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We All Share the Same Fight: 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.
America’s Most Powerful Union Leaders Have a Message for Capital: “I sat down with four of America’s top union leaders—Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO (the federation of U.S. trade unions); Claude Cummings, president of the Communications Workers of America [CWA]; Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers [AFT]; and Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants [AFA-CWA], to talk about what’s happened and where they go from here. What follows is a lightly edited transcript of a conversation that took place on Feb. 21 in Washington, D.C….Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO: Seventy-one percent of the public supports unions generally, and 88% of young people under the age of 30 do.”
Vice President Harris Highlights Union Apprenticeships, Infrastructure Investment in Madison Visit: “Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale, also part of the entourage that accompanied Harris, called Biden ‘the most pro-union president in our history’ and applauded the executive order. ‘We in the labor movement are pleased to see President Biden and Vice President Harris are working to improve the lives of working people and especially young people seeking apprenticeships,’ Bloomingdale said in an interview after the visit.”
Costume Designers Guild Gains Nationwide Support from Hollywood Stars and Labor Unions for Pay Equity Demands: “As crew contract conversations get underway with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the Costume Designers Guild’s fight for pay equity has gained support from stars and labor groups. Earlier this year, the guild launched Pay Equity Now, a movement designed to spotlight the organization’s decadeslong fight for pay equity and gender equity.”
Fairfax Connector Service to Resume Friday After Successful Labor Negotiations End Strike: “Fairfax Connector service resumed on Friday, March 8, after successful labor negotiations between ATU [Amalgamated Transit Union] Local 689 and bus operator Transdev ended a 15-day strike, officials announced Wednesday evening. The bus service has been suspended since about 630 bus operators, mechanics and utility crews went on strike on Feb. 22 during contract negotiations. The union and Transdev had reportedly been in talks over a new contract since October 2023, but after 12 bargaining sessions, union leaders claimed the bus operator had been ‘slow-walking the talks’ and ignoring most of their key priorities.”
U.S. Rep. Pocan Announces He Invited AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to State of the Union: “Today, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan [Wisconsin], co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Labor Caucus, announced he was bringing Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, as his guest to this year’s State of the Union. President Shuler represents more than 12 million workers nationwide, including thousands of Wisconsinites. ‘Congressman Pocan is a champion for working people, and I’m honored he invited me to view the State of the Union with him,’ said Shuler. ‘Too often in D.C., the State of the Union gets looked at through what boxes get checked or how many times a word is said—and those details matter, of course—but it’s also important to step back and realize that the sum of President Biden’s actions have resulted in launching another industrial revolution with transformational policies for workers and communities that will last for generations.’”
State Officials Hear from Industry, Labor on Embracing AI Without Leaving Workers Behind: “On Monday, the task force heard from Oshkosh Corporation [Senior Vice President and] Chief Information Officer Anupam Khare and AFL-CIO Technology Institute Director Amanda Ballantyne. Ballantyne, with the AFL-CIO, focused her comments on how government and industry can embrace AI [artificial intelligence] in a way that doesn’t harm workers. She said the labor movement sees AI as both a potential and a challenge. In general, she said, labor leaders like technology that makes work safer and more efficient, but they are concerned AI could degrade work or automate jobs away. She said the government and private industries need to work with organized labor to ensure AI is a net positive for working people. Ballantyne said including provisions related to artificial intelligence in collective bargaining contracts is one way to achieve that, pointing to AI provisions negotiated by the screenwriters’ and actors’ unions. She also said the AFL-CIO is advocating for more education and workforce development programs at the local level to help train workers on artificial intelligence, so they are not left behind in the transition.”
A Transformative Training for Union Organizers: “The AFL-CIO Organizing Institute partnered with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, last week to offer a three-day training for organizers to learn the skills they need to win and to move the labor movement forward. Nearly 40 organizers participated in this dynamic training, including representatives of the IBEW [Electrical Workers], IAM [Machinists], OPEIU [Office and Professional Employees], AFGE, UFCW [United Food and Commercial Workers], AFSCME, SPEEA [Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace], IFPTE [International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers], NALC [National Association of Letter Carriers], IUPAT [Painters and Allied Trades], MLK Labor, NEA [National Education Association] and SEIU.”
