AFL-CIO Blog

  • National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kassy McDowell
    National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Kassy McDowell Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Kassy McDowell of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU). Kassy McDowell is a proud Indigenous woman who champions diversity and inclusion for all underrepresented groups in the trades. As a certified journeyperson, she passes on her skill and knowledge to help future generations on their path to a career in the insulation trade.  Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/19/2024 - 09:59 — Nov 19
  • Worker Wins: Standing Together for Their Families
    Worker Wins: Standing Together for Their Families Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Hotel Workers Ratify New Contract at Major Waikiki Hotels: On Monday, more than 2,500 hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 decisively voted to ratify a new contract at five Marriott-operated hotels in Waikiki. Members work for the Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and the Westin Moana Surfrider. This victory comes on the heels of another recent win by UNITE HERE members at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, who reached a tentative agreement earlier this month. “For 40 days, Hilton Hawaiian Village workers led all of Local 5,” said Cade Watanabe, UNITE HERE Local 5 financial secretary-treasurer. “Their willingness to step-up and strike set a historic new standard for hotel workers, and without their sacrifice we would not have been able to secure similar agreements with Kyo-ya and Marriott. These agreements achieve our major goals—wages that help us get ahead and not just get by, job security and a commitment from our employers to address workload and staffing concerns that have a direct impact on our guests.” CVS Workers Ratify Powerful New Agreement: Thousands of CVS pharmacists, clerks and technicians, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), in California voted on Friday to ratify a new three-year contract with the pharmacy. The more than 7,000 workers won the new agreement after months of negotiations and an unfair labor practice strike in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Members across eight different locals are celebrating victories like annual wage increases through the life of the contract, more secure staffing levels and a more affordable health care plan. “After countless hours at the bargaining table and a strategic strike in seven Southern California pharmacies protesting the company’s illegal actions, the hard-working members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract,” the UFCW locals said in a joint statement. “This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee.” Staff at Alaska’s Largest Newspaper Win Union Election: Newsroom staff at the Anchorage Daily News (ADN), the state’s largest newspaper, have decisively voted to join the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild, a local union of The NewsGuild-CWA. This massive win makes the ADN the only union newsroom in all of Alaska. The Anchorage News Guild members cited the need for fair wages, financial transparency and a sustainable workplace environment as core reasons why they organized.  “A key thing for everyone is a desire for fair wages and regular wages that can keep up with the cost of inflation,” staff member Alex DeMarban said, who has been with ADN for about 15 years. “We want to get paid enough to continue working there and continue producing the high-quality product that Alaskans want.” Missourians Vote for $15 Minimum Wage and Other Ballot Measure Wins Around the Country: On Election Day, Missouri voters voted to approve raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and guaranteeing paid sick leave to workers. This is one of multiple other pro-working families ballot measures that passed on Tuesday. Proposition A will gradually increase the current state minimum wage of $12.30 to $13.75 an hour on Jan. 1, 2025, and then again to $15 in 2026. The wage will then be adjusted annually based on inflation. This measure also requires employers with 15 or more workers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. This victory is in part due to the work of the Missouri AFL-CIO and other community groups that backed Prop. A, including the Missouri Workers Center, the Missouri NAACP and the ACLU of Missouri. Other wins across the country include:
    • Paid leave measures passed in Alaska and Nebraska.
    • School voucher measures that would hurt public school funding were rejected by workers in Colorado, Nebraska and Kentucky.
    • Reproductive health care protection measures that passed in seven states.
