AFL-CIO Blog

  • No Enforcement, No Treaty: What Working People Are Doing This Week
    No Enforcement, No Treaty: 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. A. Philip Randolph Institute:
    Attention all brothers and sisters, AND Youth Members! Please find the application for the A. Philip Randolph Institute 2019 NEC here!! If you have any questions, please direct them to Jaida Curtis at [email protected] Looking forward to seeing you all! — APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) April 10, 2019
    Actors' Equity:
    Ballots for the upcoming referendum vote will be sent out during the last week of April. Make sure your contact information, including your email and mailing address, is up to date in the Member Portal. https://t.co/KlcvpKvaYM pic.twitter.com/Tr4bTGehY7 — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 18, 2019
    AFGE:
    Good luck to @pittgrads who are voting for their union this week. Vote yes and know that the entire labor movement has your back! #1u #GradsTogether pic.twitter.com/2aHSyDEoAv — AFGE (@AFGENational) April 18, 2019
    AFSCME:
    Trade proposals for #NAFTA 2.0 fail to ensure labor rules will be enforced. Contact your Representative at 855.856.7545 and tell them no vote on #NAFTA 2.0 until its fixed. #NoVoteTillItsFixed pic.twitter.com/YaiRYNcHFj — AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 17, 2019
    AFT:
    The ideals and ideas I have outlined are not quixotic fantasies. They are pragmatic strategies that create the sustainable teaching and learning culture that enables the freedom to teach. - @rweingarten #FreedomToTeach — AFT (@AFTunion) April 18, 2019
    Air Line Pilots Association:
    DYK: Our ALPA pilots are busy promoting the #pilot profession to members of the military at today's @Rotary2Airline Convention in Fort Campbell, KY. Thank you to our ALPA pilot volunteers! #aviationcareers pic.twitter.com/f8SQipHewF — ALPA (@WeAreALPA) April 13, 2019
    Alliance for Retired Americans:
    The #GOPTaxScam did nothing for working Americans. Wealthy corporations didn't even use the millions they made from the tax cuts to raise wages or give out bonuses. https://t.co/ZAzYzyHXnL #Shame #RepealTaxCuts pic.twitter.com/j26tBNjcye — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) April 17, 2019
    Amalgamated Transit Union:
    Public transit: An essential public service not to be privatized! Please share. https://t.co/3L3sjm9V7e #publictransit #transit #1u #UnionStrong — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 17, 2019
    American Federation of Musicians:
    Management did not budge an inch & just restated their “last, best and final” offer AGAIN to @MusiciansChiSym Outrageous & Unacceptable! 😡😠😡😠 #1u #UnionMusicianshttps://t.co/VDzIm0xOGR — AFM (@The_AFM) April 17, 2019
    American Postal Workers Union:
    President Dimondstein writes: Pres. Dimondstein: “The U.S. Postal Service operates without tax dollars and provides a necessary and popular public service. Keep it — it’s yours.” #TaxDay #USMailNotForSalehttps://t.co/4UAZSYE02P — APWU National (@APWUnational) April 15, 2019
    Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
    Our TPS, DACA, and DED siblings belong in our communities. Call on Congress to be bold and pass the #DreamAndPromiseNow ! Show your support and sign the petition today: https://t.co/mmwUWsgYvl …#SaveTPS #TPSJUSTICE #DACA pic.twitter.com/KIJ5Voqc9E — APALA (@APALAnational) April 17, 2019
    Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
    #TBT to last week's Chicago (ORD) demonstration to support AFA Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants! Almost 100 people demonstrated to pressure Air Wisconsin management and United Airlines to negotiate a FAIR contract. #1u #ContractNow pic.twitter.com/m1topQ03wT — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 18, 2019
    Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
    BCTGM stands in #solidarity with striking @UFCW members @stopnshop_ne in New England. If you see a picket line - don’t stop & shop there until the strike is over! sign the petition at https://t.co/irbqoqbS9R #1u #jobs #wages #LaborRights pic.twitter.com/Ifp17tXIhj — BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 17, 2019
    Boilermakers:
    Back at it today on Capitol Hill with Local 5, Zone 5. #Boilermakers are ready to discuss issues and advocate for working Americans. pic.twitter.com/PDK6hwsHVN — Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 16, 2019
    Bricklayers:
    Our #union #apprenticeship allows younger students to make a living much faster, especially when #construction industry needs labor: https://t.co/gV016ilnJb #1u #SkilledTrade #Wisconsin @BuildingWI — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) April 5, 2019
    Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
    https://t.co/AhGyIzV9Hs — CBTU (@CBTU72) April 11, 2019
    Coalition of Labor Union Women:
    Did you know your post office receives ZERO tax dollars to deliver mail to every address in our country at consistently low rates? Let’s keep the USPS a public good, not sell it to corporations for private profit. #USMailNotForSale #TaxDay https://t.co/opknPNw9cy — CLUW National (@CLUWNational) April 15, 2019
