AFL-CIO Blog

  • ‘You Need a Voice to Have Freedom’: The Working People Weekly List
    ‘You Need a Voice to Have Freedom’: 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. North Carolina Teachers Association Becomes AFT Union Affiliate: “‘These North Carolina teachers have been organizing for years to strengthen public education for their students and to secure the conditions, voice and salaries they needed for themselves, and I am so proud to welcome them to the 1.8 million-strong AFT family,’ said AFT President Randi Weingarten. ‘Thanks to Joanna’s inspiring leadership and the wisdom of PENC’s executive board, we are uniting because we know that we can achieve far more together than we ever can alone.’” Broadway Musicians Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: “Broadway musicians have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting the possibility of a strike. Local 802 AFM, the union which represents musicians, had said they would strike ‘immediately’ if a deal could [not] be reached with the Broadway League, a trade association for producers and general managers, after a mediation session Wednesday. This was the second threat of a strike in the past few weeks, as Actors’ Equity and the League had also hit an impasse in their negotiations.” Unions Urge Pension Funds to Downvote Musk’s Pay in New Campaign: “‘To reward this destructive behavior with an obscene salary is a slap in the face—not only to the federal workers he’s fired, but to the retirees whose pensions are invested in Tesla stock,’ said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. The unions involved in the effort are the AFT and the Communications Workers of America. They urged the public to visit a website that enables easily sending messages to state pension funds and retirement fund operators including Fidelity and Vanguard to urge them to vote no.” Tentative Contract Agreement Reached with SEIU for Circuit Court Employees: “A tentative three year contract agreement with the union representing Branch County Circuit Court employees is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday afternoon. Service Employees International Union, Local 517M, represents the employees. The deal would be in effect for 2026, 2027 and 2028. County Administrator Frank Walsh says in his memo to the Commissioners the major changes include wage increases of four percent in the first year followed by three percent raises in the second and third years.” Trump Has Handed Coal Miners a 'Death Sentence.' But They’re Not Going Without a Fight.: “As I reported for In These Times, the rule would have cut the allowable exposure level of the deadly dust—20 times more toxic than coal dust and a major cause of black lung disease among coal miners—in half. The Department of Labor had estimated in 2024 that, with proper implementation and enforcement, the rule would save thousands of lives. Instead, coal miners across Appalachia continue to suffer from its absence. United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts characterized the delay as ‘a death sentence for more miners.’” St. Michael Medical Center, Nurses Union Approve New Contract: “UFCW 3000, the union that represents roughly 850 nurses at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, ratified a new contract Oct. 17 following 20 bargaining sessions over a roughly seven-month period. As part of the new contract, nurses secured wage increases totaling 18.5% from 2025 through 2028, including 12.5% in the first year. New enhanced safety measures include: a daily safety huddle on the 3rd floor, between the charge nurse and lead security officer, which goes into effect at the time of contract ratification. Break relief nurses will allow safety devices to be available 30 days after ratification, and the future installation of a weapons detection system in the emergency department by September 2026. Previously the union was informed this would occur in early 2027.” Workers Take Steps to Unionize at Four D.C. Music Venues, Including 9:30 Club: “The door staff, bartenders, food vendors and other hospitality staffers for 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre and the Atlantis are organizing with Unite Here Local 25, which predominantly represents hotel, restaurant and casino workers. Stagehands, lighting designers and sound engineers at those venues, as well as at the Anthem, are looking to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees’ Local 22, while box office employees at all four venues are working with IATSE Local 868.” California Labor Leader's Felony Charge Over Immigration Protest is Reduced: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement Friday that [David] Huerta was simply observing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement workplace raid to ensure workers were being treated fairly and was unfairly arrested and charged.” Union Reaches Deal with Trump Administration Over Student Loan Forgiveness: “The Trump administration reached an agreement Friday with the American Federation of Teachers to expand the resumption of student loan forgiveness to several repayment plans. If the courts approve the agreement, the Education Department will continue to process loan cancellations for borrowers who are eligible to have their debts cleared through the Income-Contingent Repayment and Pay As You Earn plans. Cancellation under those federal student loan plans, which tie payments to earnings and family size with the promise of loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of payments, has been paused since February.” Biggest U.S. Labor Unions Fuel No Kings Protests Against Trump: ‘You Need a Voice to Have Freedom’: “Some of the largest labor unions in the US are involved in organizing the No Kings protests, with more than 2,700 demonstrations planned across all 50 states, with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of Teachers anchoring events. ‘Unions understand that a voice at work creates power for regular people at work. Unions understand that a voice in democracy creates power for regular folks, for working folks in a society,’ said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. ‘These are two of the main ways that regular folks have any power. We and labor understand that you need to have a voice to have freedom. Freedom does not come without a voice.’” Blizzard Teams Working on Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble Unionize: “Blizzard developers working on Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble have formed a new union, the latest in a series of labor wins at the Microsoft-owned studio. The over 100-person unit is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA), and counts "software engineers, designers, artists, quality assurance testers and producers’ among its members. Inspiration to form the new union came from the successful organizing efforts of Blizzard's World of Warcraft workers last year. The staff behind the classic MMO formed the Warcraft Gamemakers Guild last year, and were followed by similar unions representing developers working on Diablo and Overwatch earlier in 2025. According to the CWA, over 1,900 workers at Blizzard are now represented by the organization.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 12:41 — Oct 24
