AFL-CIO Blog

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Tucson Demands Freedom for Mexican Labor Attorney
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Tucson Demands Freedom for Mexican Labor Attorney Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story. Susana Prieto Terrazas, a Mexican attorney and activist who organizes workers in the maquiladora factories along the southern border, was arrested by Mexican authorities last month on trumped-up charges. On June 10, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) called her arrest “an outrage” and demanded her immediate and unconditional release from prison. Members of the Pima Area Labor Federation and Jobs With Justice took direct action. They delivered a joint letter to the Mexican Consulate in Tucson, Arizona, along with a letter from the UAW and a copy of Trumka’s statement. The members met with Consul Enrique Alfonso Gómez Montiel, who assured them he would send the letters and statement to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Prior to the meeting, the members had a constructive conversation with the consul's staff explaining the details of the situation and the desire of America’s labor movement to see the release of Prieto Terrazas. It was announced after the meeting at the consulate on July 1 that a judge had ordered her release from prison just hours after the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade went into effect. However, the criminal charges against Prieto Terrazas still remain. The Pima Area Labor Federation, under the leadership of Chair Trish Muir (IBT), posted an update on Facebook: “We will continue to push for her to be absolved of these erroneous claims, and stand with workers everywhere.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2020 - 13:50 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Jul 13
Save the News: The Working People Weekly List
Save the News: 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 the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List. Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids: "Members of the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association-IAFF Local 385 in Nebraska donated dozens of bikes and helmets to local children." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Raises $2.5 Million to Support Members Impacted by COVID-19: "UNITE HERE announced on Monday that it had raised $2.5 million for the union’s Education and Support Fund to provide direct relief to its members and their families who have been impacted by COVID-19." Safety and Security: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins features important victories for safety and security during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rally to Save the News Held in Chicago: "The Chicago Federation of Labor helped host a 'Save the News' rally in downtown Chicago. Union members were joined by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, as well as other community leaders." Protect Working Families: 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 Twitter." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: School Leaders Issue Guide to Reopen Schools Safely: "School supervisory personnel who were among the first to call for closing schools at the start of the pandemic have released a new, comprehensive guide for reopening schools safely. 'School leaders want to reopen their schools, on time and in person,' said Ernest Logan, president of the School Administrators (AFSA), which represents principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and school directors and managers." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: 'Airline Workers Are Doing Everything That We Can to Make the Flights Safe': "What does the future hold for air travel? Safety must be the first and highest priority for both workers and passengers, according to Transport Workers Union (TWU) President John Samuelsen. 'It is safe to fly, but also, passengers on planes have a level of responsibility,' he said in a recent video from HuffPost." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Shares Stories of Members Facing Down COVID-19: "Whether they are an academic researcher looking for a drug to fight the deadly virus, an autoworker making a quick pivot to manufacture ventilators, masks or shields, a maintenance worker disinfecting the plant, or a health care worker making sure the sick can receive treatment, UAW members are courageously doing what they can to battle COVID-19." Economy Gains 4.8 Million Jobs in June; Unemployment Declines to 11.1%: "The U.S. economy gained 4.8 million jobs in June, and the unemployment rate declined to 11.1%, according to figures released Thursday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic." Pass the HEROES Act: What Working People Are Doing This Week: "Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Milwaukee Area Labor Council Hosts Rallies to Thank Front-Line Workers: "The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, under the leadership of President Pam Fendt (LIUNA), has been hosting weekly events on Wednesdays for union members to thank front-line workers." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Fights to Save Members' Lives, Help Those on the Front Lines: "In a press conference on Thursday, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) announced that 238 UFCW members have died from COVID-19 and nearly 29,000 workers have been infected or exposed to the coronavirus over the past 100 days." Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Paramedic Says, ‘The Anger Is Blinding’: "The Washington Post interviewed Anthony Almojera, a paramedic for the New York City Fire Department and vice president of AFSCME Local 3621, DC 37. He illustrated how the words of gratitude for workers like him are not matched by their meager paychecks." Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:51 — Jul 13
Demand Economic, Social and Racial Justice: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Demand Economic, Social and Racial Justice: What Working People Are Doing This Week Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week. Actors' Equity:
There have been 114,769 new coronavirus cases in Florida since Actors' Equity called on @Disney to delay opening until regular testing is available to our members. $DIS https://t.co/SJikn2GyVE pic.twitter.com/TJKETzXyWo — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 9, 2020
AFGE:
Here are some of the hard-fought victories included in the House 2021 Defense bill → https://t.co/GH5z0Jb6hZ pic.twitter.com/2BZG5CMdyF — AFGE (@AFGENational) July 8, 2020
AFSCME:
Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, subways, and other public transit systems. Make sure your community gets the funding it needs by taking the #2020census today: https://t.co/NH7hA8LWm9 pic.twitter.com/RHoq6zA6IE — AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 9, 2020
Air Line Pilots Association:
.@ALPAPresident Capt. Joe DePete on potential airline furloughs: “The economic impact #COVID19 has had on the #airline industry has been profound for the workers who keep our skies safe and our world connected. (1/2) — ALPA (@WeAreALPA) July 9, 2020
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Could you afford $3,120 for a 5-day course of a lifesaving #COVID19 treatment? Gilead Sciences seems to think so -- they just increased the price for their Remdesivir drug. Sign our petition to tell Congress to take action and say #NoPandemicProfiteering: https://t.co/ZacYStoUEY pic.twitter.com/yGFMJwHjav — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) July 8, 2020
Amalgamated Transit Union:
As states and provinces reopen and #publictransit ridership increases, employers must provide proper personal protections for workers and riders to ensure their safety during the pandemic. #1u #PPE #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/PCrjn81Itk — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 8, 2020
American Federation of Musicians:
More than 25 million working people will lose the $600 per week unemployment supplement because the Senate has refused to pass the #HeroesAct. Tell your senators to do something NOW! #SenateFail #1u #GOPVacation https://t.co/Rq0Actiujz — AFM (@The_AFM) July 9, 2020
American Federation of Teachers:
ICYMI: In a new member survey, AFT found that 76% of educators want to return to the classroom if key safety precautions are met. Read this and more findings in the new report: https://t.co/7wpD8XQo8K pic.twitter.com/sVXDg9Dc1i — AFT (@AFTunion) July 9, 2020
American Postal Workers Union:
The APWU and the USPS have agreed to the work year list for the term of the 2018-2021 National Agreement. https://t.co/6jnGLSCvdi — APWU National (@APWUnational) July 8, 2020
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
A #FaithfulCensus means everyone in the AAPI community is counted! Did you know the #2020Census is offered in six Asian languages? Visit https://t.co/dO1maMSZ6J to find language guides and fill out your census. #AAPI2020 @FaithPublicLife pic.twitter.com/5FHYj5Chkj — Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) July 8, 2020
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
.@FlyingwithSara on why we need to take action today, and every day, to call our members of Congress and ask them to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program to save our jobs. 📱House - 1-888-907-9365 📱Senate - 1-888-848-4824 pic.twitter.com/0VL4MVCwY0 — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 9, 2020
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
"We must organize to make our union stronger so that we are better able to demand economic, social and racial justice beginning in our workplaces." #organize Pres. Shelton's full message: https://t.co/TBjCDwIDck — BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 6, 2020
Boilermakers:
Check out the latest on #Boilermakers LEAP and why it's imperative that our work includes advocating for political decisions that protect our #union, our members and our work ➡️ https://t.co/Z7MCyffzHk pic.twitter.com/BcAOAhOTrv — Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 9, 2020
