AFL-CIO Blog

  • Bridge the Gap
    Bridge the Gap AFL-CIO Did you know that flight attendants and workers for regional airlines are often paid 45% less than their colleagues at major carriers for doing the same work? That’s why AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre (UFCW) joined his fellow labor leaders at a rally to call out this injustice and demand it be fixed. Executive Vice President Gebre joined Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) International President Sara Nelson, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis, Mine Workers (UMWA) President Cecil Roberts and UNITE HERE Deputy Director Alisa Gallo to build support for flight attendants. The flight attendants are in contract negotiations with Air Wisconsin Airlines, Endeavor Air and PSA Airlines and serve passengers flying with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Check out a few highlights from the speakers below, and watch the rally here.
    • Gebre: “When we fight, we win! Your fight is my fight!”
    • Nelson: “It’s just not right, and it’s certainly not fair. Airlines aren’t hurting, but many airline employees are. We’re fighting to fix that.”
    • Willis: “The most important tool working people have to get ahead—union membership—is being vilified. We won't stand for it!”
    • Roberts: “They’re telling us they’re going to pay us different even though we’re doing the same job? We’ve had it up to here with this division!”
    • Gallo: “Everyone who shows up at these workplaces...makes sure that passengers are treated with respect, get where they’re going safely and [workers] deserve the same respect back from those enormously profitable companies.”
    Air Wisconsin’s flight attendants, who service United and have been negotiating since July 2016, recently voted to authorize a strike for better wages and working conditions. This news comes just a few weeks after 2,700 catering workers at United voted overwhelmingly to join UNITE HERE. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/16/2018 - 12:05     — Nov 16
  • Union Veterans Council Leader Attig to Help Gov.-Elect Pritzker Serve Ohio's Veterans
    Union Veterans Council Leader Attig to Help Gov.-Elect Pritzker Serve Ohio's Veterans Union Veterans Council Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig will serve on Illinois Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker's transition team, the Serving Illinois' Heroes Committee. Attig will help make sure that Pritzker and his administration are ready to serve veterans right out of the gate. Attig said:
    What this committee is is really a working group, a very diverse group of veterans, veteran lawmakers and individuals from the community that are going to be setting out a set of agenda items that the new administration will be looking at to support veterans in Illinois. I think that this committee is a great way to improve the lives of the veterans that live in Illinois, not just the younger generation of veterans, but our veterans that are retiring, the Vietnam veterans that are entering retirement age right now that we still need to make sure that we take care of.
    Read more about Attig's role and learn about the Union Veterans Council. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/16/2018 - 11:54 Tags: Union Veterans Council     — Nov 16
  • Trumka Talks the Future of the Labor Movement on Yahoo Finance
    Trumka Talks the Future of the Labor Movement on Yahoo Finance AFL-CIO AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) appeared on Yahoo Finance this week to discuss the future of labor unions. Here are some key excerpts from the interview. In this first clip, Trumka talks about the biggest potential threat to America's workers: In this next clip, Trumka talks about the top priorities for the labor movement: In this last clip, Trumka talks about the future of labor unions in a changing economic environment: Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/15/2018 - 11:57 — Nov 15
  • Union Strong: In the States Roundup
    Union Strong: 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. Arizona AFL-CIO:
    Union Strong! https://t.co/H1NEQzj8Zb — Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 13, 2018
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    Every 👏 Vote 👏 Matters 👏#1u #arklabor @arlaborwomen @aryoungworkers @ARlaborradio @organizeAR https://t.co/cm4pvUBYOW — Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) November 8, 2018
    California Labor Federation:
    Thank you to our union members & activists who spent countless of hours working on campaigns in CA, delivering historic wins. We showed our strength over the past few months & it was amazing. We proved when working people stand together, we're unstoppable! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/ixjnMJsFya — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) November 7, 2018
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    .@UnionLori: Last night was a resounding victory for working people all across our great state... But now that the election is over, our new Governor & legislature should embrace this momentum to act on the concerns workers articulated during the campaign. https://t.co/9Mgy7EWLdq — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) November 7, 2018
    Georgia AFL-CIO:
    A high-stakes December runoff even without an Abrams-Kemp matchup https://t.co/bMzejovbRY — AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) November 14, 2018
    Illinois AFL-CIO:
    pic.twitter.com/Mbb3YWDdIL — Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) November 11, 2018
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    Get the latest labor updates sent right to to your phone or inbox. Sign up for free our alerts by texting INAFLCIO to 94502 & our email alerts by going here: https://t.co/Le4xi2c6gA pic.twitter.com/hdnbYc1EkH — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Working on Thanksgiving https://t.co/lBYqhKjuhd — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 13, 2018
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    From the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting: “In Kentucky, Deregulation And Worker Safety Collide” “An investigation revealed that the company had several serious worker safety... https://t.co/asN8G3Z8RA — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) November 14, 2018
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    Yes we did! #mepolitics https://t.co/3H7sPM0fSk — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 7, 2018
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    Georgetown graduate workers vote in union, move to bargain https://t.co/SLhkmwgRVW — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) November 12, 2018
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    The voters sent a loud, clear message on election day: prioritize the needs of working families, invest in our public schools, fix the damn roads and put an end to manipulating the rules to benefit the wealthy and corporations. https://t.co/LVX7BtybJa — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    MN AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy & National @AFLCIO President @RichardTrumka: Minnesota voted for worker justice https://t.co/B5k6HapHpV #1u #Labor18 — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 13, 2018
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    IBEW Local 1 apprentice shares tips for women considering careers in the building trades. Read more here: https://t.co/Llmpi0S0jW pic.twitter.com/i5x7GJHs7o — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    They did, indeed. "In Nevada, Steve Sisolak was elected governor by running ads calling for state action on minimum wage and overtime pay." https://t.co/8xYVVOlUUB pic.twitter.com/GRYARloAug — Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) November 13, 2018
