-
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Passes Landmark Rule Requiring Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Passes Landmark Rule Requiring Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers 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. The Phoenix City Council unanimously passed an ordinance last week that will provide protections from extreme heat for thousands of outdoor workers in the hottest city in the United States. The rule requires employers to provide workers access to shade from the sun, rest, water and air conditioning as well as training on recognizing signs of heat stress. This will apply to city contractors and their subcontractors who work outdoors, including airport and construction workers. Its passage was aided by a citywide campaign led by members of UNITE HERE Local 11, SEIU’s Airport Workers United, and other labor and community organizations. Currently, there are no federal standards that protect outdoor workers from extreme heat, making this ordinance game-changing for an issue that is literally life or death. In 2023, heat killed 340 people in Phoenix and 645 people in Maricopa County. Three out of four of those fatalities took place outdoors. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/03/2024 - 09:27 — Apr 3
-
Standing in Solidarity: In the States Roundup Standing in Solidarity: In the States Roundup It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter). Alaska AFL-CIO:
Wally Robinson, a 20-year member of @IBEW1547, faced sub-zero temperatures to run the 2024 Iditarod, a 1,000-mile sled dog race.Being a member of the @IBEW has allowed Wally to raise his family and secure a good retirement. Wally is a prime example of the #UnionDifference! pic.twitter.com/CTOfKdFDPD — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 26, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Our coalition has urged action to protect workers from extreme indoor heat since 2016.8 yrs later workers have continued to suffer preventable injuries & lost their lives.@CAgovernor needs to fully implement Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention rule. #SummerIsComing #HeatKills pic.twitter.com/iitEWSIOfq — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) March 28, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:Hey, hey Colorado - you want more passenger rail? You want safer railways so derailments like the one in Pueblo that killed a totally uninvolved truck driver don’t happen? So people who live near rail aren’t subject to catastrophe? SUPPRT HB24-1030!! https://t.co/VaJElmvLaU — Colorado AFL-CIO, Young Workers Organizing (@ColoradoYWO) March 27, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:Proud to stand in #solidarity with the members of @217unitehere working at the University of New Haven as they fight for a fair contract and job security! https://t.co/R8dMhHDw3r — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 2, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:Breaking News!The Florida Supreme Court has ruled:- Amendment 3, the proposed amendment to legalize adult personal use of marijuana, and- Amendment 4, the proposed amendment to limit government interference in abortion, will both be on Florida's November ballot. — Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 1, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! 🐣 As we celebrate renewal and rebirth, let's remember the strength we have when we stand together in solidarity. To all the workers striving for fair rights, you are the backbone of our communities. #HappyEaster #Solidarity #WorkersRights ✊🌸 pic.twitter.com/pWemfXj4sD — Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) March 31, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:Yolanda joined the @IUBAC when she was one of few women.She has been behind some of Chicago's most notable landmarks: the Bulls/Blackhawks Stadium to the Bilandic Building.This #womenshistorymonth, Yolanda is a living example that women can thrive in the trades.#1u pic.twitter.com/3Gjjd5sGFK — Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 31, 2024
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:New Bill, Same StinkDon't let them repeal KY's Child Labor Laws with Frankfort TricksIn a last minute attempt to pass this bad legislation, Reps in the KY House are seeking to amend SB 369 to include the bad language of HB 255 in an innocuous Senate Billhttps://t.co/eCIs0pXzRw pic.twitter.com/xxWq9Rda9v — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 27, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:Good news for farmworkers! The Maine Legislature's Labor Committee voted on party lines to advance a bill that will apply the state minimum wage to farmworkers & grant them the right to take action in court if their wages are stolen.https://t.co/HzzIe4a2os #mepolitics — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 29, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:The MA AFL-CIO is a proud member of the @PTPGCoalition behind this victory. Thank you to the @mbta Board for their work toward making transit equity a reality. https://t.co/5SljSSotuE — Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 29, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:Keeping this seat in pro-worker hands this April is essential to continuing all the progress we’ve made since electing the first pro-worker trifecta in 40 years.That's