AFL-CIO Blog

  • Save Our Apprenticeships: What Working People Are Doing This Week
    Save Our Apprenticeships: What Working People Are Doing This Week AFL-CIO 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 Association:
    Mark your calendar - the Pittsburgh Liaison Committee wants to see you on Labor Day! March with Actors' Equity Association at the second largest Labor Day Parade in the country. RSVP in the Member Portal - https://t.co/OnyJV3PfPm pic.twitter.com/2tFpDx3Phg — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 22, 2019
    AFGE:
    It’s hard to imagine @USDA management finding more ways to demoralize the workers at these two agencies, yet they continue to top themselves at every turn. #1u via @GovExec https://t.co/CD4N22lpdi — AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2019
    AFSCME:
    One of the most important, most difficult jobs in America shouldn’t be one of the least-valued and lowest-paying. That’s why AFSCME home care workers continue to organize and mobilize, fighting for their rights and freedoms at the state and national level. https://t.co/DEfQNHepWG — AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 21, 2019
    AFT:
    150,000+ AFT members in Title I schools use @FirstBook for school supplies, multi-cultural books, books that build social & emotional learning, & take-home books. Some affiliates in low-income communities provide toiletries & care closets for their communities too! https://t.co/0GodNCsHmc — AFT (@AFTunion) August 22, 2019
    Air Line Pilots:
    A must read! Delta Pilot Transforms B-747 Engine into Automotive Sensation; Promotes Charities and the Profession with One-of-a-Kind Creation: https://t.co/5rvYfArHRn pic.twitter.com/eTHPm4KOvZ — ALPA (@WeAreALPA) August 14, 2019
    Alliance for Retired Americans:
    Drug costs are out of control. That’s why we’re rallying for lower drug prices across the country today. Send a message to your member of Congress here: https://t.co/lGIazEu93V #PeopleOverPharma @TheWIAlliance @RepGwenMoore pic.twitter.com/HRLPYVOblj — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2019
    Amalgamated Transit Union:
    #CATA workers to demand better work conditions at board meeting https://t.co/zjcxDONT3H #1u #publictransit #transit — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 22, 2019
    American Federation of Musicians:
    Entering the tenth week of a lockout, @bso_musicians performing a concert for drivers during rush hour. #1u#UnionMusicians 🎵✊🏿✊✊🏾🎵 pic.twitter.com/G279MVUT9Z — AFM (@The_AFM) August 21, 2019
    American Postal Workers Union:
    #APWU’s gearing up for a tough national contract arbitration & we need that #APWUnited support. Show your labor solidarity & tell us what you love about the union. Post your own #PostalSlam video & tag us! Let’s show management - WE ARE THE UNION! #1U https://t.co/U9m0QHHPww — APWU National (@APWUnational) August 20, 2019
    Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
    Sign the petition: Demand that our lawmakers pass the PRO Act! Working class and middle class families in the United States deserve income security and should be able to organize their co-workers to demand living wages and healthy working conditions. https://t.co/o1vzbSNFhk pic.twitter.com/0pfD8knoXd — APALA (@APALAnational) August 21, 2019
    Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
    Happy 74th Bday, AFA! Flight Attendants around the world - this is where it all began. We’re one of the most organized professions in labor & together we’ve achieved victories for equality, workplace health & safety, & contracts that define our work as aviation's first responders pic.twitter.com/DolL8UX3lY — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 22, 2019
    Boilermakers:
    Deadline is Aug. 26 (Monday!) ⏳to add a comment to save our apprenticeships. We need everyone’s voice 📢 to tell the DOL to keep us permanently exempt from their proposal. Boilermakers: https://t.co/PgDkKIqy31. pic.twitter.com/Z1vrYFplT2 — Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 22, 2019
    Bricklayers:
    "If we’re going to organize #immigrants, and if we’re going to make immigrants feel like they have ownership in our unions, we can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations with all our members about why it’s so important." -@jboland on organizing immigrants @GoIUPAT Convention — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 14, 2019
    California School Employees Association:
    #csea93 pic.twitter.com/LdB4XGhlV5 — CSEA (@CSEA_Now) August 20, 2019
    Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
