AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Aleta Chavez

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 Aleta Chavez of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).

In addition to being active in her local union, Aleta Chavez has been very active in her community. She participated in mission work in Guatemala and volunteered with the Dallas Police Department and Habitat for Humanity. She has been a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and numerous student organizations while enrolled in Cedar Valley College’s veterinary technology program.

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/01/2024 – 09:29

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel Workers Ratify New Contract

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Omni Providence Hotel Workers Ratify 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 who work at the Omni Providence in Rhode Island ratified a new four-year contract last week that secures higher wages and better benefits.This victory came seven weeks after workers at the downtown Providence hotel voted to authorize a strike over management’s refusal to bargain a fair contract. Their previous agreement expired last January, and members were laser-focused on winning a deal that would address rising costs of living. To show the Omni Providence they meant business, members began wearing lanyards to work to signal that they’d signed up for strike benefits and were ready and willing to walk out.“My co-workers and I put a lot of work into this fight,” said George Cook, a banquet attendant at the Omni. “We were ready to do whatever it took to win. I’m happy that we’re able to get the best contract we ever had, with wage increases that will help us pay our rent and take care of our families.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 10/01/2024 – 09:24

A Say Over the Future: The Working People Weekly List

Posted in: AFL-CIO

A Say Over the Future: 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.

Omni Providence Workers Ratify New Union Contract: “UNITE HERE Local 26 said workers at the Omni Providence Hotel ratified a new union contract on Sept. 24. The union said that negotiations on a new contract began after the previous expired on Jan. 31, and that workers voted to authorize a strike on Aug. 7. The new contract includes wage increases and more affordable healthcare.”Apple Store Workers in Oklahoma City Ratify First Union Contract: “U.S. retail workers at the Oklahoma City Apple store in Penn Square Mall have successfully ratified their first collectively bargained contract. The union workers are part of Communications Workers of America (CWA), operating as Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. The ratified three-year contract promises up to an 11.5% wage increase up to 2027, alongside provisions for worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off for voting.”Project 2025’s Plan to Gut Civil Service with Mass Firings: ‘It’s Like the Bad Old Days of King Henry VIII’: “Even as Donald Trump seeks to disavow Project 2025, he and the rightwing effort’s authors have voiced similarly hostile plans for the U.S.’s 2 million-plus federal employees—to replace many of them with political appointees. These plans are stirring alarm among federal employees, with many warning that ‘politicizing’ the civil service will hurt not just them, but also millions of Americans across the US by undermining how well the U.S. government provides services and enforces regulations that protect the public.”Congress Passes Bill to Avert a Shutdown Before the Election, Sending It to Biden: “Congress overwhelmingly passed a funding bill Wednesday to avert a government shutdown next week after House Republicans removed a proposal demanded by Donald Trump that would require Americans nationwide to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. The Senate voted 78-18 Wednesday evening, shortly after the House passed the same measure on a 341-82, with all opposition in both chambers coming from Republicans.”Labor Wants—and Gets—A Say Over the Future: “The AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute will announce today an ongoing collaboration with the NSF, in which the two groups will explore how labor can consult on the foundation’s cutting-edge research projects.”Wesleyan Graduate Students Vote for Union Membership: “Graduate student workers and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) at the University will cast their ballot in a vote to join the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 on Thursday, Sept. 26. The vote comes after months of organizing and internal discussions within the Wesleyan Graduate Labor Union (WesGLU). WesGLU first announced their intention to unionize last April, and subsequently entered into negotiations with the University. Those negotiations ended earlier this semester, when the administration refused to voluntarily recognize the union. WesGLU leadership determined that the University’s decision was a departure from the status quo, and that it was not in line with the good faith labor relations expected by some organizers.”Federal Funds, Clean Energy Projects Boost Maine Union Workforce: “Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state’s clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around. Skilled trade workers are in high demand as the state aims to install 275,000 heating pumps by 2027 and construct numerous offshore wind projects. Kim Tobias, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1253, said learning a trade nearly tripled her income and she is encouraging her own daughters to do the same. ‘With apprenticeships and with the union jobs that are going to be here, it’s a good way for people to be able to afford to stay here,’ Tobias pointed out. Tobias noted young people are motivated to help fight climate change and the Inflation Reduction Act is helping create not just jobs, but well-paying careers. The state aims to double its clean energy workforce to 30,000 by 2030.”Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations, Including Illinois, Ratify New Contract: “Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York have ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers.”Redmond: Labor Has ‘the Responsibility to Lead’ the Fight for Democracy: “AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond is repeating a somber warning to workers, union and non-union alike: This November’s election is not just about the presidency, but about democracy. Redmond told a panel discussion at the Labor Department on September 17, the anniversary of the founders’ signing the Constitution, that organized labor must lead the fight to preserve the republic. ‘Unions thrive in democratic countries and in countries where you have democratic principles. They don’t survive in autocracies and dictatorships,’ Redmond declared. ‘So we have the responsibility to fight for democracy and it should be the responsibility of the entire labor movement to lead that fight.’”Culinary Union Celebrates the End of Its Longest Campaign: “Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge said at an event Thursday to mark the signing of the contract that he had faith that the Venetian would one day be a union property. ‘I can tell you that I knew one day we would be doing that, but honestly, we didn’t know when,’ he said. ‘We have a fighting spirit at the Culinary and Bartenders union here in Las Vegas, and we look at time maybe a little differently than some organizations do.’”