    Communications Workers of America:
    Before the #GOPTaxScam passed, massive companies made promises that they'd use their tax breaks to create jobs & raise wages. That's not what happened. Check out the op-ed by CWA President Shelton. Congress needs to start holding corporations accountable!https://t.co/mhwst57szH — CWA (@CWAUnion) April 17, 2019
    Department for Professional Employees:
    According to a report by @EconomicPolicy teachers are paid significantly less than comparable professionals #FreedomToTeach #1u https://t.co/XNbeu75sYC — Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 18, 2019
    Electrical Workers:
    The fastest growing jobs in nearly a quarter of U.S. states are #IBEW jobs - and they're green jobs too https://t.co/D1JnEwOYOB — IBEW (@IBEW) April 17, 2019
    Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
    This is a great short on getting underrepresented groups into agricultural degree programs. Shout out to @SankofaFarmsLLC! https://t.co/8fNvCkS4Af — Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) April 16, 2019
    Fire Fighters:
    It's a day of tribute to the Paris #firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral from collapse and rescued its treasures from the flames https://t.co/BRr7UuESci — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) April 18, 2019
    Heat and Frost Insulators:
    Mechanical Insulation is the one thing that goes into a building and starts paying for itself as soon as the system is activated - immediately saving energy and reducing greenhouse emissions. Learn more here: https://t.co/2daFpcwFV0 — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) April 17, 2019
    International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
    Great article telling us what we already know, #unions are a HUGE benefit for professional workers!! JOIN THE MOVEMENT!! #1u #NerdUnion https://t.co/qRFDooJaxJ — IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 13, 2019
    International Labor Communications Association:
    Our annual ILCA Labor Media Contest is open. The first and largest competition exclusively for labor journalists, the contest recognizes excellence in labor journalism, photography, film, podcasts, websites, and social media. https://t.co/CIvnK9ZwBD — Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) April 9, 2019
    Ironworkers:
    Iron Workers from local 433/416 topped out Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Monday. https://t.co/LdFQUNKGiB — Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) April 17, 2019
    IUE-CWA:
    Workplace violence is the 3rd leading cause of death on the job. One in every 6 workplace deaths are from workplace violence. Help end workplace violence and support HR 1309 Workplace Violence prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act — IUE-CWA (@IUE_CWAUnion) April 18, 2019
    Jobs With Justice:
    For years, working people have joined together and rallied for higher minimum wages across the country. Not only are we winning that fight, but big opponents are starting to back down. #fightfor15http://bit.ly/2ZeB0c9 — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 17, 2019
    Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
    LCLAA proudly supports the work of @AnnaAlvaradoArt who is an artist and youth empowerment advocate from East LA. With her art, she seeks to capture the emotional rawness of the female spirit encouraging Latinas to see perfection in their imperfections. #TrabajadorasTuesday pic.twitter.com/6LoE9WuaWi — LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 16, 2019
    Laborers:
    Our second session in #PuertoRico was emotional and inspirational. In partnership with @LIUNA @LiUNAEasternReg and @LiunaPR these sisters, brothers and now, new Instructors, are leading the #rebuilding of their Island. Power of #training #education. #feelthepower #trainingliuna pic.twitter.com/wc4vXv6Ofc — LIUNA!Training (@TrainingLiuna) April 18, 2019
    Machinists:
    Demonstrating solidarity and sending a clear message to @GeneralElectric. https://t.co/vlKc8rawlb — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 18, 2019
    Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO:
    Trade Unions Pave Pathways to Good Jobs https://t.co/KP5p8mzl4g — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 16, 2019
    Mine Workers:
    In Morgantown, WV today! President Roberts is speaking to District 2 and District 31 members about our pension fight. “We will win, because we will never quit.” -@CecilRoberts pic.twitter.com/rtzFvGyZfs — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 4, 2019
    Musical Artists:
    Attention Chicago/Midwest AGMA members - On May 6th, The Actor's Fund (in partnership with SAG-AFTRA) will present a Myers-Briggs Career Development Workshop led by T.A.F. Career Counselor and Myers-Briggs Master Practitioner Maryellen Langhout.https://t.co/5ZaAOuTNxZ — AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 17, 2019
