AFL-CIO Blog

  • Memorial Day Is About Respect and Remembrance
    Memorial Day Is About Respect and Remembrance AFL-CIO The working men and women of the AFL-CIO join the Union Veterans Council to wish all a safe Memorial Day weekend. This is a time to respect and remember those who gave their lives for the bedrock freedoms of our nation. Let’s resolve to honor their sacrifice by redoubling our efforts to secure and make real those freedoms for every worker in America, so working people can win new economic rules built on broadly shared prosperity. As we start our Memorial Day weekend, it always seems I get a few questions about the holiday, what it means and how Americans can be respectful on this day. The answer is not that easy. Decoration day has morphed into just one more corporate holiday where you can get great deals on furniture, cars and those American flag swimming trunks. But for veterans, especially combat veterans, the weekend has another meaning. When I signed up to serve in the U.S. Army Infantry, I did so knowing I was going to face the possibility of not coming home. That is what millions of Americans who signed up have done throughout our history. Nothing prepares us for the harsh reality of war. I was deployed multiple times to some of the worst locations in the global war on terror. I have seen great personal loss of friends and people who are closer to me that most of my own family. This is the reality for so many veterans and their families. Memorial Day is a sacred day whose full meaning I will never be able to put into words. Union members have a historic bond with veterans. Many of our modern trade unions were founded by war veterans who returned home and then banded together for the collective power to win good lives. Over the generations, each wave of veterans has renewed that bond, and the same is true today. The chances are good that each one of us knows, works with or otherwise has a connection to at least one person who has lost a friend or family member to war. Case in point, if you are a member of a local, state or national union, chances are you know a post-9/11 veteran. Some one in four post-9/11 veterans work as public servants. One-third of all federal employees are veterans. It is likely that you work with someone who has either lost a friend or family member to war. I recommend you do a few thing this weekend. First, be respectful. You may not know it, but someone you know may be going through a tough time. Second, reach out. If you know a veteran who served in combat or family member who lost someone, talk to them and let them know they have your support. And finally, celebrate the lives of our lost service members. If you are having a cookout or family reunion, take a minute to recognize why we memorialize this weekend.  We also can honor our veterans by fighting for full funding for the U.S. Veterans Affairs and supporting efforts to train and employ our veterans for good union jobs. Each day 20 veterans commit suicide. One of the leading causes is financial instability. Unions can help. On average, a veteran who is member of a union makes $12,000 more annually, giving them the financial freedom to transition back to their civilian life, providing hope of a bright future for those who have sacrificed for us. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/25/2018 - 12:15 — May 25
  • Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the World of Work
    Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the World of Work No one should have to risk their safety or dignity to put food on the table. Yet every day, workers around the world are subjected to sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. On Monday, May 28, workers, employers and governments will come together at the International Labor Organization to discuss a new global standard on violence and harassment in the world of work. This is the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy by the global labor movement. It’s an exciting opportunity to create a binding international agreement to end gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace. The AFL-CIO, together with partners from around the world, will be on the ground pushing for a binding convention that empowers workers to take collective action to build safe, respectful workplaces. You can follow the action on our Facebook and Twitter accounts, and check out our partners at the Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) and the International Trade Union Confederation (@ITUC). Watch a short video here made by our sister organization, the Solidarity Center, here: Why use the term gender-based violence and harassment? In the United States, the law protects against sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, and public conversations generally use these terms as well. Often, sex and gender are used interchangeably. However, there is an important distinction between the two: a person’s sex is tied