AFL-CIO Blog

  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Diablo Game Developers Form Union with CWA
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Diablo Game Developers Form Union with CWA 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. In the latest victory for video game worker organizing, more than 450 game developers behind the popular series Diablo voted last week to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The new bargaining unit—which is one of the largest wall-to-wall unions at a Microsoft-owned studio—includes game developers, artists, designers, engineers and support staff across the video game franchise. These workers join colleagues at other major game studios who have asserted their power by organizing as part of the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) network. “With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us,” said Kelly Yeo, Team 3 game producer on Diablo and organizing committee member. “I am overjoyed that we have formed a union—this is just the first step for us joining a movement spreading across an industry that is tired of living in fear. We are ready to begin fighting for real change alongside our Diablo colleagues.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:18 — Sep 3
  • Working People Across the Country Celebrate Labor Day
    Working People Across the Country Celebrate Labor Day At marches and rallies, picnics and parades, Workers’ Labor Day is a celebration of working people. And with more than 1,000 events held this week, it’s a celebration of the power we have when we come together in a union—the power to take back our country for working people, not billionaires. Here’s a sampling of what working people did and said this Labor Day. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: Shuler spent the day at the 46th Annual Labor Solidarity Parade and Picnic in Los Angeles. Sponsored by the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Labor Coalition, more than 3,000 people attended and participated in the labor fair with many vendors and booths that provided attendees with information and concrete actions to take part in. “Everything we have ever won as workers in this country—every good contract, every raise, every protection on the job, every weekend we ever enjoyed,” Shuler said. “That wasn’t handed to us! We have that because we fought for it and won, didn’t we? So I need to know: Are y’all ready to fight? Are you ready to take on the greedy CEOs and the billionaires? Are you ready to stand up for the working people around you and your community and build the country that all workers deserve? Thank you so much and happy Labor Day!” AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond: Redmond participated in the 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade 2025, sponsored by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. For the first time, this year’s parade went through South Philly, embracing workers who have been left behind in the past. Afterward a labor festival was held at the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 19 hall.  “It is my honor to help lead the Labor Day Parade in this city that holds such a foundational place in our nation’s history,” Redmond said ahead of this year’s festivities. “The birthplace of our democracy and home to a labor movement like no other, when we march on the streets of Philadelphia, we are going to make a statement on our strength and solidarity in these times of unprecedented attacks on working people and our well-being.” Redmond will also attend the 2025 New York City Labor Day Parade sponsored by the New York City Central Labor Council on Sept. 6. AFGE: National President Everett Kelley and National Vice President Jason Anderson attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. Kelley also attended events in Phoenix on Aug. 29 and Cincinnati on Aug. 30. AFSCME: President Lee Saunders also appeared at the 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade 2025 sponsored by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. “This Labor Day comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” Saunders said. “Working people and our freedom to organize are under attack like never before. Anti-union extremists and the yes-men in Congress have rigged the economy to benefit themselves while throwing working families under the bus. They’re gutting our health care and raising our living expenses while giving even more tax breaks to billionaires and Wall Street bankers. Instead of helping working families, they’re trying to cut our wages, weaken our contracts, and privatize public services—all so the rich can get richer. AFSCME’s 1.4 million members know what’s at stake and we’re not backing down. We stand with our union family in Philadelphia and across the country in fighting back against these attacks on public service workers and our families.” Amalgamated Transit Union: International President John A. Costa released the following statement: American Federation of Musicians: International President Tino Gagliardi issued a statement: “‘Workers deserve the freedom, fairness, and security that come with a union.’ This is not just a slogan; it’s the fundamental principle that drives every negotiation, contract, and campaign. We must continue to stand together, as musicians and as part of the broader labor movement, to protect past gains and secure a better future for everyone.” American Federation of Teachers: President Randi Weingarten participated in the Chicago Labor Day March sponsored by the Chicago Federation of Labor and Chicago Teachers Union. She also attended the 2025 Women of Labor Breakfast and Call to Action sponsored by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation on Aug. 30. Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. American Guild of Musical Artists: President Ned Hanlon posted a Labor Day video, where he said: “Today, more than ever, I am proud to be an AGMA artist, a union member and a part of a global workers’ movement that is asserting its power. In the face of vicious and sustained anti-worker attacks, today is a day for workers to stand up and fight for what we deserve: Freedom, Fairness and Security.” Association of Flight Attendants-CWA: President Sara Nelson also appeared at the first Labor Day parade in Boston and march to City Hall sponsored by the Greater Boston Labor Council. “A hundred years ago workers didn’t have legal rights,” Nelson said “We organized and built solidarity, set our demands, conducted massive strikes including general strikes in cities across the country. That’s the working class power that had corporations begging for stability with labor law. It gave FDR the power to sign into law Social Security, workplace safety, wage and hour protections, the minimum wage, and the right to join a union.” Bricklayers: President Tim Driscoll attended the 2025 Labor Day Parade and Festival sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. Watch the video statement above. Communications Workers of America: President Claude Cummings Jr. also attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. Cummings issued a statement: “What unites us through our disagreements and discussions are our values and our vision for the future. We love our families and our countries. We want everyone in our communities to have the freedom to be themselves, pursue their dreams, and have a good life. We believe in prosperity, justice, and security for all, not just the very rich. This Labor Day, those values and that vision are under threat. A new generation of oligarchs is bent on seizing control of our country and using their obscene wealth to capture and corrupt our government.” Culinary Workers Union Local 226/UNITE HERE: Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge issued a statement: “This year, the Culinary Union is celebrating its 90th anniversary and a proud legacy of fighting and winning for working families in Nevada. For nearly a century, our union has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with workers, transforming Nevada’s largest industry into one where hospitality workers have strong contracts, fair wages, and respect on the job. Generations of workers sacrificed and organized to win the union difference. Our history proves that when workers are united, we win. We’ve built real power for the working class in Nevada and we are proud to carry forward the militant rank-and-file organizing and direct action that built our union. We will keep fighting and winning for working families across the state.” Electrical Workers: International Vice President Mike Clemmons also attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers: General President Michael Coleman released a video: “We are a movement. A movement for justice, for equality, for the working class. As SMART members, we build our two nations, and we make our supply chains move. We also show working people all over the power of solidarity.” International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers: President Matthew Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson released a statement: “As we are all aware, the purpose of Labour Day is to honor and recognize the achievements and innovations brought to our society by workers and their Labor Unions. At IFPTE, our members keep the lights on for our fellow citizens; design and engineer the safest airplanes in the world; are working toward putting astronauts back on the moon and eventually to Mars; serve the public with pride at the federal, provincial, state, and local government levels; and represent the most vulnerable among us in the legal arena. As a union, we take pride in the work that all of our members perform and are proud to stand arm in arm with all of you to ensure that we all have a voice on the job, safety and accountability in our workplaces, and enjoy wages, pensions and benefits that are truly worthy of our labor. Indeed, on this Labor Day, we should all take a moment to savor all that we have accomplished as workers and as unions.” Ironworkers: General President Eric Dean will attend the Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest sponsored by the Chicago Federation of Labor and Chicago Teachers Union on Sept. 6. Laborers: General President Brent Booker participated in the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade. Machinists: International President Brian Bryant issued a statement: “As we celebrate Labor Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor the incredible contributions of members like you across our union and beyond. Labor Day is not just any other holiday—it’s a powerful reminder that we are the backbone of our society, the builders of our economy, and the fighters for fairness, dignity, and respect in the workplace. It’s also a day that was founded by a Machinist all the way back in 1882….Our freedom to organize, to stand together, and to advocate for our rights is a hard-won treasure—and it is under attack like few times in our history. It is the foundation upon which we continue to fight for better wages, safe working conditions, and