AFL-CIO Blog

  • Protect Essential Workers Now: In the States Roundup
    Protect Essential Workers Now: In the States Roundup AFL-CIO It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter. Find state-by-state COVID-19-related resources here. California Labor Federation: Colorado AFL-CIO: Connecticut AFL-CIO: Florida AFL-CIO: Georgia AFL-CIO: Indiana State AFL-CIO: Iowa Federation of Labor: Maine AFL-CIO: Massachusetts AFL-CIO: Metro Washington (D.C.) Council, AFL-CIO: Michigan AFL-CIO: Minnesota AFL-CIO: Missouri AFL-CIO: Montana AFL-CIO: Nebraska State AFL-CIO: New York State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oklahoma State AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO: Rhode Island AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Virginia AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/07/2020 - 10:27 — Apr 7
  • Fighting the Coronavirus: Service and Solidarity
    Fighting the Coronavirus: Service and Solidarity Meet Shekina Givens. She is an AFGE member and lead transportation security officer for the Transportation Security Administration and works at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. She and her co-workers are in constant danger of getting COVID-19, but they show up for work to protect the traveling public every day. Learn more about her and other TSA workers during these dangerous times.  Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/06/2020 - 09:08 Tags: COVID-19 — Apr 6
  • Economy Loses 701,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Jumps to 4.4%
    Economy Loses 701,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Jumps to 4.4% The U.S. economy lost 701,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate jumped by nearly a point to 4.4%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  In response to the March job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs said:
    Though the recent spikes in unemployment claims were not captured in the March report, we experienced our steepest monthly decline in payrolls in this report since March 2009. Especially hard hit were the lowest wage sectors of the economy: leisure and hospitality and brick and mortar sections of the retail industry. Going forward, based on the unemployment claim numbers, things will get worse.
    He also tweeted: Last month's biggest job losses were in leisure and hospitality (-459,000), health care and social assistance (-61,000), professional and business services (-52,000), retail trade (-46,000), construction (-29,000), other services (-24,000), manufacturing (-18,000) and mining (-6,000). Federal government employment added 18,000 jobs, primarily 2020 Census workers. Employment in other major industries—including wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, and financial activities—changed little over the month. In March, unemployment rates rose among all major worker groups. The rate was 14.3% for teenagers, 6.7% for blacks, 6.0 % for Hispanics, 4.1% for Asians, 4.0% for adult men, 4.0% for adult women and 4.0% for whites. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) showed little change in March and accounted for 15.9% of the unemployed. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/03/2020 - 12:24     — Apr 3
  • Big Win on Back Pay: Worker Wins
    Big Win on Back Pay: Worker Wins Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with a victory on back pay for NABET-CWA workers at CNN and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.  NABET-CWA Workers Win $76 Million in Back Pay from CNN: Locals 11 and 31 of NABET-CWA have negotiated one of the largest back pay settlements in the history of the NLRB. CNN is required to bay $76 million to hundreds of broadcast technicians who were fired when CNN terminated a subcontract with Team Video Services. NABET-CWA President Charlie Braico said: “After more than 15 years, this settlement agreement finally delivers justice for workers who experienced serious hardship in their lives due to CNN’s union-busting practices. This incredible settlement in workers’ favor should send a very clear message to CNN and to other employers that union-busting is illegal and has consequences.” University of California-Santa Cruz Trades Workers End Strike with New Contract: Dozens of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other trades workers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, ended a strike with victory as they ratified a new contract representing for the 49 AFSCME Local 3299 members. Electrician Joe Baxter said: “I’m just really proud of our people that we held the line and were able to get a fair and good contract. In the end, I felt like UCSC came through and gave us a fair contract.” King County, Washington, Water District Workers Win New Contract: Members of the Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 capped months of negotiations with a victory as the commissioners of King County Water District 19 approved a