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Workers' Leverage is Here to Stay: The Working People Weekly List Workers' Leverage is Here to Stay: 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. Workers’ Leverage Is Here to Stay: “American workers have the upper hand over their employers right now—and there are tentative signs it could last, even as economic storm clouds gather….There were 661 new union filings in the first quarter of 2022—these are petitions from groups of workers seeking to hold union elections. That’s up from 448 in the same quarter in 2020 before COVID, according to data tracked by Kevin Reuning, a political science professor at Miami University.” Unions Weigh In on East Buffalo Tragedy: “‘The entire labor movement is appalled by the killing of 10 people and wounding of three by a man with racist beliefs who targeted Black people,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer/Executive Vice President Fred Redmond in a joint statement. ‘While there’s no way to make sense of yet another racially motivated, hate-inspired attack on innocent people because of the color of their skin, it’s clear these types of mass shootings are perpetrated by those radicalized online, and we must take action. Our deepest condolences are with the family, friends, [United Food and Commercial Workers] members and an entire community who are once again dealing with unfathomable pain due to one person’s racist beliefs.’” U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Teams Close Pay Gap With ‘Game-Changing’ Deal: “The U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams struck a labor deal that closes the contentious pay gap between the squads, an unprecedented step that will equalize both salaries and bonuses, providing a substantial boost to the decorated women’s team. The deal was part of new collective bargaining agreements with the U.S. Soccer Federation [USSF] that were announced Wednesday morning. It was the culmination of a long battle between the women’s team and the sport’s national governing body, which included a high-profile lawsuit that was settled this year. The USSF said the agreement makes the United States the first country to achieve equal pay for its men’s and women’s soccer teams. ‘To finally get to the point where on every economic term it’s equal pay, I am just really proud,’ USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone said.” Architects Draft a New Blueprint for a Labor Movement: “In December, workers at SHoP [Architects] pushed the envelope again: Architects with the 135-employee firm announced a bid to unionize. Under the banner Architectural Workers United, the workers mounted the first significant labor push in the building design industry since 1971….‘When architectural workers first reached out to us, my first question was, what is the standard now?’ says David DiMaria, an organizer with the [Machinists], the global trade union that Architectural Workers United hoped to affiliate with. DiMaria describes feeling a ‘holy s--t moment’ as he surveyed the field: ‘This is a professional trade that is completely not unionized.’” Newly Organized Workers Are Talking About Why It’s Important to Join a Union: “With AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and newly organized cannabis worker members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360 and Starbucks Workers United, New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charlie Wowkanech opened the press conference with the essential point: ‘Workers deserve what the bosses are getting: better wages, health care, decent working conditions and respect on the job.’....‘This is your moment; workers are showing everyone what can be done when they organize, that they can take on the corporate giants and win,’ said AFL-CIO President Shuler.” The Year Workers Said No: “Liz Shuler, the president of the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest labor federation, said the past year has shown ‘workers in motion.’ ‘Coming out of the pandemic, working people have not only shown their resilience, but they’ve shown that they are ready to draw a line and demand more,’ she said.” United Reaches New Contract Deal With Pilots’ Union, the First of the Major Airlines in Pandemic: “United Airlines and its pilots’ labor union have reached an agreement on new contract terms, the first of the major carriers to strike a deal since the start of the COVID pandemic. The crisis roiled the industry and exacerbated a pilot shortage and training backlog. The Air Line Pilots Association and United didn’t disclose the terms of the deal on Friday, but they will likely include higher pay and other improvements. United has had perhaps the least contentious relationship with its pilots’ union of the major carriers and struck early deals during the pandemic to keep aviators on staff and trained.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/25/2022 - 10:13 — May 25
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Lucia Hsiung Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Lucia Hsiung For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Lucia Hsiung of UNITE HERE. Lucia Hsiung is a shop steward at Brandeis University Dining Services, where she has worked for more than 21 years. She enjoys the fast pace and excitement of worker rallies and strikes. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/25/2022 - 10:00 — May 25
