AFL-CIO Blog

  • The Fierce Urgency of Now
    The Fierce Urgency of Now AFL-CIO Hundreds of labor and social justice activists descended on the nation’s capital this weekend for the 2019 AFL‑CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka kicked off the gathering by telling participants that this is our moment for action: “We’re living in the fierce urgency of now. This is a time to take risks. This is a time to get uncomfortable. That’s when real progress is made.” The MLK Conference also featured a number of panels on Friday evening, including a town hall conversation with Andrew Gillum, 2018 nominee for governor of Florida. He told participants: “Nobody understands ‘the fierce urgency of now’ better than labor. Dr. King...was laboring to build a better environment. That if you do an honest day’s work, you ought to be paid an honest day’s wage.... You ought to have access to health care, a wage you can live on, and your race, your gender and whom you love should not dictate how you get treated at work.” You can watch his entire conversation with Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, here. Hundreds of participants kicked off Saturday morning by rallying at the AFL-CIO headquarters in solidarity with the federal employees affected by the government shutdown. They then took to the streets to join with thousands more activists from across the country to march for workers’ and women’s rights. Sunday’s awards gala honored fighters like the late Augusta Thomas, national vice president for women and fair practices emeritus, AFGE. You can see a roundup of awardees here. Monday was a day of community service throughout Washington, D.C. Activists visited patients in nursing homes, cleaned up and painted walls and murals at area schools. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/22/2019 - 13:34 Tags: MLK conference — Jan 22
  • We've Had Enough; Do Your Job: In the States Roundup
    We've Had Enough; Do Your Job: In the States Roundup AFL-CIO 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 Twitter. Alaska AFL-CIO:
    Real families with very real bills are being harmed and it’s time we hold our country’s leadership accountable. #StopTheShutdown pic.twitter.com/eVnRdlTqUr — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 10, 2019
    Arizona AFL-CIO:
    We put together a resource page for our Brothers and Sisters impacted by the government shutdown. https://t.co/1d4ULxHI4v https://t.co/1d4ULxHI4v — Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) January 12, 2019
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    Join us today on Union Station Radio, we broadcast every Monday from 4:30-5pm on KABF 88.3. Today we will have AFGE representative Robert Harrison with us to discuss the ongoing government shutdown. #arklabor #afge #arpx #1u #endtheshutdown pic.twitter.com/2wrO7fawb2 — Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) January 14, 2019
    California Labor Federation:
    On #UTLAStrikeDay3 teachers, parents & students are holding the line. We will not stop fighting until @AustinLASchools gives educators a fair contract & adequately funds our public schools so that every student has the proper tools to succeed. ✊🍎 #UTLAStrike #1u @UTLAnow pic.twitter.com/3p57HXSVhJ — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 16, 2019
    Colorado AFL-CIO:
    Couldn't have said it better Ron. Thank you Governor Polis. https://t.co/g7N2nF9FWf — Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 10, 2019
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    “Costs of housing & food are rising faster than our pay. We’re the workers America relies on each and every day. We work to keep this country running, then get left out in the cold, Making more than 900 times less than some of our CEOs.”#WomensMarch #1u https://t.co/jMGscziE6x — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 15, 2019
    Florida AFL-CIO:
    “All students deserve well-prepared, skilled teachers. We’re falling farther and farther behind.” https://t.co/l7POoyivYD — Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 17, 2019
    Georgia AFL-CIO:
    ICYMI: AFGE local 554 President Shekina Givens talks about the government shutdown and its impact on TSA workers in Georgia as workers rally to #stoptheshutdown https://t.co/F9IHUe6F2w — AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 11, 2019
    Idaho State AFL-CIO:
    Go follow our newest Union Legislator and long time @IBEW449 member @RepAbernathy! We are excited to have another strong voice for the working Idahoans in the Legislature. — Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) January 11, 2019
    Illinois AFL-CIO:
    Congratulations Governor Pritzker! Many bright days ahead for working people in IL. https://t.co/isuCjH9zu4 — Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 15, 2019
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    .@senatemajldr our heartland’s farmers have had enough. Do your job and #CallTheVote! #StopTheShutdown https://t.co/W0WfNEDYVw — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 16, 2019
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Senate Republicans vote to shut out Iowans https://t.co/lQYDWCwMhD pic.twitter.com/oVV5hFVS5q — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) January 16, 2019
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    Tell the Public Pensions Working Group: Remember the Facts This week, the Kentucky General Assembly's Public Pensions Working Group began meeting for the first... https://t.co/t8eJOdk9nM — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) January 16, 2019
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    Janet Mills is officially the Governor of the great state of #Maine! Sworn in by IUPAT union member and Senate President Troy Jackson #1u @GoIUPAT @JanetMillsforME #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/xxhGGwHSZu — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 3, 2019
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    Catholic Charities offers shutdown assistance - Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO https://t.co/cEmHXiDbnt — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) January 16, 2019
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    We hope that the new Legislature will recognize that it’s time to change the rules so that working families have a fair chance and that we have an economy that everyone can benefit from.https://t.co/vCSHZaTzvJ — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) January 11, 2019