    National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
    After 53 years, retired charter member Joe Bellino – the Union’s first NGL RVP & second EVP – was invited by the National Pathfinder Association (NPA) to become a lifetime Associate Member #3. Less than 1% of military members are Pathfinder qualified. https://t.co/MZVRJIuk9x pic.twitter.com/CGomRsw02j — NATCA (@NATCA) April 18, 2019
    National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:
    #NABShow pic.twitter.com/Mo7tZ1l1tH — NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) April 10, 2019
    National Association of Letter Carriers:
    Thank you for supporting the #StampOutHunger #FoodDrive, Mayor @billpeduto! NALC Branch President Ted Lee, left, & Retired Letter Carrier Alex Criego (food drive coordinator), right, met w/ City of Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto who committed to assisting in this year's food drive. pic.twitter.com/g8WTXZcp5n — Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 18, 2019
    National Domestic Workers Alliance:
    Teresita also wrote a piece for the @nytimes in 2017 about why she and other caregivers, housecleaners and nannies participated in the #WomensMarch: “to show our collective power as the past, present and future of America.” https://t.co/k7ctPk0uWt — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 18, 2019
    National Federation of Federal Employees:
    NFFE FSC Vice President (CCC's) Beverly Tobin Ford Speaks at 2019 IAM Women’s Conference https://t.co/mH3ftDh1wq pic.twitter.com/7hVG6QBR8R — NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 15, 2019
    National Nurses United:
    .@NNUCorey closes out with a call to action: The way we win is to educate, agitate, and organize. #Veterans, nurses and other VA workers have to join together, take to the streets, and organize town halls to educate the community about what is happening in the VA. ✊ pic.twitter.com/HjRTt8EjL4 — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 18, 2019
    National Taxi Workers Alliance:
    Brothers & sisters, reach out for help if you need it. We are here for each other. Come by the NYTWA office any time you need to talk or be in the company of fellow drivers M-F 12pm-8pm. There are resources available for you. We are in this fight together. https://t.co/Wf1FxvLsuk — NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) April 13, 2019
    The NewsGuild-CWA:
    Welcome to the @news_guild! https://t.co/Ou1HR9zZ63 — NewsGuild (@news_guild) April 15, 2019
    NFL Players Association:
    .@bcope51 is about that action! #AthleteAnd #sportsbiz https://t.co/0CcCvwELey — NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 17, 2019
    North America's Building Trades Unions:
    Family-sustaining wages and ZERO college debt. Why NOT join a #BuildingTrades union? “From day one you’re earning money in an apprenticeship program.”https://t.co/PpTcRHlhXU — The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 17, 2019
    Office and Professional Employees:
    Working families have suffered as a direct consequence of #NAFTA. We can’t let the renegotiation of the trade deal be dominated by corporations and billionaires. Call your representative NOW at 1-855-856-7545 and tell them to stand up for working families. #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/Vt3aIeY1Up — OPEIU (@opeiu) April 16, 2019
    Painters and Allied Trades:
    The United States is receiving a D+ on its Infrastructure Report Card. The IUPAT has joined the fight to push Congress to pass an infrastructure bill that will change this ranking significantly. #InfrastructureNow #RebuildUSA pic.twitter.com/VHsnqy0dG0 — GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) April 18, 2019
    Plasterers and Cement Masons:
    “Today, the biggest obstacle that stands between us and the places we work, live and play is thousands of miles of crumbling roads, highways and bridges ... Every day we fail to invest, we’re putting more lives at risk.” https://t.co/KXSI1G1cEk — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 15, 2019
    Pride At Work:
    "Anyone who qualifies for service under military standards should be allowed to serve. This unfair policy treats transgender people different than other service members, which is antithetical to the core values of our military." #TransMilitaryBan pic.twitter.com/4hQOhLjI3g — Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) April 12, 2019
    Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
    PASS is honored to support @FedsHelpingFeds at this year's Public Service Walk & Run April 28, on behalf of our members @FAANews. Join the PASS team here: https://t.co/NPiYWr0PVi All proceeds go to the only charity dedicated to helping federal workers in need. #publicservice — PASS (@PASSNational) April 12, 2019
    Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union/UFCW:
    ICYMI: 1,800 RWDSU members secured a new union contract in Camilla, GA! #OrganizeTheSouth #1u @AFLCIO @AFLCIOGeorgia @UFCW https://t.co/soF9CmLccg — RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 18, 2019
    SAG-AFTRA:
    Congrats to #sagaftramember Vickie Thomas on her well-earned induction to the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. For more than 25 years she’s kept Detroiters informed and her service as a union steward and mentor to fellow members has been invaluable. https://t.co/dVwa3WWjsr pic.twitter.com/FFSeMUyhsv — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 16, 2019
    Seafarers:
    Big win for the U.S. Merchant Marine (and apologies for the double post) https://t.co/1j58Yn5BHP — Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) April 3, 2019
    Solidarity Center:
    The world creates as much as 50 million tons of e-waste/yr valued at $60 billion+ dollars but only 20% is formally recycled. This “toxic flood of electronic waste” should be converted into source of #decentwork per @[email protected] @ClimateReality https://t.co/VpKi5dGU01 — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 18, 2019
    TCU/IAM:
    "Too often, politicians & CEOs forget that behind every train that rolls across the country…Are thousands of dedicated, hardworking union members...And too often CEOs think it’s ok to attack your rights to be part of the labor movement." - @TTDAFLCIO Larry Willis #IAMtranspo19 pic.twitter.com/gCg4fB5xFC — Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) April 9, 2019
    Theatrical Stage Employees:
    Congratulations to the technicians at @tarragontheatre who yesterday voted unanimously to be represented by @iatse58. Welcome to the @IATSE and @IATSECANADA family! #growthequalsstrength pic.twitter.com/5vOf6Ss3qS — IATSE Local 58 (@iatse58) April 17, 2019
    Transport Workers:
    The Richmond Board of Education has refused to listen to parents, to drivers, to children and have neglected the system putting Augusta's children in harms way. The TWU is leading the charge to ensure the safety of our children! #ToxicSchoolBus https://t.co/2Xgm3efthh — TWU (@transportworker) April 18, 2019
    Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO:
    This 👏 is 👏 not 👏 okay. Last year there were more than 100 documented assaults on transit workers & more than 2,300 cases of harassment. Congress must act now by passing the Bus Operator and Pedestrian Protection Act.https://t.co/rfLWUcbWec — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) April 17, 2019
    UAW:
    Did you pay federal income taxes this year? 60 of America's largest corporations didn't! Get the details: https://t.co/e73Wz58rb6 — UAW (@UAW) April 17, 2019
    Union Label and Service Trades Department:
    Stamp Out Hunger food drive is next month. pic.twitter.com/kofTYqcuoa — Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 11, 2019
    Union Veterans Council:
    Congrats to Union Veteran @pamforpa for flipping a red seat blue with the help of the Allegheny/Fayette Union Veterans Council. This is what happens when me mobilize our veterans to be their own voices of change. @Darrinkellypgh @PaAFL_CIO pic.twitter.com/aF5V7t57Ez — Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) April 3, 2019
    UNITE HERE:
    We’re demanding that Marriott disclose the total number of incidents of sexual harassment and assault in their hotels. The public, survivors, and employees deserve to know the REAL totals, not just the 44 formal legal complaints. #MeTooMarriott #MoreThan44 pic.twitter.com/mqgowYBvFV — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 18, 2019
    United Food and Commercial Workers:
    Kristen with @UFCW Local 1445 works at #StopandShop as a deli manager & joins @AFLCIO's State of the Unions podcast to share why she's on the picket line & how its bringing people together to protect good #NewEngland jobs. RT and listen here: https://t.co/JQEFJRRj6e pic.twitter.com/XFnYRO5nZx — UFCW (@UFCW) April 17, 2019
    United Steelworkers:
    Activists vow to fight back as Tennessee lawmakers attempt to criminalize some voter registration https://t.co/DqenN396Ok via @thinkprogress #USWVotes — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) April 17, 2019
    United Students Against Sweatshops:
    USAS students from across the country are sharing the stories of brave Indonesian Nike workers who are ready to fight by spreading their truth. Meet the women behind the Nike swoosh. #nikewalkthetalk #nikewomentruthtour pic.twitter.com/RwDhmdDGxZ — USAS (@USAS) April 11, 2019
    United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
    We need roofers in Nashville! Pref. journey level, but all levels welcome. Great wages + benefits. More info--> https://t.co/4SIbO2r5wo #hiringroofers pic.twitter.com/HWXbEQrvcF — Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 17, 2019
    Utility Workers:
    Former Marine & Local 126 member Micah Herndon "is guts personified"! His determination to finish #Boston2019 inspires us all. @washingtonpost @BostonMarathon https://t.co/Ux4EyW3hia — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 17, 2019
    Working America:
    Although the reasons are complex, 2 leading factors of why black women have a higher risk of dying from pregnancy complications are b/c of lack of access & poor quality of care. We can change that. #BMHW19 #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #MedicaidExpansion https://t.co/eafp8R9niG pic.twitter.com/AMEhPZ29BO — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 17, 2019
