Contract: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members who work as visual effects (VFX) workers have successfully secured their first collective bargaining agreement with Apple Studios. This victory is part of a larger industry organizing wave and follows first-contract gains secured by visual effects workers at Disney, Marvel, and on the movie “Avatar.” The contract establishes new standards for pay, health care benefits, retirement, working hours, artificial intelligence usage and workplace safety. “For too long, visual effects workers have powered some of the industry’s biggest productions without the union protections afforded to many of their colleagues,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb in a press release. “It is long past time to fix that. By standing together, Apple Studios VFX workers have secured a strong first contract with enforceable standards, quality benefits, meaningful rest, and protections as new technology changes the industry.”Daily Herald Journalists Win Union Election: Newsroom staff at the Daily Herald have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with the Chicago News Guild, Local 34071 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). All 20 union-eligible journalists at the daily newspaper—which is owned by Alden Global Capital/Tribune Publishing—signed union authorization cards in August. Management refused to voluntarily recognize the Daily Herald News Guild bargaining unit, but members stood united and successfully won their National Labor Relations Board election. Staff members began organizing after they experienced steady wage and working-hour reductions over the past 10 years and multiple rounds of buyouts and combination buyouts and layoffs.USLPA-CWA Members Ratify New Agreement: Members of the USL Players Association (USLPA), an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have ratified their new contract after two years of bargaining. Despite facing anti-union tactics from management, players stood united in their fight for a fair contract. Year-round contracts, livable wage minimums and guaranteed access to employer-paid health insurance were the primary areas of focus in negotiations. “Our players showed what solidarity looks like,” said USLPA-CWA Executive Director Connor Tobin. “For eight weeks, they stood together during the first minute of every match to make clear that they have a voice and a say in their future. This contract is a foundation for the players who come next. It means future players will have stronger protections and a stronger voice. We are proud of what our players fought for and what they have built together.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/08/2026 – 11:50

Tags:
Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USLPA-CWA Members Ratify New Agreement

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USLPA-CWA Members Ratify New 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.

Members of the United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA), an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have ratified their new contract after two years of bargaining.Despite facing anti-union tactics from management, players stood united in their fight for a fair contract. Year-round contracts, livable wage minimums and guaranteed access to employer-paid health insurance were the primary areas of focus in negotiations.“Our players showed what solidarity looks like,” said USLPA-CWA Executive Director Connor Tobin. “For eight weeks, they stood together during the first minute of every match to make clear that they have a voice and a say in their future. This contract is a foundation for the players who come next. It means future players will have stronger protections and a stronger voice. We are proud of what our players fought for and what they have built together.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 10/08/2026 – 10:25

