AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Video Game Workers Launch Industrywide Union with CWA
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Video Game Workers Launch Industrywide Union with CWA
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.
In an historic development, workers across the United States and Canada are launching United Videogame Workers-CWA Local 9433 (UVW-CWA), a direct-join, industrywide video game union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in partnership with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). UVW-CWA builds off of mobilization following the Game Developers Conference in 2018, which was a launching pad for the start of Game Workers Unite, an international grassroots organization dedicated to labor organizing the video game industry. The launch of UVW-CWA also coincides with the fifth anniversary of CODE-CWA, which has helped more than 6,500 tech and video game workers organize to join the union since 2020. “The creation of this union was not done in isolation; it’s a cumulative effort by the thousands of video game workers who have been fighting for years to redefine what it means to stand together and reclaim power in one of the largest and highest-grossing industries on the globe,” said Tom Smith, CWA’s senior director of organizing. “These workers are taking a bold stand, joining together to build power for the workers behind the games we all know and love.”“Our mission is to take back our lives, our labor, and our passion from those who treat us like replaceable cogs; to empower our fellow workers; to link up arms with the laid off, with the freelancer, with the disillusioned contractor, with the disenfranchised and the marginalized, with the workers laboring invisibly to keep this industry afloat,” reads UVW-CWA’s mission statement. “We are going to create a game industry that works for us, one that nourishes its talent and invests in its future, rather than constantly seeking short-term profits. We are the ones that make the games, so we must be the ones that set the terms of how we work.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/19/2025 – 09:50
Defend the Public Postal Service: In the States Roundup
Defend the Public Postal Service: 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:BREAKING: The Alaska House just voted to pass HB 69, which would increase the BSA by $1,000. This is a huge win for Alaska’s working families. #akleg #RaiseTheAKBSA pic.twitter.com/EIHvA3F6S1— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 12, 2025Arizona AFL-CIO:Today Union members joined Veterans at the Tucson VA Hospital rallying against VA employee layoffs 💪 Currently, over 2,400 VA workers have already been laid off, with an alarming plan to eliminate an additional 80,000 jobs. @AFGENational pic.twitter.com/Ss4Fv7bNHT— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) March 15, 2025California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:CA @AsmSadeElhawary introduced AB 1331 (sponsored by @CaliforniaLabor ) – which bans California employers from using invasive surveillance technology to monitor their workers in private, off-duty areas, such as the break room, the bathroom or an employee’s personal vehicle. The… pic.twitter.com/wRRjiqAGl9— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 18, 2025Colorado AFL-CIO:This Women’s History Month, we recognize the astonishing legacy of “Flaming” Milka Sablich, a true labor champion and leader in the 1927 coal miners strike right here in Colorado. l pic.twitter.com/JKyTJ2PWbh— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) March 15, 2025Connecticut AFL-CIO:Powerful labor town hall with Senators Murphy & Blumenthal. We are fortunate in CT to have two strong Senators fighting every day for working people. But make sure to continue reaching out & telling your stories about how federal cuts and freezes will impact working families. pic.twitter.com/vrXMg1nIX4— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 17, 2025Illinois AFL-CIO:NEXT WEEK: Chicago Climbing Gym workers at First Ascent have announced their intent to form a union. Join them for a night of climbing and solidarity on March 20, from 7-9 PM, to show management that the labor movement has their back. Sign up:https://t.co/tGkihAHdUR pic.twitter.com/w5qF2GErSe— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 15, 2025Maine AFL-CIO:Join postal workers & letter carriers for rallies to protest attempts to privatize the USPS!@APWUnational Bangor & Portland – Thurs, March 20, 2025@NALC_National Portland – Sun, March 23, 2025 https://t.co/R7zAMaL7JW— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 17, 2025Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We are remembering many leaders who built and grew the labor movement. Also thankful for the Massachusetts labor family, which was well represented at our union night fundraiser for the Steven A. Tolman Addiction Fund with the Dropkick Murphys on Friday. pic.twitter.com/LJFl5TLuvl— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 17, 2025Michigan State AFL-CIO:It’s time for lawmakers — Democrats and Republicans — to put politics aside and work together to get pro-worker bills that have already passed the legislature signed into law.Call on the MI House and Gov. Whitmer to do right by working families: https://t.co/HLCYuDtE8X pic.twitter.com/hSaEE1jy96— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 18, 2025Minnesota AFL-CIO:”Folks who claim to represent Minnesota businesses, like the @MN_Chamber, will try to tell you #PaidLeave is bad for business. As a thriving small employer and retailer, I can tell you that it is just the opposite.” #mnleg https://t.co/CBGmrqGBDK— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 17, 2025Missouri AFL-CIO:Seven different #Unions introduced students to career paths at a career pathway showcase last month, this is a great way to offer alternatives to a four-year college and encourage trade apprenticeships! https://t.co/2cMauV0GWp— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 16, 2025Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Thursday March 20th 3:30pm – 4:30pmStart at the southeast corner of 10th& Pacific