AFL-CIO Blog

  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Can't Stop, Won't Shop
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Can't Stop, Won't Shop AFL-CIO In the latest episode of "State of the Unions," podcast co-hosts Julie and Tim talk to Kristen Johnson, a deli manager and shop steward at the Stop & Shop in Somerville, Massachusetts. Kristen and more than 30,000 of her co-workers, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), are out on strike for fair pay, benefits and respect on the job. "State of the Unions" is a tool to help us bring you the issues and stories that matter to working people. It captures the stories of workers across the country and is co-hosted by two young and diverse members of the AFL-CIO team: Mobilization Director Julie Greene and Executive Speechwriter Tim Schlittner. A new episode drops every other Wednesday featuring interesting interviews with workers and our allies across the country, as well as compelling insights from the podcast’s hosts. Listen to our previous episodes: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/18/2019 - 11:36 Tags: Podcast — Apr 18
  • Stand with Stop & Shop Workers: The Working People Weekly List
    Stand with Stop & Shop Workers: 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 the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List. Support Stop & Shop Workers: "Some 31,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are on strike at Stop & Shop supermarkets across New England, walking off the job to fight back against slashed health care benefits. Stand with our brothers and sisters today and sign UFCW’s petition demanding that executives agree to a fair contract that reflects the true value of their workers." Protecting the Most Vulnerable: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states." Meet the First Woman President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO: "Elected the first woman president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Stephanie Bloomingdale has more than two decades of experience in labor as an organizer, negotiator, trainer and activist. She served as secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO for eight years before her election as president in September 2018. Previously, she was director of public policy for the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, working on behalf of nurses and health care workers throughout the state. Bloomingdale has a statewide reputation as a tenacious fighter and tough negotiator, skills she says she had to develop to survive 20 years of arbitrations, grievance hearings and battles in the legislature." Rutgers Faculty Picket Board of Governors Meeting at University’s Newark Campus: "'An injury to one is an injury to all!' 'Rutgers is for education! We are not a corporation!' The chants of frustrated faculty members disrupted an otherwise quiet campus in Newark on Tuesday, as hundreds gathered outside of the Rutgers University Paul Robeson Center to picket the board of governors meeting." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: American Postal Workers Union: "Next up in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the American Postal Workers Union (APWU)." Collective Voices Lead to Victory: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with grocery store workers using their collective voices and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life." Economy Gains 196,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Unchanged at 3.8%: "The U.S. economy gained 196,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continued lower levels of job growth provide good reason for the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee to express caution in considering any interest rate hikes." Education Minnesota Is Gaining Strength One Conversation at a Time: "Just over 18 months ago, the leaders of Education Minnesota (an affiliate of both the AFT and the National Education Association) decided that something had to change. With the Janus v. AFSCME decision looming, and the 2018 midterm elections set to follow, the 90,000-member union knew that membership engagement had to be its top priority." ‘Anthem’ Voice Actor on Unionization, Struggles of Creation: "The refutation came as there is a growing push for more workers rights and unionization from many members of the gaming community, including the grassroots organization Gamer Workers Unite. Even the AFL-CIO, America’s largest labor organization, recently asked games industry employees to fight for adequate pay and sensible work hours. 'This is a moment for change,' said AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Liz Shuler. 'It won’t come from CEOs. It won’t come from corporate boards. And, it won’t come from any one person. Change will happen when you gain leverage by joining together in a strong union. And, it will happen when you use your collective voice to bargain for a fair share of the wealth you create every day.'" Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/17/2019 - 10:14 — Apr 17
  • Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: BCTGM
    Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: BCTGM AFL-CIO Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM).  Name of Union: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Mission: The primary goal of the BCTGM has not changed in more than 130 years—to bring economic justice in the workplace to all workers in our jurisdiction and social justice to workers throughout the United States and Canada. Current Leadership of Union: David B. Durkee has served as BCTGM international president since September 2012. Prior to his election as international president, Durkee served as international secretary-treasurer, international executive vice president, international director of organization and international representative. Durkee began his life as a BCTGM activist in 1973 when he joined Local 280 (Evansville, Indiana) as a baker at Lewis Brothers Bakery. He was re-elected as international president by delegates to the BCTGM international constitutional conventions in 2014 and 2018. Members Work As: Manufacturing, production workers, maintenance and sanitation workers. Industries Represented: BCTGM represents working men and women at some of the most widely recognized companies in the baking, candy, snack food, dairy, tobacco and grain milling industries in North America. History: The Bakery and Confectionery Workers International Union of America, one of the pioneers of the North American labor movement, was organized in 1886. In 1957, the American Bakery and Confectionery Workers' International Union was formed. In 1969, the two organizations united. The Tobacco Workers International Union was founded in 1895 and was also in the forefront of the labor movement. As it and the Bakery and Confectionery Workers' International Union of America shared many common goals, both organizations came to realize those goals best could be achieved through a merger. That merger, creating the BC&T, took place in 1978. The American Federation of Grain Millers (AFGM) had roots stemming back to the late 1800s. In 1936, the National Council of Grain Processors was formed when federal grain milling unions agreed to unite as a national union under the American Federation of Labor (AFL). In 1941, the council was renamed the American Federation of Grain Processors and in 1948 was granted an international charter as the AFGM. Shared goals and industries caused the Jan. 1, 1999, merger between the BC&T and AFGM, resulting in the BCTGM. Current Campaigns: BCTGM's Check the Label campaign urges consumers to boycott Nabisco-Mondelēz products made in Mexico. BCTGM also is leading the fight to find a legislative solution to America’s growing pension crisis. Community Efforts: BCTGM partners with the United Way and provides scholarships for members and their children. Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/15/2019 - 11:30 — Apr 15
  • Support Stop & Shop Workers
    Support Stop & Shop Workers AFL-CIO Some 31,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are on strike at Stop & Shop supermarkets across New England, walking off the job to fight back against slashed health care benefits. Stand with our brothers and sisters today and sign UFCW’s petition demanding that executives agree to a fair contract that reflects the true value of their workers. Thanks to the tireless labor of tens of thousands of working people, Stop & Shop is thriving. Its parent company, Ahold Delhaize, recorded profits of more than $2 billion last year. Over the past three years, its shareholders have pocketed $4 billion in stock buybacks. Yet, Stop & Shop executives want even more—and they’re targeting the same workers who built that immense wealth. Going nearly two months without a contract, UFCW members have faced threats to their wages, health care, retirement and overall livelihoods. Walking out of more than 240 stores throughout New England, working people are standing up for their most fundamental rights and dignities in the country’s largest private-sector work stoppage in years. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka sent a message to the Stop & Shop workers:
    The 31,000 striking @UFCW members at @StopandShop have the support of our 55 affiliates and 12.5 million members across the country. For those in the striking areas remember — don’t cross the picket line. #1u pic.twitter.com/AxRJZdGilb — Richard Trumka (@RichardTrumka) April 11, 2019
    Stand with them in this fight: Sign UFCW’s petition—and don’t cross a picket line! Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/12/2019 - 15:16     — Apr 12
  • Protecting the Most Vulnerable: In the States Roundup
    Protecting the Most Vulnerable: In the States Roundup AFL-CIO 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:
    11th annual "Road Kill BBQ" is getting off to a great start. #1U pic.twitter.com/Cm9BXBUSX0— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 3, 2019
    Alaska AFL-CIO:
    Thank you, @AKHouseMajority for protecting Alaska's most vulnerable. #akleg https://t.co/UTA3jaTd8r— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 7, 2019
    Arizona AFL-CIO:
    Proposal to lower minimum wage for young workers dead https://t.co/aGJRsWeL9N— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    The official vote for HB1955. Thank the 52 members who voted to keep in place the very limited protections for injured workers & surviving families. #arpx #arleg501-682-6211 pic.twitter.com/KKQkGV37BN— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) April 5, 2019
    California Labor Federation:
    "Side hustles are not simply a new version of working as a “wage slave” so that we can do what we love...Instead, far more often, people take on 2nd or 3rd side hustles because of wage stagnation or low pay at their full-time jobs." #AB5 #DisruptInequality https://t.co/MnX5AqDUUa— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 8, 2019
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    There’s only one way for these workers to push back against the way they’re exploited while franchises like Call of Duty churn out money for those at the very top: unionization. https://t.co/sX5DrSm9z2— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 9, 2019
    Florida AFL-CIO:
    “This is not about protecting the constitution,” @rtemplin. “This is about protecting the status quo.”https://t.co/7LgAMq2xta— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 9, 2019
    Georgia AFL-CIO:
    Union member and State Senator @SenNanOrrock pumping up the crowd at the @AFLCIO Southern District meetings! #1u pic.twitter.com/X7MoAumY7S— AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 4, 2019
    Idaho State AFL-CIO:
    Thanks @GovernorLittle https://t.co/CeuPtH161n— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) April 5, 2019