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    Teamsters Local 120 wins $1.25 million wage theft settlement for Lakeville Motor Express workers https://t.co/ZYAS8ZKLBh #1u Congratulations @Teamsters120! pic.twitter.com/b372RyWamo — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 17, 2019
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    The Robert J. Kelley $5 for the Fight Emergency Relief Fund is a great way to give back to your brothers and sisters in their time of need. Will you donate today? https://t.co/iiBwyVkbHT pic.twitter.com/xDABhRo3FA — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 17, 2019
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    "Saturday, the AFL-CIO together with Kristian Neimi, the chef and owner of Bourbon on Main Street in downtown Columbia, are providing a meal for TSA workers at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport."https://t.co/MupezIpTrh — Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) January 15, 2019
    New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
    Affected by the Federal government shutdown? https://t.co/DhPW1HI47j — NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 8, 2019
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    "The New York State AFL-CIO strongly supports voting reforms and improvements that will make it easier for individuals to exercise the most fundamental and basic rights in any democracy." Mario Cilento President NYS AFL-CIO @AndreaSCousins #UnionStronghttps://t.co/YhvKHzXWlr — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) January 15, 2019
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    Coverage of our #StopTheShutdown action in Raleigh last Friday. https://t.co/ZvDpcDheEr — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 14, 2019
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Hey @senatemajldr and @senrobportman, federal workers across #Ohio including John, a @PASSNational member who keeps our skies safe, is urging you to #CallTheVote and #StopTheShutdown Let these patriotic federal employees & contractors work and take care of their families. @AFLCIO https://t.co/0a3yi73Sc7 — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 17, 2019
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    Check out our January Newsletter with information on the Government Shutdown, 2019 OK Legislative Session, Union Made Winter Warmers, Apprenticeships, and more! Check it out at https://t.co/z3GaafLQMj — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) January 14, 2019
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    This is the power of public education when parents, students, and educators join forces. This is the power of unity. #UTLAStrikehttps://t.co/970esppwik — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 17, 2019
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    We are so proud to be working with our community partners to provide aid to our brothers and sisters. This solidarity is the foundation of our Commonwealth and our Labor Movement! https://t.co/IovEJHm0nY — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 17, 2019
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    #1U @liveunitedri @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/VrLDaWU2ox — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 11, 2019
    South Carolina AFL-CIO:
    Debunking 5 Misconceptions About Being a Government Worker During the Shutdown | GovLoop https://t.co/Zjfn3zZSBi — SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) January 16, 2019
    Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
    "Every day I’m getting calls from my members about their extreme financial hardships and need for a paycheck. Some of them have already quit and many are considering quitting the federal workforce because of this shutdown" https://t.co/KFiCLD3NnZ — Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 9, 2019
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    The Texas AFL-CIO will advocate for its broadest legislative agenda in years – a #FairShot agenda that empowers Texas working families to improve their lives. Join us tomorrow at 2PM. We are broadcasting LIVE pic.twitter.com/L3wDA6SHCd — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 16, 2019
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    The @VASenate passed an ERA ratification resolution (SJ 284) by 26-14 today. Next, it goes over to the @VaHouse. @VAratifyERA your work isn’t going unnoticed! We’re all 1 step closer to winning equality for all! — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 15, 2019
    Washington State Labor Council:
    Washington has the most upside-down tax code in the country, and it’s time for the legislature to act! https://t.co/1L9TMfPmuv #waleg — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 14, 2019
    West Virginia AFL-CIO:
    WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword talks about the upcoming legislative session. #wvpol #wvlegis https://t.co/bWNeiufmrW — West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) January 4, 2019
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Evers: 'Crumbling' roads in Wisconsin will be addressed in 2019 state budget, https://t.co/wEAq8THDk5 — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 12, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/22/2019 - 11:23     — Jan 22
  • Future of Work Commission Urges Bargaining Rights for Digital Platform Workers
    Future of Work Commission Urges Bargaining Rights for Digital Platform Workers ILO A landmark report by the International Labor Organization’s (ILO’s) Global Commission on the Future of Work, released today, calls for giving full rights and protections, including collective bargaining rights, to digital platform workers. The ILO is the United Nations agency charged with promoting decent work and global labor standards. The ILO Commission warns that, left to its current course, the digital economy is likely to widen both regional and gender divides. Crowd work and work mediated by digital apps could recreate 19th century working practices and lead to future generations of “digital day laborers.” Among other things, the commission calls for the following:
    • A “universal labor guarantee” to ensure that all workers, regardless of whether they are treated as employees or independent contractors, enjoy fundamental worker rights such as the right to bargain collectively; an adequate living wage; maximum limits on working hours; freedom from forced labor, child labor and discrimination; and the protection of worker health and safety.