Make A Plan to Vote: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Make A Plan to Vote: 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:On Monday, September 14, Equity held a virtual memorial ceremony for members who have passed away in the last few months. The event consisted of the reading of these names as well as space for friends and family to share their memories of their loved ones. https://youtu.be/fg3vPZNDZyA[image or embed]— Actors’ Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) October 6, 2026 at 7:32 PMAFGE:TSA announced they are removing chairs from the TSA checkpoint podiums where Transportation Security Officers screen passengers. Simply put, this is ridiculous. Take a Stand with TSA Officers by sending a letter urging TSA to allow officers to sit. https://t.co/V3J1LQzVMG— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 5, 2026AFSCME:AFSCME members are voting to put the power back in the hands of working people. We need lawmakers who understand that working families can’t wait. Learn more about pro-worker candidates who will fight for us: https://t.co/dLDvCsHqzO https://t.co/MHLfFBY699— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 6, 2026Air Line Pilots Association:Capt. Duane Woerth, ALPA president on 9/11, shared with our Executive Board memories of that day, from the Oval Office to Sec. Mineta’s Rapid Response Team. He shared with our Executive Board the tough decisions made during aviation’s darkest hours. https://t.co/Y0M6RvaXA2— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) October 1, 2026Alliance for Retired Americans:📋 One of the best ways to make sure we get out and vote is to plan ahead. This year, we need to make early voting part of our routine. Find out how at the link in the comments and tell us: What’s your plan? https://t.co/eQ3jr5ozKH— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 7, 2026Amalgamated Transit Union:The new ATU In Transit magazine is coming to your mailbox soon. Check out this video preview. Can wait to read it? You can find it now on the ATU website at https://t.co/qiYbDqlJdh #OurVoiceOurPower https://t.co/yMZh3ssjf8— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 6, 2026American Federation of Musicians:It’s time for every artist to be paid for their work played on AM/FM radio. Pass the American Music Fairness Act.— AFM (@The_AFM) September 29, 2026American Federation of Teachers:More than 100 million U.S. adults have medical debt, & 1 in 5 believe they’ll never be able to pay it off. How did we get here? Policy choices that enrich insurers, pharma companies and healthcare institutions—while sacrificing patients’ health and financial security. Read more in AFT Health Care ⤵️[image or embed]— AFT (@aft.org) October 7, 2026 at 10:59 AMAmerican Postal Workers Union:The Industrial Relations Department summarizes the Talk Is Cheap: Safety Matters discourse from APWU’s 28th Biennial National Convention, including the preconvention workshop taught by APWU National Safety Specialist Don Barron and Eastern Region Coordinator Vince Tarducci. https://t.co/DLOLoNdjiu— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) October 7, 2026Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Today marks exactly 5 months since Spirit Airlines ceased flying & thousands of AFA Flight Attendants’ wings were suddenly clipped. Yesterday, 23 of these former Spirit FAs regained their wings at United. Congratulations Class 2633! Welcome (back!) to the skies 💙🐝🌐 https://t.co/0QyDyV3yrx— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 2, 2026Boilermakers:Quality craftsmanship is recognised internationally. Watch L-158 #Boilermakers build Komatsu heavy haul trucks: https://t.co/rfR7G53C4F https://t.co/2g6UT9BFUQ— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 6, 2026Bricklayers:Bob Sargent transitioned from US Army service to a dedicated 30-year career in the trowel trades with BAC Local 3 #Iowa after growing up near the Marshalltown Trowel factory. His life exemplifies a profound commitment to both his country and our union: https://t.co/oady4wLKge https://t.co/3FDepusvew— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 5, 2026Communications Workers of America:Great news!— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 7, 2026Electrical Workers:“The burden of railroad consolidations has always fallen on the employee… Assurances that [the Union Pacific/NS merger] will be different are unconvincing” – #IBEW President Kenneth W. Cooper. https://t.co/0WaLjMgAqE https://t.co/UqfpZ2XgGv— IBEW (@IBEW) October 7, 2026Fire Fighters:🙌🔥 NEW MEMBERS IN NORTH CAROLINA! Congrats to the 26 new recruits who joined IAFF #Charlotte Firefighters in North Carolina. Welcome, brothers and sisters, to our great union! #UnionStrong #OrganizeTheSouth https://t.co/UgwO8bss4G— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) October 7, 2026Heat and Frost Insulators:Catch @UnionSportsmen new Solid Ground episode featuring IVP Brain Cavey, along with his cousin Jamey & father Bernie, as they share a 30-year tradition of fishing for one of the East Coast’s most sought-after game fish, cobia. ▶️ Watch now: https://t.co/eIaWwyqMtl— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) September 30, 2026IAM Union:IAM Local 933 has opened negotiations with Raytheon in Tucson. More than 2,200 IAM members build critical defense systems – and deserve wages, benefits and job security that reflect their work. We stand with Local 933! ✊ https://t.co/izSlKEIZ4V— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 7, 2026International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:Election Day is just one month away. Groceries, gas and diesel are too expensive, and leaders in power aren’t doing enough to take on the cost of living. This Election Day, it’s