respect on the job. This day is a celebration of our collective strength and resilience, but also a call to action to use our rights and voice to push for the fairness we deserve.” Major League Baseball Players Association: The MLBPA released the above statement. National Air Traffic Controllers Association: President Nick Daniels released a video: “Today, we celebrate the unwavering dedication of our members who keep our country moving. Let this day remind us that our strength lies in our solidarity and unity. This year, NATCA members came together, joining other labor unions to successfully protect our federal retirement benefits. We continue our advocacy efforts by seeking parity with the annual military increase in pay for civilian federal employees, solutions to critical staffing shortages, and modernization of our equipment and facilities.” National Association of Letter Carriers: President Brian Renfroe also appeared at the 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade 2025 sponsored by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. “Labor Day was built by and fought for by working people,” Renfroe said. “Every year, it is a powerful reminder that working people keep our country running. I look forward to celebrating with our siblings in Philadelphia, one of America’s great union cities. This year has been challenging for working people, especially those in the federal sector who have constantly been under attack. On this Labor Day, as we come together to celebrate, we recommit to our unified fight for fair pay and workplaces, safe working conditions and the right to organize for all workers.” National Hockey League Players’ Association: The NHLPA released the following statement: “Today, we celebrate the many achievements of the labor movement and all workers across Canada and the United States, whose workplace rights deserve to be fought for and protected.” National Nurses United: Nurses from University Medical Center New Orleans were joined by community members, labor allies and union leaders as they rallied for a first contract with LCMC Health, their employer.  NFL Players Association: Interim Executive Director David White and President Jalen Reeves-Maybin released a video: Office and Professional Employees: President Tyler Turner participated in the Tarrant County Labor Fest sponsored by the Tarrant County (Texas) Central Labor Council. Turner also issued a statement: “This Labor Day, we’re reflecting on the strength and solidarity union members have shown throughout the past year. Despite lopsided labor laws, an anti-union administration and a rollback of rights, workers across the country are forming unions with OPEIU and winning the contracts they deserve. Workers at hospitals, credit unions, public utilities, record labels, tech companies, nonprofits, colleges and universities and other industries are coming together in union despite the odds. We look forward to continuing to build union power across industries in pursuit of economic, racial and social justice at work and in our communities. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Labor Day.” Painters and Allied Trades: General President Jimmy Williams also appeared at the first Labor Day parade in Boston and march to City Hall sponsored by the Greater Boston Labor Council. “This Labor Day, every worker in America needs to remember one thing: the billionaire class doesn’t build this country—we do.” Williams said. “And they’re hell-bent on stripping away our rights at the bargaining table to squeeze out more profits. Workers across this nation must embrace each other in solidarity and fight back. Because when we stand shoulder to shoulder, we are the power in this nation—and no billionaire, no politician, no boss can take that from us.” Roofers and Waterproofers: The Roofers and Waterproofers paid tribute to their members. Service Employees International Union: SEIU Local 925 members hit the streets in Marysville, Washington, to demand care, dignity and justice for our communities.  The NewsGuild-CWA: TNG-CWA released the video below. Members of the Everett NewsGuild in Washington held an informational picket.
    Happy Labor Day! ✊📰 Across the country, NewsGuild members are winning strong contracts, fighting layoffs and building power on the job. Our victories this year prove what happens when journalists and media workers stand together. Solidarity today and every day. 💪[image or embed] — The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild.org) September 1, 2025 at 12:25 PM
    Transport Workers Union: TWU’s International Administrative Committee issued the above statement. UAW: President Shawn Fain also attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. UNITE HERE: President Gwen Mills will attend an event in Houston on Sept. 3. United Food and Commercial Workers: International President Milton Jones released a statement: “This is why unions remain critical. With a union, workers can fight for stronger safety standards to protect them from extreme heat and other dangers on the job. They can win fair wages and regular raises that keep pace with the rising cost of living. And they can demand safe staffing levels that protect both workers and the communities they serve as the food supply chain begins to feel the impact of the administration’s immigration policies.” United Steelworkers: International President David McCall issued a statement: “More than 90 percent of union workers nationwide have employer-paid health benefits, compared to just 71 percent of non-union peers, according to