    Black Trade Unionists in America stand with our courageous sisters and brothers in #Zimbabwe in their just struggle against the repressive government in #Zimbabwe. A luta continua! https://t.co/7WGaUhOaFh — CBTU (@CBTU72) August 22, 2019
    Coalition of Labor Union Women:
    SEPTEMBER 1: Last day to make sure you're a current Regular CLUW member to be able to vote as a delegate at our upcoming 20th Biennial CLUW Convention. It's also the application deadline for the Gloria T. Johnson scholarship. https://t.co/nZA2LpSLW1 pic.twitter.com/8YzktfQboe — CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 16, 2019
    Communications Workers of America:
    NAFTA 2.0 is a corporate giveaway. The deal falls short of truly protecting working people and will allow big pharmaceutical companies to lock in high drug prices. Call Congress and tell them we need a new NAFTA that puts people over profits: 1-855-973-4213#ReplaceNAFTA pic.twitter.com/JcdlhU9xQP — CWA (@CWAUnion) August 20, 2019
    Department for Professional Employees:
    Even with more college-educated women in the labor force, men still earn higher wages at every education level. This must change, and joining together in union can help. #1u #wagegap https://t.co/wk4HWr3juc — Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 21, 2019
    Electrical Workers:
    With every summer seeming to set new high temperature records, it's becoming more critical to take your health — and that of your coworkers — seriously. https://t.co/fZ75jSNan9 — IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2019
    Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
    We are headed down to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center and to the fields of North Carolina to farm labor camps. pic.twitter.com/1L3o9673vq — Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) August 20, 2019
    Fire Fighters:
    IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist @sarahabernes and IAFF Peer Support Master Instructor @b_dreiman will lead a session on suicide and suicide prevention in the fire service on Thurs., 8/22 at #IAFFRedmond19. See what they say about the importance of forming a peer support network pic.twitter.com/IlaSuqqsvQ — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 21, 2019
    Heat and Frost Insulators:
    Check it out! We have updated the Flickr album with the graduation images from Trainer Enhancement last week. Congratulations, Instructors! https://t.co/f6sC5i02SC — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) August 21, 2019
    Ironworkers:
    Proud to share this video about Iron Workers Local 44 that won an Emmy Award 🏆🏆🏆 for Best Branded Content! Kudos to Dave Baker from Local 44, who did an amazing job narrating the video! #emmys https://t.co/u7TmZTXjXI — Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 21, 2019
    Jobs With Justice:
    It appears DoorDash is still running out the door with tips meant for those delivering food for the service. #gigeconomy https://t.co/IRpPYxG6Xa — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 22, 2019
    Labor Council For Latin American Advancement:
    Gender, race, and ethnicity play significant and decisive roles in the distribution of opportunity, wages and wealth in our society. The different equal pay days that are observed throughout the year are examples of these discriminatory practices. #EqualPay #Trabajadoras pic.twitter.com/wQ8LTLKSYX — LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 22, 2019
    Laborers:
    Calvin began his journey in partnership with @BuildingUpTO leading to earning hands on skills training with LiUNA. Today, a Proud #LiUNA Member, Calvin is building a better future for him and for his family with a career in the trades! Watch his story!https://t.co/7xN5cpSzR7 — LiUNA! Canada (@LiunaCanada) August 19, 2019
    Longshoremen:
    ILA @ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp Night At Yankee Stadium - Fri., Sept 20 @ 7:05 pm. ILA Yankee hat to all ticket holders Info: https://t.co/ymhIrUwXGz pic.twitter.com/MjZwgIK0tk — Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) August 19, 2019
    Machinists:
    BIG NEWS: @Boeing has been found GUILTY of firing workers for their support of the IAM in South Carolina. #BeBetterBoeing https://t.co/n3sFc3f0Fj — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 19, 2019
    Metal Trades:
    Longtime labor reporter and author Steven Greenhouse joined The Takeaway to discuss how unions are navigating the difficulties of dealing with a president who says he's supportive of labor, but whose policies often run counter to the interests of unions. https://t.co/pq7pGOy6p5 — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 20, 2019