time to vote for the candidates who ACT on our behalf. https://t.co/oMGHf9z3Ef— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) October 6, 2026International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:IFPTE Participates in Federal Workforce Union Coalition Lobby Day on Capitol Hill https://t.co/4gfJdewVpE— IFPTE (@IFPTE) September 26, 2026International Union of Police Associations:The I.U.P.A. brings you the NewsWatch every week. Click on this link to see the latest news for I.U.P.A. members! https://t.co/LT4QTIIwDe— International Union Of Police Associations (@IUPA34233) October 7, 2026Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:🗳️ Our communities deserve to be informed, engaged, and heard! Join our LCLAA sister and Executive Board Member, @SoniaVasquezLun, and @PPAVirginia for plática especial about reproductive rights and the issues impacting Latino working families. https://t.co/GWQtbiUB9L— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 7, 2026Laborers:Is #WomenCrushWednesday still a thing? If not, we’re bringing it back. Before we take over Tradeswomen Build nations in Houston this weekend, let’s run it back. Last year, we followed Local 323’s India as she experienced her very FIRST #TWBN. And yeah, the energy was UNMATCHED. Now it’s almost time to do it all over again. Who’s going? 👇Drop it in the comments. #TWBN26 #LIUNA #girlpower— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 7, 2026Major League Baseball Players Association:As the Rays’ ALDS series shifts to New York, Brooklyn-born Richie Palacios finds himself back at home. Last year, Richie and his brother, Josh, hosted the Built Different clinic, giving back to the place they’re from. The clinic gave more than 150 New York students a chance to play alongside and learn from professionals, like teammate Chandler Simpson. No matter where his career takes him, Richie will never forget from where he came.— MLBPA (@MLBPA) October 6, 2026Maritime Trades Department:MTD Affiliates Support Maritime Provisions in NDAA @SeafarersUnion @IAM_Union @IBEW @SenJackReed @SenatorWicker https://t.co/PJQ1tfLmYz— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 6, 2026Musical Artists:In today’s Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight, AGMA member David Mejía reflects on an unexpected path from a school scheduling mix-up to a career in opera: www.musicalartists.org/hispanic-her…[image or embed]— American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) (@weareagma.bsky.social) October 1, 2026 at 1:15 PMNational Air Traffic Controllers Association:NATCA’s National Executive Board (NEB) is meeting Tuesday and Wednesday in Albuquerque, N.M. The minutes from the NEB meeting in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 1-2 are now available on the NEB minutes page of the website. https://t.co/2jx6CoCMvg— NATCA (@NATCA) October 6, 2026National Association of Letter Carriers:Do you have your voting plan for the 2026 midterm elections? Visit https://t.co/ktVzq4EYVj to check your voter registration status, review your state’s deadlines, learn about volunteer opportunities and more. https://t.co/IFMkYFAygg— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 7, 2026National Domestic Workers Alliance:Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis has changed his family—including the care his wife, Brittany, now provides every day. She’s become Chris’s primary caregiver, helping care daily. Their story is a reminder: care doesn’t stop when life gets harder. It becomes even more essential. https://t.co/npztmKhCWH— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 1, 2026National Hockey League Players’ Association:Miro Heiskanen’s must-do stop in Dallas should come as a shock to no one 😉 https://t.co/nxewMTaStW— NHLPA (@NHLPA) October 5, 2026National Nurses United:The ultra wealthy got their tax breaks and the war hawks got their endless wars. What did D.C. get? Cuts to lifesaving services at our hospitals. 😡 Nurses and working class families are standing up and saying: Enough! Join us Saturday, October 10! RSVP: https://t.co/SRyT738Zbg https://t.co/rKNbOULaRG— National Nurses United (@NationalNurses) October 6, 2026National Taxi Workers Alliance:Thank you @PANYNJ for holding a taxi driver celebration today at JFK airport! @nyctaxi drivers keep our city moving 🚕 ✊🏾🎉 https://t.co/mqXZo74NLi— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) October 7, 2026NFL Players Association:Statement on Hyatt Regency Buffalo labor action. https://t.co/ZPCqk2iR4p— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 2, 2026North America’s Building Trades Unions:Tag a sister you’re excited to see at Tradeswomen Build Nations! https://t.co/xqcCG3unLQ— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 3, 2026Painters and Allied Trades:Our members help build the infrastructure that our communities depend on and enjoy every single day! Shout out to IUPAT DC 53 members Jared Riggs (LU 1144), Bryan DeVaughn (LU 970), Everett DeVaughn (LU 970), Austin Jones (LU 1144), and Jason Dye (LU 1144) for putting the finishing touches on the new pavilion at Parkersburg City Park. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this project!— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 7, 2026Professional Hockey Players’ Association:The 2026-27 AHL season is here! Wishing all our members a great season ahead. https://t.co/GDkGkI3o02— PHPA (@thephpa) October 2, 2026Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Thank you for your time and support @SenatorAndyKim. PASS-represented employees at the FAA are critical to modernization efforts and the safety of the American flying public. #aviationsafety #publicservice #federalemployees— PASS (@PASSNational) October 2, 2026Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:The best tacos are built on solidarity. 