union contract, the first in the district's history. Shop steward Dominic Jovanovich said: “It was definitely tense at first, but we knew our supporters would come out for us and show solidarity because we know that organized labor is strong together. We were happy the board made the right decision and we’re excited to move forward.” Joliet Marijuna Workers Join UFCW: A majority of the 95 employees at the Cresco Labs marijuana cultivation facility in Joliet, Illinois, voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). This is the first successful organizing drive in Illinois since recreational marijuana use was legalized. The workers are seeking better pay and more comprehensive health benefits. Sports Illustrated Editorial Employees Vote for NewsGuild Representation: More than 90% of the editorial employees have voted to join the The NewGuild of New York-CWA. The new unit covers some 80 writers, editors, producers and other editorial staff in print, digital and video. Top issues for the workers are job security, severance, layoff protections, pay equity, workplace safety, diversity in hiring and advancement, and a voice in editorial strategy. Senior writer Jenny Vrentas said: "As journalists, we hold the teams and athletes we cover accountable. It is our responsibility to do the same in our own workplace. We are unionizing to ensure that Sports Illustrated is a safe, inclusive place to work, where all employees are treated equally and can continue to perform our jobs at a high level.” Google Cafeteria Workers Join UNITE HERE: Approximately 2,300 cafeteria workers at Google campuses in the California Bay Area have voted to be represented by UNITE HERE. The workers are technically employed by a subcontractor, Compass Group, through its subsidiary, Bon Appétit Management Co. Compass and UNITE HERE are negotiating the first contract for the unit. NewsGuild Members at The New Republic Ratify Ambitious Contract: Newsroom workers at The New Republic unionized in 2018 in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Now those workers have secured their first contract, which contains ambitious diversity provisions, progressive policy to prevent sexual harassment, and industry-leading intellectual property and privacy rights. Unit Chair Alex Shephard said: “This contract solidifies an important goal behind why we organized: To protect and live the values that The New Republic has espoused in its pages for over 100 years. The strength of our union is reflected in this contract, and I’m proud to have stood alongside fellow Guild members in crafting an agreement that fosters an environment of collaboration, transparency, growth, and sustainability.”  St. Louis Metro Workers Secure New Contract: The negotiations took months, but the members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 788 won a new contract from St. Louis Metro Transit. Some 1,500 working people voted to approve the new contract, which includes higher starting pay, protections against rising insurance costs, and increased pay for night and weekend work. Overall, wages and benefits for the workers will see an increase of $26 million over three years. Reggie Howard, president of Local 788, said: “It was a long fight. But we feel really good about it.” USW Members at Clearwater Paper Agree on New Contract: Workers at Clearwater Paper have been working without a contract since 2017. The members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 712 approved an agreement that would cover more than 800 employees. Contract negotiations have been long and contentious with the membership almost unanimously rejecting what Clearwater previously said was its last and best offer. The new contract runs through 2025. Food and Water Workers' Union Voluntarily Recognized: Nearly 80 workers at Food & Water Action (and its affiliated organization, Food & Water Watch) from around the country voted to be represented by the Nonprofit Professionals Employee Union (NPEU), IFTPE Local 70. Management will voluntarily recognize the new unit. The workers said: “As an organization, we advocate for union power in the WATER Act and a real Green New Deal because we recognize the critical importance of protecting union labor and not leaving workers behind in our fight for a better world. We believe that a union will allow us to truly live up to our values; will give us a tangible way to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace; and will show the rest of the world how truly invested we are in the right of workers to make a fair living on a livable planet.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/03/2020 - 12:03 Tags: Organizing — Apr 3
  • In Memoriam: Union Members Lost in COVID-19 Pandemic