We All Share the Same Fight: “Recently, the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations released data that showed the number of striking workers in the United States climbed 141% from 2022 to 2023. That’s numbers-backed proof of the energy and hope that we feel every day, isn’t it? We are in a generation-defining moment—one in which workers are rightfully seizing our power and unrigging our economy so that it works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy. Researchers documented 470 work stoppages involving about 539,000 workers last year. These work stoppages resulted in a total of roughly 24,874,522 strike days.”
The Labor Movement Is Empowering Working Women: “Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the paths paved by women before us while also recognizing the barriers that still exist today. This includes gender wage gaps that vary by race and ethnicity and lack of access to affordable childcare or paid maternity leave for working moms. However, my grandmother, my mother and I are living proof that women do not always have to compromise family life for career life—you can have both if you have a union job. My life story is a testament to how the labor movement empowers working women and why our movement must continue opening doors for women, young workers, immigrants and all working people who can benefit from a union job. The momentum we are seeing around the labor movement today is a result of people demanding what they deserve. A study by the Department of the Treasury in 2023 found that unions help to close the wealth inequality gap and grow the American middle class.”
Keystone Resort, Colorado, Ski Patrol Submits Petition to Unionize: “Today, after many weeks of worker-led organizing efforts, a majority of Keystone Resort, Colorado, ski patrollers have chosen to file for a union representation election at the National Labor Relations Board. They are organized as the Keystone Ski Patrol Union (KSPU) into CWA [Communications Workers of America] Local 7781, the United Professional Ski Patrols of America (UPSPA). 70% of eligible ski patrollers signed union cards. The patrol has also asked Keystone management for voluntary recognition of their union.”
Latest AFL-CIO Lawmaker Ratings Show Deep Partisan Split: “It should come as no great surprise, but the AFL-CIO’s annual study of lawmakers’ key votes showed a highly partisan split last year on issues workers really cared about: Democrats and the Senate’s three independents for; Republicans against—really against. ‘Working people fought to elect champions in Congress who together with President Biden have delivered on key priorities, including ensuring we have the freedom to organize and form unions,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement about the voting study.”
IATSE and Teamsters Warn of Another Hollywood Strike at Massive Rally: ‘Put Your Helmets On’: “Negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are set to begin on Monday. The Theatrical Stage Employees [IATSE], Teamsters [IAM] and Hollywood Basic Crafts will jointly bargain health and pension benefits. Over the next few months, IATSE, IAM and Hollywood Basic Crafts will then bargain their separate agreements, with the hope of having the deals ratified by the deadline. At the rally, Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE, struck a somewhat more moderate tone than O’Brien, repeatedly emphasizing, ‘There’s enough to go around.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:45Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Spotify’s Unionized Staff Reaches Tentative Deal, Including 5.7% Pay Raise
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.
One week after their previous contract expired, union members at The Ringer and Spotify Studios, represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), both reached tentative agreements with Spotify on new collective bargaining agreements. The tentative deals call for pay increases that average 5.7%. They also made gains on severance, won new protections for employees who are on visas, and secured ground-breaking safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence.
“Our joint unit went into these negotiations battered by brutal rounds of layoffs,” said the joint unit. “So many of our talented colleagues were cast aside in a restructuring that was only necessary because of decisions made by Spotify leadership. Still, during negotiations, Spotify Studios Union members came together and found a unified voice to defend our rights as workers."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:00Women's History Month Profiles: Bess Watts
This year, 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 Bess Watts of AFSCME.
Throughout her many years of service to the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), an affiliate of AFSCME, Bess Watts earned a reputation as a fighter and a strong voice for LGBTQ+ rights in Rochester, New York. She fought for two decades to advance women's rights and the rights of working people. Watts began her career as an interlibrary loan specialist and senior clerk at Monroe Community College before working her way up to several leadership positions, including president of the Monroe County local of CSEA and president of the Pride at Work Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/11/2024 - 09:03Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Planned Parenthood Keystone Workers Join OPEIU
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.