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/30/2024 – 10:13

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances

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 Odalis Betances of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).

Odalis Betances is a hardworking, 13-year member of HFIU Local 3. Betances always steps up when needed for the union, serving on the executive board and assisting with any language barriers. Betances is proud of his Dominican roots and of being a Local 3 member.

Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/30/2024 – 10:02

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Tiffany Roman

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Tiffany Roman

Tiffany Roman has been an AFGE member and licensed practical nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2018. She is currently the southern Colorado vice president for AFGE Local 1117. She is also the national chair of AFGE’s Hispanic Coalition (HISCO) and the AFGE District 11 HISCO coordinator. Roman recently became president of the newly established Rocky Mountains chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. She is a single mother and is pursuing her master’s in social work.

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/27/2024 – 11:10

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Tool & Die Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement at Ford’s River Rouge

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Tool & Die Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement at Ford’s River Rouge

On Wednesday, the UAW Local 600’s Tool & Die Unit at Ford’s River Rouge Complex reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co., one day ahead of its strike deadline.Roughly 500 workers in the Tool & Die Unit work at the Dearborn, Michigan, facility. Members were prepared to go on strike starting Sept. 26 if the multinational automotive manufacturer refused to address issues such as job security, wage parity and work rules. The negotiated TA includes protections against the impacts of advancements in 3D printing and establishes a process to secure additional die work as required. Additionally, UAW won a provision to eliminate the wage disparity for skilled trades, ensuring fair and equal pay across the board.“The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers,” said UAW Vice President Chuck Browning. “They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve.”

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/27/2024 – 09:58

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Sorenson

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Sorenson

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 Liz Sorenson of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Liz Sorenson has served as president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO since 2017. She began her career over 40 years ago and in 1990 transferred to Nevada Bell, where she served as a steward, organizer, lobbyist and officer for CWA Local 9413. She was hired as CWA District 9 staff representative and, later, area director/political director. Sorenson has run the Nevada State AFL-CIO political walk program since 2000. She was elected as a board member of the Nevada State AFL-CIO in 2009 and is currently serving her second term as president after being re-elected in 2021.

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 09:33

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Ford’s River Rouge Tool and Die Unit Reach Tentative Agreement

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Ford’s River Rouge Tool and Die Unit Reach Tentative Agreement

UAW members working at Ford’s new tab tool and die unit in the River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, reached a tentative agreement one day ahead of its strike deadline. The more than 500 workers in the tool and die unit will review the details of the agreement and hold a ratification vote in the coming days. Last week, the union said it would go on strike on Sept. 26 if local contract issues were not resolved. Core issues included job security, wage parity and work rules.”If ratified, the agreement will set a new standard for the skilled trades at Ford,” the union said.

Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 09:33

Knocking Doors for Pro-Worker Candidates: In the States Roundup

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Knocking Doors for Pro-Worker Candidates: 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).