    Mine Workers:
    "We're not politicians, we're coal miners." NBC News story about @mineworkers fight in Congress to preserve retirees' pensions. #TheyEarnedIt #savepensionssavelives #1u https://t.co/qMOuse3FtN — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 21, 2019
    National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
    “You don’t have to be lonely,” writes NATCA Recurrent Training Rep Richard Kennington in EAA’s AirVenture Today magazine. “All pilots should have a basic understanding of how the ATC system works.” https://t.co/n7ASm65rvQ — NATCA (@NATCA) August 22, 2019
    National Association of Letter Carriers:
    NALC information is now available at your fingertips! Install the "NALC Member App" on your iPhone or Andriod smartphone & get up-to-date information & resources. Simply go to the app store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids -- then search for “NALC Member App.” #1u #NALCapp pic.twitter.com/XBbZiowX5X — Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 22, 2019
    National Domestic Workers Alliance:
    For #BlackWomensEqualPay Day @aliciagarza sat down with @meenaharris to talk about how addressing the wage gap is about more than just numbers. When we do right by Black women, the entire country benefits.https://t.co/fHkUi9soMk — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 22, 2019
    National Nurses United:
    Ruth Somera was just one of dozens of RNs deployed to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Honor the selfless acts of these #nurses and help the Registered Nurse Response Network celebrate its 14th anniversary by making a contribution today ➡️ https://t.co/xdExuMWT4W #1u pic.twitter.com/t4GMAHAltu — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 22, 2019
    NewsGuild:
    On #BlackWomensEqualPay day, journalists are fighting for #EqualPay. Find out more about how you can too. https://t.co/XhjAM2scgF @news_guild @mlburney pic.twitter.com/DBRRTFQeXb — NewsGuild (@news_guild) August 22, 2019
    NFL Players Association:
    While opening their minds to new experiences, @throughoureyest is challenging the status quo to show that black men do travel and they know how to give back along the way. STORY: https://t.co/So2NkjEv0e pic.twitter.com/n18DWSCdOl — NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 22, 2019
    North America's Building Trades Unions:
    For 80 years, Registered Apprenticeship Programs have supplied the construction industry with the safest, most highly-skilled workers. We now have ONE WEEK to save these programs. Comment here to make your voice heard: https://t.co/yhRxc81TYZ pic.twitter.com/OERSITyZxd — The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 19, 2019
    Office and Professional Employees:
    Kaiser Permanente workers from California to Maryland are fighting the healthcare giant’s proposal to implement a two-tiered wage system, which pits longtime employees and recent hires against each other, and lowers standards for everyone. #1u pic.twitter.com/FRbbJuZQ8V — OPEIU (@OPEIU) August 21, 2019
    Painters and Allied Trades:
    Help us get us as many members as possible to stand up against IRAPs. During our #DayofAction this Friday, talk to your fellow sisters and brothers about submitting their comments. Submit yours NOW! https://t.co/Qp2hrmdhfc #SaveUSApprenticeships pic.twitter.com/UDhb45TslQ — GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) August 21, 2019
    Plasterers and Cement Masons:
    Union apprenticeship programs give “us the same level and quality of training we received in the Military. This is one of the reasons why veterans choose to attend NABTU Registered Apprenticeship Programs.” Submit your comments now! https://t.co/wspFQbfvhO https://t.co/nJ6CEQUgb9 — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 22, 2019
    Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
    Today at #PASSConv19, National Vice President Carlos Aguirre shared his plans and vision for PASS. He emphasized the importance of the federal workforce and ensuring federal employees are treated fairly. #PASSinPDX pic.twitter.com/6ch2Q72Jzc — PASS (@PASSNational) August 20, 2019
    Professional and Technical Engineers:
    ATTENTION! @RepMcNerney, @RepAnnaEshoo , and @RepJimCosta: Representing more than 20,000 hardworking professionals in the #BayArea, @IFPTE urges you to stand with working people! Support HR 1309 today!! pic.twitter.com/BpNzYIlU2z — IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 20, 2019
    Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:
    The @Local_1102 members who prepare and provide food service on the NYU campus recently ratified a new contract that brings strong wage increase and improved medical coverage! pic.twitter.com/vKbzxgTDla — RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2019
    Roofers and Waterproofers:
    https://t.co/eWJbsdUnnO The DOL is counting comments, and Roofers’ numbers are not good. We need at least 2,000 more member comments in the next week. EVERY MEMBER SHOULD SIGN THIS PETITION USING THE MEMBER LINK. pic.twitter.com/N1V6HsWPWs — Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 8, 2019
    SAG-AFTRA:
    SBS @mega963fm and @979laraza are leading the #LA Market in LABOR VIOLATIONS! RT to support SBS employees as they fight for fair working conditions. #SOSSBS #SAGAFTRAUNIDOS pic.twitter.com/KkwySkT0IO — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 16, 2019
    School Administrators:
    500 San Diego Unified School Leaders Join National Labor Union for Stronger Voice --especially DC https://t.co/FNA7EVxZ0u@khefling @BenjaminEW @mstratford — AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) August 19, 2019
    Solidarity Center:
    One 2018 report found gender inequality in business costs countries $160 trillion because of the difference in lifetime earnings btwn men/women. Another in 2015 found advancing female equality in the workplace could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. https://t.co/0ZKZBQGAMR — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 22, 2019
    Theatrical Stage Employees:
    Are Hotels' "Green Choice" programs misleading? According to @unitehere, no leading environmental studies recommend skipping housekeeping as an environmental practice. https://t.co/FeIuKhFWLX — IATSE (@IATSE) August 21, 2019
    Transport Workers:
    Thank you @RepEspaillat for leading the downstate New York and upstate New Jersey delegations calling on @AmericanAir & President Doug Parker to keep good, blue-collar jobs in the U.S. https://t.co/9Hx11rAxLW pic.twitter.com/7WYRg1G4iz — TWU (@transportworker) August 20, 2019
    Transportation Trades Department:
    This should go without saying, but when you exploit your drivers to maximize profits at the expense of their well being, their health suffers. https://t.co/FTaeLfR5NP — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 22, 2019
    UAW:
    Millions of Californians do not have access to a workplace retirement plan — so the state has stepped in to offer a public option: https://t.co/2urceisUvt — UAW (@UAW) August 20, 2019
    Union Label and Service Trades:
    Not only do hardworking men and women make the leather for every NFL football, but also the leather for world famous Red Wing boots and shoes! Check out the handiwork of these UFCW 1189 members 👞🥾 #NationalLeathercraftDay pic.twitter.com/U5LeV57ApF — Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) August 15, 2019
    Union Veterans Council:
    SITTING DOWN FOR JUSTICE! Watch @TexasAFLCIO Union Vet @Stijerina sit down and fight back with @unitehere #1u #1job pic.twitter.com/qKDtMRLKkh — Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) August 14, 2019
    UNITE HERE:
    We stand with miners at #Blackjewel! Coal miners have a long history of taking on hard fights against rich, greedy bosses - we know whose side we're on. One day longer, one day stronger! ⛏✊#NoPayWeStay https://t.co/cEEKPJz9RO — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2019
    United Food and Commercial Workers:
    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (@LLSusa) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers, and UFCW has been a longstanding partner since 1982. See how one member has helped his Local raise $ for the cause 👏: https://t.co/ev1yfY6rsY pic.twitter.com/WBIkehpiTs — UFCW (@UFCW) August 22, 2019
    United Steelworkers:
    . @repjohnlewis - One of every 6 workplace deaths are from workplace violence—more than from equipment or fires & explosions. FIGHT for #SafeJobsNow pic.twitter.com/JnrpB1nYns — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 21, 2019
    Utility Workers:
    Even though August is nearly over, parts of the nation are still experiencing intense heat. Stay safe out there, and keep an eye out for your coworkers! pic.twitter.com/hDt98w2IwE — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2019
    Working America:
    The devastating economic effects of NAFTA can still be felt today. We need a new policy that uplifts all workers, not another deal that benefits multinational corporations at the expense of workers. https://t.co/u96vpvRg97 — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) August 21, 2019
    Writers Guild of America, East:
    Unions: the universally flattering, must-have statement piece for this (and every) season! Solidarity with the very fashionable @CBSNunion as they head to the bargaining table today! #1u https://t.co/w67gF0zYh4 — Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) August 22, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2019 - 11:00     — Aug 22
  • Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers
    Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers On Tuesday morning, as union veteran Sam Tijerina drove from Pasadena, Texas, to Dallas, he had a lot on his mind. His thoughts wandered as he passed mile markers and towns—he thought about his young family at home and the life that having a union job has provided them. “A union card has allowed me to live with dignity,” he said. Tijerina was traveling to one of the largest acts of civil disobedience that the Texas labor movement has waged in years. LSG Sky Chef workers, who are contracted by American Airlines, planned a rally with UNITE HERE to advocate for raising wages. “It was important to be part of the civil disobedience because my fellow veterans are affected by poor wages,” Tijerina said. “There are an estimated 1.3 million veteran workers who earn less than $15 an hour. It is disheartening to know my brothers and sisters have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. One job should be enough.” More than 600 supporters showed up at the protest, including catering workers, union members from other airports and local supporters like Tijerina. He was one of 58 people who were arrested while blocking traffic during the protest. Tijerina is an Elevator Constructor (IUEC) from Local 31 and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Marines taught him about selfless service and how to lead by example. “I know that it’s not just about me,” Tijerina said. “It's about fighting for everyone, no matter what their situation is.” This is the same sentiment echoed by Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig at a recent speech to the Texas AFL-CIO convention, shortly before announcing the creation of a Texas chapter of the Union Veterans Council. “Leaders lead from the front and motivate others to take action,” Attig added. “Texas union vets are ready to take action to support the working people of this state.” Earlier this year, Attig was among a group of union leaders and activists who were arrested at the U.S. Capitol during the government shutdown, when a quarter of 1 million veteran workers faced no pay and job instability. Attig hopes this action will motivate fellow union veterans to get more involved. Attig wants Union Veterans Council members and the labor movement to know that union veterans are a force to be reckoned with. The Union Veterans Council is working to unify our veterans by giving them the tools and platform to make their voices heard on a local and national level, along with inspiring union veterans to take an action-based role in the labor movement. Tijerina is just one of a growing movement of union veterans across the country who are using their voices to fight and advocate for fellow workers and the issues that matter to their community.  Visit us on our website or on social media Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2019 - 10:21 — Aug 22
  • Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup
    Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup In addition to the AFL-CIO's own "State of the Unions," there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States. Follow the links below to find podcasts. They also can be found wherever you listen to podcasts: America's Work Force: "This week's guests include Cheri Honkala, founder of the Poor People’s Economic Rights Campaign, Frank Mathews, administrative director for Communications Workers of America District 4 in Chicago, and Jim Cullen, editor of the Progressive Populist." Building Bridges: Your Community and Labor Report: "We welcome home Janet and Janine Africa, after 41 years, and won’t rest until all our political prisoners are free at last! With:
    • Sheroes Janet and Janine finally returned to the beloved community after 41 years of incarceration for a death that actually resulted from a police campaign of terror used against black community organizations;
    • Carlos Africa, Move organizer;
    • Pam Africa, Move organizer; and
    • Commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal, a political prisoner who remains imprisoned for life without parole and continues his work as a journalist from his jail cell in Pennsylvania. Prior to his wrongful conviction in 1981, Abu-Jamal was a political activist and president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists."