research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the nonprofit Economic Policy Institute. What’s more, companies with union work forces are more likely to provide the paid sick days that parents need to care for their families, the researchers found….It’s important to remember, especially this Labor Day, that gains like these are hard won….Collective strength only grew during these trying moments as workers drew closer together, dug in and beat back concessions to preserve good jobs for years to come.” International Vice President Kevin Mapp also attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. Utility Workers: National President James Slevin also attended the Detroit Labor Day March sponsored by the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. Department for Professional Employees: President Jennifer Dorning wrote an op-ed: “Union rights provide federal employees a way to improve their workplaces and report wrongdoing. The loss of union rights, therefore, not only impacts federal employees, but also the American people, who depend on the federal government and the services it provides. That is why, on this Labor Day, we are calling on Congress to immediately pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act. The Protect America’s Workforce Act is bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) and cosponsored by 222 members of Congress. It restores the collective bargaining rights of the union federal employees impacted by President Trump’s attempted union-busting. It has the majority support needed to pass if it came to the House floor for a vote today.” Union Plus: Held a live event in New York City on Labor Day to announce the winners of the annual Unions Power America sweepstakes and contest. The video can be viewed here. Many union members entered amazing stories and many of them won prizes. Read more about them here. Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council: Held their Annual Labor Day Fundraiser and Celebration at the UAW facility in Hapeville, Georgia. They had more than 250 attendees which consisted of our affiliated union's members, elected officials, faith leaders, community organizations and members. They had about 20 vendor tables for organizations, food vendors and candidates. The event was featured on Channel 11 Alive, where President Sandra Lee Williams was interviewed. California Federation of Labor Unions: President Lorena Gonzalez issued a statement: Chicago Federation of Labor: President Bob Reiter wrote an op-ed: “We became the Hometown of the American Labor Movement. And we continue that struggle today. We keep building our movement stronger as new generations of workers join the struggle. We harness the power of solidarity and peaceful protest. We stand with our neighbors to show Trump and his cronies that we will not back down. We educate. We organize. We mobilize. Interesting times, indeed. But the darkness that Donald Trump attempts to cast will meet the glow of our City by the Lake. From the farthest reaches of the 10th Ward near Dolton, Illinois, to the northern terminus of Sheridan Road. Chicago is a gritty beautiful city that represents both the grit of the Midwest and the promise of tomorrow. We do not back down. We got this.” Connecticut AFL-CIO: President Ed Hawthorne and Secretary-Treasurer Shellye Davis wrote an op-ed: “More than ever, we need policies that empower the working class and protect their rights. And we need leaders who will fight to make that a reality. As the top officers of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, a federation of unions representing 250,000 workers across the state, we know that unions are the most powerful voice for economic justice in our country. And not just for union workers. Labor unions help raise wages and standards for all workers. When unions are strong, every worker does better.” Illinois AFL-CIO: President Tim Drea wrote an op-ed: "The current administration in Washington has made it clear that they do not stand with American workers. Donald Trump and his cronies are lining their pockets at the expense of working families. The administration has fired thousands of workers that enforce OSHA standards, weakening the programs and laws that ensure we can return home safely to our loved ones. The Illinois Worker Rights and Safety Act (SB 1976) and updates to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (HB 1189) are Illinois’ answer to federal attacks: you may try to lower the floor, but in the land of Lincoln, we’re building the ceiling higher. Labor Day is about honoring the dignity of work, reminding us that life really is better in a union. These two laws make that dignity real—in every paycheck, every safe job site, and every workplace where rights are protected no matter who lives in the White House. As president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, I’m proud of what we accomplished together. But I also recognize that our opponents aren’t going away. The rights we’ve secured are only as strong as our commitment to defend them. This Labor Day, let’s celebrate—and organize. Let’s thank the leaders who stood with us on SB 1976 and HB 1189 and hold them to the promise of enforcement. Let’s keep building Illinois into the safest, fairest, most worker-friendly state in the country.” Maine AFL-CIO: President Cynthia Phinney wrote an op-ed: “The union ‘agenda’ is well-being for all: Work in decent conditions, for wages that reflect a fair share of the wealth we produce, wages that will sustain a life of flourishing and health. The union