    Workers at Shedd Aquarium Win Union Election: Employees at the Shedd Aquarium have overwhelmingly voted to join AFSCME Council 31, making them the latest workers at the cultural institution in Chicago who have decided to organize for an improved workplace. More than 75% of workers voted for the formation of Shedd Workers United. The 180-person union includes staff who work in guest relations, learning and community, development, and other departments. Workers initially announced their intent to join AFSCME in April, citing concerns with work-life imbalance, low wages and a lack of communication from management and more. Despite union-busting activities from management, workers remained steadfast in their fight for representation. “We formed our union because we care about our co-workers, we love the aquarium and we want to make it better for all. We won by overcoming management’s divisive anti-union campaign,” the Shedd Workers United organizing committee said. “With our victory, we urge management to take a new approach and respect us as equals as we take our seat at the table to negotiate our first contract.” NLRB Judge Orders Amazon to Let Workers Vote on Joining Union: A National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) administrative judge ordered a third union election at the Amazon warehouse on Tuesday in Bessemer, Alabama, that made history as the site of the very first union election by Amazon workers in 2021. The judge ruled that the corporation had once again engaged in a series of illegal practices to interfere with workers’ organizing efforts to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW). After the first vote, the NLRB ruled that Amazon violated federal labor law by encouraging workers to drop off their ballots in a mailbox it had installed at the warehouse that was surrounded with anti-union slogans. Now, after the second election that took place in 2022, the judge is ordering a third election, finding that management illegally removed union materials from the break room, among other violations. However, RWDSU-UFCW points out that the lack of additional remedies attached to the ruling means workers still don’t have access to a fair new vote. “Amazon has been found yet again to have violated basic labor laws,” said RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum in a statement. “Just as was ordered after the first election, a new election, now second rerun election, has again been ordered based on Amazon’s conduct, this time before even determining the final results of the rerun election. We reject, however, the [Administrative Law Judge]’s decision not to provide any of the significant and meaningful remedies which we requested and would be required for a free and fair election….There are two things clear in this decision; Amazon broke the law yet again, and labor law is stunningly broken in this country.” Machinists at Boeing Approve New Contract, End Strike: Some 33,000 front-line workers at Boeing, members of Machinists (IAM) districts 751 and W24, voted to ratify a contract with Boeing that has instantly set a new standard for compensation and wages for aerospace industry workers. The deal followed a nearly two-month strike in Washington state, Oregon and California that drew widespread bipartisan public support. The contract includes a 43.65% compounded wage increase over the four-year life of the contract. “Working people know what it’s like when a company overreaches and takes away more than is fair,” said Jon Holden, president of District 751, and Brandon Bryant, president of District W24, in a joint statement. “Through this strike and the resulting victory, frontline workers at Boeing have done their part to begin rebalancing the scales in favor of the middle class – and in doing so, we hope to inspire other workers in our industry and beyond to continue standing up for justice at work. Through this victory and the strike that made it possible, IAM members have taken a stand for respect and fair wages in the workplace. Our members perform high quality and flight critical work for the airplanes we build and deserve a return on their labor investment that provides for the quality of life worthy of that labor.” Largest Unit of County Workers in Colorado Form Union with AFSCME: A majority of workers at Arapahoe County Department of Human Services voted overwhelmingly to form a union as AFSCME Colorado. They are the largest unit of workers to organize under Colorado’s new collective bargaining law for county workers. The new unit covers 520 workers. They are focused on manageable workloads, fair pay, improving safety standards, and enhancing health care and job security. “I am proud of all the people I work with and the great work we do to serve our community,” said Heather Morgan, a social case worker. “Today is a win not only for us as employees but for the people we serve. Now we can work in partnership with the county in receiving the same support we strive to provide to others, and I am ready for this next chapter of collaboration.” “I love my work and the people I serve,” said Jordan McGinnis, a family engagement facilitator. “That’s why coming together in a union is so important. This is the best way for us to address high caseloads and turnover to improve client care.” Weill Cornell Workers Successfully Vote to Form a Union with the TWU: Custodians, housekeepers and receiving clerks at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City successfully organized with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 241. Workers at the medical facility will begin negotiating a first contract, seeking improved economic benefits and more security. Local 241 represents workers at Columbia University and other affiliated institutions in New York City. “This is a great victory for working families in New York City. We are ready and excited to work with Weill Cornell custodians, housekeepers, and receiving clerks to negotiate a first contract that improves the lives of workers and their families,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “We are proud to represent Weill Cornell workers as they negotiate their first contract. This organizing victory is a testament to what TWU locals and the International can achieve when we coordinate effectively,” Local 241 President Alex Molina said. UFCW Members at Fred Meyer and QFC Ratify New Contract: After months of negotiations, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555 who work at Fred Meyer and QFC stores in Oregon and southwest Washington have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract. Fred Meyers workers in Portland went on strike in August in response to multiple unfair labor practices. The agreement covers more than 11,000 members and ensures higher wages, stronger health care and a