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    November 12-18 is #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, which highlights the collective effort of unions, employers, government agencies, and community organizations working together to develop a highly skilled workforce through #apprenticeships. Stay tuned.... #NAW2018 pic.twitter.com/prIsGwu6jJ — LIUNA (@LIUNA) November 12, 2018
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    The governor’s office is requiring all offshore wind projects be built with Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and prevailing wages for workers associated with the construction of any awarded facility. -https://t.co/sfmFrB58q5 — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    Consequences of the Democratic takeover of the US House of Representatives next year include a bill to raise the federal minimum wage and oversight of a Department of Labor that's been anything but a friend to working people. https://t.co/jgStkqQ4dZ — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Spread the word.. the power of workers united in #Solidarity can never be defeated 👏👏👏👏 https://t.co/eaR0mDBHBk — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 11, 2018
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    The Central OK Labor Federation will be providing Upward Transitions with food baskets for the 2018 holidays. Please contact them if you are able to assist. If a member is in need this holiday season, please contact Barbara Royce, at United Way at 405-523-3589. — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) November 14, 2018
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain responds to 2018 midterm election results: https://t.co/QPaSYfqcL0 #ORpol #ORleg #Labor2018 @AFLCIO — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) November 7, 2018
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our union sister PSEA President Dolores McCracken. Dolores was an advocate for Pennsylvania students, schools and teachers. She will be missed by her brothers and sisters across the Pennsylvania Union... https://t.co/DokTy3KcVV — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) November 13, 2018
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    These Pictures Of Union Members Battling California Wildfires Show True Heroes In Action https://t.co/SwIqEVH3jJ #1U #FireFighters #CaliforniaWildFires #UnionWorkers — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) November 13, 2018
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    The Texas labor movement welcomes the employees of BookPeople, who today joined together to seek better lives through their union. @opeiu @BkPeople_United @aflcio #1u https://t.co/hI4dERFzm3 — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 14, 2018
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Over 700 union members win public office in midterms – People's World https://t.co/fepVXqMqbb — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) November 11, 2018
    Washington State Labor Council:
    Thank you, @GovInslee, for stepping up on behalf of Washington working families! https://t.co/j8c33bITfK — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 8, 2018
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Visitation and services information for President Emeritus Neuenfeldt, https://t.co/qK9xXNGNA7 — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 8, 2018
    Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/14/2018 - 11:56     — Nov 14
  • We Did It! The Working People Weekly List
    We Did It! 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 this week’s Working People Weekly List. A Driving Force in This Election: "We did it! The labor movement helped elect a wave of union members and pro-worker allies across the country last night. We proved that if you support working people, we’ll have your back. And we sent a resounding message to every candidate and elected official that if you seek to divide and destroy us, we’ll fight back with everything we have." Fighting for Those Who Serve: "As we celebrate millions of service members’ selfless sacrifice this Veterans Day, the Union Veterans Council is fighting to defend their economic rights and dignities when they return home. Join that fight today and be a voice for working-class veterans." In the States: Working People Across the Country Respond to Midterm Elections: "Across the country, working people showed up in significant numbers on Election Day to make our voices heard. And while we didn't win every race, we fought hard to make sure that as many winning candidates as possible are champions of working people." New Jersey Labor Movement Leads Charge to Take Back House in the Midterm Elections: "On Nov. 6, after what may have been the most consequential election in recent U.S. history, union members across New Jersey celebrated Bob Menendez’s re-election to the U.S. Senate, as well as the election of all 12 labor-endorsed congressional candidates, eight state Senate and assembly members and 50 rank-and-file union members." Working People Respond to Midterm Election Results: "Across the country, yesterday's elections showed that where candidates appealed to working people and championed policies that support us, working people will support those candidates. Working people provided winning margins in races across the country, sending a clear message that the pathway to winning elections in the United States goes through the labor movement." Who Says Union Organizer Debriefs Can't Be Fun?: "We are coming off of an exciting two days of Debriefs: Successful Strategies and Tactics for Winning Campaigns! This Organizing Institute (OI) Exchange Clinic took place Oct. 22-23 and was held at the historic AFSCME Local 1733 union hall in Memphis, Tennessee.  Sixteen advanced and lead level organizers from Ironworkers International Union and Communications Workers of America (CWA) leading campaigns across the country participated. The clinic focused on how lead organizers understand and apply the components of effective debriefs into their campaigns." AFL-CIO and Anti-Slavery Activists Get Results on Mauritania: "On Friday, in response to a petition originally filed by the AFL-CIO in 2017, the U.S. government gave Mauritania an ultimatum: It must make sufficient progress toward protecting internationally recognized workers' rights, including combating the scourge of hereditary slavery, or face the loss of trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mauritania has until Jan. 1, 2019, to take action." AFL-CIO on Wisconsin Governor Race: 'Scott Walker Was a National Disgrace': "Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, issued a brief but harsh statement on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) losing his reelection bid. 'Scott Walker was a national disgrace,' Trumka’s entire statement read. 'Scott Walker was a national disgrace.' The comment was almost identical to Trumka’s statement after Walker formally entered the 2016 presidential race." Unions to Push New Democratic House to Alter Trump's Trade Deal: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Wednesday his group would push the new Democratic majority in the House to demand tougher enforcement language in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement before it's approved. Trumka indicated unions would support the deal to replace the old North American Free Trade Agreement when it comes up for a vote likely next year provided these changes can be made, and if they could be assured that the agreement's provisions on factory wages and auto part rules of origin will work as advertised." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/09/2018 - 12:44 — Nov 9