agenda is for work that is meaningful in creating and sustaining a world where we, our children, and our children’s children can thrive. In case we missed Project 2025, the current regime’s One Big Beautiful Bill spells out their agenda clearly for us: Tax cuts for the rich, bigger tax cuts for the very rich, a few small potatoes for the vanishing middle class, and cuts masquerading as non-cuts for anyone who might need help with anything. What I see as their greed and dishonesty, their attacks on the pillars of a democracy that has evolved over 250 years, has created a crisis. But this time of crisis is also one of great opportunity for us. Whether or not you have a union card in your wallet, whether or not you even draw a paycheck, that union tool of solidarity can be yours. Learn to wield it by opening your ears to hear beyond buzzwords, your eyes to see beyond superficial differences, and your hearts to show up for one another. This Labor Day, let’s celebrate our solidarity, and let’s resolve to use it even more strongly and boldly than we have in the past to build the world we all want for ourselves, our families, our communities.” Michigan AFL-CIO: President Ron Bieber spoke in Detroit. Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation: President Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou wrote an op-ed: “While resistance is essential, we must also chart a path forward—one that clearly articulates what we stand for and the future we are building. A future where all workers—working people of all identities, backgrounds, education, abilities, size, expression and status—feel safety, security and solidarity from their union and labor movement. Local union members recently created an agenda called ‘Our Shared Vision for Workers’ Rights and Economic Justice’ that is the result of listening to workers who understand firsthand what working people need to thrive. Working people are clear on what a just economy looks like. With this agenda, we have concrete steps to achieve it. Our shared vision rejects the false choice between economic growth and worker rights, recognizing that strong workers and strong communities are the foundation of a strong economy.” Minnesota AFL-CIO: Members appeared at the state fair. Nebraska State AFL-CIO: President/Secretary-Treasurer Sue Martin wrote an op-ed: “Every day, working people worry about our jobs, our economy and our futures. We stress over every bill, every purchase, every paycheck—but it doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of sowing more chaos and division, our leaders in Washington should be focusing on creating good jobs with better pay and affordable health care and protecting and expanding the services we all depend on like Social Security and Medicare. Workers made this country what it is today. Throughout our history, the labor movement has had the vision to imagine a life for working people that didn’t exist yet—and the will to make it happen. When we fought for an eight-hour workday, they called it unrealistic. When we said we deserve health and safety measures because our jobs shouldn’t kill us, they said the bosses would never give in. But our collective power made it happen.” New Jersey State AFL-CIO: President Charles Wowkanech wrote an op-ed: “When we think of Labor Day, we often think about how we plan to spend that day off with our friends and family, as we reflect on the progress we have made in our country for working people throughout the history of the labor movement. This Labor Day is different, due to the recent attacks on workers’ rights from the highest levels of government. More than just a holiday, this year’s Labor Day should be a call to action for every single worker, for everyone who believes in the sanctity of our democracy, and for those who believe in fairness, equality, and economic security for all.” New York State AFL-CIO: President Mario Cilento wrote an op-ed: “Here in New York, our strong union movement is a testament to the power and leverage of workers who stand together. With over 3,000 affiliated unions across the public sector, private sector and building trades, we represent more than two million workers. The percentage of union membership is nearly double the national average. Our mission remains unchanged: to improve the lives of working people through better wages, benefits and working conditions, and not just for union members. The NYS AFL-CIO has been at the forefront of legislative victories that benefit all workers, regardless of union affiliation.” New York City Central Labor Council: President Brendan Griffith issued the following message: “Working people have often been told that our goals were out of reach. Shorter hours were once dismissed as impossible. Demands for safer workplaces were brushed aside. But time and again, workers stood together and turned those demands into rights. That same spirit is alive today as more people are organizing, striking, and raising their voices for justice. Public support for unions is higher than it has been in decades, with more than 70% of Americans saying they want workers to have the freedom, fairness, and security that comes with a union. Here in New York City, that energy is visible in every borough and across every industry. Workers are organizing new shops, negotiating contracts that raise standards, and showing that collective action can create a better future. Each campaign is an act of hope, grounded in the belief that every worker deserves a voice on the job and a fair return for their labor. Next Saturday, we’ll gather on