Planned Parenthood Keystone’s non-professional employees have joined with Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 32 over issues of job security, fair wages and health care. The new union includes all non-managerial staff without advanced medical degrees, as well as medical center staff from Planned Parenthood Keystone’s eight centers, office staff, floating medical staff, gender affirming care specialists, telehealth staff, community health workers and educators.
Floating Medical Center Assistant Alice Wehner said that they want to continue to serve their community "without fear of being fired for no reason at all. Over the years, I’ve seen many valuable employees terminated without notice or good reason, and their absence is felt deeply."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/11/2024 - 08:52Women's History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt
This year, 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 Linda Hunt of UNITE HERE.
“The Culinary Union opened doors for Black workers, which was a milestone for me,” Linda Hunt said. “And I see African Americans in leadership roles in my union. I've been on a journey in this union and I saw lives change. I was part of the change, which makes me feel good knowing I could help families thrive.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/10/2024 - 09:03Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Rebecca Owens
This year, 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 Rebecca Owens of AFA-CWA.
Rebecca Owens is a proud flight attendant and active member of AFA-CWA Council 30. She has stepped up as her union is in contract negotiations by helping to organize informational pickets, volunteering to go on camera to share the stories of her union brothers, sisters and siblings, making sure her colleagues participated in their recent strike vote and working with the Alaska State AFL-CIO to get paid sick leave on Alaska's ballot to benefit her co-workers.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/09/2024 - 09:03Tags: Women's History Month
Economy Gains 275,000 Jobs in February; Unemployment Up to 3.9%
The U.S. economy gained 275,000 jobs in February, and the unemployment rate was up slightly, to 3.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
February's biggest job gains were in health care (+67,000), government (+52,000), food services and drinking places (+42,000), social assistance (+24,000), construction (+23,000), transportation and warehousing (+20,000) and retail trade (+19,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; information; financial activities; professional and business services; and other services.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (12.5%) and adult women (3.5%) increased during the month. The jobless rates for Black Americans (5.6%), Hispanics (5.0%), adult men (3.5%), White Americans (3.4%) and Asian Americans (3.4%) showed little or no change in February.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in February and accounted for 18.7% of the total number of people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 10:01Ramadan Mubarak
The AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million working people in 60 affiliated national and international unions, sends greetings to our Muslim union members, their families and the Muslim community as Muslims begin their holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak…Blessed RamadanMuslims will observe Ramadan beginning Sunday, March 10, at sunset and ending Tuesday, April 9, at sunset. During this time, Muslims all over the world who are able to fast will abstain from eating and drinking…not even a sip of water…from sunset to sunup. This month of fasting ends with the joyous celebration of Eid.
Muslims believe that through fasting during Ramadan they can gain insights and strength by separating themselves from the material in order to focus on the spiritual in their lives. We recognize that the fast can be especially challenging for our members at work, and we honor their devotion to practicing the teachings of their faith. It is our hope that Ramadan will be a time of spiritual blessing for them, their family and their community.
During Ramadan, Muslims pray and offer support for the most vulnerable members of our society, the unemployed and those facing job loss, and those suffering the impacts of income inequality, wage theft and discrimination in their workplaces.
The AFL-CIO stands in strong support of our Muslim union members, their families and the Muslim community in the practice of their faith, free from prejudice or discrimination, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment as a labor movement to freedom of religion as a basic human right to be strengthened and preserved.
Eid Mubarak…Happy Eid Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:18Women's History Month Profiles: Pamela Blackmore
This year, 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 Pamela Blackmore of SMART.
Kansas City tradeswoman Pamela Blackmore is a journeyperson, a night shift foreman, a conductor at SMART Local 2 union meetings and the recording secretary for the Local 2 Women’s Committee. And after 29 years in the trade, she said she will, “talk about or answer any questions about sheet metal, and just maybe inspire a young person into the trade when they hear how long and successful my career has been.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 08:54Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tempus AI Workers in Chicago Vote to Join IAM 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.