to their inherent biological characteristics. Gender, on the other hand, is a social construct built around norms, expectations and stereotypes about what it means to be a man or a woman. In the U.S., and indeed throughout much of the world, there is an entrenched, gendered power hierarchy that values men and a rigid definition of masculinity. The term gender-based violence and harassment reflects this inherent power imbalance. It recognizes the link between the gendered violence that occurs in society at large and the devaluation of women in the workplace. Both are tied to the way people are socialized, and particularly how men are socialized to feel entitled to women’s bodies and to expect deference and compliance. Every social actor has a role to play in breaking down these harmful stereotypes and creating equitable, respectful communities—and when it comes to addressing how this issue plays out in the workplace, unions have an unique and powerful role to play. How do unions help stop gender-based violence and harassment? Unions have a critical role to play in ending gender-based violence and harassment. At base, gender-based violence in the world of work—including unwanted touching, sexual comments, requests for sexual favors and even sexual assault—is not about sex, but about power. Unions are dedicated to shifting power relationships and creating more equitable and fair workplaces. Workers, particularly those who have been subjected to mistreatment, must be empowered to take collective action to enact solutions and demand justice. Economic insecurity, particularly precarious and low-wage employment, makes workers more vulnerable to harassment. Women comprise the majority of part-time and temporary workers in the United States and most of the world, as well as the majority of low-paid workers and those making minimum wage. Many of these workers live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford even a brief break in employment, making them less likely to report abuse. Precarious work arrangements, like subcontracting or other contingent arrangements, decrease oversight and accountability. Confronting violence and harassment at work requires addressing the underlying conditions that drive abuse—including worker organizing to win living wages, job security and protection from retaliation.  Learn more about some of the work of the AFL-CIO, our affiliates and other working people on this issue: Learn more about what the issue looks like around the world and what unions are doing to fight back! Our sister organization the Solidarity Center works with unions and labor right activists around the world. Dr. Jane Pillinger prepared a report for the ILO that includes examples of union actions on gender-based violence around the world. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/25/2018 - 11:30 — May 25
  • Fighting for Better Pay and Workplace Safety: What Working People Are Doing This Week
    Fighting for Better Pay and Workplace Safety: What Working People Are Doing This Week 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. Actors' Equity:
    “There is a misconception that we are in the ensemble because we are the least talented. Often times it’s the exact opposite.” - @FrozenBroadway ensemble member Tracee Beazer Barrett (@TraBeaz81 ) on why #EveryoneOnStage matters. — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 24, 2018
    AFGE:
    AFGE calls legislation an ‘extremely dangerous step’ toward privatization of the VA → https://t.co/O2rTZ259Zi #1u pic.twitter.com/dmBKNNPpcF — AFGE (@AFGENational) May 24, 2018
    AFSCME:
    Workers at a big social services agency in Portland, Oregon, have voted to join together with AFSCME Council 75. Better pay and workplace safety are two priorities for these workers. https://t.co/pXz1Km2GlI — AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 23, 2018
    AFT:
    Check out @AFTUtah President Brad Asay’s commentary about how Utah unions stand united to protect working families. #JanusvsAFSCME #IamAFT https://t.co/Ssce5m9HYK — AFT (@AFTunion) May 24, 2018
    Alliance for Retired Americans:
    Thanks for fighting for retirees @LisaBRochester! We appreciate your votes to protect #Medicare and #SocialSecurity https://t.co/2mb9h1tMoy #RetireeHero #RetireeVR17 pic.twitter.com/H7WU3Jnsdc — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) May 24, 2018
    Amalgamated Transit Union:
    TriMet's LIFT Contractor Accused of Labor and #HumanRights Violations https://t.co/TMjrxR139h #1u #transit #TriMet — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 18, 2018
    American Federation of Musicians:
    Nick Ballarini at Klyde Warren Park today courtesy of the Music Performance Trust Fund, @The_AFM and @KlydeWarrenPark pic.twitter.com/P7yUHa1CIM — AFM Local 72-147 (@dfwmusicians) May 23, 2018
    Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