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Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas Climate Jobs Project’s Report Shows the Right Way to Build Fast, Reliable Fiber Broadband Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas Climate Jobs Project’s Report Shows the Right Way to Build Fast, Reliable Fiber Broadband 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 these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. The Texas labor movement is fighting to ensure that jobs in emerging industries are good union jobs. A new report from the Texas Climate Jobs Project, a project of Fair Shot Texas and Fair Shot Texas Action Fund in partnership with the Texas AFL-CIO, demonstrates that fiber broadband work is best performed by union members who are ready, safe and well-trained to get the job done right. The report, What Lies Beneath, also found that eight individual contractors associated with Google Fiber projects in Texas are named in 29 separate Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcement records, and were fined at least $227,375. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/25/2022 - 09:35 — May 25
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Every Job Site Should Be Safe: In the States Roundup Every Job Site Should Be Safe: 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. Alaska AFL-CIO:
.@IvySpohnholz, you have always been a steadfast champion of Alaska's working families. We are forever grateful for the opportunities to work together over the past 6 years. Thank you for your service, and best of luck in whatever adventure comes next! #akleg https://t.co/70HVPwU4kF— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 20, 2022
Arizona AFL-CIO:Sign up to be a part of the Labor 2022 movement! When we have important conversations with voters, we can win elections. Let's work together to elect champions for Arizona's workers and make real progress for working people. #Labor2022 https://t.co/QlItl0q8z3— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 23, 2022
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:No worker should be denied affordable health care coverage. It's a lifeline for working families. But right now corporations can weaponize employees' health care coverage during a labor dispute.The Assembly JUST passed #AB2530, so we're urging the Senate to do the same! https://t.co/kSPb0MCuaE— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) May 24, 2022
Connecticut AFL-CIO:CT @AFLCIO President @EHawthorne3 on Gov. Lamont signing our captive audience legislation into law:Yesterday, @GovNedLamont took an important step in protecting working people from employer intimidation and harassment during union organizing campaigns.— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 18, 2022
Florida AFL-CIO:This weekend, the Florida AFL-CIO led a strategic planning meeting with labor leaders from across the Sunshine State. Florida's labor movement stands together in solidarity! Special thanks to the Cedar Key Historical Society for sharing their history with us! pic.twitter.com/o2zfcjdjR8— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 23, 2022
Illinois AFL-CIO:Great article about the Mother Jones Festivalhttps://t.co/uaZE7jene5— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 17, 2022
Indiana State AFL-CIO:Damn straight. 🔥 https://t.co/D3AFqdnInA— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 19, 2022
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Public money belongs in public schools – Daily High Five https://t.co/8zcoYcKV2S— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 24, 2022
Maine AFL-CIO:When asked why she is so passionate about the labor movement, State Rep. @amyroeder doesn’t miss a beat.“I owe my entire life to labor,” she says.Check out our interview with this year's “Edie Beaulieu Legislative Award” winner!https://t.co/z1B3Wosd7Q #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 19, 2022
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:Yesterday, May 18, 2022, The MD State and DC Committee on Political Education (COPE) met to vote on endorsements for candidates running for office in the Maryland and DC Primaries. 1/8— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) May 19, 2022
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:ICYMI: Last week the Massachusetts AFL-CIO made several statewide endorsements. We are proud to support @maura_healey for Governor, @ShannonForAG for AG, @BillGalvin4MA for Sec of the Commonwealth, and @DianaDiZoglio for Auditor! #mapoli pic.twitter.com/1Tdg3P28kc— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) May 23, 2022
Michigan State AFL-CIO:"Cutting taxes isn't just fiscally irresponsible; it's lazy. At bottom, It represents a cowardly evasion of the Legislature's primary responsibility, which is to invest tax dollars in a way that enhances our state's value for everyone." https://t.co/cDV5y6voao— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) May 23, 2022
Minnesota AFL-CIO:Kahler Hotel employees continue to push for better working conditions https://t.co/6ySu2cSduC #1u @UNITEHERE17 pic.twitter.com/SBWwJfWrxx— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 23, 2022
Missouri AFL-CIO:American workers have the upper hand over their employers right now — and there are tentative signs it could last, even as economic storm clouds gather. https://t.co/gG59IkZCy8— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 22, 2022
Montana State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to the newly unionized journalists at the Bozeman Chronicle! https://t.co/Zkb6uv9jg5— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) May 18, 2022
Nevada State AFL-CIO:Thank you Harry for giving our Executive Secretary Treasurer Susie Martinez a tour of the @DC16IUPAT #Apprenticeship Program!This program covers:✔️Drywall finishing✔️Floor covering✔️Glazing✔️Commercial & industrial paintingFor more info, visit: https://t.co/BaIf5hcBu4 pic.twitter.com/L2tB0cKgIM— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 21, 2022