why we're endorsing Peter Herzberg in the special election in HD 25! pic.twitter.com/kCINcfpJSg — Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 27, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:When workers strike & win, we all win. That's why it's time to begin balancing the scales & give striking workers access to unemployment insurance. Take Action Now! https://t.co/OFb4LRdt32 #1u #mnleg #Labor #Solidarity — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 2, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:Josh Hawley just admitted he thinks millions of public sector workers shouldn’t have a right to organize for fair pay and safe workplaces.These are the public servants who keep us safe and serve our families. Solidarity isn't in Josh Hawley's vocabulary. https://t.co/EKXk9QI33Q pic.twitter.com/5nJZH9gSwz — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 1, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:https://t.co/bVYy39LTe0 #unionstrong #mtworkers #mtlabor #mtnews pic.twitter.com/IwdEQi1tgG — Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) March 28, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:The Nevada State AFL-CIO is immensely grateful for all of D. Taylor’s years of dedicated service to the labor movement in Nevada, and the rest of the country. pic.twitter.com/p0ZAKV7Cp0 — Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 1, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:We will be standing in Solidarity together and for NH Workers, on Thursday 4/4 to let our Senators know that SB 516 (“Right-to-Work”) is WRONG for NH!#NHPolitics #1uFollow the link for more information: https://t.co/qze43Sfi9X pic.twitter.com/Us90Lc7esW — New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) March 29, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:Statement from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento regarding disingenuous editorial on affordable housing by the New York Post: https://t.co/LhNfFd2vsv — NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 28, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:Postal workers concerned over distribution changes https://t.co/yyfBqaB6zl — North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) March 28, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:Thanks, @SenSherrodBrown, for investing in every #Ohio community. https://t.co/cwKUKscqA4 — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 2, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:#OregonLabor is proud to see this bill become law to ensure labor standards are included in all future offshore wind development in our state. #ORpol #ORleg https://t.co/pUKI4Bqqam — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 1, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:🗳April 8 – Voter registration deadlinehttps://t.co/3OrvlRkV0a🗳April 16 – Last day to apply for a mail ballot.https://t.co/AYOCunH4C6🗳April 23 – Election Day! Completed mail ballots must be received by 8 PM.https://t.co/54inhwakHD pic.twitter.com/l4suWK8r2e — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 2, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:Unions key in ramp up to the next industrial revolution https://t.co/ES2n3A1rO5 via @cwbeacon @AFLCIO @ConnAFLCIO @massaflcio @climatejobsri @climatejobs — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 1, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council: pNot an April Fools' joke: House leadership is considering gutting promised teacher pay raises to help fund other parts of its version of the statewide school voucher scheme.Our thoughts on the waning weeks of session can be found below ⬇ #TNLeg #1u https://t.co/MziklJmbar — Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 1, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Hundreds of academic student workers are rallying at the University of Washington campus to demand a fair contract with meaningful raises, supports for international student workers, and no cuts to benefits. UW, do right by your workers! pic.twitter.com/dI5XuiVeBP — Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 29, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Confirm your polling location, preview what's on your ballot and more at https://t.co/8yDehWa8Bf #WIvote pic.twitter.com/6FkVPwkARq — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 2, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:14 — Apr 2 -
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Valley Ford Truck Workers Secure New Contract; End 3-Month Strike Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Valley Ford Truck Workers Secure New Contract; End 3-Month 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. Workers at Valley Ford Truck in Ohio reached a three-year contract, ending a strike that began in mid-December. The contract covers 24 workers who are members of the Machinists (IAM) Local 1363. Most of the workers are automotive, light truck or heavy truck technicians, and they went on strike Dec. 18 over workers’ 401(k) retirement plans and being guaranteed a certain number of weekly work hours. The contract includes pay raises and eliminates a two-tier vacation schedule, among other benefits. “It was a long battle,” said Robert Towslee, the union’s business representative. “We had a lot of support from our union brothers and sisters. Everybody is glad to have this done. They’re anxious to get back to work and put this in the rearview mirror.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:01 — Apr 2