Bricklayers:
“Analysis suggests that gaining union membership between 2010 and 2016 reduced racial resentment among white workers.” #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/EXZsZ7V9ZX — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) July 8, 2020
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
As we prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of #WomensSuffrage on August 26, check out Linda Allen's website for a collection of songs, both traditional and newly composed, available to commemorate this epic struggle for justice. https://t.co/LnsLmNO7CN #19thAmendment pic.twitter.com/Y9LtMSSRbg — CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 6, 2020
Communications Workers of America:
👋👋👋 @senatemajldr instead of #GOPVacation could you #DoYourJob and help the millions of people suffering from Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis? #SenateFAIL #ProtectEssentialWorkers Tell your senators to pass the HEROES Act: https://t.co/zLhSAIefSm — CWA (@CWAUnion) July 8, 2020
Department for Professional Employees:
Actors & their union @ActorsEquity have been clear w/ @WaltDisneyCo for weeks that testing needed to be part of their safety plan. The very nature of performing makes social distancing impossible & Disney won't allow performers to wear masks on stage. #ProtectTheMagicMakers #1u — Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 8, 2020
Electrical Workers:
BREAKING: Atlanta Gas Light workers approve their first-ever contract! #IBEW pic.twitter.com/iiY1mlKY5S — IBEW (@IBEW) July 8, 2020
Fire Fighters:
Baltimore City #Firefighters Say Budget Cuts Would ‘Put Citizens In Harms Way’ https://t.co/8mCO8340Dc @BCFDL734 — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) July 9, 2020
Heat and Frost Insulators:
After many efforts and years of campaigning, mechanical insulation tax credits are included in a new infrastructure bill recently passed by the House of Representatives. Learn about the legislation and what it could mean for us: https://t.co/FkPqW47igM — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) July 8, 2020
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
ZOOM UNION ACTIONS! You love to see it!! Hey @SSNScholars clock is ticking to look good by recognizing your employees union. Its a forgone conclusion! Stop wasting everyones time! #1u https://t.co/pa2M5z0Vp2 — IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 8, 2020
International Labor Communications Association:
A #WednesdayWisdom crisis communications case study: @APWUnational and @NALC_National wage robust campaigns to build power for the postal people. https://t.co/VGDe319jBE — Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) July 8, 2020
Jobs With Justice:
On July 1, millions of out-of-work Americans weren't able to pay #rent 🏠 On July 1, we sent letters to the 43 largest corporate landlords DEMANDING they finally act 📢 If they don't, millions will be thrown into the streets during a pandemic — and that will be on their hands. pic.twitter.com/CjCXUYhhNp — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 2, 2020
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Click on the link below to apply: https://t.co/ugcsRFTonr pic.twitter.com/FARmuQXFeh — LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 9, 2020
Laborers:
Terry O’Sullivan, GP of #LIUNA made the following statement on the passage of #MovingForwardAct - $1.5 trillion #infrastructure investment will provide needed funding for transportation, drinking water systems, schools, hospitals, etc. Read Statement: https://t.co/1ZYQdYN79L pic.twitter.com/QaiBS2iQFs — LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 2, 2020
Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp ILA President Harold Daggett, in July 4th message, says Union Salutes America While It Champions #BlackLivesMatter Nation Needs to Do Better To Insure Equality For All https://t.co/see7zuRokN pic.twitter.com/mKKYTeSCEw — Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) July 3, 2020
Machinists:
It pays to be union. Well done, @IAM751. https://t.co/DBZC5PDE8E — Machinists Union ✈️🚊🚀 (@MachinistsUnion) July 8, 2020
Metal Trades Department:
U.S. Labor Board Reconsiders Legal Obstacle to Ousting Unions | The board is seeking public input on whether or not it should modify the "contract bar" doctrine. Make your voice heard. https://t.co/il3HwBEEqG — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 8, 2020
Mine Workers:
UMWA International President, @CecilRoberts is asking everyone to reach out to their Representative and ask them to #SaveThePostOffice. https://t.co/m14t27LoZR — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 7, 2020
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
ICYMI NATCA is celebrating #Pride2020 by offering NATCA logo Pride masks in the NATCA Store. Proceeds will benefit @TheTrevorProject, a nonprofit that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people. https://t.co/gts7EWYRu5 #HappyPride pic.twitter.com/FZN1qaXuJQ — NATCA (@NATCA) July 8, 2020
