Worker Wins: Never Lose Sight of Your Goal

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

MissionWired Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify First Union Contract: Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 members who work at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Staff at the digital marketing and fundraising agency have been engaged in negotiations for more than two years. This is the latest campaign win for CWA’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). Highlights of the agreement include guaranteed annual wage increases, higher salary bands, guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the workplace, remote work arrangements and more. “When we started organizing, we wanted a real voice in the decisions that shape our work and our lives. This contract gives us that voice to make sure the tools that we work with every day enhance our jobs rather than replace them,” said data engineer Kelsey Evans. “We’re super proud of what we were able to build into the workplace with a first contract.”

Chicago Nurses Win Historic Union Vote: On Monday, registered nurses (RNs) at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center celebrated winning their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Nurses at the 671-bed facility initially went public with their organizing effort in April. They cited concerns around staffing levels and working conditions, which directly impact the quality of patient care, as core motivators for the effort. “We are proud to join a strong union for RNs in [the] National Nurses Organizing Committee that will give us the tools and resources to be powerful advocates for our patients,” said Jennifer Pearl, RN in the medical-surgical unit’s float pool, in a press release. “We call on all nurses in Chicago to join us in our union and organize for safe staffing, nurse retention, and improved patient care.” “We are excited to bargain for a strong contract that protects patients and nurses so we can provide the best care possible,” said Regina Piper, RN in the antepartum/postpartum unit. “We want safe staffing. We want Rush to put patients before profits.” 

Atlanta Firefighters Sign First Union Contract: In a milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance. “This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.” “This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”

USW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Arconic: The United Steelworkers (USW) announced on Saturday that the union has reached a tentative agreement with industrial manufacturer Arconic on a new master contract covering members at four facilities. The deal is still subject to membership ratification and was settled the day that the previous agreement was initially set to expire. “From the beginning of these negotiations, our members stood together and made clear that they were determined to secure a fair agreement that recognizes their hard work and dedication,” said Emil Ramirez, USW international vice president and chair of the negotiating committee. “The solidarity shown by our membership across all four Arconic locations gave this committee the strength and unity needed to reach a tentative agreement that we are proud to bring back to the members.” 

Minnesota Hospital Workers Win Deal to Protect Patient Care: AFSCME-represented workers at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis joined together and successfully pushed state leaders to allocate funding to stabilize Minnesota’s largest public hospital. The bill would allocate $205 million in direct stabilization funding for HCMC, create a reserve account of up to $500 million and institute a new oversight structure after the corporate board was dissolved last year—a victory that also was accomplished in part through the advocacy work of union members. “For months, our union members who work at HCMC sounded the alarm about what was at stake if HCMC was allowed to shutter, and that was always an unacceptable reality,” Bart Andersen, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, said. “Workers shared their stories, organized relentlessly, advocated at the Capitol, held rallies and press conferences, spoke directly with lawmakers, all while also continuing to show up every single day at HCMC to provide lifesaving care for every patient who walks through the doors. Workers’ activism, courage and unwavering commitment to our communities made this bipartisan agreement possible.” 

Penn State Faculty Vote to Join SEIU: More than 5,000 faculty across Penn State campuses won their vote to form the Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA)—an affiliate of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668. This was the largest union election in Pennsylvania’s public sector in nearly five decades. The new bargaining unit will include faculty members across all ranks and departments, tenured and contingent, full-time and part-time. “As faculty, we all came together to achieve a collective voice in Penn State’s decision-making,” said Marissa Baez, adjunct lecturer in arts and architecture and a PSFA organizing committee member. “Now, we can move forward as educators to create a better work environment for all faculty and support the best learning environment for our students.” “This is a win for all Penn State faculty and an incredible opportunity to advocate for higher education in Pennsylvania,” said Beth Seymour, professor of anthropology and a PSFA organizing committee member. “We encourage all faculty to join PSFA and get involved, as we look forward to working with the University and quickly negotiating a strong contract for the faculty. Together we will build a strong future for our entire University community.” 

Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join the UAW: Workers at the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the UAW. Guest relations workers and educators at the Smithsonian-affiliated science museum in Detroit cited bullying and harassment by management, scheduling issues, and lack of a voice at work as core motivators for organizing. “The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

D.C. Pottery Studio Workers Vote to Form Union: Staff at All Fired Up, a Washington, D.C., paint-your-own pottery store, won their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU’s) Workers United. Workers, under the name All Fired Up Workers United, voted unanimously to organize on Monday. Staff cited low wages and a lack of benefits as core motivations for their effort. Despite a lack of support from the business owner, sudden layoffs after the public announcement of the union drive and concerning comments made by the owner’s family during the election, workers stood strong and refused to back down. “All Fired Up Workers United is proud to announce that our workers unanimously voted “Yes!” for the union at today’s [NLRB] facilitated election,” the union said in a social media post. “Big thanks to all of our workers who voted, [Workers United, Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board] for their support and expertise, and [Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America] for cheering us on. We’re excited to prepare for contract negotiations! The real work is about to begin.”