AFL-CIO
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine State Workers Ratify New Contract with Wage and Benefit Gains
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine State Workers Ratify New Contract with Wage and Benefit Gains
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 Maine Service Employees Association-SEIU Local 1989 (MSEA-SEIU) ratified a new, two-year contract good through June 30, 2027.“We are taking the gains we won together—and getting organized for the fights ahead,” said MSEA-SEIU on its website.The new contract includes across-the-board wage increases of 4.5% effective the pay week closest to Sept. 1, 2026; a $2,000 lump sum payment; an increase from 80% to 85% of the federal mileage rate; Department of Health and Human Services license renewal reimbursement; an ECS Training Stipend increase to $2; reimbursement for advanced courses, licenses and certifications; improved Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations; a six-month pilot program to study where schedule flexibility is being denied, why agencies may be denying alternate work schedules and whether flexible work schedules can be expanded; creation of a contractual alternative work schedule appeal process; and numerous other gains.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 09/23/2026 – 10:09
Show Up. Speak Up. Stay Engaged: In the States Roundup
Show Up. Speak Up. Stay Engaged: 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:Paid sick leave. Minimum wage. Workplace safety standards.None of it happens without workers showing up at the ballot box, in testimony, and in the streets.Political engagement can even be those uncomfortable, informative conversations with loved ones. pic.twitter.com/kmNWMOKPT1— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 22, 2026California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:🚨🚨🚨THIS JUST IN🚨🚨🚨 @AFLCIO President @LizShuler is calling on @CAGovernor Newsom to sign @CaliforniaLabor’s first-in-the-nation package of bills to regulate AI in the workplace! She’s joined by Co-Chairs of the @AFLCIO State Federations Artificial Intelligence Taskforce… pic.twitter.com/BKM4K8mXLn— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 22, 2026Connecticut AFL-CIO:IBEW Locals 420 & 457 donated $40,000 to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center earlier this month!Over 20 years of fundraising for Connecticut Children’s, IBEW has now donated more than $420,000 to help support children and families across Connecticut. @IBEW pic.twitter.com/MJ9s8nlGbE— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 22, 2026Illinois AFL-CIO:A new report from the @IllinoisEPI shows that last year, Illinois added 24,000 new union members, reaching its highest union membership level since 2019.https://t.co/i2pYipiNAJ— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 19, 2026Maine AFL-CIO:Central Maine Medical Center illegally fired these courageous nurses for exercising their legal right to unionize & advocate for patient safety! Call CMMC CEO Allen Stefanek at 714-403-3260 or 207-330-7257 & tell him to stop his illegal union busting! @CentralMaineRNs pic.twitter.com/52tgZdCQtv— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 22, 2026Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Congratulations!! https://t.co/KtMmczIMLg— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 17, 2026Michigan State AFL-CIO:What matters to working Michiganders? pic.twitter.com/SCyEBx3f4l— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 21, 2026Minnesota AFL-CIO:The Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state’s federation of labor unions, released its 2026 Legislative Report to help voters learn how their lawmakers voted on key legislative issues during this year’s legislative session. #mnleg #mnvotes #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/OLO4DHolG2— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 22, 2026Missouri AFL-CIO:Join us on Sept. 19 & 26 as we talk to voters about Voting Yes on 6 to Protect Your Vote! pic.twitter.com/NtlNpaZjkC— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 18, 2026Nevada State AFL-CIO:Boots on the ground, real conversations at the door from union members who are being impacted by these bat shit crazy policies, and volunteers showing up for working people across Nevada. We’re keeping the momentum going all the way to Election Day 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/Y6O3jCLKJ2— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 20, 2026New York State AFL-CIO:THURSDAY: Meet labor’s pick for