    In Memoriam: Union Members Lost in COVID-19 Pandemic As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States, our sisters, brothers and friends in the labor movement are among the first casualties. It is important for us to work together during this crisis to prevent further deaths. It is important to thank those who are doing the work to keep us safe and fed. It is important to remember those who we lost because of the coronavirus. This list includes those deaths we have currently learned of. If you aware of additional union members we should include on this list, please send details to [email protected] and we will add them to the list. Rolondo “Sonny” Aravena of New York, Communications Workers of America: "Rolando 'Sonny' Aravena passed away on Sunday, March 29, due to COVID-19. It was the day of his twin daughters' 10th birthday. Sonny left behind his wife Melody Aravena and their five children: Amberly, Jayden, Ethan, Ameera and Olivia." His co-worker Marlon Escobar said: “He came from a big and loving community. People from a lot of different places all knew and loved him.” Mark Blum of New York, SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity: "Though he was perhaps best known for the 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan,' in which he starred alongside Madonna and Rosanna Arquette, he most recently appeared in supporting TV roles on the HBO series 'Succession,' the Netflix drama 'You' and Amazon's 'Mozart in the Jungle.' He was a staple in the New York theater community, frequently appearing on Broadway, including the revival of 'Twelve Angry Men,' though he appeared off Broadway much more often." SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said: “This is a painful loss to our SAG-AFTRA family. Mark Blum understood that all performers working in this industry share the same employers and that our strength depends on our unity. He was a visionary. Mark will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his wife, Janet Zarish, his friends and all of his loved ones.” Alejandro Bustamante of Yonkers, New York, Transport Workers: "The union sadly announces the passing of Alejandro Bustamante, a school bus driver for the First Mile Square School Bus Co. in Yonkers. Brother Bustamante is the 11th Local 100 member, and first from our School Bus Division, to die of the Coronavirus plague." Raul Clarke of New York, Transport Workers: TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said: “I offer my deepest condolences to all of our Local 100 members at Big Bus here in New York and across the country. I can only hope and pray that this dark cloud over our country passes quickly.” Priscilla Carrow of New York, Communications Workers of America: Priscilla was a member of CWA Local 1180 who worked at Elmhurst Hospital. George Culetsu of Ohio, AFSCME: "OAPSE joins our sisters and brothers at AFSCME Ohio Council 8 in mourning the loss of George Culestu, a member of AFSCME Local 2493 at Trumbull County Maintenance Department, who died as a result of COVID-19. On behalf of the entire OAPSE/AFSCME family, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the family of Brother Culestu." Oliver Cyrus of Brooklyn, New York, Transport Workers: "We have lost a second union brother to the coronavirus. [Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority] Bus Operator Oliver Cyrus out of the Manhattanville Depot passed away today. Local 100 Vice President Richard Davis, who has known Brother Cyrus for most of his 21 years on the job, said he was 'a quiet, humble man. He was well liked by all his co-workers. The workers at Manhattanville are all very upset. There's a somber mood at the depot.'" Karisma Dargan of New York, Communications Workers of America: Karisma was a member of CWA Local 1182 who worked in the New York City Police Department's Traffic Enforcement District. Oscar Davila of Los Angeles, Boilermakers: "Nineteen years ago—just four years after emigrating to the U.S. from Mexico—Oscar Davila was working a job to nowhere in the Los Angeles area when he heard about the Boilermakers from an unlikely source—an Ironworker. That conversation changed the direction of his life. Since then, Davila, president and acting business manager of Los Angeles’ Local 92, has worked hard and smart, with both determination and ingenuity." Larry Edgeworth of New York, NABET-CWA: Larry was a member of NABET-CWA Local 51011 who worked at NBC News. Scott Elijah of New York, Transport Workers: In addition to his work for New York City Transit, Elijah was pastor of the Bethany AME Church in Yonkers. President Utano said: "I wish I had the words to say to bring comfort to Brother Elijah’s family, his friends and co-workers in Track. But I don’t. I can only wish that the support our union will bring to his family now and into the future will bring them strength in their moment of grief." Alan Finder of New York, The NewsGuild-CWA: Alan was a member of TNG-CWA Local 31003 who worked at The New York Times. Garrett Goble of New York, Transport Workers: "A viewing will be held [April 3] for hero Train Operator Garrett Goble, who gave his life serving the people of New York City." Lev Golubov of New York, Transport Workers: "The Local 100 Car Equipment Department has lost its second union brother to the coronavirus scourge. Road Car Inspector Lev Golubov, 58, died on April 5, 2020 after being hospitalized with the virus on March 24. He had seven years on the job at Corona Barn." Jason Hargrove of Detroit, Michigan, Amalgamated Transit Union: Passed after coming in contact with an infected person on his bus route. He posted in a video before his passing: "Ya’ll need to take this serious. This is real." Ernesto Hernandez of New York, Transport Workers: Transit Authority Surface Vice President J.P. Patafio called Hernandez "a kind man who was loved and respected by his co-workers and [he was a] hard worker. His death is a shock to us all." Araceli Buendia Ilagan of Miami, nurses union, SEIU: Roy Buendia said: “My dearest sister, we admired you for your dedication on your profession….You’re a true ‘hero’ in this fight against COVID-19.” ARon Jordan of Boyd County, Kentucky, Bricklayers: "Sarah Jordan wants you to know her father’s name. She wants you to know his face. She wants you to know that the father of seven—and grandfather to seven more—had a kind heart, an unrelenting sense of humor and a passion for glam-bands like KISS. She wants you to know he loved his wife and their home in Ashland, Kentucky. Most importantly, Sarah Jordan wants you to know that her dad, ARon Jordan, just 49 years old and in otherwise good health, died Tuesday after testing positive for the novel coronavirus." Leilani Jordan of Largo, Maryland, United Food and Commercial Workers: "Jordan’s mother, Zenobia Shepherd, tried to explain the risks of working. But she said Jordan, who had a disability that caused 'cognitive delays,' impaired her vision and left her reliant on a service dog, probably did not fully understand the potential dangers of the coronavirus. And her daughter’s desire to help others, Shepherd said, was overpowering." McMillan Kihamahana of Colorado, Bricklayers: Bricklayers Mountain West ADC posted: "Thank you doesn’t express how grateful we are to this brother for his service and dedication to his union and its industries. For always being committed to growing the unionized masonry-trowel trades industry for current and future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Kihamahana’s family and friends. This was such unnecessary loss. COVID-19 has taken away a dear friend, brother and family man. Our hearts are broken." Rakkhon Kim of New Jersey, National Association of Letter Carriers: "NALC is deeply saddened to learn that 50-year-old letter carrier Rakkhon Kim, a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away Wednesday, March 25, from complications related to COVID-19. Brother Kim was a resident of Northvale, New Jersey, and he worked at the West Farms Station of the Bronx, New York, Post Office. He recently celebrated his 23-year anniversary as a letter carrier in November." Frank Leong of New York City, National Association of Letter Carriers: "Sixty-three-year-old letter carrier Frank Leong, a member of Branch 36 in New York City, passed away recently from complications related to COVID-19. Brother Leong was a 25-year letter carrier who worked at the Church Street Station in Manhattan. NALC mourns with Brother Leong’s family, friends, co-workers and members of Branch 36." Joseph Madore of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Amalgamated Transit Union: Madore, a member for two years, was a paratransit operator for First Transit. Ellis Marsalis of New Orleans, American Federation of Musicians: Marsalis was a pianist and educator who put four musician sons on a path toward successful careers in music as well as teaching many students over decades. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said: “Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz.” Patrick Patoir of Coney Island, New York, Transport Workers: TWU Local 100 Vice President Shirley Martin, who worked with Patoir for 29 years: "Patrick was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever known. He was always the first to help. If you wanted something done, ask Patrick. Everyone at Pitkin is in mourning. Many of his co-workers where in tears when they found out." Patrick’s brother, Wendell, is a Machinist at the Coney Island Wheel and Axle Shop. Patrick leaves behind his grieving wife and four children. Peter Petrassi of Long Island City, New York, Transport Workers: Interim New York City Transit President Sarah Feinberg said: "Our hearts are absolutely broken. Peter was a vital member of our team, and a valued friend. We are honored to have worked with him, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones." Isaac Robinson of Detroit, Teamsters: Robinson served the state of Michigan as a representative in the Metro Detroit area. Prior to contracting the virus, he led the fight in Wayne County to protect the most vulnerable from the outbreak. He called for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, formed