A majority of 400 lab workers at a downtown Chicago artificial intelligence (AI) biotech lab, Tempus AI, voted overwhelmingly to join the Machinists (IAM). The Tempus AI lab workers are seeking stronger safety standards, a better work-life balance, more competitive pay and benefits compared to industry colleagues, and equity and transparency from their employer.
“Our victory to join the IAM union shows our commitment to the future of cancer care and making Tempus AI the best employer possible,” said a statement from the IAM Tempus Worker Organizing Committee. “We look forward to negotiating a first contract that includes rigorous safety protocols, pay and benefits that align with the rest of our industry, a voice on the job and better outcomes for the patients that Tempus serves.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/08/2024 - 08:42Women's History Month Profiles
This year, 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.
Here are the members we've profiled so far:
- Claudia Rodriguez
- Jillian Arnold
- Lori Ulrich
- Ann Flener-Gittlen
- Christine Cambizaca
- Tyra McClelland
- Christina Sydenstricker-Brown
- Pamela Blackmore
Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Christina Sydenstricker-Brown
This year, 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 Christina Sydenstricker-Brown of AFSCME.
Christina Sydenstricker-Brown is a direct support crisis specialist for the Oregon Department of Human Services and the president of AFSCME Local 1246. While working 80-hour weeks and taking care of her family, Sydenstricker-Brown supports a 650-member unit. She has led multiple safety campaigns over the past few years to ensure her members are taken care of and workplace safety concerns are addressed.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:08Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fairfax Connector Workers Ratify Strong Contract with Transdev, Ending 15-Day Strike
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.
After a 15-day strike, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 members who work at the Fairfax Connector bus system ratified a strong contract with contractor Transdev. More than 650 bus operators and maintenance workers of Fairfax Connector walked off the job over unfair labor practices on Feb. 22 after months of intense negotiations. Members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the contract. The contract includes retirement security, competitive wages for bus operators and mechanics, and other key union priorities. Local members will be returning to work on Friday.
“Our members stood shoulder to shoulder throughout this ordeal. Transdev tried to divide us,” said Local 689 President and Business Agent Ray Jackson. “This strike showed that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for dignity and justice. I want to thank them for their fortitude and for all our allies for coming out and standing in solidarity with us. This is proof that when working people fight, we win. Anyone who thinks otherwise should take notice.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:59Women's History Month Profiles: Tyra McClelland
This year, 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 Tyra McClelland of AFGE.
Tyra McClelland is the secretary-treasurer of AFGE Local 727. She is currently the AFGE District 14 National Women's Advisory coordinator and was recently elected the secretary of the AFGE Law Enforcement Officer Committee and chair of AFGE’s National Women’s Advisory Coordinators. McClelland represents AFGE on the National Executive Board of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) and is a proud member of the Washington, D.C., chapter of CLUW.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/06/2024 - 09:18Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Enter The 2024 IAM Photo Contest
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.
Attention all IAM members who enjoy taking photos. The 2024 IAM Photography contest is now open, so get out your cameras or smartphones and start snapping some pics of your Union sisters and brothers.
The official call letter and entry forms can be found here.
Submit your pictures of IAM members in their workplace, union function, or performing community service for a chance to win a cash prize and have your photo featured in the 2024 IAM Calendar. The entry deadline is May 24, 2024.
Two dollars from each calendar sale is donated to Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). You can order your 2024 Calendar here.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/06/2024 - 09:08Shuler: We All Share the Same Fight
Recently, the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations released data that showed the number of striking workers in the United States climbed 141 percent from 2022 to 2023.
That’s numbers-backed proof of the energy and hope that we feel every day, isn’t it? We are in a generation-defining moment—one in which workers are rightfully seizing our power and unrigging our economy so that it works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy.
Researchers documented 470 work stoppages involving about 539,000 workers last year. These work stoppages resulted in a total of roughly 24,874,522 strike days.
Across all those millions of days spent walking picket lines—regardless of in which part of the country our shoes hit the concrete—better pay, improved health and safety, and increased staffing were the top three demands.