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Letter carrier Ellen Olson got a pleasant surprise from the customers she serves! People in the neighborhood placed balloons and small gifts on their mailboxes to show their support for their mail carrier. https://t.co/6DeDX66Eba #HeroesDelivering — Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 9, 2020
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
“These workers take care of us in different ways, and it took a pandemic for the nation to recognize they are the critical engine of our economy.” —@aijenpoo, @palaknshah Time to take care of the workers who have helped our country navigate this crisis. https://t.co/T1ZnVWU2lm — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 8, 2020
National Nurses United:
Nurses demand the President immediately exercise the full powers under the Defense Production Act to ramp up production of N95 respirators and other critical personal protective equipment for frontline health care workers.#ProtectNurses https://t.co/kuUwDw8Wav — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 8, 2020
NFL Players Association:
The Hall of Famers will be playing for @yourPAF which was founded by NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw. The PAF is the leading foundation assisting NFL Former Players through health & educational resources and the GU Player Assistance Trust Fund: https://t.co/vsgHOQ4xUD. pic.twitter.com/7clwOglwyt — NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 9, 2020
North America's Building Trades Unions:
While the fight against #COVID19 isn’t over, we want to take a moment to look back at the amazing, selfless efforts of our membership these last few months. Let’s keep pushing forward to continue making a difference in our respective communities 👏https://t.co/E6olcYpZv3 — The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 8, 2020
Office and Professional Employees:
Many would-be voters are rightfully concerned about the impact of #COVID19 at in-person polling places. Don’t let the virus stop you from exercising your right to vote. #Labor2020 #1u pic.twitter.com/QvRpiS7Z1A — OPEIU (@OPEIU) July 8, 2020
Painters and Allied Trades:
Good paying jobs, whether in transportation, education, or new clean energy technologies, keep the bills paid and food on the table for our members and millions of Americans, especially today as we face an uncertain economic outlook. https://t.co/6slReef4eP #MovingForwardAct pic.twitter.com/1tjhLR5ckd — GoIUPAT✊ (@GoIUPAT) July 2, 2020
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“Covid-19 has brought into sharp relief the contrast between...those who have the power to safeguard their health and their living standards and those who do not.” U.S. Workers Need More Power! #1u https://t.co/vdx5ZtuFrX — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 9, 2020
Pride At Work:
#StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation #StopTheGOPVacation SENATORS DO YOUR JOB AND PASS THE HEROES ACT NOW! #Senatefail #COVID19 #ProtectEssentialWorkers — Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 8, 2020
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS also thanks House Approps Committee chair @NitaLowey & Ranking Member @RepKayGranger for their leadership in ensuring FAA employees have the funding they need to protect the world's largest, safest & most complex air traffic control system. #publicservice #aviationsafety — PASS (@PASSNational) July 8, 2020
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
#EssentialWorkers have and continue to be critical to our lives during #COVID19. Our #union stands with all of our essential workers & will continue to fight for critical health & safety standards to protect them, their loved ones & the communities they work in. #UnionStrong #1U pic.twitter.com/U8mgRGCqYo — RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 9, 2020
SAG-AFTRA:
Streaming is the future - see why these @NextGenPerforms voted YES to increased streaming residuals and the elimination of "Grandfathering" #streamingforward #contracts2020 #sagaftramembers pic.twitter.com/tIZULN2n5k — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 9, 2020
School Administrators:
School leaders were among the first to call for closing schools at the start of #COVIDー19 have guide for #ReopeningSchools safely. Experts available for interviews. @edu_post, @eduwonk, @PostSchools , @EdLaborCmte, @educationweek, @USNewsEducation — The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) July 8, 2020
Seafarers:
Expanded Cargo Preferences May Be The Easiest Way To Rebuild The U.S. Maritime Industry via @forbes https://t.co/Q41mokzeIM — Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) July 8, 2020
Solidarity Center:
With schools closed since #COVID19 lockdown, Moses is among some 15 million Ugandan children at risk of #forcedlabor as families near extreme poverty. After 7 hrs hawking eggs, Moses says, "Business isn't good. We won't have enough food" @ChildLaborCLC https://t.co/tdlcyCRDjR — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 9, 2020