-
A Pro-Worker Vision: The Working People Weekly List A Pro-Worker Vision: 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. Organized Labor Is Committed to Building Sustainable Offshore Wind Energy: “Labor leaders presented a pro-worker vision for generating sustainable offshore wind energy along the Southern New England coast at a virtual press conference, on Friday, March 15. This effort unites organized labor, the environmental movement, coastal communities, and elected officials. The press conference was moderated by Patrick Crowley, secretary-treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. The national significance of this commitment was highlighted by introductory remarks from Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. Shuler said that good union jobs, environmental issues, offshore wind energy, and building a renewable energy industry are tied together.” Residents at WMU’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Vote to Unionize: “By an overwhelming margin, residents at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine have voted to form union. Last week, more than 90% of residents who voted, voted in favor of unionizing as the Resident and Fellow Alliance, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO unions. The union vote still has to be certified by the National Labor Relations Board.” KCUR Editorial Staffers Begin the Process of Forming a Union. Pay Is a Key Issue: “Editorial staffers at KCUR, the NPR-member station in Kansas City, and its partners have petitioned to organize a union, the second public radio station in Missouri to do so. If successful, KCUR would become the second unionized public radio station in Missouri. The station’s general manager promised a continued focus on ‘trusted journalism and entertainment that is freely accessible to all.’ Members of the union organizing committee said that 70% of eligible staffers, including reporters, producers, on-air hosts, newscasters and audience development specialists, joined the petition to form a collective bargaining unit with the Communication Workers of America.” Georgia Is Trying to Make It Harder for Workers to Unionize: “Labor has been stirring recently. That’s unacceptable for bosses, who never rest in their attacks on unions. Case in point: a new bill in Georgia that seeks to ensure the unionization process is as difficult for workers and favorable to bosses as possible. The Georgia legislation passed in the state Senate last month 31-23 and in the House on Wednesday 96-78, in votes that fell almost entirely along party lines, with Republicans backing the bill. It’s sure to face legal challenges for violating the NLRA’s protection of workers’ right to voluntary recognition. As American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) president Liz Shuler said of the bill, it ‘violat[es] long-held precedent established by the NLRA.’ Only 4.4% of workers in Georgia are unionized, the eighth-lowest union density in the United States. The bill is ‘a solution in search of a problem,’ James Williams of the Georgia AFL-CIO said.” After Warrior Met Coal Strike, Miners’ Union, AFL-CIO Urge Reforms from Stockholders: “The union that organized the longest strike in Alabama history, along with the AFL-CIO, is urging stockholders of Warrior Met Coal to support a package of proposals it says would eliminate some of the conditions that resulted in the strike. The United Mine Workers of America today announced the slate of proposals for the company’s April 25 shareholders meeting. ‘In our view, Warrior Met’s poor labor relations have cost the company’s stockholders and coal miners dearly while its management has been insulated from these costs,’ UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. ‘Having an entrenched corporate management is never a good thing for the sustainable financial performance of a company,’ Carin Zelenko, Director of Capital Strategies for the AFL-CIO. ‘Our stockholder proposals seek to better align the interests of Warrior Met’s management with the long-term interests of the company, its investors, and employees.’” Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su on the Worker Movement 113 Years After the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: “The fire spread quickly. On that Saturday in March of 1911, black smoke billowed out of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory near Washington Square Park in New York City. The panicked workers inside, many of them young immigrant women and some as young as fourteen, cried out for help and tried to flee, but they found locked exit doors and broken fire escapes. So they climbed out of the windows and onto the ledges of the building, jumping to their deaths to be spared from the engulfing flames. Soon, hundreds of bystanders looked up in horror and began hearing thud after thud of bodies hitting the street below. Among the bystanders was a young woman named Frances Perkins. Today, we know her as the first woman to serve as United States Labor Secretary—the first woman to serve in the Cabinet of any U.S. President—and she is widely regarded as the most consequential leader to ever hold the post. This Women’s History Month, I’m reflecting on Frances Perkins’ legacy and how she turned the unheard voices of those immigrant women into a call to action.” AFL-CIO, Building Trades Hail EPA’s Asbestos Ban: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, an Electrical Worker, hailed the ban as ‘a landmark protection for workers, banning and phasing out all current uses and imports of chrysotile asbestos, and eliminating these exposures in workplaces and throughout the supply chain.’ But both Shuler and Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey also urged EPA to pursue bans on exposure to ‘legacy’ asbestos which endangers workers rehabbing old schools, factories, homes, and businesses. This ban ‘does not eliminate all types of asbestos fibers and is only the first half of the EPA’s plans to address worker asbestos exposures,’ Shuler warned. Firefighters, construction workers, and factory workers are still ‘exposed to ‘legacy’ asbestos throughout our old buildings and infrastructure. We urge the EPA to move swiftly to address those risks.’” White House Hosts Women's History Month Labor Roundtable: “This week, Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein, Deputy Undersecretary of International Labor Affairs Thea Lee, Deputy Assistant to the President Samantha Silverberg and the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a group of women labor leaders and organizers at the White House. The event, held in partnership with the AFL-CIO and moderated by White House Senior Labor Advisor Erika Dinkel-Smith, was a celebration of women in labor in honor of Women's History Month and highlighted how the Biden-Harris Administration is putting women and girls at the heart of the Administration's economic agenda, and promoting and defending women workers' rights both domestically and abroad. Participants included AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO State Federation and Central Labor Council leaders, as well as young women organizers on the front lines of organizing new workplaces and expanding the benefits of unionization to women in their states. Collectively, attendees represented union members in the 14 states they represent.” Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Joins Labor Leaders in Denver for Roundtable Discussion: “Second gentleman Doug Emhoff sat down with local union leaders in Denver on Thursday to talk about the Biden-Harris campaign’s continued support of union work. Union leaders from the Service Employees International Union Local 105, the Colorado Education Association, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and others sat down with Emhoff to ask questions about labor at a roundtable hosted by the Colorado Democratic Party. The national organizations for both SEIU and AFSCME endorsed Biden last year. ‘We are making the case to everyone that the Biden-Harris administration has delivered for the American people, including folks in labor,’ Emhoff said.” National Labor Leader Pushes Apprenticeship Programs, Unionism in Pittsburgh Visit: “When it came time to choose a career, it didn’t take Rick Pireaux long to decide. With three previous generations of his family serving as iron workers, it was only natural that he would follow that tradition. Now, as an apprentice instructor for Iron Workers Local 3 in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, his role is to persuade others to follow that same path. Pireaux and others led tours of the union training facility Thursday as part of a national effort by Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, to spread the word about the value of union labor. McGarvey joined a group of elected officials and labor leaders who spoke at a program after the tour to encourage more workers to apply for apprenticeships in the building trades.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/01/2024 - 10:21 — Apr 1
-
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Universal City AMC Workers Vote to Join IATSE Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Universal City AMC Workers Vote to Join IATSE Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Workers at the Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). A majority of 37 employees voted in favor of joining IATSE and six voted against. Ushers, cooks, bartenders and all other non-management employees of the theater are part of the group that is set to join IATSE, and the workers are primarily concerned with wages and scheduling issues. “We are incredibly happy that the workers at the AMC Citywalk theater banded together to join IATSE with an 86 percent majority yes vote in the recent union election,” Universal Cinema AMC crewmembers Savannah Copeland and Maria Lubanovic said in a statement. “These past few months have shown how dedicated the crewmembers are not only to improve the workplace for themselves, but for everyone around them. It is truly inspiring to see how much they care for each other.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/01/2024 - 10:02 Tags: Organizing — Apr 1
AFL-CIO Blog
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Passes Landmark Rule Requiring Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers
- Standing in Solidarity: In the States Roundup
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Valley Ford Truck Workers Secure New Contract; End 3-Month Strike
- A Pro-Worker Vision: The Working People Weekly List
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Universal City AMC Workers Vote to Join IATSE