And that tells me one thing for certain: At the end of the day, we all share the same fight. Regardless of whether we clock in to work in scrubs or a hard hat, whether we are educating the leaders of tomorrow or writing the next award-winning show of the season, or whether we work 9-to-5 or the night shift, our fight for a better future is one and the same. And we’re just getting started.
This post originally appeared at the Labor Tribune.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:22Women's History Month Profiles: Christine Cambizaca
This year, 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 Christine Cambizaca of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).
In addition to being a proud member of NALC Connecticut Merged Branch 20, Christine Cambizaca is also a hero to her community. She had only been delivering mail for one month when she encountered a woman in danger. The woman had blood and bruises on her face and was being followed by a man with a knife. Cambizaca didn’t hesitate to offer her truck as a safe place for the woman to wait until police could apprehend the man. For her actions, Cambizaca was recognized as NALC 2022 National Hero of the Year.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:16Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Farmers Markets Workers in the DMV Area Ratify First Union Contract
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.
About 25 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 who work at nearly 30 local FreshFarm farmers markets in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia voted in favor of ratifying their first union contract. This ratification is the first time farmers market workers in the country have secured a collective bargaining agreement. The contract includes higher wages, guaranteed annual raises, vacation time for seasonal employees, improved workplace conditions and safety standards, a labor-management committee to address ongoing concerns, and grievance and arbitration procedures to guarantee just discipline.
“We came together as a collective to improve our working conditions and create good jobs at FRESHFARM,” said Yuval Lev, who has been a FreshFarm market operator for three years. “We’re proud to codify these hard-fought gains in this historic contract and continue doing the work we love to serve the community. A big thank you goes out to everyone who has supported us—our fellow workers, farmers and vendors, and community members. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our unionized farmers markets!”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:05This Is What Happens When Workers Get Power: 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.
We Must Start Preparing the U.S. Workforce for the Effects of AI—Now: “Recognizing that workers aren’t in a position to assess the downsides of AI, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO union federation, has called for having a government agency vet AI technologies to determine whether they’re harmful to workers—just as the FDA vets drugs to make ‘sure drugs don’t kill people before they’re put out into the world.’”
The Marshall Project, Pulitzer-Winning Nonprofit Newsroom, to Unionize: “Staffers at the criminal justice journalism nonprofit the Marshall Project announced Thursday that they are unionizing, a move that puts the award-winning newsroom among the growing ranks of organized labor in the digital and nonprofit media world. The Marshall Project Guild will be part of the NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, and as a ‘wall-to-wall’ union will represent about 50 staffers on the editorial and business sides. The union, which has the support of more than 80% of the staff, is receiving voluntary recognition.”
Twin Cities Workers Headed for Massive Coordinated Strikes: “More than 13,000 workers around the Twin Cities—Teachers, Laborers, Service Employees and United Food and Commercial Workers, transit workers—are headed for coordinated strikes in mid-March unless their bosses, including Minneapolis city officials, reach new pacts with their union locals. The potential strikes by the ‘What Could We Win Together?’ coalition could see 8,000 janitors and security guards, members of SEIU Local 26, take a hike. Joining them would be 3,700 teachers and staffers from the St. Paul Federation of Teachers/AFT, 1,000 workers at 12 nursing homes represented by Local 26 and by UFCW Local 663 and 400 Minneapolis city workers, members of Laborers Local 363. Also in the coalition: 2,000 Metro Transit workers in Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005.”
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Workers Vote to Unionize: “Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Workers voted to unionize on Feb. 8, according to the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals website. The ballot count revealed that 81% of workers voted to be represented by the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.”
Philadelphia School District Reaches Deal with Teachers Union: “The school district and the teachers union have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract extension to its current collective bargaining agreement. The current contract would have expired on Aug. 31. The union represents 13,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, secretaries and other school workers across 216 district schools. ‘This agreement, settled more than six months before the expiration of our current CBA (collective bargaining agreement), is a forward-thinking down payment on a long-term commitment to ensuring that our schools are fully staffed with qualified teachers and support staff,’ said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry T. Jordan in a statement.”