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Another example of why we need help to #SaveTheNews. Tell your senators to get on the case! https://t.co/evMg5rA49M https://t.co/EDCyXP82On — NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 9, 2020
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Let's remind @senatemajldr and the rest of congress of the dire situation working people are facing in the Entertainment industry. Click here to send a letter to your rep and don't forget to personalize it! https://t.co/SMGIxpkFUi — IATSE (@IATSE) July 8, 2020
Transport Workers Union:
“Our members have sat by patiently through years of contract delays because of PATH. Now that PATH is finally willing to even offer a contract, they have a ‘take it or else attitude,’” said TWU Local 2001 President Patrick Howard @PATHTrain #ContractNow https://t.co/5edCEQKCs6 — TWU (@transportworker) July 7, 2020
Transportation Trades Department:
Black and Brown Americans are 3 times as likely to become infected w/ COVID-19 as their white counterparts. We must remember that racism extends far beyond police violence; Black and Brown communities experience inequity in every sector of life.https://t.co/LJTezO2B37 — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) July 9, 2020
UAW:
It's National Video Game Day! Did you know that @GameWorkers is helping workers in the video game industry organize their workplaces? Learn more on their website: https://t.co/DBp9vdH7tT — UAW (@UAW) July 8, 2020
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again | WTOP https://t.co/PekHiuYeyC — Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) July 8, 2020
UNITE HERE:
Safety is a top priority for hotel workers across North America. “Unite Here Local 26 President @Carlos_Aramayo said he is working with hotel managers to hammer out rules for cleaning, #COVID19 tests for workers, and exemptions for at-risk employees.”https://t.co/Lo8iMbDW3x pic.twitter.com/oN3VsZCw3d — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 9, 2020
United Steelworkers:
Many states have deadlines to register to vote. Check your status and get registered so you can cast your ballot in November at https://t.co/k0gygFb081. #USWVoices pic.twitter.com/Uxg1X0ZEU4 — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) July 9, 2020
United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
Safety Pays. Falls Cost. Hear how the owner of this residential framing company designs safety into each of his job sites. https://t.co/mexi5F2WWm #roofersafety365 — Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 6, 2020
Utility Workers:
“Maybe these workers will start to understand the value they have for society, because for decades they've been told they have no value and that they’re replaceable." Read more by @ShiaKapos in @POLITICO: https://t.co/NqyUakYsS0 — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 9, 2020
Working America:
The House passed a bill to provide real relief to millions of people. The Senate needs to stop stalling and pass it now. Call your Senator and tell them to pass the #HEROESActNow: ☎️ 1-833-868-8109 #SenateFAIL #ProtectEssentialWorkers #GOPVacation pic.twitter.com/amEKbVXgvi — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) July 8, 2020
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/10/2020 - 13:01 Tags: Racial Justice — Jul 10
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Firefighters in Omaha Donate Bikes to Kids During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story. Members of the Omaha Professional Fire Fighters Association-IAFF Local 385 in Nebraska donated dozens of bikes and helmets to local children. The community effort was a partnership among the union, the Black Votes Matter organization and churches in north Omaha, which came together to donate the bikes and helmets for kids to safely enjoy some outdoor time with their friends this summer. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/10/2020 - 08:55 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Jul 10
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Raises $2.5 Million to Support Members Impacted by COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Raises $2.5 Million to Support Members Impacted by COVID-19 During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story. UNITE HERE announced on Monday that it had raised $2.5 million for the union’s Education and Support Fund to provide direct relief to its members and their families who have been impacted by COVID-19. The union reported that more than 60,000 working families in 40 cities have been supported through these contributions. Throughout the pandemic, workers in the hospitality industry have been hit especially hard. Click here to donate to UNITE HERE’s relief effort. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/09/2020 - 12:58 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Jul 9

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