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Win A Better Future: In the States Roundup Win A Better Future: 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). Alaska AFL-CIO:
"Joining the Nurse Licensure Compact is smoke and mirrors, disguising dangerous working conditions and calling it a workforce shortage." #akleg Nurse Licensure Compact is bad for workers and bad for Alaska! https://t.co/DVENu1mgk0 — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:📌Join us this Friday, April 26th where we will gather to remember and pay tribute to the workers who have lost their lives due to work-related hazards.#WorkersMemorialDay #1u RSVP Required: https://t.co/vpZjqQXbNl pic.twitter.com/dKfPSUJYe4 — Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:We don’t have to choose between good jobs & a healthy planet. We’re fighting for both.We can act on climate & build a sustainable economy w/ abundant public services & healthy & prosperous communities w/ good union jobs.Choose a better present. Win a better future.#EarthDay pic.twitter.com/Ijou3l3bBO — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 22, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:“At this moment, Colorado has the opportunity to not just legislate but to lead — to champion a cause that resonates beyond its borders, inspiring a national movement toward greater rail safety and accountability.”#coleg #copols https://t.co/kc78NJHIkf — Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 17, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:.@EHawthorne3 honoring the workers who died at L'Ambiance: "This remembrance is to honor those 28 workers but should also serve as a reminder that nothing is more paramount than worker safety. We will not stop until every worker is able to go to work and return home safely" pic.twitter.com/fxVUj7kvcC — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:And the bosses know climate is a labor issue, too.Gov. DeSantis and his majority in the legislature recently passed a law BANNING cities and counties from enacting any heat protections for workers. https://t.co/mbwkq2nmQC — Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:#Congratulations to @UAW Pres. Shawn Fain !!! Thank you for continuing the movement 🫶🏼#1u #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #unionproud #Georgia pic.twitter.com/3ZH3tjXo9v — Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 21, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:Thank you @ILTreasurer for highlighting your investments to improve Illinois' infrastructure and create good-paying jobs at #NABTU2024 Conference in Washington, DC today. pic.twitter.com/CQHhgB3BRV — Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:Everyone who wants a union deserves a union, keep up the fight! ✊ https://t.co/4P6Z06EAdQ — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Congratulations @UAW!! ✊✊✊#UnionStrong https://t.co/Vbc1WYiV0b — Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) April 20, 2024
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:Announcing the Kentucky State AFL-CIO's 2024 Primary Election Endorsements#Labor2024 #KyElect #WorkingFamilies #UnionStrong #1Union pic.twitter.com/ZUhIaGGcaR — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) April 16, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:This is our statement on @GovJanetMills’ shameful veto of a minimum wage for farmworkers in Maine. #mepolitics #Shame pic.twitter.com/cGSKJTaS7F — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:Denise Ilitch and Mark Gaffney have been crucial allies of labor on campus. Reelecting pro-labor candidates to our university governing boards is an essential step to ensuring our universities protect the rights and dignity of their workers.https://t.co/lrCFlZeY7W — Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:She stands up for working people in Congress and we are proud to endorse @IlhanMN! https://t.co/CDYngCE5DO — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:Happy Passover to those who celebrate! ✡️ #chagsameach pic.twitter.com/w1lYlUNdtY — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:Huge win developing for workers who voted this week to join @UAW in Chattanooga! There’s nothing better than having a voice in the workplace! #unionstrong https://t.co/7meEcFCbRo — Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 20, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:Join us this Friday at Sunset Park for a Workers Memorial Day Luncheon! pic.twitter.com/f2o6tavMKh — Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:No other candidate running for Governor understands what NH working families face day-to-day. That’s why the @NHAFLCIO has endorsed @JoyceCraigNH. Excited to be at her office opening tonight in Manchester!