🌮✊ This #NationalTacoDay, cook at home with 100% union-made brands like Tia Rosa tortillas, Pace picante, and Rosarito beans to support fair wages & safe workplaces! What are you loading on your tacos tonight? 🛒💬 #ShopUnion https://t.co/Rdx4AXBbdI— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 6, 2026Roofers and Waterproofers:The Western Regional + Northwest District Councils held their joint council meeting where Local 49 Bus. Mgr. Travis Hopkins presented a mental health awareness PowerPoint. This will help lay the foundation for how locals can better assist our members w/these important issues. https://t.co/TAbp9w5bhf— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 6, 2026SAG-AFTRA:Get all the details on the TV Animation Agreements. Join us virtually on Friday, October 9, at 3 PT / 6 ET. Get more details & RSVP at https://t.co/TczH5uuIjs. https://t.co/SawlkmlwTK— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 7, 2026Service Employees International Union:THIS is what can happen when we stand in solidarity! Hundreds of immigrant workers detained at Delaney Hall ICE center in Newark went on a hunger & labor strike for over a month. SEIU members & the broader labor movement showed up to demand justice. Now, the tide is turning!— SEIU (@SEIU) October 7, 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:Fantastic news!!! The Supreme Court declined to hear the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s appeal of a ruling requiring the company to pay back its workers for the cuts to pay, illegally implemented increases in health care costs & more. When we fight, we win!!! ✊✊✊— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 5, 2026Theatrical Stage Employees:Upcoming webinar: The Impact of Elections on Worker Health & Safety | Rebroadcast with Live Q & A Thu, Oct 8, 2026 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Voting matters to you. Whether you know it or not, health and safety laws affect you. When we elect public officials, we empower an entire Administration with an agenda and specific policies that impact the health and safety of IATSE members for years to come. This webinar will discuss what’s happening now to worker health and safety legislation, what’s at stake in the 2026 midterm elections, and what future agendas may bring. Elections have consequences for IATSE workers. This webinar rebroadcast will feature a live Q and A with Jackson Rees, Assistant Director of the IATSE Political and Legislative Department. Register here: https://t.co/yeqsD6A95e— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 7, 2026Transport Workers Union:We extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and co-workers of the air medical pilot and nurse who perished in the crash near LA. An air medic was serious injured. At least one person is missing. Air medical crews do dangerous, heroic work and this is a terrible tragedy. #flightmedic #Airmedicalcommunity— TWU (@transportworker) October 1, 2026Transportation Trades Department:We join @AFGENational in applauding @SenGaryPeters & @JimJustice_WV for introducing a bill to increase pay levels for @USDOTFRA inspectors & specialists for the first time since 1979. Fair, competitive wages are crucial to retaining & growing this critical rail safety workforce. https://t.co/M8FSpYflFw— TTD | America’s Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) October 6, 2026UAW:”Leading labor unions are throwing their support behind a provision in the Senate version of the annual defense policy bill that seeks to prohibit the Pentagon from contracting with companies that engage in stock buybacks.” https://t.co/qUNaPnfneI— UAW (@UAW) October 7, 2026Union Veterans Council:Great meeting with Brian Poindexter at the North Shore Fed @AFLCIO with fellow union vets! 🇺🇸🔨 Brian stands strong with working veterans: ✅ Clean #RichardStarAct ❌ Opposing TCAVA cuts ✅ Full support for the #PROAct https://t.co/os5ubazGej— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 6, 2026UNITE HERE:🚨 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: With Cost-of-Living Top of Mind for Voters, Hospitality Workers Hit the Doors for the Midterms — UNITE HERE union members will knock over a million doors of working-class voters in key swing states 🧵 Check thread for the full release! https://t.co/8GKL64RHWg— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 6, 2026United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters:Tradeswomen Build Nations is almost here! 💪 Sending our UA Sisters to Houston with plenty of union pride. Let’s hear it for the tradeswomen who build our nations! #TWBN2026 #UAProud https://t.co/nQG43I2wpQ— United Association (@UAPipeTrades) October 7, 2026United Food and Commercial Workers:@UFCW75 has officially welcomed the pharmacy technicians at Kroger in Tiffin, Ohio, to the union! These workers are looking forward to negotiating a STRONG first contract with better health insurance, improved wages, & a real voice on the job. https://t.co/bpdsvsVz9m https://t.co/IlYSWQ1GfX— UFCW (@UFCW) October 6, 2026United Steelworkers:We’re a month out from the U.S. midterm elections! Do you have a voting plan yet? If you need more information by state, visit https://t.co/g3VDNZoP35. https://t.co/iDJi7usQvL— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) October 6, 2026Writers Guild of America East:SCRUBS debuted 25 years ago (October 2, 2001)! Congratulations to series creator Bill Lawrence, who was honored at the 2025 Writers Guild Awards with the WGA East’s Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence! Watch his speech. (@vdoozer.bsky.social) www.youtube.com/watch?v=kie2…[image or embed]— Writers Guild of America East (@wgaeast.bsky.social) October 5, 2026 at 11:35 AM