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Whether you work in the public sector, are a tradesperson, a service worker, a healthcare worker… any worker. Trump’s Project 2025 plan will wreck your job. Anti-worker, anti-union. https://t.co/Jes7Kgk0YZ— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 24, 2024Connecticut AFL-CIO:Huge turnout of union members in Danbury to knock doors for pro-worker candidates! Thanks to the members of the CT Building Trades, @AFTCT, @IAMDistrict26, @CEUI_SEIU_511 and @IBEW Local 420 for volunteering their time! #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/NmpQir6bHg— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 21, 2024Florida AFL-CIO:Florida brothers and sisters – now is the time to get prepared! https://t.co/JgWQruYHTK— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 24, 2024Georgia State AFL-CIO:👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Happy National Tradesman Day! Today, we honor the skilled tradespeople who are the backbone of our communities. From fixing leaks to building skyscrapers, your work is invaluable. 🏗️🔨 #NationalTradesmanDay #Tradesmen #1u #SkilledTrades #ConstructionHeroes #ThankYou 🚧 pic.twitter.com/Kx7SYMzRxF— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 20, 2024Illinois AFL-CIO:Matthew is an Engineer/Paramedic in Alton, IL. As a first responder, Matthew is committed to serving his community and ensuring that quality and emergency medical care is readily available for those in need. #1u #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/mf2E12JOFO— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 25, 2024Maine AFL-CIO:Maine @MachinistsUnion members came back from their recent International convention pumped up & energized to build power in their unions! https://t.co/zsjH2k6u4I— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 25, 2024Massachusetts AFL-CIO:We will be out hitting the doors for labor’s endorsed champions throughout election day.Saturday, join us for a labor walk for SEIU Member Kostas Loukos for State Rep. & IBEW member Paul Feeney for State Senate. We will meet at 9:30am at IBEW Local 104 in Mansfield. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/J1dmfLLTFm— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 24, 2024Michigan State AFL-CIO:7 weeks until Election Day.Make sure you’re registered to vote. pic.twitter.com/E96G8Hk3pk— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 17, 2024Minnesota AFL-CIO:“10,073 cars were stolen in Minnesota in 2017 compared to 316,000 people who experienced wage theft.” @NSPolicyAction #BetterInAUnion #mnleg https://t.co/Kg50QVWNRm— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 24, 2024Nevada State AFL-CIO:Superwalk kickoff with U.S. Senator Rosen firing up the crowd this weekend! We are always glad to have our pro-labor champions in the house of labor 💪🏼.6 weekends left before the election and every single union door needs to be knocked on! pic.twitter.com/S0VLvWWQIU— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 21, 2024New Hampshire AFL-CIO:This is what #Solidarity looks like! Thank you to all of our Brothers & Sisters that came out, in the rain, to talk to fellow union members about the importance of electing @JoyceCraigNH & @KamalaHarris!#1u #OurChoiceisJoyce pic.twitter.com/yN7pyQiLFh— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 21, 2024New Jersey State AFL-CIO:At a a panel discussion at the Labor Department, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond emphasized what is at stake for union members in this year’s election. Read the full article here: https://t.co/QmdLc2N5yh pic.twitter.com/KwjMLD75qc— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 23, 2024New York State AFL-CIO:Attention WNY! Secure your spot on this weekend’s bus to Erie, PA to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Register here: https://t.co/u0Ru526nFw— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 24, 2024North Carolina State AFL-CIO:“…collective bargaining… doesn’t solve all the problems, but it provides the framework that when we get into conflicts, we can sit across the table and negotiate in good faith, with everybody protected.” https://t.co/iDXTzYg7fg via @NCNewsline #countmein #1u— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 20, 2024Ohio AFL-CIO:Ken Casey of the #DropkickMurphys had the last word of our #Ohio @AFLCIO Convention today as he showed his support for @SherrodBrown over another anti-working class grifter like Bernie Moreno. pic.twitter.com/KUd0IwSFh9— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 25, 2024Oregon AFL-CIO:📢 Show your solidarity with striking workers 📢Join picket lines at Boeing and Bigfoot Beverages.Find out when and where by visiting our strike map. https://t.co/S3qR90RkDB@MachinistsUnion @Teamsters pic.twitter.com/VSWWE4k9dv— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 24, 2024Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:Everything unions have fought for is on the ballot this year—fair wages, better benefits, safer workplaces. It’s time to stand strong and vote to protect it all. #HarrisWalz #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/njd2NU95yZ— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 24, 2024Texas AFL-CIO:And they’re off ⛳️More than 30 teams of Texas union siblings are hitting the course for a day of fun and solidarity for our 21st Annual Walter Umphrey Golf Tournament! pic.twitter.com/6hsqpFdwne— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 25, 2024Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:As Machinists continue to strike Boeing, labor and community support is essential. Here’s how you can stand with the workers.This page will be continuously updated until the workers’ demands are met.https://t.co/725C1m1GE9 pic.twitter.com/vAUnY4t2k8— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 16, 2024Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:I spy some union members 👀What it looked like at the Kamala Harris rally in Madison https://t.co/beyQoOTtMV via @CapTimes— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 09/25/2024 – 10:17

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Monica Martinez

Posted in: AFL-CIO

Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Monica Martinez

Monica Martinez is a clinical care partner at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and serves as vice president of the patient care unit for AFSCME Local 3299. She takes great pride in making sure her neighbors have access to quality medical care. Martinez is always there for her patients and co-workers, showing up at the picket line and the bargaining table to strengthen her community and win respect and dignity for their essential work.

Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 09/25/2024 – 09:57