St., and move to the northeast corner of 13th & Pacific St.Omaha pic.twitter.com/g1oGR27lEB— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) March 13, 2025New York State AFL-CIO:On the latest episode of the #UnionStrong podcast we sit down with @NYSDOLCommish to discuss the key workforce elements in the Governor’s budget proposal, including worker protections, investments in childcare, workforce training initiatives, and more: https://t.co/cmbjDWkuwV— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 12, 2025North Carolina State AFL-CIO:We support @NC_Governor Josh Stein’s call for a pause on scheduled corporate and personal income tax cuts for millionaires and the wealthy few in order to invest in families and workers instead. #ncpol #1u pic.twitter.com/8KtoT2yEvA— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 13, 2025Oregon AFL-CIO:As an Oregon Department of Human Services worker with @seiu503, Holly Smith works with Oregonians at the lowest income levels in our state. SB 916 is for striking workers who are already in impossible positions. #ORPol #ORLeg #SB916 #OregonLabor #OregonAFLCIO pic.twitter.com/FplFtEp3f9— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 14, 2025’Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Losing jobs and a weakened economy were not on the ballot. We voted for American workers, to protect good-paying union jobs, and build an economy that works for everyone, not just billionaires. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/J2tPlqndmt— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) March 13, 2025Texas AFL-CIO:#HB1078 is a common-sense bill to help veterans get information on the benefits they’ve earned!USW (@steelworkers) Local 759 President Raj Penn & USW Local 13-2001 President Aquarius Johnson testified in support of the bill at the hearing ⬇️ #txlege pic.twitter.com/884QbvvHiX— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 17, 2025Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:These virtual sessions are free, and offered on March 20, April 30, and May 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Click the link below for more info ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/DpPyOeklkn— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 18, 2025Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Early voting for Wisconsin election starts Tuesday: How to vote for Supreme Court, other April races https://t.co/386hAvSDFe via @journalsentinel— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 17, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/18/2025 – 10:07
Women’s History Month Profiles: Sue Martin
Women’s History Month Profiles: Sue Martin
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Sue Martin of AFSCME.
Sue Martin is the first female president/secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO and a member of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE)/AFSCME Local 61. She helped lead successful ballot initiatives to increase the minimum wage and institute paid sick leave in Nebraska. With her admirable dedication and passion for the state’s labor movement, Martin is highly regarded by Nebraska affiliates, elected officials and coalition partners.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/18/2025 – 09:59
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Representing USPS Workers Respond to DeJoy’s Agreement with DOGE
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Representing USPS Workers Respond to DeJoy’s Agreement with DOGE
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.
In response to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s agreement with Elon Musk’s DOGE, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Brian Renfroe released the following statement:NALC is aware of the agreement between the Postal Service, [General Service Administration] and DOGE to assist with ‘identifying and achieving certain efficiencies.’ We remain in contact with the Postal Service regarding DOGE’s efforts at USPS and any potential impact on NALC members. The safety of our members always comes first. That includes their information and data….Common sense solutions are what the Postal Service needs, not privatization efforts that will threaten 640,000 postal employees’ jobs, 7.9 million jobs tied to our work, and the universal service every American relies on daily.American Postal Workers Union (APWU) National Executive Board released the following statement:Members likely heard the recent news of an agreement between the Postmaster General and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by the un-elected billionaire Elon Musk, and not established by Congress. It is no surprise that DOGE has set its sights on the people’s Postal Service…. The APWU position is clear: There is no legitimate role for DOGE in the USPS or any other Federal agency. The public Postal Service was created by Congress as an independent government agency with robust oversight from the Office of Inspector General, the Postal Regulatory Commission, and the Board of Governors, as well as Congressional Committees.The National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), an affiliate of the Laborers (LIUNA), released the following statement:Mail Handlers have seen the DOGE team dismantle federal agencies, impacting services provided to Americans across the country, and are therefore rightly concerned about the potential impact on the work of the Postal Service generally and the work of the more than 54,000 dedicated mail handlers across the country….Privatizing the Postal Service will threaten customers’ ability to receive packages and letters ranging from Social Security checks, necessary medications, government correspondence, and mail from loved ones….The NPMHU will remain cautious and vigilant and is prepared to fight against any ill-conceived attempts by DOGE to dismantle this American institution.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/18/2025 – 09:47
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: AFSCME
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: AFSCME
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 63 of our affiliates. Next up is AFSCME.