    CTU Speaks! Podcast: "The Chicago Teachers Union launched CTU Speaks! earlier this week. The monthly podcast by rank-and-file educators in Chicago Public Schools seeks to empower and unify members through discussions about the union, Chicago’s public schools and communities, and local and national public education issues. CTU Speaks! is the brainchild of the union’s member-led Public Relations and Communications Committee, hosted by committee members Andrea Parker and Jim Staros." Heartland Labor Forum: "Missouri’s motto is 'Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law,' but the legislature still hasn’t passed Medicaid expansion. This week on the Heartland Labor Forum we’ll talk to Jobs with Justice’s Richard Von Glahn on a new coalition to use the initiative process to win health care coverage for thousands of Missourians. Then we’ll find out from Art Johnson, former president of the Social Security local in Kansas City, just how bad Donald Trump’s union-busting of federal unions is." UComm Live with Kris LaGrange: "The governor of Massachusetts vetoes a popular bill that would protect employees' right to have a voice at work; ICE conducts their biggest workplace raid ever; Democratic candidate Jay Inslee talks green, union jobs; Rich Trumka warns the Democratic Party not to take its base for granted; what to do when a boss bargains in the press; and the Mets are only one game out of the wild card. PLUS: On Thursday, August 15th on UCOMM Live, we call out Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports for threatening his staff if they attempt to organize; Dave is scared of us, and he should be. Sarker goes into an interesting piece on where are all the union Muslims? Antonio Brown of the Oakland Raiders is not wearing his PPEs; his shop stewards are pissed. Chris Cuomo, Andy's little brother, caught on tape standing up for himself, and Beto O'Rourke comes out with a sensible gun control solution." Union City Radio: Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay; the toxic impact of private equity; AFSCME Local 3001 OmniRide drivers settle a new contract. Union Strong - Call for Transparency on Campus Foundations: "SUNY’s 30 campus-related foundations have a lot of money⁠—millions. Where does it come from, where is it going and how is it being used? These are all questions raised by UUP, the nation’s largest higher education union. On this podcast, a conversation with UUP President Dr. Fred Kowal about campus foundations and much more." Workers Beat: "Will have a lineup of local union and other progressive leaders to endorse labor outreach." Your Rights at Work: "Hosted by Chris Garlock, with Mark Gruenberg; DC’s call-in show about worker rights: those you have, those you don’t, how to get them and how to use them. On this week’s show: Ghost Workers author Mary Gray and a sneak preview of Gene Bruskin’s new labor musical, 'The Moment Was Now.'" State of the Unions: "Tim talks to NABTU Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry." Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2019 - 14:07 Tags: Podcast     — Aug 21
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships AFL-CIO On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry. Listen to our previous episodes: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2019 - 10:46 Tags: Podcast — Aug 21
  • Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work
    Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work A new worker-centered, precedent-setting program will comprehensively address the rampant gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) denying thousands of women garment workers a safe and dignified workplace in Lesotho. The program, established by two negotiated and enforceable agreements, will cover 10,000 Lesotho garment workers in five factories that produce jeans and knitwear for the global market. Lesotho-based unions and women’s rights groups, major fashion brands and international worker rights organizations, including the Solidarity Center, negotiated with the factory owner, Nien Hsing Textiles, to mandate education and awareness training for all employees and managers, an independent reporting and monitoring system, and remedies for abusive behavior. The parties came to the table after the U.S.-based Worker Rights Consortium documented how the mostly female workforce at three Nien Hsing textile factories regularly was coerced into sexual activity with supervisors as a condition of gaining or retaining employment or promotions, and were persistently sexually harassed, verbally and physically. The Lesothoan unions and women’s rights groups, all with proven histories of fighting to advance the rights of workers and women throughout the country, are: the Federation of Women Lawyers in Lesotho (FIDA), the Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), the National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union, Lesotho (NACTWU), the United Textile Employees (UNITE) and Women and Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust (WLSA)-Lesotho. They will administer the agreement and will serve on the oversight committee. The Solidarity Center, WRC and Workers United joined these groups to negotiate the two agreements with Levi Strauss, The Children’s Place, Kontoor Brands and Nien Hsing Textiles. “This is the first initiative in Lesotho that brings together workers, unions, women’s organizations and employers to work towards one common goal of improving the socioeconomic rights of women in the workplace,” said Thusoana Ntlama, FIDA programs coordinator, and Libakiso Matlho, WLSA national director. Agreements Follow Report Documenting Abuse at Lesotho Factories Nearly two-thirds of the garment workers WRC interviewed reported “having experienced sexual harassment or abuse” or having knowledge of harassment or abuse suffered by co-workers, according to the report. Women workers from all three factories identified GBVH as a central concern for themselves and other female employees. “Many supervisors demand sexual favors and bribes from prospective employees,” one worker told WRC investigators. “They promise jobs to the workers who are still on probationary contracts.