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/07/2026 – 12:03

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Elizabeth Perez

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Elizabeth Perez

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today’s profile features Elizabeth Perez of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Elizabeth Perez is a longtime educator and union leader who began her career as a teacher for bilingual and English as a second language students and served for more than 18 years as a UFT chapter leader before becoming the union’s Brooklyn borough representative. A New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) board member and recipient of NYSUT’s Sandy Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award, she has dedicated her career to member advocacy, political action and efforts to strengthen the voice of working people.

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/07/2026 – 10:05

Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month

Graphic that reads “We won our election to form the Daily Herald News Guild!”

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Daily Herald Journalists Win Union Election

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Daily Herald Journalists Win Union Election

Newsroom staff at the Daily Herald have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with the Chicago News Guild, Local 34071 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA).All 20 union-eligible journalists at the daily newspaper—which is owned by Alden Global Capital/Tribune Publishing—signed union authorization cards in August. Management refused to voluntarily recognize the Daily Herald News Guild bargaining unit, but members stood united and successfully won their National Labor Relations Board election.Staff members began organizing after they experienced steady wage and working-hour reductions over the past 10 years and multiple rounds of buyouts and combination buyouts and layoffs.

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/07/2026 – 10:05

Tags:
Organizing

I’m A Union Voter: In the States Roundup

Posted in: AFL-CIO

I’m A Union Voter: 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:🎥 What happens at the polls shows up in your paycheck, your benefits, and your working conditions. That’s why unions show up in politics. The headlines say Alaska is deeply conservative. Look closer. https://t.co/T2tqh7NCEG— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 1, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Los Angeles and San Diego are home to millions of working Californians, and this November they’re going to vote to Clean Up the House, Take Out the Trash and hold Trump in check at long last.— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 6, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:Early voting is expanding and mail ballots are being distributed across Illinois. It’s time to make your plan to vote on or before November 3! https://t.co/PiXpgjxlJe— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 1, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Hundreds of union members & volunteer canvassers all over Maine are knocking on doors for @TroyJackson207! Here’s why: https://t.co/eNOmntvDWN— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 6, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Join us Saturday! @NHAFLCIO @NASRCC_UBC Register at https://t.co/ZKoDn46Gel https://t.co/DLmj39mwM4— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 6, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:Our communities are supposed to have home rule powers, but Corporate Rule has taken over. Tomorrow, workers, advocates and lawmakers will gather to call to repeal Corporate Rule at 9:45am at the Michigan State Capitol. Enough is enough. Write your lawmaker and tell them to END CORPORATE RULE NOW: https://t.co/K0CHzJeMfU— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 30, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:Thank you to all our #Labor2026 union volunteers for hitting the doors with us today! #BetterInAUnion #mnvotes https://t.co/aqcMMSylOj— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 3, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Clock is ticking! Missourians must be registered to vote by THIS Wednesday, October 7th, to vote in the November 3 election. Voters may register in person at their County Clerk’s office at the address listed at this link: https://t.co/AuLqD7NuQr— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 5, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Record turn out for this mornings’ walk with two labor champions @repdinatitus & @Carter4nv engaging our canvassers before they hit the doors. We are ONE. MONTH. OUT! Get engaged, talk to your neighbors, HAVE A PLAN TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3RD. https://t.co/8PirtB7Evz— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 3, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:Labor walks are happening all over NYS every weekend through Election Day! Get involved: https://t.co/IfP38SI3Qy https://t.co/WAdXcWD7op— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 2, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:We’re thrilled to speak with voters in Medford today about Denise Krause for State Senate! Thank you to everyone who volunteered today – learn more and sign up for your next volunteer shift at https://t.co/1I10aOuzmw! https://t.co/Ce2SXk0wuY— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 3, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The people we elect decide whether working families have a seat at the table. Know your candidates, make a plan, and show up on Election Day. ✊ Find our full list of endorsed candidates here ➡️ https://t.co/7YKY2uUuPq https://t.co/oD6o0smx1J— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 5, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:Imagine a Texas where we had elected officials that worked for us. It’s time for Greg Abbott’s 16-year reign to end. Our rights, families, and futures depend on it. Join the movement ➡️ https://t.co/DDcMioa97O https://t.co/gsFrFmDcyr— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 6, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Congrats to SPEEA on winning the new four-year contract with Boeing! When we fight, WE WIN! ✊— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 2, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to SEIU Wisconsin, recipients of the 2026 WI AFL-CIO Organizing Award! Over 850 nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison won union rights in June. Union strong. https://t.co/dVStONDXJp— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 29, 2026

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/06/2026 – 14:29

Don’t Miss Your Chance

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Don’t Miss Your Chance

There are just four weeks until Election Day on Nov. 3, and we need all hands on deck to help elect candidates who will actually work for us, not for the billionaires and CEOs.