    AFA released a quick reference guide to secure safe uniforms, define the problem, and encourage airlines to take adequate steps to avoid the safety hazard. New uniforms are rolling out at major airlines next week and over the next few years. WATCH: https://t.co/jcsbTw3Ro6 pic.twitter.com/MIwMy1VvtC — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 24, 2018
    Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
    Carrier Wanted to Move to Mexico. Trump Stepped In. A Year Later, This Is What Happened to Indianapolis. https://t.co/T89yRozqMf via @PopMech — BCTGM International (@BCTGM) May 24, 2018
    Boilermakers:
    Here's a little history for you: In the early 1900s #Boilermakers developed secret hand signals and a secret code book to protect communication (especially telegrams) from anti-union spies. #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/KK0UU9NyDk — Boilermaker News (@boilermakernews) May 24, 2018
    Bricklayers:
    Great to have .@staceyabrams with us today at our South Regional meeting in #Atlanta. Together, we will build a better #Georgia! #TeamAbrams #GAgov #gapol #1u pic.twitter.com/BDQ9HMIj2K — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) May 24, 2018
    Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
    Brother Burrus epitomized the fire that black trade unionists carry to survive racism and serve working people. Our condolences go out to his family. https://t.co/CmUax5mXRd — CBTU (@CBTU72) May 21, 2018
    Communications Workers of America:
    14,000 working people at @ATT may strike soon if necessary for good jobs, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement. #NoJobsNoDeal #1u Stand with them in their fight. Sign the petition: https://t.co/79FqPfKFgL pic.twitter.com/n3OstXgteq — CWA (@CWAUnion) May 23, 2018
    Department for Professional Employees:
    “We believe as a community that a teacher contract would help provide stability to the school, will help make sure teachers stay, and will also hold accountability to the administration to ensure principals stay as well.” #1u https://t.co/5kw6oBSwGO — DPE (@DPEaflcio) May 24, 2018
    Electrical Workers:
    Michigan prevailing wage repeal halted … for now https://t.co/2b0ba2FspU — IBEW (@IBEW) May 24, 2018
    Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
    Maybe some good news for #DACA recipients, most likely bad news for the rest of immigrants and our country as a whole. More info on the latest in #Congress by @taragolshan "The Return of the DACA Fight in Congress, Explained" https://t.co/loEgKamOOc — Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) May 24, 2018
    Fire Fighters:
    “Organized, the #firefighter is a champion, But-Unorganized he is in no condition to fight.” #IAFF100years #UnionStrong #labormovement pic.twitter.com/0NsUaLTTvz — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) May 24, 2018
    Heat and Frost Insulators:
    Looking for a career where you don’t have to worry about your gender influencing your paycheck? We believe in fair compensation and are looking for women who would like a career in Mechanical Insulating. Watch now: https://t.co/inecKQHji5 — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) May 24, 2018
    International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
    @IFPTE stands with our brother and sisters in @MachinistsUnion in their organizing of Boeing South Carolina! https://t.co/pE5xlUuYi6 — IFPTE WEST (@IfpteWest) May 22, 2018
    International Labor Communications Association:
    Enter the 2018 ILCA Labor Media Contest today! https://t.co/99EpVVeXhc #1u pic.twitter.com/59o9Hr7dES — ILCA Communications (@ILCAonline) May 14, 2018
    Ironworkers:
    Louie, a beloved elephant born @ToledoZoo received extra special care from Dunbar's rigging team when it was time for him to be transferred to a zoo in Omaha. Read more https://t.co/0ZnLBDyxLg pic.twitter.com/VFPHcwv2Kq — Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) May 22, 2018
    Jobs With Justice:
    Remember when Trump “saved” jobs at a @Carrier plant in Indiana? Well, hear from the working women and men at Carrier and find out what really happened. (Spoiler Alert: Trump didn’t do much) https://t.co/i77ul7FtBh — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) May 24, 2018
    Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
    Applications are now open for The Maria Portalatin National Freedom Scholarship! Every year this scholarship awards 3 students $1,000 book stipend and a laptop computer. Application deadline is June 20, 2018. https://t.co/u9QxAmITCR — LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 22, 2018
    Laborers:
    DYK the current repair backlog for #bridges requires $123 billion? #FixOurBridges #TimeToBuild — LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 24, 2018
    Machinists:
    SOLIDARITY REQUEST: The company is continuing its anti-union campaign. Sign the petition to stand with working people at Boeing South Carolina.https://t.co/WAaLQFv7hy — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 22, 2018
    Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association:
    Proud to support the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act! #ShipUSA @bvlworks @RepGaramendi @RogerWicker @Rep_Hunter @DonaldNorcross @RepLowenthal pic.twitter.com/CdPpo7pRhT — M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) May 23, 2018
    Maritime Trades Department:
    Maritime Trades Department stands in solidarity with its brothers and sisters with BCTGM Nabisco Workers. https://t.co/CHHVCx4eKz — MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) May 16, 2018
    Metal Trades Department:
    “These brave men and women didn’t risk life and limb to receive inferior care outside of the only health care system tailored to their unique needs.” How the VA MISSION Act is setting the stage for privatization of veterans care → https://t.co/WtsyV0pd5F https://t.co/WtsyV0pd5F — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) May 24, 2018
    Mine Workers:
    Thanks to @Bob_Casey for his hard work to preserve health care benefits retired miners earned in blood. #TheyEarnedIt https://t.co/UGE01v9xqB — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) May 22, 2018
    Musical Artists:
    Long the domain of men, choreography gets a female boost at @BalletWest1 National Choreographic Fest https://t.co/C4Rc1FqM7e pic.twitter.com/8VEsdWrZ6t — AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 15, 2018
    National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
    Thank you to everyone who helped #NCF have a successful #NATCAinWashington! Because of your generosity NCF raised a record amount of OVER $14,000 during NiW! Also, members helped us stuff 300 homeless kits to deliver to the local shelter. #NATCA #GivingBack — NATCACharitable (@NATCACharitable) May 24, 2018
    National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
    The trump agenda. https://t.co/IsQ4JCXW3u — NDLON (@NDLON) May 24, 2018
    National Domestic Workers Alliance:
    Adelaide, an immigrant #domesticworker, was in DC w/ her daughter yesterday to protest Trump's latest proposal to punish immigrant families "I shouldn't have to choose between being able to take my daughter to the doctor or getting papers to stay in the country" #ProtectFamilies pic.twitter.com/C4n3GD2iVp — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) May 24, 2018
    National Nurses United:
    DC nurses cheer contract, celebrate back pay due to them https://t.co/FYJawMs4eG #nursepower #1U pic.twitter.com/1861n7BdAs — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) May 23, 2018
    National Taxi Workers Alliance:
    The Ruling That Could Change New York’s Uber Landscape https://t.co/DvLJIZ0AxW — NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) May 24, 2018
    The NewsGuild-CWA:
    "Gannett should cease this act of nonsense and begin treating its Indianapolis journalists with the respect they deserve." https://t.co/r02wE3Hrrj — Indianapolis Newspaper Guild (@indynewsguild) May 19, 2018
    NFL Players Association:
    pic.twitter.com/3FvuGyy4tA — NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 23, 2018
    North America's Building Trades Unions:
    Thanks to @SenatorAument for focusing on this important issue. Well done @Boilermakers13 BM Williams and @IBEW3RDDISTRICT International Rep. Anderson making the trades' voice heard 🗣 https://t.co/eZ9GaxB3O1 — The Building Trades (@BldgTrdsUnions) May 24, 2018
    Painters and Allied Trades:
    Congratulations @staceyabrams! @GoIUPAT puts feet on the street where it matters most! #GroundGame 💯 pic.twitter.com/3bFf4CDd3R — GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) May 23, 2018
    Plasterers and Cement Masons:
    #OPCMIA Local leaders: We need you! We are creating an https://t.co/qQ49sbNAhz web page saluting and supporting our proud veteran members. Please obtain photos and brief biographies of your members who served in the U.S. or Canadian militaries — and email them to [email protected] — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) May 24, 2018
    Pride At Work:
    Hear ED Jerame Davis talk about the importance of constituency groups and the Pride at Work convention with the @MachinistsUnion Register for our convention today to get the Early Bird rate! https://t.co/sA6XKWwy5L https://t.co/RiL1HneoCS — Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) May 23, 2018
    Printing, Publishing and Media Workers:
    In a scathing 30-page dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called the ruling “egregiously wrong” and added that “Congressional correction … is urgently in order.” Sign if you agree with RBG 👉🏾 https://t.co/mPADwW91gi https://t.co/rwQx51WawB https://t.co/rwQx51WawB — CWA Printing Sector (@CWAPrintingSect) May 23, 2018
    Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