[…]All of the women in my department have slept with the supervisor. For the women, this is about survival and nothing else.[…]If you say no, you won’t get the job, or your contract will not be renewed.” All the Elements to Prevent, Eliminate GBVH at Work While sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence may happen at any workplace, GBVH is rampant in the global garment and textile industry. Globally, some 85% of garment workers are women. They are especially vulnerable to abuse and violence at work because of imbalanced power structures, high poverty and unemployment. The Lesotho plan “has all the elements needed to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence at work,” says Solidarity Center Executive Director Shawna Bader-Blau. “First, there’s real accountability. It is binding and enforceable on all parties. And the global brands and the employer have guaranteed their commitment to enforcing and upholding the code of conduct by signing fully executed, binding and enforceable contracts.” The agreements:
    • Establish an independent organization to investigate issues, fully empowered to determine remedies;
    • Create a clear code of conduct on unacceptable behaviors and a system for reporting abuse—with garment workers as full participants in creating, implementing and monitoring it; and
    • Establish an education and awareness program that goes beyond the typical harassment and gender violence training. It will be comprehensive and get at the root causes of gender discrimination and violence against women.
    Importantly, says Bader-Blau, “the program is sustainable because it’s worker designed, with unions working together with women’s rights groups to deliver it.” And because the freedom to form unions and collectively bargain has proven essential to addressing gender-based violence and harassment at work and in creating the space for workers to shape a future of work that is fair and democratic, it’s especially key that these agreements also protect workers’ rights to freely form unions, says Bader-Blau. Nien Hsing, which manufactures apparel for global brands in several countries, signed one agreement with trade unions and women’s rights organizations in Lesotho to establish the GBVH program, and has committed to take recommended action when violations of the program’s code of conduct have been established. The global brands entered into a parallel agreement in which, should Nien Hsing commit a material breach of its agreement with the unions and NGOs, it will take action, including a potential reduction in orders. In the past, as one worker told WRC, “The [supervisors accused of harassment] are usually rotated to other departments,” arrangements the plan seeks to eradicate. Putting the Plan into Action Lesotho-based women’s rights organizations, unions, the Solidarity Center and WRC will jointly design the education and awareness program and curriculum, with input from the newly created independent investigative organization. They also will carry out the two-day training in which all workers and managers will take part. Workers will be paid regular wages during the training. And importantly, says Bader-Blau, “Empowered workers with a negotiated stake in the agreements can identify and report violence and harassment. And because they have established the terms with the employer as equals, they can be sure that retaliation for reporting abuse and the impunity of abusers will end. Unlike corporate social responsibility programs, the Lesotho program is a contractual agreement with the employer, the brands and the unions, which means everyone is accountable to the code of conduct–with workers able to enforce it as an equal party.” The program is partially modeled after the Fair Food Program, a set of binding agreements between leading food brands, like McDonald’s and Whole Foods, and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Using the type of independent complaint mechanism that will be established by the Lesotho agreements, the Fair Food Program largely has eliminated what had been rampant sexual harassment and coercion in the tomato fields of Florida. The agreements also build on the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, in which unions were key participants, and recognizes the fundamental role of collective bargaining in negotiating an agreement that is binding on employers and international brands and in bringing accountability to the global supply chain by ensuring the agreement is implemented and enforced. Funding for the two-year program will come primarily from the three brands, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the program will kick off in fall 2019. This post originally appeared at the Solidarity Center. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2019 - 10:45 Tags: Solidarity Center     — Aug 20