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Pride Month Profiles: Alicia Mijares Pride Month Profiles: Alicia Mijares For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Alicia Mijares of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). After being a hardworking journeyperson at SMART (formerly Sheet Metal Workers) Local 104 for nearly two decades, Alicia Mijares was the first female organizer on staff, and later she was elected as the first female full-time officer. She's been breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings her whole life in a male-dominated industry, and her passion for workers' rights and the labor movement is unmatched. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/02/2023 - 15:20 — Jun 2
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Economy Gains 339,000 Jobs in May; Unemployment Up Slightly 3.7% Economy Gains 339,000 Jobs in May; Unemployment Up Slightly 3.7% The U.S. economy gained 339,000 jobs in May, and the unemployment rate was up slightly to 3.7%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This strong jobs report shows there is still room to expand job opportunities for Americans. Wage growth continues at levels that are consistent with low levels of inflation. May's biggest job gains were in professional and business services (+64,000), government (+56,000), health care (+52,000), leisure and hospitality (+48,000), construction (+25,000), transportation and warehousing (+24,000), and social assistance (+22,000). Employment was little changed over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; information; financial activities; and other services. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for Black Americans (5.6%) and adult women (3.3%) rose in May. The jobless rates for teenagers (10.3%), Hispanics (4.0%), adult men (3.5%), White Americans (3.3%), and Asian Americans (2.9%) showed little change over the month. The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in May and accounted for 19.8% of the total people unemployed. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/02/2023 - 11:32 — Jun 2
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Celebrating Pride: In the States Roundup Celebrating Pride: 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 Twitter. Alabama AFL-CIO:
It was a pleasure meeting with these community leaders. https://t.co/PR0Uxg4CCB— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) May 25, 2023
Alaska AFL-CIO:For us, #PrideMonth is about embracing love for all while fighting for the rights of everyone. Happy #PrideMonth! pic.twitter.com/LufyGoCCha— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Arizona AFL-CIO:🏳️🌈🤝🏳️⚧️LGBTQ+ rights are workers’ rights! We stand United against the increasing, extremist attacks in the community. Let’s celebrate the joy, solidarity, and bravery of our LGBTQ+ members while working together to create a safer and more inclusive world. #LGBTQRights #TransRights pic.twitter.com/bgP51pc2aq— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:Big Tech needs to be held accountable. We're proud to stand with our @newsguild union journalists to protect these jobs that are so critical to a healthy, functioning democracy. https://t.co/XBSigTkCNx— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) June 1, 2023
Connecticut AFL-CIO:Pastor AJ Johnson quotes #MLK to remind @GovNedLamont of his duty as an elected official: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." #FundOurFutureCT pic.twitter.com/6t9N1uHaFe— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Georgia State AFL-CIO:We are grateful for the heroes who gave their lives to protect our nation. Today, we honor their legacy and remember their selfless service. 🇺🇸❤️ #MemorialDay #HonoringHeroes #1u #unionproud #unionstrong #georgia #atlanta pic.twitter.com/KiqB8XWABi— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) May 29, 2023
Illinois AFL-CIO:LGBTQ+ rights are workers' rights.Many unions have an LGBTQ+ caucus and other committees to give space and support to their members within the workforce and the union. Visit @PrideatWork to learn more: https://t.co/G6ypR1vtK5 pic.twitter.com/g6R92ydhHa— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Indiana State AFL-CIO:Thank you to @steelworkers D7 for having President Voorhies present on our Path to Power program at their district conference. We need union members elected to office now more than ever, and this crowd showed that Steel is up for the fight! pic.twitter.com/Wwu6dJWX2V— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 24, 2023
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Amen! ✊✊ https://t.co/vbZVMbvFZG— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 30, 2023
Maine AFL-CIO:If an adjunct were allowed to teach a full five-class course load like their full-time colleagues, they would pull in a measly $27,900 per year. This is way to low. Adjuncts deserve a raise! https://t.co/Yro7NLq0XC— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 29, 2023
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:We’re proud to stand with @nihfellowsunite as they file to form their union. NIH works because they do! pic.twitter.com/GJPV8mJwHy— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) June 1, 2023
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:MONDAY: Come Out to the Coolidge Corner Debut of Americonned, an award-winning film, featuring Chris Smalls, about income inequality in the US and its tragic destabilizing effects to Americans Get your tickets here: https://t.co/BMqgDoK8Id pic.twitter.com/Ijt0XebF0h— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) June 1, 2023
Michigan State AFL-CIO:During Pride, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our workplaces, the labor movement, and beyond.No one should be fired because of who they are or who they love. We're proud to continue standing in the fight for LGBTQ+ workers' rights. pic.twitter.com/FtMM7fXqFF— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Minnesota AFL-CIO:Working Minnesotans Celebrate Close of Historic Pro-Labor Legislative Session https://t.co/NZPZQ04dk5 #mnleg #1u pic.twitter.com/Ncylzk7APP— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 23, 2023