#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/qkDo3cTiMM — New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Passage of Vital Tier 6 Pension Reforms in State Budget: https://t.co/e9YftLG8Ax — NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 21, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:IT'S A NEW DAWN, IT'S A NEW DAY, IN THE SOUTH Y'ALL! Volkswagen workers vote yes to unionizing, igniting @UAW's push to #organizetheSouth https://t.co/ly4C6miAGn #1u — NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 20, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:We remember when our pro-#union Brother @heyjohnrussell ran here in #Ohio for Statehouse and Congress. Glad he's still in the fight for working people. https://t.co/3jwb2dEhBW — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 22, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:The #OregonPrimary is one month away! Check out our #OregonLabor 2024 Voting Guide and learn more about the pro-worker candidates we’ve endorsed.https://t.co/mZfx8WjXO5 pic.twitter.com/0zBE7H7AjW — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council unanimously voted to elect Maurice Cobb as its Secretary-Treasurer to fill the unexpired term until the next convention, succeeding George Piasecki as Secretary-Treasurer.Read our full statement: https://t.co/7unLnKJ2mC pic.twitter.com/KxKoyyrDJw — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 23, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:We have the chance to ban captive anti-union meetings in Rhode Island! Let's protect our workers from threats, intimidation, and limits on their free speech rights Thank you bill sponsors @RepCraven & @LaMountainfor31 #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/Hl4lmZbUH2 — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 23, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:Enough with the fear-mongering, @GovBillLee. If this was really about "choice," you wouldn't have attempted to interfere in yet another election. Your failure to stay out of this decision is the only "mistake" that we see #StandUpUAW #1uhttps://t.co/f9E0paOn1n — Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 23, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:Please join us in welcoming Fabiola Barreto, our new Texas Immigrant Worker Project Coordinator 🥳She will organize our Citizenship Clinics, assist in other immigration-related initiatives, and participate in immigration-related legislative activities.Welcome, Fabiola! pic.twitter.com/4yAi2xmehk — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:Make sure to thank your school bus drivers today! https://t.co/gMmvwpUisU pic.twitter.com/lmPxpAMwvS — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) April 23, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:“Affordable & accessible childcare is critical not only to a healthy workforce and families, but also to the state’s overall economy,” said WV AFL-CIO Pres Josh Sword. “The most effective way to ensure working people remain in the workforce is to allow parents affordable access… — West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) April 19, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Learning to lead: ILR institute trains the next generation of union organizers https://t.co/1NkRoKJ3Fh — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 19, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:07 — Apr 24 -
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GM Aramark Workers Win Major Gains Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GM Aramark Workers Win Major Gains Working people across the United States have stepped 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. Workers at General Motors Aramark won a historic tentative agreement that raises the standards for all UAW GM members in sanitation. Under the new contract, workers will receive raises of up to 43% over the life of the three-year deal. It would take a worker just 90 days to reach the top wage rate. Workers will receive retroactive back pay from March 15. “If ratified, this deal will be a major victory for our UAW members in sanitation, not just at Aramark,” said Mike Booth, UAW vice president and director of the GM Department. “Of the 10 sanitation companies the UAW bargains with, Aramark is the largest. We took the fight to Aramark head-on to win a contract that recognizes your hard work and dedication.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:48 — Apr 24
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota Grocery Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota Grocery Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement Working people across the United States have stepped 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. Grocery workers, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663, reached a tentative contract agreement with management of Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery stores in Brainerd, Baxter, Crosby and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. The contract agreement comes after the workers went on a four-day strike in December. The workers rejected management's offer in January and fought until they secured the new agreement on Monday. Details of the tentative contract are to be released after members are informed of the details through in-person meetings. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/23/2024 - 09:54 — Apr 23