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: RWDSU Members Ratify New Canteen Contract with 100% Support
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: RWDSU Members Ratify New Canteen Contract with 100% Support Working people across the United States regularly step 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. Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 513 members who work at Canteen in Wilmington, Massachusetts, unanimously ratified a new five-year contract, securing strong gains and continued stability for all workers. Under the new contract, RWDSU members will receive a 4% wage increase for each of the first three years, followed by a 3.5% increase in the final two years. Other details of the contract include an increase in the cell phone allowance to $30 per month, a $500 signing bonus, and no changes to other benefits and vacation provisions. “This contract is a clear win for our members,” said Tina Buonaugurio, RWDSU New England Joint Board President and national recorder. “It provides meaningful wage increases, preserves benefits, and shows the power of solidarity when workers stand together.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 09:30 — Oct 24
  • Take Action: Time is Running Out for Millions of Americans
    Take Action: Time is Running Out for Millions of Americans The government shutdown has now dragged on for 23 days. Across the country, federal workers are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks. And President Trump and his allies in Congress still seem to have no interest in getting to work funding the government and fixing the health care crisis. Meanwhile, time is running out for millions of working people and their families. Governors nationwide are sounding the alarm that SNAP, the federal food assistance program, will run out of funding in two weeks. That means more than 42 million Americans, including some 1.2 million veterans, are about to lose their food assistance.  Working people, seniors and kids across the country will go hungry because of the Trump shutdown.  House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and your senators and representative need to keep hearing from you. Tell them to fund the government, fix the health care crisis and put working people first NOW.   MAKE A CALL SEND AN EMAIL Food assistance isn’t the only crisis we’re watching closely. The Trump administration is about to allow out-of-pocket insurance premiums for some 22 million people with Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care to more than double before the open enrollment period starts on Nov. 1.  And as millions lose coverage because of the cuts to Medicaid and these obscene ACA price hikes, everyone will be forced to pay more for health care. No one can afford this—especially not working people who are already struggling to cover the rising costs of gas and groceries and to just keep the lights on.  Americans can’t wait any longer. Please take a minute to make a call to House Speaker Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Thune, and your senators and representative today. Make a call now: 844-896-5059 or click here to call. Tell them to fund the government, fix the health care crisis and put working people first.  Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/23/2025 - 15:12 — Oct 23
  • Worker Wins: ‘Because We Stood Strong, Organized, and United, We Won’
    Worker Wins: ‘Because We Stood Strong, Organized, and United, We Won’ Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. AFM Reaches Tentative Agreement with Broadway League: Powered by an overwhelmingly supportive strike authorization vote, American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802 announced in the early hours of Thursday that its members have successfully secured a tentative agreement with the Broadway League. Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) members on Broadway won their new agreement last week, meaning all eyes were on the musicians who bring Broadway performances to life. AFM members have been without a contract since August and were prepared for a walkout if a deal wasn’t reached by Thursday morning. “United in solidarity, Local 802 Broadway musicians are thrilled to announce that we reached a tentative agreement at 4:30 am with the Broadway League that will avert a strike scheduled to begin later today,” AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann said in a press statement. “This three-year agreement provides meaningful wage and health benefit increases that will preserve crucial access to healthcare for our musicians while maintaining the strong contract protections that empower musicians to build a steady career on Broadway.” Equity and Broadway League Reach Tentative Agreement: Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) announced on Saturday that the union has reached a tentative agreement on a new production contract with The Broadway League. The union represents stage actors and stage managers who were prepared to strike in order to secure the affordable health care and fair scheduling that they deserve. Their union brothers, sisters and siblings—represented by American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 802—who work as musicians on Broadway are still in negotiations for a deal that ensures higher wages, better insurance coverage and protections from layoffs. “After a marathon mediation session lasting until 6 a.m., Equity and The Broadway League have reached a tentative agreement on the Production Contract,” said Equity Executive Director Al Vincent Jr. in a press release. “This three-year agreement saves the Equity-League