NY-21, @BlakeGendebien. Registration required: https://t.co/NPDBiRJqDm— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 21, 2026North Carolina State AFL-CIO:NC AFL-CIO President @BraxtonWinston delivers his opening remarks at the start of convention: “Everything’s too expensive now. We are all working harder than ever for less in return. Meanwhile, the wealthy elites in power just keep getting richer.” pic.twitter.com/vCvjNMpZ7a— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 17, 2026Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Thank you to every union and volunteer who showed up to canvas for Rep. Lesly Muñoz and Virginia Stapleton! Head to https://t.co/XfoV6jbEbh to learn more and sign up to volunteer. pic.twitter.com/wuCQRmb3Cr— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 21, 2026Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:“The vast majority of America’s workers agree on how to move forward on AI and who they trust to do it, and it’s not Democrats, Republicans, Big Tech, or their employers – it’s the labor movement.” said Liz Shuler, president of the @AFLCIO.https://t.co/7bZww87udF— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 17, 2026Texas AFL-CIO:Behind every new building in Texas is a workforce pushing through brutal heat.Dozens of workers have died and thousands more face severe health issues because they were denied basic protections like water breaks. Put people over profits! #txlegehttps://t.co/z6tHZXWMim— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 22, 2026Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:⚠️ Support laid off journalists! ➡️https://t.co/b5TiElplCM… https://t.co/tRTcvVGPzz— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 17, 2026Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Solidarity. It’s Better in a Union #laborday pic.twitter.com/KGk0546ZAO— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 8, 2026
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 09/22/2026 – 15:04
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Francisco Preciado
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Francisco Preciado
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 Francisco Preciado of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Since 2020, Francisco Preciado has served as executive director of IFPTE Local 20, which has grown from about 7,500 members to almost 10,000 during this time. Preciado has coordinated organizing campaigns and contract negotiations across the utility, health care and nonprofit sectors, most recently welcoming 1,105 new members at Southern California Edison. Preciado is proud to lead an amazing staff focused on improving the lives of working people.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 09/22/2026 – 10:28
Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Union Shipbuilders Ratify New Contract with Nearly 20% Wage Increases and Major Benefit Gains
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Union Shipbuilders Ratify New Contract with Nearly 20% Wage Increases and Major Benefit Gains
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.
IAM Union members at General Dynamics NASSCO ratified a new three-year contract covering more than 800 shipbuilders in San Diego.The agreement raises wages by nearly 20% over the life of the contract—a 10% increase in the first year, followed by 5% in the second year and 4% in the third year. It also delivers major improvements to retirement benefits; an additional floating holiday; stronger language on attendance, seniority, life insurance and disability benefits; and other gains.“This contract recognizes the skill, sacrifice, and essential work of IAM members who build the ships that support our national security and strengthen America’s maritime capabilities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Our members stood together throughout this campaign, and their solidarity produced meaningful improvements in wages, retirement security, benefits and workplace protections.”“Our members built the strength that made this agreement possible,” said IAM District 947 Business Representative William “Billy” Corona. “They talked with their coworkers, grew the union inside the shipyard and showed the company that NASSCO shipbuilders were prepared to stand together. That unity gave the committee the power it needed to secure real gains at the table.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 09/22/2026 – 10:20
‘Huge, Absolutely Huge’: The Working People Weekly List
‘Huge, Absolutely Huge’: 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.