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The Fight Goes On: The Working People Weekly List The Fight Goes On: 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. ‘He Has Our Backs’: Pennsylvania Steelworkers Cheer Biden’s Proposed Tariffs on Chinese Steel: “Darrin Kelly, the president of the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, told PennLive that Biden’s tariffs proposal ‘is just one further acknowledgment that this is the most worker-friendly president in the history of our great country.’ Kelly praised Biden’s commitment to labor and the middle-class, saying that, ‘Every step and every breath this man takes has the American worker in his blood, in his heart. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’ll always stand with him.’” Shedd Aquarium Employees Launch Union Drive: “Employees at the Shedd Aquarium announced plans to unionize Thursday, the latest in a series of unionization campaigns at Chicago’s prominent cultural in recent years. The employees eventually plan to file for a union election with the American Federation of Sate, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which since 2022 has unionized workers at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Institute and its affiliated school, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park and the Newberry Library, a research library on the Near North Side.” Disneyland Character Workers File for a Union Election with the National Labor Relations Board: “The workers who play characters like Goofy and Mickey Mouse and cheer and dance at parades at Disneyland have taken a step forward in their push to unionize with Actors’ Equity. The group of organizers, which is seeking to represent 1,700 employees, filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, Actors’ Equity president Kate Shindle announced at a press conference in Anaheim on Wednesday. According to Shindle, a ‘supermajority’ of eligible employees have signed union authorization cards, supporting the move to be represented by Actors’ Equity in collective bargaining. Beyond performers, the group—which calls itself ‘Magic United’—also includes workers who help facilitate character performers’ interactions with park patrons and trainers who work with them.” Graduate Student Workers Vote to Authorize Strike: “Fordham Graduate Student Workers (FGSW) announced its members had approved a 98% vote in favor of authorizing a strike on April 9 after polls had closed. The vote is an effort to pressure the university to meet the union’s demands in ongoing contract negotiations for higher compensation, healthcare benefits, childcare subsidies, and more. The strike authorization vote will allow union leaders to call for a strike at any moment if Fordham does not move closer to meeting FGSW’s demands—both parties have been in negotiations for 19 months. If a strike were to occur, union members would not work until both parties negotiate a satisfactory contract with Fordham.” MSHA Final Rule Lowers Limit for Miner Exposure to Silica: “To Cecil Roberts, president of United Mine Workers of America, the rule protects miners both in the short-term and throughout their lives. ‘Young miners in their 30s and 40s are getting lung diseases that are being exacerbated by silica dust,’ Roberts said in a release. ‘What was thought to be a disease of the past is coming back with a vengeance because miners are cutting more rock than ever before.’ In a separate release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler calls the rule ‘a definitive step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation’s miners.’” U.S. Antitrust Funding Jump Urged by Unions, Lobbies, Trade Groups: “The Justice Department’s antitrust enforcers need more funding to crack down on illegal mergers and conduct, unions, small business and advocacy groups told members of Congress Tuesday ahead of Attorney General Merrick Garland’s expected testimony. In a pair of letters to the leaders of the House and Senate appropriations committees, the groups urged lawmakers to increase the antitrust funding for the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission.” Nebraska Steamfitter Running for U.S. Senate Against GOP Incumbent Is Gaining Traction: “In Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race, something extraordinary is happening—Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate, is gaining traction at the polls, attracting national media attention, and, most importantly, securing cross-over voters. A former union president who led a 77-day strike at Kellogg’s in 2021, Osborn was fired from the company last year and is currently an apprentice for a local steamfitter’s union in Omaha. Now, the 48-year-old father of three is spending all of his free time outside his 40-hour workweek campaigning against incumbent GOP Sen. Deb Fischer.” Another Group of St. Louis Public Radio Employees File to Organize Despite University of Missouri Resistance: “Another group of St. Louis Public Radio employees has filed to organize, following the newsroom’s historic unionization last year. The St. Louis Public Radio Guild announced it has filed for a second election to add the radio station’s non-supervisory fundraising, events and support staff to its ranks. The St. Louis Public Radio Guild organized the 37 newsroom workers who bring local, national and international news and programs to the airwaves and online, including journalists, producers, on-air talent and marketing professionals. Last year, they made history by becoming the first public media union to file for and win union recognition in the state of Missouri.” America's Newest Doctors Fuel Efforts to Unionize: “A new generation of doctors struggling with ever-increasing workloads and crushing student debt is helping drive unionization efforts in a profession that historically hasn't organized. Why it matters: Physicians in training, like their peers in other industries, increasingly