Health Fund while also making strides in our other priorities including scheduling and physical therapy access. Now we will bring the deal to our members for ratification, and in the meantime, we are putting our full support behind AFM Local 802 as they work with the League to reach a deal that averts a strike." “We are thankful that our brothers and sisters in labor at Actors’ Equity have reached an agreement. Local 802 is still in negotiation for a fair contract, and everything remains on the table, including a strike,” said Robert Suttmann, Local 802’s union president. SEIU Members Overwhelmingly Ratify LA County Contract: Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 who work for Los Angeles County successfully ratified the new contract they reached on Friday after a powerful two-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike earlier this year. County workers walked off the job in late April in response to the county stalling negotiations and violating labor law by surveilling and retaliating against union members. This massive 50,000 person strong work stoppage showed the strength of their unity and helped secure a tentative agreement just two months later. The deal includes major wins like a 7% cost-of-living adjustment increase, new grievance language, a commitment to fill county vacancies and more. “From our historic ULP Strike, to our countless practice pickets and acts of civil disobedience at the Hall of Administration—LA County members never backed down,” Local 721 said in a social media post. “Because we stood strong, organized, and united, we won a Tentative Agreement that’s now officially ratified! This victory belongs to every worker who took a stand and demanded respect. Congratulations, LA County members!” Staff at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Form Union: Staff at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) joined the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 70, last month after securing voluntary recognition. Workers at the government watchdog nonprofit, as well as management, are enthusiastic about beginning negotiations so they can establish a contract that will help continue CREW’s critical advocacy work. “CREW United is a testament to both our commitment to CREW’s work and our belief in its values. This effort is about building a stronger, fairer workplace where we can bring our best selves to CREW’s critical mission,” said Honora Overby, a member of the CREW United Organizing Committee. “We are grateful for management’s openness and excited to collaborate on building lasting structures that will support our staff and strengthen CREW’s impact.” Activision Blizzard’s Platform and Technology Workers Join CWA: In yet another win for video game workers, staff in Activision Blizzard’s Platform and Technology department voted last week to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The newly recognized union members perform a number of essential roles for the game developer and are represented by CWA locals 9510 and 6215. Their roles include software engineers, project and product managers, and graphic designers for Battle.net, the platform that houses all of Blizzard’s online products and services. Workers within the new bargaining units also work on localization, quality assurance testing and customer support for the company’s other products. “I’ve been at Blizzard for nearly 20 years, and I’ve seen so many incredible colleagues in the industry come and go for preventable reasons—either for better compensation or as a result of layoffs. Our culture is our people, and we can’t afford to lose that,” said organizing committee member and Principal Software Engineer Daniel Weltz in a press release. “We are forming a union to hold leadership accountable and to ensure that we can focus on building amazing experiences for the gaming community.” Primary tabs Sutter Health Workers Secure New Tentative Agreement: More than 4,700 SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) members at eight Sutter Health facilities across Northern California have successfully leveraged a major strike threat to reach a tentative agreement on their new contract. Nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, environmental services, food services, x-ray technicians, respiratory therapists and other essential staff voted overwhelmingly earlier this month to authorize a work stoppage in response to bad faith bargaining from Sutter executives. The power of their unity paid off, and members will now vote on a deal that includes wins like a 14% across-the-board raise, protections for health care and retirement benefits, and more. “This tentative agreement shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport. “Reaching this agreement wasn’t easy but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do every day.”   Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/23/2025 - 12:55 Tags: Organizing — Oct 23
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SEIU Members Overwhelmingly Ratify LA County Contract
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SEIU Members Overwhelmingly Ratify LA County Contract Working people across the United States regularly step 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. Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 who work for Los Angeles County successfully ratified the new contract they reached on Friday after a powerful two-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike earlier this year. County workers walked off the job in late April in response to the county stalling negotiations and violating labor law by surveilling and retaliating against union members. This massive 50,000 person strong work stoppage showed the strength of their unity and helped secure a tentative agreement just two months later. The deal includes major wins like a 7% cost-of-living adjustment increase, new grievance language, a commitment to fill county vacancies and more. “From our historic ULP Strike, to our countless practice pickets and acts of civil disobedience at the Hall of Administration—LA County members never backed down,” Local 721 said in a social media post. “Because we stood strong, organized, and united, we won a Tentative Agreement that’s now officially ratified! This victory belongs to every worker who took a stand and demanded respect. Congratulations, LA County members!” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/23/2025 - 10:03 — Oct 23