AFL-CIO President: The Significance of ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Is ‘Absolutely Huge’: “Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO, described the significance of Pope Leo’s encyclical, ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ as ‘huge, absolutely huge,’ in this exclusive interview with America. ‘When I first read it,’ she said, ‘I just felt like this could have been a document written by the trade union movement.’ She said she was also impressed by ‘the convening power of the church’ and considered this very important in our day. Ms. Shuler is the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, and she represented the American labor unions at the fourth synodal encounter, ‘Fratelli Tutti: North-South socio-environmental dialogue,’ which was held in the Vatican Sept. 11–13.”Report Details How Trump Mass Deportation Agenda Is Fueling U.S. Affordability Crisis: “‘Working people are paying the price for an immigration system that is destabilizing entire industries and communities and making it easier to exploit workers,’ said AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler. ‘As this report demonstrates, a broad pathway to citizenship for all would raise wages, create more and better jobs, and strengthen our economy in ways that help all of us.’”As AI Reshapes the Workplace, Labor and Church Leaders Demand a Worker Voice: “Liz Shuler, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), said protecting workers requires confronting a model in which executives make far-reaching technological decisions without worker input. ‘Right now, we have CEOs who want to play God to make decisions that affect hundreds of millions of working people without our input and consent,’ Shuler said. Shuler made the remarks at a Sept. 11 Vatican press conference held in connection with the Fourth Fratelli Tutti Synodal Meeting, a Sept. 10–12 gathering in Rome focused on dialogue between the Global North and South on social and environmental issues. The press conference brought together labor and Church leaders to discuss, among other questions, the impact of artificial intelligence on workers and the need for social dialogue.”Lobbying for the College Sports Bill Is Heating Up: “The first news conference, organized by the AFL-CIO, included a handful of speakers that vehemently opposed the PCSA. Four active Division I athletes spoke, calling for collective bargaining and unionization as an alternative to a bill crafted without athletes at the negotiating table. The call also included Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut); Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP; Meghann Burke, president of the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association; and Marty McNair, whose son, Jordan McNair, died from heatstroke after a University of Maryland practice in 2018.”Weingarten Weighs in on AI: ‘The Robots Can’t Be in Charge’: “The president of one of the biggest teachers unions in the country has come out with a cautionary warning on AI in schools, emphasizing the need for learning before students are exposed to the technology. ‘So, you know, from an education and a people perspective, the human beings have to be in charge of AI. The robots can’t be in charge. The machines can’t be in charge.’”Union Representing Uber, Lyft Gets Certified in California. What to Know: “A union representing Uber and Lyft drivers crossed an important threshold this week when it was certified by the Public Employment Relations Board. The move will allow the California Gig Workers Union to help drivers negotiate issues affecting working conditions and benefits. It comes as at least 30% of active drivers expressed support of the union.”NSO Musicians Approve Contract, Solidifying Orchestra’s Future Through 2030: “The musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra ratified a new four-year contract Friday that will help preserve the present roster and solidify the NSO’s future past the imminent closing of the Kennedy Center. The collective bargaining agreement between the DC Federation of Musicians, Local 161-710, American Federation of Musicians, and the National Symphony Orchestra Association calls for a 9% wage increase for all musicians over the first three years of the contract; the fourth year is open to future negotiation.”Tufts Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement with Union: “Tufts University facilities workers have reached a tentative contract agreement with the university, avoiding a potential strike after months of negotiations. The agreement between Tufts and 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union covers approximately 100 groundskeepers, skilled maintenance workers and trades workers across the university’s campuses. A union bargaining committee reached the tentative deal Friday afternoon, a little more than one week after facilities workers at the Medford and Boston campuses unanimously voted to authorize a strike if necessary.”Mount Nittany Union Workers Vote to Ratify New Contract, Ending Months-Long Dispute: “Workers at Mount Nittany Medical Center have voted to ratify their new union contract with the hospital, ending a months-long fight that included a five-day strike. In a statement, the SEIU Healthcare Union says hospital workers at Mount Nittany Medical Center voted by 86% on Monday to ratify a new union contract as of September 14th.”Largest Maine State Labor Union Approves New Contract: “The largest union representing Maine state employees has a new contract after more than a year and a half of negotiations. MSEA Local 1989 employees have been working under an expired contract for over a year. The Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services announced today that union members voted to ratify a deal effective through the end of next June. It includes a 4.5% pay increase retroactive to September 1, a two-thousand-dollar lump-sum payment early next month, and expanded eligibility for bereavement leave.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/21/2026 – 11:10
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Marlene Jimenez
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Marlene Jimenez
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 Marlene Jimenez of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Marlene Jimenez has been a proud CWA member since 1986 and vice president of CWA Local 7777 since 1995. She helped merge Local 7775 with Local 7777 after serving as Local 7775’s secretary-treasurer. She has served in numerous union leadership roles and currently represents the Western Region on the CWA National Diversity Executive Board. Jimenez has negotiated contracts for public and private sector workers, consistently fighting for fair contracts and workers’ rights.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/21/2026 – 10:28
Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Norma Gomez Sanchez
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Norma Gomez Sanchez
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 Norma Gomez Sanchez of the Bricklayers (BAC).