    @PASSNational is proud to join our union brothers & sisters @AFLCIO working to protect the nation's veterans & the dedicated public servants @AFGENational who provide their care at the VA. #NoMissionAct Call 833-480-1637; urge Senators to vote No. #1u #unionsolidarity https://t.co/8eu9HFyAFJ — PASS (@PASSNational) May 23, 2018
    Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:
    RWDSU is in the house for the New York Democratic Convention at @HofstraU. We're right at home, the @Local338 office is nearby in Mineola, NY, & all cafeteria and maintainable workers at Hofstra are @Local_1102 members! pic.twitter.com/G7hPb4l4aW — RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 23, 2018
    SAG-AFTRA:
    SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel & Families Support Committee is proud to support #GIFF2018 in DC. Vice-Chair Gene DeFrancis, committee member Marc Baron, and #sagaftramember @GarySinise attended the @gifilm congressional reception on Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/XGw3oWU8jy — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 24, 2018
    School Administrators:
    #BetsyDeVos faces questions over school shootings, makes no mention of guns or announcement of date for school safety commission deliverables https://t.co/HGHotRawqF — AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) May 22, 2018
    Seafarers:
    Congress has a responsibility to save the Merchant Marine https://t.co/aIo6suNw82 — Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) May 23, 2018
    Solidarity Center:
    Workers from #SriLanka Textile, Garment and Clothing Workers Union rallied in support of @ilo rule on #genderbasedviolence at work! Workers, employers & govt gathering now for #ILC2018 to discuss a draft convention!@ituc @AFLCIOGlobal @IndustriALL_GU @GLJhub @rosenbaumj — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 24, 2018
    Theatrical Stage Employees:
    Our @FoodBanksCanada #EveryPlatefull Challenge team page is up and running! #EveryPlateFull runs from May28th-Jun8th. Join, Help, Donate! https://t.co/FxtDoF1NdZ #YYC #Calgary #IATSE #IATSECares #FeedYYC @IATSE @IATSECanada @CalgaryFoodBank pic.twitter.com/RfqWsBypet — Iatse 212 Calgary (@Iatselocal212) May 24, 2018
    Transport Workers:
    Congratulations to TWU'S Mike Mayes, who was selected to serve on the @TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee https://t.co/AK6q0IEZur — TWU (@transportworker) May 24, 2018
    Transportation Trades Department:
    There is an increased risk for American travelers when U.S. planes are maintained and repaired by foreign companies. Read the full @RidgeGlobal report here: https://t.co/zkFjwuavuz @TransportWorker — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) May 24, 2018
    UAW:
    In this week's #LaborVoices, outgoing UAW President Dennis Williams reflects on the past four years and the importance of collective bargaining. https://t.co/Gh3XO0QSV2 — UAW (@UAW) May 23, 2018
    Union Label and Service Trades Department:
    Check out this video from NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt on Harley-Davidson's Greed after the #TaxScam https://t.co/pKGdH1D13A https://t.co/Ihil1ItEHk — Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) May 24, 2018
    Union Veterans Council:
    This is a purposefully directed attack against middle-class veterans and their families and will amount to one of the largest cuts (6.45% annually) to benefits the veterans community has received. @votevets @commondefense @vets4bernie @AFGENational https://t.co/1Nw7EGhPwe — UnionVeteransCouncil (@unionveterans) May 12, 2018
    UNITE HERE:
    Never let anyone define patriotism who excludes protest or the right to take collective action. This "policy" seems more about keeping predominantly black workers in their place than "protecting integrity."@unitehere stands strong with the @NFLPA and its members. #1u ✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/BXi6RQ5Ea5 — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) May 24, 2018
    United Food and Commercial Workers:
    “I love the fact that UFCW offers education programs like Free College. I was worried it was going to be complicated, but it was so easy to sign up for Free College. I’ll have 30 years at the plant come January and I’m in the paralegal program now.” Apply: https://t.co/9QC9Zu78xM pic.twitter.com/0UHCal0QiR — UFCW (@UFCW) May 24, 2018
    United Steelworkers:
    New UnionHall trainings just announced! For locals who’ve applied for websites, sign up for a training, here: https://t.co/kEZICEtpez pic.twitter.com/OLQFPxhpiy — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) May 24, 2018
    United Students Against Sweatshops:
    “I support @AFSCMELocal3299 workers because black, brown, indigenous and migrant labor is being exploited here on my campus. @UofCalifornia is acting like a corporation & selling out the workers who make campus run." - Diego, 3rd Year @UCBerkeley Urban Ecology & Edu. #WeRunUC — USAS (@USAS) May 8, 2018
    Utility Workers:
    @The_UWUA is proud to partner with @BayStateWind. We see this initiative as a model for the future of offshore wind energy development in this country.https://t.co/C067YEu8oz — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) May 19, 2018
    Working America:
    "As union membership in America has declined, economic inequality has risen. New research confirms the obvious: It ain’t a coincidence. Unions are the tools that built America’s 'golden age.'" #1uhttps://t.co/7bUcTBC1h2 pic.twitter.com/PjdZwqUsuP — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) May 24, 2018
    Writers Guild of America, East:
    Today is a great day to watch the Emmy and Writers Guild Award-winning documentary "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson," written by Geoffrey C. Ward and directed by Ken Burns. https://t.co/7oiM0ssPle — Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) May 24, 2018
    Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/25/2018 - 11:00     — May 25
  • We Must Stop the Worldwide Problem of Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace
    We Must Stop the Worldwide Problem of Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace Sexual harassment and gender-based violence are not just problems we see in the United States. In fact, gender-based violence is one of the most common human rights violations in the world. While it can affect any worker, women are most likely the targets because of systemic, unequal power relations. A new video from the Solidarity Center takes a look at the worldwide problem and offers solutions. Watch the video and learn more at the Solidarity Center's Gender-Based Violence webpage. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/24/2018 - 11:44 — May 24
  • Wrongfully Detained Korean Union Leader Han Sang-gyun Wins Release
    Wrongfully Detained Korean Union Leader Han Sang-gyun Wins Release KCTU In December 2015, President Han Sang-gyun of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions was imprisoned for defending trade union rights and fighting back against corporate corruption and the repressive government of former President Park Geun-hye of South Korea. This week, Han finally won his freedom. Of Han's release, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) said:
    We are all relieved that KCTU President Han Sang-gyun has been released from his wrongful detainment that was a political act of retribution expressly aimed at punishing his role in organizing union protests. President Han represents the best of the labor movement—an advocate armed with unwavering dedication to the fight for economic justice, even in the face of personal persecution. Across the globe, working people salute his sacrifice and welcome him home with open arms. Still, the struggle for justice will continue until we secure the release of KCTU General Secretary Lee Young-joo, who was arrested for the same organizing efforts. Her continued detainment highlights the enormous fights that lie ahead for working people, and the release of Han reflects our capacity to ultimately win.
    In 2017, AFL-CIO awarded Han with the George Meany–Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award for his activism on behalf of working people. Han's career is noted for perseverance in the face of anti-democratic repression and militant action against long odds. Starting as a student activist, Han later helped organize a union at the auto manufacturing plant where he worked. In 2008, he was elected chair of his union. His efforts to fight layoffs at his company led to a 77-day occupation of the plant for which Han was sent to prison for three years. After his release, he continued to fight for working people with a 171-day sit-in near the plant. After the conclusion of the sit-in, hundreds of jobs were saved. In 2014, KCTU held it's first direct vote to choose their president and Han won. During his tenure in office:
    Union activists have been at the forefront of the fight for social justice in South Korea. Workers have mobilized against anti-worker labor legislation and government corruption in a series of massive peaceful demonstrations. President Park frequently responded to dissent with police brutality, mass arrests and harsh jail sentences targeted at leaders, including President Han, who bravely continued to organize. The Korean labor movement and civil society eventually forced the ouster of President Park, who later was charged with bribery, abuse of power and other crimes.... After the impeachment and trial of President Park Geun-hye, the Korean labor movement helped usher in a new, more worker-friendly administration under President Moon Jae-in. However, its fight for justice is ongoing. Many activists still are imprisoned and Korean workers continue to struggle in the face of regressive labor laws and a lack of accountability from Korea’s major corporations.
    Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/23/2018 - 11:06 Tags: Korea     — May 23