If you’ve been waiting to get involved, now is the time! Here are a few things you can do right now:Sign up to be a poll worker, and help your community vote safely and easily! Our elections depend on ordinary people—people like you—who make sure voting runs smoothly and everyone’s vote is counted. You can make sure we have safe, fair and efficient elections for all. Step up today to become a poll worker for the next election in your community.Training will be provided, and some local jurisdictions may pay poll workers a stipend! Learn more: go.aflcio.org/ptpFind a volunteer event, either in person or virtual.Early and absentee voting is underway in many states, and union members are already on the ground knocking on doors, staffing community events, making phone calls and sending text messages. If you are not able to attend an event in person, you can join a national virtual event like a phone bank. Union members are a trusted part of our communities, so we need every union member and supporter talking to their neighbors about the importance of voting in 2026. Find an event: mobilize.us/aflcio/ Not sure how you want to help? Fill out the volunteer form.If you’re not sure what you want to do yet, but you still want to be involved, sign our volunteer form and someone will reach out to connect you with opportunities that work for you. Sign up here: go.aflcio.org/volunteerWe are so proud to stand with you in the tradition of those who fought to secure the right to vote; protect our democracy; and empower their neighbors, friends and union siblings. People are engaged and excited, and we’re seeing sky-high energy and optimism across the country as we fight for real change for working people. Please join us.Thank you for your activism!

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/06/2026 – 12:18

Tags:
Elections 2026

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Alex Quintas

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Alex Quintas

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today’s profile features Alex Quintas of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

After starting her career in visual effects (VFX) and witnessing how disposable artists were to studios without the protections provided by unions, Alex Quintas joined the Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, in 2017. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, Quintas has found herself helping locally and through the Queer Trans in Animation Discord. “Being part of IATSE has been amazing. It’s more than just me, and it’s awesome to see the surge that organizing is getting everywhere.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/06/2026 – 11:02

Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month

Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Plumbers and Pipefitters

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Plumbers and Pipefitters

This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA).

Name of Union: United Association of Union Plumbers and PipefittersMission: The UA is committed to quality, professionalism and integrity. The UA’s Standard for Excellence is a comprehensive commitment to quality, professionalism and integrity that guides every member and signatory contractor within the UA. This standard ensures that UA members consistently deliver the highest level of craftsmanship, safety and reliability across all projects. The UA’s Standard for Safety is a foundational commitment that ensures every member and signatory contractor upholds the highest levels of workplace safety across all projects. The UA empowers its members through rigorous training, strict adherence to industry codes and a culture of accountability. This enables members to identify and mitigate hazards, protect themselves and their teams, and deliver work that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements. The UA’s core principle is to complete projects efficiently, on schedule and to the highest industry standards.Current Leadership of Union: Mark McManus serves as general president. In August 2026, he was unanimously re-elected to a third term as general president of the UA. McManus began his career with the UA in 1983 when he was initiated into Plumbers Local 24 in Newark, New Jersey. He was elected business agent in 1994 and business manager in 1997. His talents and leadership brought him to the UA General Office in 2007, where he has served as international representative and administrative assistant to the general president. He served five-year terms as general secretary-treasurer and as general president prior to being reelected to a second five-year term as general president. In addition, he serves as vice president of the executive council of the Metal Trades Department, is a member of the Building Trades governing board of presidents, and serves on the board of directors of Helmets to Hardhats.Derrick Kualapai serves as general secretary-treasurer. Michael Pleasant serves as assistant general president.Current Number of Members: 409,000Members Work As: Plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders, pipeliners, and related trades.Industries Represented: The piping industry.History: With a proud history dating back to 1889, the UA has set the standard for excellence in the piping industry for more than 137 years. Its members are the backbone of critical infrastructure work, helping to build, maintain and protect the systems that keep communities safe, healthy and thriving.Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: UA’s legislative and political affairs, apprenticeships, UA Canada, training, mental health training classes, Safety News, Training News, Plumbers 911 and HVAC 911, UA Charitable Trust, UA Pipe PALS (Peer Allies for Life Success), UA Project Showcase, “Pipe Up! Podcast,” UA Veterans in Piping (UAVIP) program.Learn More: Website, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 10/05/2026 – 14:09