Fifth Avenue for the New York City Labor Day Parade and March, the nation’s oldest and largest Labor Day celebration. We are honored to be led by Co-Grand Marshals Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO, and Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Tens of thousands of union members and families will fill the avenue, joined by allies and supporters, to show the enduring strength of solidarity.” San Diego & Imperial Counties (California) Labor Council: President Brigette Browning wrote an op-ed: “But we are building a different future. We are fighting for AB 288—the California Right to Organize Act—because if the federal government abandons workers, we will protect ourselves. We are demanding a $25/hour minimum wage for hospitality workers because San Diego’s tourism industry makes billions while workers suffer. And we are dreaming bigger: it’s been 85 years since the 40-hour workweek was enacted. Why not 32? Why not four days? Why not a life where work serves us—not the other way around? Unions are the engine of democracy. We are the first and last line of defense against tyranny, greed, and indifference. We don’t fight for better conditions because it’s ‘good for productivity.’ We fight because we deserve to thrive. This Labor Day, we march not just for ourselves, but for every worker everywhere who believes another world is possible. We march for the hotel worker. The janitor. The nurse. The teacher. The parent. The dreamer. History is watching. Which side are you on?” South Carolina AFL-CIO: Released the following video:
            View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by SC AFL-CIO (@scaflcio)
    West Virginia AFL-CIO: President Josh Sword wrote an op-ed: “With each passing day, more and more of us are feeling the pinch of rising prices, stagnant wages, even job losses. We all see that West Virginia is not keeping up with the rest of the country, which already is experiencing inflation and weakening payrolls. The New York Times reports that the share of workers across the country who have been out of work for more than six weeks is now at the highest level since November 2021. We can argue about the reasons why this is happening; it won’t change the current situation. Those in the labor movement have long known that regardless of the circumstances that cause people to lose their jobs and financial security, a reliable support system is imperative. In so many instances, that’s when unions step in. Yes, unions are working every day to boost wages, equalize pay and ensure adequate safety protections, lifting standards for both union and nonunion workers. But seldom do people talk about the services unions offer when times are tough.” Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: President Stephanie Bloomingdale wrote an op-ed: “Clearly, for the vast majority of workers, the power to shape our working lives will not come from our generational wealth. But by standing together in unions, working people build the power to have a seat at the table. That’s good news not only for union members, but for society in general.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/02/2025 - 15:16 Tags: Labor Day     — Sep 2
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: BlueOval SK Workers Vote Union Yes!
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: BlueOval SK Workers Vote Union Yes! 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. Late Wednesday night, the UAW announced workers at the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky won their election to join the union. The UAW released the following statement after the victory: “BlueOval SK workers won a majority of votes in an NLRB election to unionize their plant in Glendale, Kentucky, securing a hard-fought victory. This is a major step forward for workers who stood up against intense company opposition and chose to join the UAW. “There are 41 challenge ballots still outstanding. We believe they are illegitimate and represent nothing more than an employer tactic to flood the unit and undermine the outcome. We will fight these challenges to defend the democratic choices of these workers, as we always do when corporations try to interfere with workers’ democratic choice. The challenged ballots are not part of the group of workers who built their union from the bottom up. They deserve to have their own union, in an appropriate bargaining unit with a representative of their own choosing. “The UAW is calling on Ford to acknowledge the democratic decision of its workforce. They should immediately drop their anti-democratic effort to undermine the outcome of the election and recognize a majority of BlueOval SK’s production and maintenance employees have chosen to join the UAW and ensure battery jobs in Kentucky are good, safe, union jobs.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/02/2025 - 10:25 Tags: Organizing — Sep 2
  • AFL-CIO Bus Tour Visits Wisconsin to Rally Against Funding Cuts to Public Services
    AFL-CIO Bus Tour Visits Wisconsin to Rally Against Funding Cuts to Public Services On Wednesday, the AFL-CIO “It’s Better In a Union” bus tour rolled through Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for a community forum with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) about how the recent federal budget bill will harm working people in the state. Labor leaders, educators, health care advocates and community members turned out for the event to speak out about how funding cuts will directly impact education, health care and other vital services in western Wisconsin. The panel included AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT-Wisconsin President Jon Shelton and Dr. Jill Underly, Wisconsin's state superintendent of public instruction. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/29/2025 - 13:08 Tags: Better in a Union Bus Tour — Aug 29