    • Universal social protection—namely, universal health care, access to education, income support, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation and disability and retirement benefits—for all workers in all forms of work, with governments supplementing a guaranteed minimum “social protection floor” with contributory social insurance programs.
    • A global governance system for digital labor platforms to ensure decent work across international jurisdictions.
    According to the latest data from the Department of Labor, “electronically mediated work” currently accounts for 1% of the U.S. workforce. According to the latest research by the JPMorgan Chase Institute, digital labor platforms in the transportation sector currently account for 1% of the U.S. workforce, while digital labor platforms outside the transportation sector account for another 0.1%. The ILO Commission further calls for “reinvigorating the social contract that gives working people a just share of economic progress”—what we might call a “Social Contract 2.0.” While recognizing that rapid technological advances offer “remarkable opportunities” to promote good jobs and decent work, the commission maintains that we are now facing “one of the most important challenges of our times, as fundamental and disruptive changes in working life inherently affect our entire societies. Without decisive action, we will be sleepwalking into a world that widens inequality, increases uncertainty and reinforces exclusion, with destructive political, social and economic consequences.” While technological advances—such as artificial intelligence, automation and robotics—and the greening of the economy will create millions of new jobs, many jobs will disappear. To build a fair and equitable future of work, the commission calls for putting people and the work they do at the center of economic policy, social policy and business practice. The commission’s “human-centered agenda” includes the following proposals:
    • Ensure the collective representation of all workers through public policies to actively promote freedom of association and collective bargaining; innovative organizing techniques; and the use of digital means to develop “new forms of connected action.”
    • A measurable agenda for gender equality, including gender-balanced parental leave; investment in public care services; stronger collective representation of women; the elimination of gender-based discrimination, including in the tech sector; pay transparency; and the elimination of violence and harassment at work.
    • More worker sovereignty over working time through minimum hour guarantees; maximum limits on working time; flexible schedules; premium pay for on-call waiting time and for work that is not guaranteed; and the application of technology to achieve balance between work and personal life.
    • Harness technology for decent work through collective bargaining over the design of work; a “human-in-command” approach to artificial intelligence to ensure that final decisions affecting work are taken by human beings rather than algorithms; regulation of the use of algorithmic management, surveillance and control of workers through sensors, wearables or other forms of monitoring; regulation of the use of worker data; and guaranteed access of workers to their own data.
    • Reshape business incentives for long-term investment, including through policies to promote tax fairness; revised corporate accountability standards; and enhanced representation of social and community stakeholders.
    • A universal entitlement to lifelong learning and skills training, including both informal and formal learning and training, from early childhood to adulthood.
    • Public investment in good jobs, including strategic investment in high-quality physical, digital and social infrastructure; the care economy; the green economy; and the rural economy.
    • Public investments to support people going through job transitions, including paid time off for training; quality apprenticeships; youth jobs programs; and the expansion of public employment services.
    • Better measures of economic progress to account for the value of unpaid household work; environmental degradation; and the distributional and equity dimensions of economic growth.
    The commission’s report also highlights the following figures:
    • 190 million: The number of people in the world who are unemployed, of whom 64.8 million are young people.
    • 344 million: The number of jobs that will need to be created by 2030 to address unemployment.
    • 2.78 million: The number of people who die every year as a result of occupational accidents or work-related illnesses.
    • 300 million: The number of workers in the world who live in extreme poverty.
    • 1%: The percentage of the world’s population that received 27% of global income growth between 1980 and 2016, while the poorest 50% received only 12%.
    • 36.1%: The percentage of the global workforce that works excessive hours.
    • 20%: The gender pay gap, or the amount by which women are paid less than men.
    • 53.6%: The percentage of households with internet access (only 15% in emerging countries).
    • 2 billion: The number of people who make their living in the informal economy.
    Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/22/2019 - 09:58     — Jan 22
  • Extending a Helping Hand: The Working People Weekly List
    Extending a Helping Hand: The Working People Weekly List AFL-CIO Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s this week’s Working People Weekly List. Extending a Helping Hand to Those Affected by the Shutdown: "Across the country, working people are marching and rallying for an immediate end to the government shutdown. Already the longest funding lapse in American history, this manufactured crisis has put the weight of ideological extremism on federal workers and their families. As we continue fighting to reopen the government, the labor movement also is joining together to support our brothers and sisters as they go without a paycheck." Stop Punishing Public Employees for Washington’s Failure to Lead: "How many of us could afford to work without being paid? How many of us would be 'fine' if we were suddenly laid off days before Christmas? For 800,000 Americans, including more than 12,000 Pennsylvania families directly affected by the government shutdown, the possibility of losing their homes, being late on their bills and facing unforgiving debt is all too real." Federal Workers Seeking Unemployment Aid Doubles in Number: "The number of furloughed federal employees seeking unemployment benefits jumped in the first two weeks of the shutdown, topping 10,000 during the week of Jan. 5. The Labor Department said Thursday that is double the number of federal workers who sought aid in the previous week. Typically fewer than 1,000 former federal employees apply for jobless benefits each week." As Shutdown Drags On, Some Step Up to Help Unpaid Federal Workers: "When the government shut down in late December, Morgan McKay offered free pizza and wine to furloughed and otherwise unpaid federal workers at her popular Denver restaurant, Oblio’s. Ms. McKay expected to host no more than three or four unpaid workers a night. Instead, a dozen or more have appeared nightly, joined by a new crop of paying customers who come to support her efforts." Talks Resume as Los Angeles Teachers' Strike Runs for Fourth Day: "Negotiators for striking Los Angeles teachers and America’s second-largest school district returned to the bargaining table on Thursday for the first time since talks collapsed last week, as a walkout by some 30,000 educators ran for a fourth day. The strike has disrupted classes for nearly 500,000 students, though parents have turned out in large numbers to join teachers on picket lines and at their rallies. A recent Loyola Marymount University survey showed broad public support for the union’s cause across all demographics, especially among parents with school age children." LMU: Majority of Los Angeles County Residents Supports Teachers’ Strike: "Nearly 80 percent of Los Angeles County residents said they support striking Los Angeles Unified School District teachers, according to survey results released Tuesday by Loyola Marymount University. Among respondents, 53% said they 'strongly support' and 24% 'somewhat support' teachers going on strike to achieve their demands in the labor dispute. Backing for the strike was at 60% or higher across all demographic categories, including age, ethnicity, income and political affiliation. Among parents with children at home, just 18% opposed the walkout, according to the survey conducted by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles at LMU." Unions Raise Food and Money for Unpaid Federal Workers: "The Utah AFL-CIO has had a food pantry for years because there are often union members laid off of seasonal work, or whose industries are in a downturn, but this is the first time members of federal employee unions have been in need. 'There’s a lot of unfairness in it,' said Utah AFL-CIO President Jeff Worthington." TSA Says Financial Stress of Shutdown is Forcing Growing Number of Officers to Stay Home: "Faced with growing numbers of call outs by its workers—and images of some of them lining up for food donations—leaders of the Transportation Security Administration acknowledged Wednesday that 'many employees are reporting that they are not able to report to work due to financial limitations.' Significant numbers of TSA agents have not been coming to work, either because of financial hardship or to underscore their opposition to being forced to work without pay." Stop Starving Our Schools: "The streets of Los Angeles are packed with the sights and sounds of collective action this week. Braving the cold rain, some 30,000 United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) members turned out for picket lines across the city yesterday, joined by more than 10,000 parents, students and community members. Every L.A. school site—more than 900—participated in the strike, culminating in a 50,000-person march to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD’s) headquarters." Thousands Rally in D.C. to #StopTheShutdown: "As the government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history, thousands of working people took to the streets of Washington, D.C., to send a clear message to the president and Congress to stop the shutdown and let federal government employees get to work. Thousands more rallied at other locations around the country." No Joke: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with several newsrooms using collective action and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/18/2019 - 10:31 — Jan 18
  • Extending a Helping Hand to Those Affected by the Shutdown
    Extending a Helping Hand to Those Affected by the Shutdown AFL-CIO Across the country, working people are marching and rallying for an immediate end to the government shutdown. Already the longest funding lapse in American history, this manufactured crisis has put the weight of ideological extremism on federal workers and their families. As we continue fighting to reopen the government, the labor movement also is joining together to support our brothers and sisters as they go without a paycheck. If you have been impacted by the shutdown, there are a number of resources available to you. We are engaging a network of United Way/AFL-CIO labor liaisons and labor-associated community service organizations across the country to organize support; furloughed workers can call 2-1-1 to talk to a live, trained professional to find support and identify critical services. Additionally, as a union member, you may be able to access a range of Union Plus benefits, including a $300 furlough grant, mortgage assistance, credit counseling, personal loans, auto insurance, and life and accident insurance. Other resources available to those affected by the shutdown include: Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/17/2019 - 09:28 Tags: Government Shutdown — Jan 17