see unions as a way to boost their pay and protect themselves against grueling working conditions as they launch their careers. It also comes amid a wave of unionization and labor actions by nurses and other caregivers across a health care system that's still dealing with high levels of burnout.” Sault Saint Marie Nurses Strike for Fair Pay Amid Negotiation Standoff: “Nurses in Sault Saint Marie are now on strike. This follows negotiations between the Michigan Nurse's Association and MyMichigan Health that ended in a deadlock. About 120 nurses work at MyMichigan Health, and they could be striking outside the hospital for five days if an agreement is not reached.” Marquette Employees Launch Union Organizing Drive Amid Budget Uncertainty and Job Cuts: “A group of more than 50 Marquette University employees have launched a union organizing drive in hopes of gaining federal recognition—allowing them to negotiate over wages, benefits and workplace conditions. The effort announced this week comes shortly after Marquette laid out plans to cut $31 million from its budget over the next seven years. ‘It just seems like we need this now more than ever,’ said Grant Gosizk, a union steering committee member who teaches in the university's English department. ‘There’s an amount of pressure to the campaign now that we haven't had for the past year or two. It’s been in the works for a long time, but now it seems essential.’” WGA Strike Leaders Chris Keyser and David Goodman Warn Members to Stay Vigilant: ‘The Strike Is Over, the Fight Goes On’: “Chris Keyser and David Goodman, the veteran showrunners who steered the five-month Writers Guild of America strike last year, warned guild members on Sunday to stay vigilant in a fast-changing business landscape despite the gains of last year’s historic labor action. ‘Though this strike is over, the fight goes on. If we take our eye off the ball, everything we gained can literally go away tomorrow,’ Goodman told the crowd at the Writers Guild Awards at the Hollywood Palladium.” 'Overworked, Underpaid': Flight Attendants Picket at Newark Airport: “If an airline has the cash to give its executives a big pay bump, its employees also deserve a raise. This was the call from dozens of unionized flight attendants with United Airlines at a picket line outside Newark Airport on Thursday. As part of a national day of action held at airports across the U.S., the flight attendants held up signs reading ‘Pay Us Or Chaos’ and chanted ‘Overworked, underpaid—pay us a living wage.’” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:17 — Apr 22
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers Become First Southern Autoworkers to Win Their Union Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers Become First Southern Autoworkers to Win Their Union Working people across the United States have stepped 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 a historic victory, 73% of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the UAW. The Volkswagen workers are the first Southern autoworkers outside of the Big Three to win a union. “This election is big,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department at Volkswagen (VW). “People in high places told us good things can’t happen here in Chattanooga. They told us this isn’t the time to stand up, this isn’t the place. But we did stand up and we won. This is the time; this is the place. Southern workers are ready to stand up and win a better life.” “We saw the big contract that UAW workers won at the Big Three and that got everybody talking,” said Zachary Costello, a trainer in VW’s proficiency room. “You see the pay, the benefits, the rights UAW members have on the job, and you see how that would change your life. That’s why we voted overwhelmingly for the union. Once people see the difference a union makes, there’s no way to stop them.” “This is a movement for every blue-collar worker in America,” said Doug Snyder, a body worker at Volkswagen. “Our vote shows that workers everywhere want a better life on and off the job. Fair pay is important, but so is time with our families. So is a voice for safety in our plant. We’re looking forward to getting to the bargaining table with the company and winning a contract that makes things right at Volkswagen.” “We congratulate the Volkswagen workers, our UAW family and UAW President Shawn Fain for this monumental victory in Chattanooga,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “The victory at Volkswagen’s plant in Tennessee marks a historic milestone for workers across the state and the broader South. Led by a diverse coalition of young activists, this triumph challenges outdated labor laws and sets new standards for collective bargaining power. It symbolizes a shift away from the old economic model that prioritizes the profits of big corporations to a new era where working people have the power to shape our futures.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:53 — Apr 22
AFL-CIO Blog
- Win A Better Future: In the States Roundup
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GM Aramark Workers Win Major Gains
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota Grocery Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement
- The Fight Goes On: The Working People Weekly List
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers Become First Southern Autoworkers to Win Their Union