Tempe Hotel Workers Are Picketing Their Employer and Guests Are Checking Out in Solidarity: “After hotel employees won union representation in 2015 after conducting a hunger strike to protest poor working conditions, Hernandez said workers have been more open to fighting for better protections and pay. She said workers have rallied around Borg since his suspension and subsequent termination. ‘We know our rights, and we’re going to fight for what we deserve,’ Hernandez said. Some of the guests staying at Tempe Mission Palms have also shown support for the workers on the picket line, according to Rachele Smith, a communications organizer for UNITE HERE Local 11. Smith said some guests have checked out of the hotel after learning about the ongoing picket.”
Corporate Giants Aim to Hobble National Labor Relations Board: “Corporate giants are taking aim at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and attempting to hobble the agency in charge of protecting unions and their members. Amazon, Starbucks, SpaceX and Trader Joe’s are all facing complaints from the NLRB over their alleged harassment, intimidation and illegal firings of unionizing employees. The companies have responded by challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB in federal court, which could upend the structure of the New Deal-era agency.”
AMC Theatres’ Workers at Universal City Location Attempt to Unionize: “The latest coming attraction for Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood? A union election at the National Labor Relations Board. On Feb. 20, the crew union IATSE petitioned the NLRB for an election to determine if 44 staffers at the Universal City location will decide to join their ranks. The union is attempting to represent a broad swath of roles—including ushers, cooks, bartenders, janitors and others—at the sprawling, 19-theater location, situated on the same campus as the Universal Studios theme park.”
Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches Fired a Union Organizer—and Sparked an Organizing Drive: “Homegrown Sustainable Sandwiches, a Seattle-based chain, was founded with the mission of creating a more sustainable food system; however, as one former employee tells TRNN, Homegrown’s business model is ‘not actually sustainable for their workers.’ Workers at Homegrown voted overwhelmingly to unionize with UNITE HERE Local 8 in late 2022, and they have been fighting for a first contract ever since. In fact, workers from two Homegrown stores have been on strike since late last fall in protest of the unfair termination of union leader Sydney Lankford, who was fired after speaking up at a union delegation. As of this week, workers at the Redmond Homegrown location have been on strike for over 100 days. We talk with Sydney Lankford and Perry, two members of the Homegrown workers union who are currently on strike.”
Part-Time Adjuncts in Cinematic Arts Unionize at Southern California: “Part‐time adjunct faculty who teach at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts have unionized. The mail-in election took place this month among non-tenure-track adjuncts who work for the school remotely or at the University Park campus, according to information from the National Labor Relations Board. The tally was 206 to 13 out of 290 eligible voters, the NLRB said.”
Harvard Proctors and Tutors Plan to Launch Unionization Push: “Some Harvard residential tutors, proctors, and house aides are planning to publicly launch a campaign for unionization, an effort they have been quietly working towards since last spring. The group, called Harvard Union of Residential Advisors, has been organizing privately since May and plans to file a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board.”
Starbucks and Union Agree to Work Out Framework for Contract Talks: “Starbucks and the union that represents employees in roughly 400 of its U.S. stores announced Tuesday that they were beginning discussions on a ‘foundational framework’ that would help the company reach labor agreements with unionized workers and resolve litigation between the two sides. The union greeted the development as a major shift in strategy for Starbucks, which has taken steps to resist union organizing at the company since the campaign began in 2021, moves that federal labor regulators have said violated labor law hundreds of times.”
Honoring Black History Month: “[February] marks…Black History Month. It can never be overstated the critical role Black unionists played and continue to play in building our modern Labor Movement, securing the hard-fought workplace protections that we all enjoy today, and advancing civil rights across the country. Black workers have been on the front lines of so many of the most pressing Labor rights issues of the times and have powerfully organized to fight systemic racism and exploitation. We still have so much to learn from the history of our country’s earliest Black trade unions; inspiring figures like A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Hattie Canty, Clara Holder, Arlene Holt Baker and so many others; pivotal moments like the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike; and the ongoing efforts of Black workers across our country who are walking picket lines, leading our unions and driving change as we speak.”