a Coronavirus Urban Response and Workers' Rights task force, and fought for utility rights. Dez-Ann Romain of Brooklyn, New York, School Administrators: Allison Farrington, principal of Research and Service High School in Brooklyn, said: “She loved her kids, she loved her community, she loved service. You could see it in how she and her students would look at each other. I can’t imagine what they are dealing with now.” Scott Ryan of Everett, Washington, Amalgamated Transit Union: ATU International President John Costa said: “The tragic reality of this devastating and deadly pandemic has now taken the life of one of our own. I hope the entire continent will join us in a moment of silence tonight at 7:10 p.m. ET to remember Local 1576 shop steward Scott Ryan, who was just 41 years old. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brother Ryan and his sisters and brothers of Local 1576 in Lynnwood, Washington.” Steve Rybkin of New York, Transport Workers: "Local 100 President Tony Utano offered his condolences to the family and Brother Rybkin’s friends and co-workers on the job. 'Every death of one of our Brother and Sister Transit Workers from this terrible disease gets more and more difficult to comprehend.  With Thursday being Passover and Holy Thursday, and Sunday being Easter, I am hoping that this week will be the beginning of the end of this fight.'" Caridad Santiago of New York, Transport Workers: IB ImageStations Division Vice President Lynwood Whichard said Santiago's passing is a "terrible loss to the Local 100 family. She was a wonderful mother, loved by everyone. We are all praying for her family to get through this time of grief." Richard Steward-Johnson of New York, Communications Workers of America: Richard worked as a parking production assistant in New York. He also was a musician and actor who worked on movies like "Crackdown Big City Blues" and "The Prince of Tides." Virgil Sutton, Gaston County, North Carolina, UAW: UAW Local 5286 President Scott McAllister said: "I not only lost one of my childhood friends, but a UAW Local 5286 brother. Please keep Virgil Sutton's family and friends in your prayers! Rest in peace, my brother, you will be so missed by so many." Warren Tucker of New York, Transport Workers: IB ImageStations MTA Bus Vice President Peter Rosconi said that Tucker's passing was "tough to take. All of MTA is in mourning." Division Vice Chair Mike Capocci said, "He was such a sweetheart. This is such a shame." Elton Washington of Everett, Washington, Machinists: Elton's son, E.J., wrote of his father: “My dad loved his family and friends but he really loved my mom. That was his best friend, and I know that he’s back with her and they’re both watching me.” Four autoworkers (names withheld), UAW: UAW President Rory Gamble: "Sadly, with every one of these messages I write, there is always tragic news to deliver. Today, we lost a committee person at the FCA Warren [Michigan] Stamping Plant; a member who worked at AK Steel in Dearborn, Michigan; a brother from GT Technologies in Toledo, Ohio, and a sister who worked at the Department of Corrections in Detroit, Michigan." An autoworker (name withheld) from Wayne, Michigan, UAW: President Rory Gamble said: "I’m very sad to report that we had one more UAW member fall to the virus yesterday, from Ford Michigan Assembly in Wayne, Michigan. I want to extend our sincere sympathies to family and friends." An autoworker (name withheld) from Sterling Heights, Michigan, UAW: Gamble said: "Today, I am so sorry to report that one of our members at FCA Transport in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has died from the virus. I, along with Vice President Cindy Estrada and the entire International Executive Board extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to our dear brother’s family and friends." Two autoworkers (names withheld) from Dearborn, Michigan, UAW: Gamble said: "We have been notified today that two more members of our UAW family have fallen to the virus. One member worked at Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Stamping [plant] and a skilled trades brother who worked at the Ford Data Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Our prayers and support go out to their families and communities." Two poultry workers (names withheld) from Camilla, Georgia, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union: "At the Tyson facility in Camilla, Georgia, where the RWDSU represents 2,000 members, two members have died from the virus and many are sick or in quarantine. Tyson employs a largely black workforce that commutes from Albany, Georgia and surrounding cities to the facility daily. Workers debone chickens elbow to elbow with no access to masks. They work at speeds of upwards of 80 chickens per minute, while upper management, largely white and clad in protective gear, oversees production." Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/02/2020 - 10:37 Tags: COVID-19 — Apr 2