    Writers Guild of America, East:
    "The Writers Guild of America today filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to establish that talent agency packaging fees are illegal under both California and federal law." #ClientsOverConflictshttps://t.co/2eygQvFWXN — Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) April 17, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/22/2019 - 11:34     — Apr 22
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Can't Stop, Won't Shop
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Can't Stop, Won't Shop AFL-CIO In the latest episode of "State of the Unions," podcast co-hosts Julie and Tim talk to Kristen Johnson, a deli manager and shop steward at the Stop & Shop in Somerville, Massachusetts. Kristen and more than 30,000 of her co-workers, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), are out on strike for fair pay, benefits and respect on the job. "State of the Unions" is a tool to help us bring you the issues and stories that matter to working people. It captures the stories of workers across the country and is co-hosted by two young and diverse members of the AFL-CIO team: Mobilization Director Julie Greene and Executive Speechwriter Tim Schlittner. A new episode drops every other Wednesday featuring interesting interviews with workers and our allies across the country, as well as compelling insights from the podcast’s hosts. 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 Thu, 04/18/2019 - 11:36 Tags: Podcast — Apr 18
  • Stand with Stop & Shop Workers: The Working People Weekly List
    Stand with Stop & Shop Workers: The Working People Weekly List AFL-CIO 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. Support Stop & Shop Workers: "Some 31,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are on strike at Stop & Shop supermarkets across New England, walking off the job to fight back against slashed health care benefits. Stand with our brothers and sisters today and sign UFCW’s petition demanding that executives agree to a fair contract that reflects the true value of their workers." Protecting the Most Vulnerable: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states." Meet the First Woman President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO: "Elected the first woman president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Stephanie Bloomingdale has more than two decades of experience in labor as an organizer, negotiator, trainer and activist. She served as secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO for eight years before her election as president in September 2018. Previously, she was director of public policy for the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, working on behalf of nurses and health care workers throughout the state. Bloomingdale has a statewide reputation as a tenacious fighter and tough negotiator, skills she says she had to develop to survive 20 years of arbitrations, grievance hearings and battles in the legislature." Rutgers Faculty Picket Board of Governors Meeting at University’s Newark Campus: "'An injury to one is an injury to all!' 'Rutgers is for education! We are not a corporation!' The chants of frustrated faculty members disrupted an otherwise quiet campus in Newark on Tuesday, as hundreds gathered outside of the Rutgers University Paul Robeson Center to picket the board of governors meeting." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: American Postal Workers Union: "Next up in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the American Postal Workers Union (APWU)." Collective Voices Lead to Victory: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with grocery store workers using their collective voices and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life." Economy Gains 196,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Unchanged at 3.8%: "The U.S. economy gained 196,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continued lower levels of job growth provide good reason for the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee to express caution in considering any interest rate hikes." Education Minnesota Is Gaining Strength One Conversation at a Time: "Just over 18 months ago, the leaders of Education Minnesota (an affiliate of both the AFT and the National Education Association) decided that something had to change. With the Janus v. AFSCME decision looming, and the 2018 midterm elections set to follow, the 90,000-member union knew that membership engagement had to be its top priority." ‘Anthem’ Voice Actor on Unionization, Struggles of Creation: "The refutation came as there is a growing push for more workers rights and unionization from many members of the gaming community, including the grassroots organization Gamer Workers Unite. Even the AFL-CIO, America’s largest labor organization, recently asked games industry employees to fight for adequate pay and sensible work hours. 'This is a moment for change,' said AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Liz Shuler. 'It won’t come from CEOs. It won’t come from corporate boards. And, it won’t come from any one person. Change will happen when you gain leverage by joining together in a strong union. And, it will happen when you use your collective voice to bargain for a fair share of the wealth you create every day.'" Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/17/2019 - 10:14 — Apr 17
  • Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: BCTGM
    Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: BCTGM AFL-CIO Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM).  Name of Union: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Mission: The primary goal of the BCTGM has not changed in more than 130 years—to bring economic justice in the workplace to all workers in our jurisdiction and social justice to workers throughout the United States and Canada. Current Leadership of Union: David B. Durkee has served as BCTGM international president since September 2012. Prior to his election as international president, Durkee served as international secretary-treasurer, international executive vice president, international director of organization and international representative. Durkee began his life as a BCTGM activist in 1973 when he joined Local 280 (Evansville, Indiana) as a baker at Lewis Brothers Bakery. He was re-elected as international president by delegates to the BCTGM international constitutional conventions in 2014 and 2018. Members Work As: Manufacturing, production workers, maintenance and sanitation workers. Industries Represented: The BCTGM represents working men and women at some of the most widely recognized companies in the baking, candy, snack food, dairy, tobacco and grain milling industries in North America. History: The Bakery and Confectionery Workers International Union of America, one of the pioneers of the North American labor movement, was organized in 1886. In 1957, the American Bakery and Confectionery Workers' International Union was formed. In 1969, the two organizations united. The Tobacco Workers International Union was founded in 1895 and was also in the forefront of the labor movement. As it and the Bakery and Confectionery Workers' International Union of America shared many common goals, both organizations came to realize those goals best could be achieved through a merger. That merger, creating the BC&T, took place in 1978. The American Federation of Grain Millers (AFGM) had roots stemming back to the late 1800s. In 1936, the National Council of Grain Processors was formed when federal grain milling unions agreed to unite as a national union under the American Federation of Labor (AFL). In 1941, the council was renamed the American Federation of Grain Processors and in 1948 was granted an international charter as the AFGM. Shared goals and industries caused the Jan. 1, 1999, merger between the BC&T and AFGM, resulting in the BCTGM. Current Campaigns: The BCTGM's Check the Label campaign urges consumers to boycott Nabisco-Mondelēz products made in Mexico. The BCTGM also is leading the fight to find a legislative solution to America’s growing pension crisis. Community Efforts: The BCTGM partners with the United Way and provides scholarships for members and their children. Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/15/2019 - 11:30 — Apr 15
  • Support Stop & Shop Workers
    Support Stop & Shop Workers AFL-CIO Some 31,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are on strike at Stop & Shop supermarkets across New England, walking off the job to fight back against slashed health care benefits. Stand with our brothers and sisters today and sign UFCW’s petition demanding that executives agree to a fair contract that reflects the true value of their workers. Thanks to the tireless labor of tens of thousands of working people, Stop & Shop is thriving. Its parent company, Ahold Delhaize, recorded profits of more than $2 billion last year. Over the past three years, its shareholders have pocketed $4 billion in stock buybacks. Yet, Stop & Shop executives want even more—and they’re targeting the same workers who built that immense wealth. Going nearly two months without a contract, UFCW members have faced threats to their wages, health care, retirement and overall livelihoods. Walking out of more than 240 stores throughout New England, working people are standing up for their most fundamental rights and dignities in the country’s largest private-sector work stoppage in years. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka sent a message to the Stop & Shop workers:
    The 31,000 striking @UFCW members at @StopandShop have the support of our 55 affiliates and 12.5 million members across the country. For those in the striking areas remember — don’t cross the picket line. #1u pic.twitter.com/AxRJZdGilb — Richard Trumka (@RichardTrumka) April 11, 2019
    Stand with them in this fight: Sign UFCW’s petition—and don’t cross a picket line! Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/12/2019 - 15:16     — Apr 12