Missouri AFL-CIO:We are very happy to see @MissouriWorks receiving well-deserved recognition for all the great work they do in the #Labor community! https://t.co/upevBj8oVK— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 31, 2023
Nevada State AFL-CIO:We fully support #SB509. ⚾️The proposed construction of a Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas will give us the ultimate opportunity to boost Nevada’s top-tier tourism economy and create good-paying, union jobs for years to come. pic.twitter.com/KDkIPALn3z— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 30, 2023
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:Our public service retirees deserve the benefits they have earned by protecting and serving the state. We call on @TheNHSenate + @SenJeb + @GovChrisSununu to honor these heroes in the state budget, as @NHHouseofReps did. Pension = Retention@PFFNH #NHPolitics #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/OZaiC6Cb6M— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) May 23, 2023
New York State AFL-CIO:Don't let them fool you! A union is the only way to get real, lasting improvements at work. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/bz6Ynec92X— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 31, 2023
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:UNION YES! Chemours Fayetteville Works plant employees set to vote on unionization https://t.co/UU4TkKS4fE #1u #UnionsForAll @LIUNA— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
North Dakota AFL-CIO:Unsafe work conditions found in 6 North Dakota Dollar General stores https://t.co/qjSwl22gCL— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) May 24, 2023
Ohio AFL-CIO:Start off #Pride2023 with action: show support @Starbucks workers in Columbus who are facing #UnionBustingIsDisgusting tactics as they #organize their #union with @SBWorkersUnited pic.twitter.com/znw74rz2ju— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 1, 2023
Oregon AFL-CIO:This month, we honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community and their tireless fight for equality and justice. Together, we recognize the progress made and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead. Oregon’s unions are proud to celebrate the start of #PrideMonth. 🏳️🌈✊ pic.twitter.com/MSNByF1P3t— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:A day to remember and salute those who lost their lives in service to our country. #MemorialDay #WeRemember #PowerToThePeople #1u pic.twitter.com/FrfkRcu7qN— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 29, 2023
Texas AFL-CIO:The 88th Regular Legislative Session has (and hopefully the 1st called special session will soon) come to a close. From January to May, legislators had 140 days to improve the lives of working Texans.🧵 pic.twitter.com/6X1udWePNy— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 31, 2023
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Solidarity with @UAW4121 Researchers & Postdocs fighting for a contract! 🧵WSLC Pres. April Sims: "As the largest public employer in the state, @UW sets an example of what it means to act in the public good. It’s time for UW to stop looking for work-arounds & pay people fairly. pic.twitter.com/X29sqaCAyW— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) June 1, 2023
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:TruStage workers continue strike with car caravan https://t.co/SvDryEy8S3 via @WISCTV_News3— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 1, 2023
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/01/2023 - 14:50 — Jun 1 -
Pride at Work Pride at Work The labor movement is intersectional. This means we fight for all working people—no matter the gender, race, ethnicity or any other identity. Those identities intersect with your own identity as a worker, as a parent, as a sibling. In America, we believe all people should be able to work without fear of discrimination or violence. You should be able to work without hiding your light and without hiding your true, authentic self. LGBTQ+ people still lack basic federal legal protections in the workplace, which make them vulnerable to recent appalling and shameful actions by state legislatures. We have no tolerance for hate in our movement. The labor movement is fighting back with everything we have. And the best tool we have is a union contract. Union contracts are legally enforceable in every state. They protect LGBTQ+ workers from harassment, and can mean real progress for workers and our families to gain health care, savings, a future, and so much more. Check out some model contract language from our constituency group, Pride at Work. LGBTQ+ workers face retaliation and fear getting fired for standing with their co-workers. It’s hard for workers to see the very same corporations that celebrate pride turn around and hire anti-union-busting consultants and deny their workers the promise of a union contract. That’s why, this Pride Month, we want you to share what your union means to you. Share your story. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/01/2023 - 10:00 — Jun 1
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Offers Free Resources for Pride Month Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Offers Free Resources for Pride Month Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Today begins Pride Month, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is offering free resources for educators. The AFT resources are particularly important in the face of a recent trend of state legislatures attacking LGBTQ+ rights. The Share My Lesson website offers lesson plans, webinars, LGBTQ+ history lessons and blog posts on a variety of topics, such as how teachers can support LGBTQ+ students. Visit Share My Lesson for more. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/01/2023 - 08:28 — Jun 1