Name of Union: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)Mission: AFSCME members provide the vital services that make America happen. They work to ensure dignity and security for public service workers across the country. By organizing new members, they build their capacity to strengthen public services, improve working conditions, negotiate decent wages and safeguard pensions and health benefits.Current Leadership of Union: Lee Saunders was elected AFSCME president in 2012, the first African American to hold that position, after previously serving as secretary-treasurer and in many other roles with AFSCME since 1978. He comes from a union family, raised in Cleveland as the son of a city bus driver and a community organizer. Elissa McBride serves as secretary-treasurer, and AFSCME has 34 international vice presidents serving different regions.Members Work As: With hundreds of job categories, members work as/in the fields of attorneys and judiciary employees, behavioral health, corrections, early childhood education, emergency services, environmental stewardship, health care workers, higher education, home care, housing, human services, K-12 schools, law enforcement, library workers, museums and cultural institutions, nurses, probation and parole, public administration, public works, and transportation.Industries Represented: States, cities, counties and other local governments, as well as the federal government and private employers performing public services.History: During the depths of the Great Depression, a group of state employees in Madison, Wisconsin, formed what would later become the Wisconsin State Employees Union/Council 24 in an effort to successfully defend the state’s civil service system and stand up to political cronyism. Four years later, in 1936, the American Federation of Labor granted a charter for AFSCME, which united the Wisconsin group with numerous others that had formed across the country after the success in Madison.At the end of 1936, the union had 10,000 members. Growth was difficult at first, but by 1946, the union had grown to 73,000 members. The AFL-CIO merger brought AFSCME another 40,000 members.In the 1960s, during the presidency of Jerry Wurf, AFSCME was active in the struggle for racial justice. The 1968 strike of AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, was a signature moment in civil rights and labor rights history. It was in Memphis, in support of the sanitation workers’ struggle, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.AFSCME continued to grow during the 1970s and 1980s, with a focus on bringing together independent associations of public employees in an effort to harness the collective power of so many voices. Almost 60 associations, representing 450,000 people, joined AFSCME by affiliation or merger, pushing total membership past the 1 million mark.AFSCME’s growth across the country gave the union a more powerful voice when it came to fighting injustice. In September 1981, AFSCME’s 60,000-member delegation, the largest from any single union, led the march at the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Day, a massive demonstration in Washington, D.C., demanding fair treatment for workers. That same year in San Jose, California, AFSCME Local 101 staged the first strike in the nation’s history over the issue of pay equity for women. The action attracted national media attention and helped spark the pay equity movement.For decades, corporations, billionaires and their allies have engaged in a coordinated and well-financed effort to weaken the power of public-sector unions like AFSCME. Last year, in a case called Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, the most business-friendly Supreme Court in history ruled in favor of anti-worker forces, overturning decades of precedent to make the entire public sector so-called right to work. Many pundits predicted this would be a death blow. But because of the work put in by AFSCME, together with other public-sector unions and the AFL-CIO, AFSCME has emerged in the strongest possible position. No politician or judicial decision can contain the collective power of working people. More than 300,000 fee payers converted to AFSCME members since early 2014; and since the Janus ruling, seven times more people have joined AFSCME than have chosen to drop.Current Campaigns: AFSCME People works to elect candidates that will fight for AFSCME members and priorities. AFSCME’s Department of Federal Government Affairs reports on the top federal legislative stories. Staff the Front Lies tackles critical staffing shortages throughout the country. The Student Debt Map tracks student loan forgiveness.Community Efforts: From credit cards to credit counseling, AFSCME Advantage offers union members and their families a wide array of financial products to meet their everyday needs. AFSCME awards several scholarships for members and their families. AFSCME provides members with training and education. AFSCME publishes a blog. NEXT WAVE empowers and unites young AFSCME members from across the union, in the fight for dignity, respect, and economic prosperity. AFSCME sells merchandise in their online store.Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/17/2025 – 14:22
Women’s History Month Profiles: Sandra Parker-Murray
Women’s History Month Profiles: Sandra Parker-Murray
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Sandra Parker-Murray of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Sandra Parker-Murray is the secretary-treasurer for CWA Local 7777 in Denver. She is a fierce organizer and political advocate. She brings her years of experience as a front-line telecommunications worker and delivery driver into her work, ensuring that workers’ voices do not get lost. She is active in Colorado Independent Drivers United, part of CWA Local 7777 focused on building power for drivers in rideshare, delivery, taxi and limousine services. She can often be found advocating at the Colorado State Capitol.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/17/2025 – 10:01
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Pushkin Industries Secure First Union Contract
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Pushkin Industries Secure First Union 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.