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Coalition Wednesday! Labor, clergy, & House members join the Faith & Labor coalition & Manch ed. bd. member Jim O'Connell briefs Moral Economy table on $15 wages. Next up - an increasing activism meeting [email protected] @AFSCME93 @SEIU1984 @NHNEAPrez @UAW2322 @PFFNH @AFTUnion pic.twitter.com/M3ZfB4adpy— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) May 18, 2022
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:We are proud to join the picket line and show St. Michael's the strength of our solidarity. Fair contract now! https://t.co/hdLHAssyAH— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) May 24, 2022
New York State AFL-CIO:JUST ANNOUNCED: See the NYS AFL-CIO's endorsements of candidates running in primary races for New York State Assembly: https://t.co/2SJy9i8Pph pic.twitter.com/zBZDxxzivX— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 19, 2022
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Congratulations to @CheriBeasleyNC, our endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate, on winning the Democratic primary! 🥳✊ #ncpol #ncsen #1u pic.twitter.com/jeqQQFh4lL— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 18, 2022
Ohio AFL-CIO:If like to kick a$$ for the working class, this may be the job for you! https://t.co/IGQ3lslKvB— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 23, 2022
Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:Thanks to everyone who donated food for the National Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger 2022 Food Drive. And a thank you to everyone who helped with sorting the donated goods on Saturday, May 14th! We couldn't have done it without all of your help! pic.twitter.com/1DmF3GYMG0— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) May 16, 2022
Oregon AFL-CIO:If you're experiencing mental illness such as depression, knowing your rights in the workplace can make a big difference in how you cope. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonthhttps://t.co/AMpwFsp3Uh pic.twitter.com/VkSrGr0G4h— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 19, 2022
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:We’re proud to share that our Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale has been named to @MetroPhilly’s 2022 PA #Labor #PowerPlayers List!Congratulations, President Bloomingdale! Thank you for your dedication to making PA the best we can be for ALL workers! #1u ✊ pic.twitter.com/k7RcEl3RWW— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 16, 2022
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:Read this week's E-News-->https://t.co/4D5DHTrgQq @LIUNANewEngland @1199SEIU #1u #Unions #UnionStrong #Solidarity #UnionYes pic.twitter.com/xNLBiWohTn— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) May 19, 2022
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:An incredibly important read from @Dulcet24 w/ the @TNLookout. No worker should ever have to worry about whether they'll make it home safely at the end of the day. Every job site should be a safe one. We can and we must do better. #1u https://t.co/z9uOqiyLJd— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 24, 2022
Texas AFL-CIO:Good morning! ✨Todays the day, so grab some coffee (maybe from one of our organizing Starbucks locations like @atx_sbwu @sbwuatx45lamar) and then go VOTE!! Labor-endorsed candidates need you to turn out today!! #1u pic.twitter.com/3wXkqSxKoa— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 24, 2022
Virginia AFL-CIO:We pray for the families, friends, and communities of these heroic lives taken away too early by this senseless racist and violent act in the Buffalo attack. We continue to stand for creating change and make a difference in this world. May we all find healing at this time. https://t.co/pc6xTfgSkP— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) May 16, 2022
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:That's a wrap for our morning program! Follow @TheStandWA for an update on endorsements later today #COPE2022— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 21, 2022
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Workers at Middleton-based Raven Software, form one of the first video game workers unions. The company is a 'Call of Duty' contributor. https://t.co/xm7Te5UC7X via @journalsentinel— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 24, 2022
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/24/2022 - 12:20 — May 24 -
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Stella Kalaoram Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Stella Kalaoram For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Stella Kalaoram of UNITE HERE. When she’s not volunteering with the Culinary Union, Stella Kalaoram works within the Asian community, primarily with the Thai and Chinese communities. Kalaoram speaks Mandarin and Thai fluently. By word of mouth, people find her, and Kalaoram takes them to the Social Security, welfare or citizenship offices to help them translate and fill out paperwork. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:00 — May 24
AFL-CIO Blog
- Workers' Leverage is Here to Stay: The Working People Weekly List
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Lucia Hsiung
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas Climate Jobs Project’s Report Shows the Right Way to Build Fast, Reliable Fiber Broadband
- Every Job Site Should Be Safe: In the States Roundup
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Stella Kalaoram