stable retirement. Additionally, the new contract improves the process to address contract violations. “Our new contract gives me peace of mind knowing that my healthcare is protected and my wages will keep up with the rising cost of living,” said Dale Russell Cronin, a Fred Meyer worker and Local 555 board member. “I’m especially thankful for the improvements in dental benefits and retirement. It feels good to know we are a fighting union and when we work together, we win.” UFCW Members at Fred Meyer and QFC Ratify New Contract: After months of negotiations, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555 who work at Fred Meyer and QFC stores in Oregon and southwest Washington have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract. Fred Meyers workers in Portland went on strike in August in response to multiple unfair labor practices. The agreement covers more than 11,000 members and ensures higher wages, stronger health care and a stable retirement. Additionally, the new contract improves the process to address contract violations. “Our new contract gives me peace of mind knowing that my healthcare is protected and my wages will keep up with the rising cost of living,” said Dale Russell Cronin, a Fred Meyer worker and Local 555 board member. “I’m especially thankful for the improvements in dental benefits and retirement. It feels good to know we are a fighting union and when we work together, we win.” ‘Saturday Night Live’ VFX Workers Win Voluntary Recognition: Visual Effects (VFX) workers for “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”) are organizing with the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and have won official recognition of their union. The unit includes 16 VFX artists and leads who all signed union authorization cards. These workers are critical for making the variety show’s pre-recorded sketches possible, often under extremely tight deadlines. “Working here is tremendously fun, chaotic, and hugely rewarding,” said VFX Danny Behar in an IATSE press release. “We work 15 hour days every Saturday, delivering renders before cast & crew start rehearsals, and ending after the show has finished broadcasting. Our department is essential to the show’s success. For that and a multitude of other reasons, we deserve to have a seat at the table. We are the only department that currently does not have one.” Baltimore Museum of Art Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify Their First Contract: With a nearly unanimous vote, workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art represented by AFSCME Maryland Council 3 overwhelmingly ratified their first union contract. The contract covers more than 130 museum workers, including security officers, facilities workers, museum educators, visitor experience staff, installation employees, curatorial employees and others. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, and includes raises of more than 13% over the life of the contract, reimbursements for purchases of protective workwear, seating for gallery officers at certain posts in the museum and improved leave, including six weeks of fully paid parental leave. “I believe that everyone, everywhere, should unionize,” said John Young, a gallery officer at the museum. “It’s important to remind those in charge that they do not provide the labor that ensures their income and that the rights and well-being of those who work under them should be their top priority.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/14/2024 - 13:55 Tags: Organizing     — Nov 14
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Local 5 Members Ratify Landmark Contract at Waikiki Marriott Hotels
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Local 5 Members Ratify Landmark Contract at Waikiki Marriott Hotels 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. More than 2,500 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 5 voted to ratify a new labor contract at five Marriott-operated hotels in Honolulu. Workers at the Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and the Westin Moana Surfrider voted for the contract. Details weren't released, but the contract includes salary increases, and addresses workload and staffing issues. Ratification votes are set to continue for workers at the Sheraton Maui and Sheraton Kauai later this week. "For 40 days, Hilton Hawaiian Village workers led all of Local 5. Their willingness to step-up and strike set a historic new standard for hotel workers, and without their sacrifice we would not have been able to secure similar agreements with Kyo-ya and Marriott," said Cade Watanabe, UNITE HERE Local 5 financial secretary-treasurer. "These agreements achieve our major goals—wages that help us get ahead and not just get by, job security and a commitment from our employers to address workload and staffing concerns that have a direct impact on our guests." Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:28 — Nov 14
  • Winning a First Contract: In the States Roundup
    Winning a First Contract: In the States Roundup It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter). Alaska AFL-CIO: Arizona AFL-CIO: California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Colorado AFL-CIO: Connecticut AFL-CIO: Florida AFL-CIO: Illinois AFL-CIO: Maine AFL-CIO: Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO: Massachusetts AFL-CIO: Michigan State AFL-CIO: Minnesota AFL-CIO: Mississippi AFL-CIO: Missouri AFL-CIO: Nevada State AFL-CIO: New York State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO: Rhode Island AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/13/2024 - 16:10 — Nov 13
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CVS Workers Ratify Powerful New Agreement
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: CVS Workers Ratify Powerful New Agreement 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. Thousands of CVS pharmacists, clerks and technicians, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), in California voted on Friday to ratify a new three-year contract with the pharmacy. The more than 7,000 workers won the new agreement after months of negotiations and an unfair labor practice strike in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Members across eight different locals are celebrating victories like annual wage increases through the life of the contract, more secure staffing levels and a more affordable health care plan. “After countless hours at the bargaining table and a strategic strike in seven Southern California pharmacies protesting the company’s illegal actions, the hard-working members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract,” the UFCW locals said in a joint statement. “This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/13/2024 - 11:01 — Nov 13