“My name is Norma Gomez Sanchez, and I am a member of Bricklayers Local 13 in Nevada. Joining this union has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life. It has transformed me into an independent, stronger and more resilient woman—a multifaceted warrior who fears nothing. I feel truly blessed, proud and grateful to God for placing me on this path in the construction industry and for allowing me to be one of you.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/18/2026 – 10:32
Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NHLPA Goals & Dreams Celebrates Bob Goodenow’s Legacy Through $50,000 Equipment Contribution, 5-Year Commitment to Clark Park Coalition
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NHLPA Goals & Dreams Celebrates Bob Goodenow’s Legacy Through $50,000 Equipment Contribution, 5-Year Commitment to Clark Park Coalition
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 charitable arm of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), NHLPA Goals & Dreams, and the Clark Park Coalition hosted a special community hockey event in Detroit to celebrate the legacy of former longtime NHLPA Executive Director Bob Goodenow, held nearly a year after his passing.Goals & Dreams announced a two-season $50,000 equipment donation of 35 full sets of gear in each of the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons to Clark Park Coalition’s youth hockey program. The organization also announced a five-year commitment to continue supplying new equipment to the program in the years ahead.“Hockey is a game that inspires people and brings them together,” said NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh. “We’re proud to celebrate Bob Goodenow’s legacy by giving back to the game he loved with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams’ equipment donation to Clark Park Coalition’s youth hockey program, helping support the next generation of hockey players in Detroit.”Goodenow’s ties to Clark Park ran across generations, his father skated at the rink in the 1930s and decades later, his grandson scored his first goal there. He also helped found NHLPA Goals & Dreams in 1999.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/18/2026 – 10:32
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: J. Philippe Abraham
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: J. Philippe Abraham
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 J. Philippe Abraham of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
J. Philippe Abraham serves as the secretary-treasurer of NYSUT and an AFT vice president, bringing more than three decades of union leadership to the labor movement. He has championed social justice, equity and leadership development, helping to expand NYSUT’s Members of Color Affinity and Action Project and BIPOC Pathways to Leadership Program while working to build a stronger, more inclusive union.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/17/2026 – 10:12
Tags:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Job Application Loyalty Question After Unions File Suit
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Job Application Loyalty Question After Unions File Suit
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Friday, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from requiring federal agency job applicants to write an essay about their favorite Trump administration initiative, siding with AFGE, AFSCME and the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), an affiliate of SEIU, in their lawsuit.Unions filed a complaint after the Office of Personnel Management issued a “merit hiring plan” in May 2025. The court found that this unlawful requirement violates the First Amendment, the Administrative Procedure Act and the Privacy Act.“This is a major win for public service workers and the communities we serve,” said AFSCME President Patrick Moran. “These ‘loyalty questions’ are a blatantly illegal attempt to hire partisan cronies who would endanger our communities by putting politics before people, rather than dedicated, qualified public service workers.”“Requiring federal job applicants to answer politically motivated questions goes against the very nature of the nonpartisan civil service, and we are pleased the judge has put an immediate stop to the administration’s loyalty questions. Federal employees should be hired based solely on their ability to perform the job – not their allegiance to any particular administration,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said.“Today’s ruling makes clear that hiring in the federal workforce cannot be turned into a political loyalty question,” said David J. Holway, national president of NAGE. “Federal jobs are not political rewards, and public service is not conditioned on allegiance to a president.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/17/2026 – 10:05