Wells Fargo Workers at Apopka Bank File Petition to Unionize: “Bank workers at a Wells Fargo branch in Apopka have officially gone public with their desire to join Wells Fargo United, a union affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This makes them the second Wells Fargo branch in Florida to seek unionization, and one of just a few nationwide.”
Nearly 60 New Members Join Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562: “Congratulations to the nearly 60 new members of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 who were initiated into the union last week. A few years back, Local 562 Business Manager John O’Mara started a new tradition with initiations by asking each individual to tell their ‘why.’ Here, a new member shares why he joined the union. ‘Hearing their answers and excitement to join the local is truly inspiring,’ Local 562 shared on its Facebook page. ‘Here is to keeping that same ‘why’ throughout your career, with the same enthusiasm.’”
AFSCME Members Vote to Ratify Agreement with Eastern Illinois University: “AFSCME members have voted to ratify the agreement with Eastern Illinois University. The union said the new contract will mean wage increases and parental leave for university employees. After nine months of bargaining and picketing that involved a federal mediator, a new union contract has been agreed upon.”
St. Paul Teachers Set March 11 Strike Date as Contract Talks Continue: “Leaders of the St. Paul Federation of Educators said Monday they’ve set March 11 as the date its members will strike if a contract deal with the district is not in place. Negotiations between the two sides continue. A mediation session is scheduled for Friday. In a statement, the union said while it did not make the decision lightly, it was necessary in order to ‘retain our educators in St. Paul through strong wages and affordable insurance, and continue to build the school communities that our students and their families deserve.’”
UAW President Shawn Fain on Labor's Comeback: ‘This is What Happens When Workers Get Power’: “Earlier this month, President Joe Biden paid a visit to the critical battleground state of Michigan. He came to Detroit—Motor City—to court union voters. Mr. Biden had just won the United Auto Workers' endorsement, and he was eager to share the spotlight with UAW president Shawn Fain. Fain told the crowd, ‘You know what the hell's going to happen if this man's not president, because we've seen what happens. Labor went backwards.’ ‘You all are the ones that brung me to the dance,’ Mr. Biden told union workers. ‘And I never left it.’”
Can a Tech Giant Be Woke?: “Liz Shuler, the AFL-CIO’s president, said Microsoft had gone further in collaborating with organized labor than almost any other major company. She said she first met Mr. Smith to discuss labor issues almost two years ago, at which point he told her, ‘If workers want a union, why shouldn’t they be able to form one?’ Then he added: ‘This is the prevailing winds of change in the country. I think Microsoft should be adapting to it instead of resisting it.’”
Striking Workers Could Soon Qualify for Unemployment Benefits: “Many workers who go on strike could soon gain a new bit of leverage against their employers: unemployment benefits. Lawmakers in several states are considering the novel approach of extending unemployment insurance to workers who hit the picket lines, saying it would help level the playing field with deep-pocketed companies that can starve their workforces in contract fights. Strikers do not qualify for such benefits in the vast majority of states.”
Union Workers Ratify New Meijer Contracts with Wage Increases, More Time Off: “Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 voted this week to ratify new contracts with Meijer that contain improvements to wages, paid time off, 401(k), health care and pay for more than 25,000 Meijer employees. The three separate, four-year contracts approved this week are effective Feb. 25. The contracts cover employees working in retail, distribution centers and transportation and retail facility maintenance and offer immediate wage increases of up to $1.50 per hour.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:59Women's History Month Profiles: Ann Flener-Gittlen
This year, 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 Ann Flener-Gittlen of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Recently retired USW Women of Steel (WOS) Director Ann Flener-Gittlen was an active union member for over 50 years. Flener-Gittlen's long history of activism began in the 1970s with picket duty for several strikes against Rubbermaid Inc. She eventually became president of USW Local 302—after being told that a woman would never hold that position—and would go on to help establish the union’s WOS program. Flener-Gittlen has inspired steelworker women for decades and left a powerful mark on her union and beyond.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:42Tags: Women's History Month