The 12 Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members have secured their first collective bargaining agreement with podcast company Pushkin Industries. The contract was approved unanimously and establishes a minimum salary of $73,000, guaranteed raises, and guaranteed IP negotiation for shows where unit members write, research and host their own ideas; provides artificial intelligence protections; enshrines Quiet Weeks in August and December; provides 16 weeks fully paid parental leave, a minimum 12 weeks of severance, and a laptop; establishes protections for remote and hybrid employees; reports on the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion work; and establishes Just Cause among other provisions.“We’re proud of this contract, and we think it reflects the strength of the community we’ve built at Pushkin and is an essential part of the movement to build better standards across the industry,” the union said. “We’re grateful to leadership for working with us throughout this process and for investing in our future together. The unit is looking forward to it!”Pushkin was co-founded by Jacob Weisberg and Malcolm Gladwell and produces podcasts like “Revisionist History,” “Deep Cover,” “Broken Record,” “Against the Rules with Michael Lewis,” and “Where’s Dia?”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/17/2025 – 10:01
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: American Guild of Musical Artists
Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: American Guild of Musical Artists
This is the first post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates again. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 63 of our affiliates. First up is the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
Mission: AGMA is committed to protecting and advancing the employment and artistic rights of its members. Through the negotiation and enforcement of approximately 70 collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) nationwide, AGMA ensures fair wages, safe working conditions and a higher quality of life for the artists who bring the performing arts to life. Current Leadership of Union: Ned Hanlon serves as president. The other officers are J Austin Bitner (secretary-treasurer), Brian August (staging staff vice president [VP]), Helena Brown (choristers, actors and staff performers VP), Antuan Byers (dancers VP), Andrew Stenson (soloists VP), Andres Garcia (Eastern and Southern Region VP), Katharine Goeldner (New York Region VP), Cameo Humes (Midwestern Region VP) and Jennifer Wallace (Western Region VP).Current Number of Members: More than 6,500.Members Work as: Singers; dancers; staging staff; and faculty, staff and instructors in opera, ballet/contemporary dance and choral performance across the United States. Industries Represented: Opera, ballet and contemporary dance, and concert choral performance.History: AGMA formed in 1936 as an organization of solo musical artists. In August 1937, the union was granted a charter from the Actors and Artistes (4As) to cover the fields of grand opera, concert and recital. AGMA pursued a campaign to organize artists throughout the country, and the first CBA that the union successfully negotiated that fall was with the Association of California Symphony Orchestras. Today, the union, led by the AGMA Board of Governors and supported by AGMA’s professional staff, negotiates and enforces more than 70 CBAs throughout the country and continues to set industry standards, even for nonunionized companies.Current Campaigns and Community Efforts: AGMA actively supports its members through a variety of initiatives and resources. The union maintains an up-to-date list of auditions relevant to members, provides visa consultation services and offers contract enforcement and negotiation support. AGMA runs several member-led caucuses, including the AGMA Black Caucus, Opera and Concert Choristers Caucus, and Staging Staff Caucus, fostering community and advocacy within the union. The AGMA Relief Fund provides critical financial assistance to members in need. The union also offers educational webinars and a monthly newsletter and enables access to Union Plus and the Entertainment Community Fund resources. Additionally, the union now sells union-branded merchandise to promote solidarity and awareness. AGMA continues to mobilize around key labor issues, including fair wages, arts funding, workplace protections and organizing efforts in the performing arts.Learn more: Website, Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, X.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/17/2025 – 09:40
Women’s History Month Profiles: Julie Stein
Women’s History Month Profiles: Julie Stein
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Julie Stein of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Julie Stein began her career in 1984 as a laborer at the Appleton Coated paper mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. As a member of USW Local 2-144, she served in various elected positions. In 2006, Stein came to work for the USW and was actively involved in the Women of Steel and political programs. Today, Stein serves as director of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) program, helping USW members engage in lifelong activism.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sun, 03/16/2025 – 09:44
Tags:
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month Profiles: Michelle Christen
Women’s History Month Profiles: Michelle Christen
For Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women’s history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Michelle Christen of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Michelle Christen serves as the second vice president of UWUA Local 601, which represents approximately 1,200 customer service workers at Public Service Electric & Gas in New Jersey. She has been instrumental in negotiating labor contracts, including an agreement ratified in April 2023 that secured a 13.64% wage increase over four years and recognized a bilingual call center position with additional compensation. In 2022, she collaborated with Local 601 members to organize fundraisers for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, contributing to cancer research and support.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sat, 03/15/2025 – 09:46
Tags:
Women’s History Month