  • Ensuring the Highest Standards of Care: The Working People Weekly List
    Ensuring the Highest Standards of Care: 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. Unions Fight Back as Trump Terminates Federal Workers' Union Rights: “The Trump administration has begun terminating its collective bargaining agreements with federal employee unions, despite multiple lawsuits challenging the move. Unions are fighting back.” National Action Network Launches March on Wall Street for Economic Justice: “Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), will join the National Action Network and other labor and community leaders for the March on Wall Street. AFGE is pushing back against the privatization of government services and the outsourcing of federal jobs, following Donald Trump’s executive orders at the start of his second term that barred federal agencies from contracting with companies supporting DEI practices.” ‘Big Betrayal’: The Trump White House Is Failing on Its Promises to Workers, Says AFL-CIO Head: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins ‘Morning Joe’ ahead of the union's ‘State of the Unions’ address to discuss a new survey showing that workers fear for their economic vulnerability and report low trust in both parties.” Anti-Trump Protests Planned Across U.S. for Labor Day: ‘We Have to Stop the Billionaire Takeover’: “The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), a collective consisting of over 60 labor unions representing nearly 15 million workers, is also supporting the Workers Over Billionaires events. ‘At marches and rallies, picnics and parades, Workers' Labor Day is a celebration of working people. And it’s a celebration of the power we have when we come together in a union—the power to take back our country for working people, not billionaires,’ the AFL-CIO said.” Workers Rally as AFL-CIO National Bus Tour Comes to Brewer: “The AFL-CIO National Bus Tour came to Brewer Tuesday for a rally centered around the importance of unions. The event was hosted and organized by the Eastern Maine Labor Council. Union members representing the University of Maine graduate workers, the Maine Nurses Association, and Bangor Public Works employees all spoke at the rally as they continued to fight for what they believe are fair contracts. ‘Graduate workers at the University of Maine are paid thousands less than our peers at other similar state schools, and we pay thousands more in our health and insurance premiums. This is unacceptable,’ said Lexi Mark, a UMaine grad student.” NCCC, BRS Reach Tentative National Agreement: “The BRS tentative agreement follows ratification of nine national contracts—including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division; International Association of Sheet, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Mechanical and Engineering Department; National Conference of Firemen & Oilers; American Train Dispatchers Association; Transportation Communications Union; Brotherhood of Railway Carmen; International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; and International Association of Machinists. Those contracts run through Dec. 31, 2029. If BRS ratifies the agreement, half of the union-represented freight rail employees at railroads participating in national handling will be covered, according to NCCC.” Philadelphia Teachers Union, School District Reach Tentative New Contract: “The School District of Philadelphia and its teachers union reached a tentative contract agreement Sunday night, avoiding a possible strike next week. The three-year deal was reached with less than 12 hours before the first day of school. The district and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers released a joint statement announcing the contract, but they did not share details of its terms.” It's Not Over: Union Vote Passes at Mountain Cement Company, Bargaining Begins: “Employees at the Mountain Cement Company plant in south Laramie voted Wednesday late afternoon, and the results were in favor to unionize, marking the first successful effort to bring organized labor to the facility. The decision followed months of organizing led by employees who cited concerns over safety practices, inconsistent communication with management, and unpredictable scheduling. Multiple inquiries to Mountain Cement Company operations management by the Laramie Boomerang for comment throughout the week were unsuccessful as of press time on Friday evening. Representatives from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Wyoming AFL-CIO Executive Director Marcie Kindred visited Laramie and worked with employees throughout the campaign to support their union efforts.” Hundreds of Nurses at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh Vote to Unionize: “Hundreds of nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh have unionized in what union officials are calling the largest nurse union election in recent Pennsylvania history. According to a release from SEIU Sunday, a ‘strong majority’ of nurses voted to form a union so they ‘can have more time with their patients and a seat at the decision-making table to ensure the highest standards of care.’” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/29/2025 - 10:20 — Aug 29