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    Sending solidarity to @UniteHerelocal1 workers who have been on strike for 7 months at @CambriaMagMile in Chicago✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏿 #1u https://t.co/Bgulzz3ZUF— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Submit 2019 Hall of Fame Nominations https://t.co/VTyaL6CbDC— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) April 9, 2019
    Kansas State AFL-CIO:
    Working people everywhere thanks you Governor Kelly for the veto of SB 22. pic.twitter.com/ZEDqMXlbc6— Kansas AFL-CIO (@KansasAFLCIO) March 25, 2019
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    From Insider Louisville: “City worker unions reject mayor’s request for pay freeze”“Ron Richmond of AFSCME Council 962 — representing city workers at the Louisville Free... https://t.co/CRhvRAFA1i— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) April 8, 2019
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    Sherry Nadeau delivering powerful testimony about how unfairly the workers comp system has treated her husband, who was disabled 13 years ago after his employer accidentally ran him over #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    Proud to honor workers and leaders at the annual Jewish Labor Committee's #LaborSeder @StevenATolman @UNITEHERE26 @Usw04 pic.twitter.com/BU1063o6pB— Massachusetts AFLCIO (@massaflcio) April 8, 2019
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    Teachers circulate petition to fully fund DC schools https://t.co/de6xcOreP3— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) April 5, 2019
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    This is an important victory for working people who were denied the opportunity to seek justice after being wrongfully accused of committing fraud by the Snyder Administrationttps://fox17online.com/2019/04/05/mi-supreme-court-rules-victims-in-uia-cases-can-sue-the-state/— Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) April 5, 2019
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    Scapegoating Unions for the Postal Service’s Phony Crisis https://t.co/8ywhIzI2aW #1u @NALC_National @APWUnational pic.twitter.com/KoQ6qpF50f— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    IBEW Local 1’s Tom George honored with 2019 Kortkamp Humanitarian Award. Way to go Tom! https://t.co/6dorl1uGAK pic.twitter.com/tBZpetSPoI— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 9, 2019
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    When public workers are shifted into private compensation programs it weakens their access to benefits and their negotiating power. 👇#mtpol #mtleg19 https://t.co/lIn1dbUECZ— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 5, 2019
    Nebraska AFL-CIO:
    https://t.co/oX6u0IqQB1— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) March 28, 2019
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    Apprenticeship Day 2019 at the #NVLeg happens on April 23 from 10a-3p. Apprenticeship programs are a key piece of the future of Nevada's workforce. Stop by and learn more! https://t.co/RUyUvSs9ux— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
    Thanks to the Portsmouth Herald & Foster's Daily Democrat for running Pres. Glenn Brackett's op-ed: ""Now is the time to remember those who kept our towns safe, educated our children, and managed our roads and parks." https://t.co/5vToZ0Zjq6— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) March 27, 2019
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    We are supporting our Brothers and Sisters who are fighting for their right to bargain and gather in union!#RedforFeds #Solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/es7sEgD8mb— NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) April 4, 2019
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    Wearing 🔴 RED 🔴 today to support our @AFGENational sisters and brothers. #1u #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/16gtpcxnnU— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) April 4, 2019
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    #TogetherWeWin! Will you say #CountMeIn to win even more victories for NC working families in 2019? https://t.co/S1Esw1Klo0 #1u #ncpol #OrganizeTheSouth— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 26, 2019
    North Dakota AFL-CIO:
    Here in North Dakota, women are paid on average $0.79 for every $1 paid to male counterparts. All women deserve to be paid equally & recognized for their contribution to the economy and our communities.https://t.co/Oqrju3Ff7s #EqualPayDay pic.twitter.com/CmnAtkCLDK— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) April 2, 2019
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Usually we turn on the news and are divided. We need to hear and see more stories like this showing the goodness of people and celebrating our differences! pic.twitter.com/0ZLQCbwI9T— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 7, 2019
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    Did you know that the average 1st year apprentice in OK makes $16.52 an hour?Check out the 2019 OK Apprenticeship Book and Report which goes into detail on all the union construction apprenticeship programs in OK and how to apply. Check it out here - https://t.co/0cRhuarw8r— Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) April 8, 2019
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    https://t.co/xNPo2BZfxJ— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    ICYMI: PA Workers were winning all over the Commonwealth! https://t.co/akNQZI4tF2— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 5, 2019
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    #NationalBeerDay #1U https://t.co/haS2qriFWq— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 8, 2019
    South Carolina AFL-CIO:
    Please keep our Brothers family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/xXbSSAEGeH— SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) April 7, 2019
    Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
    This practice is disturbingly common in many states, including Tennessee. "In all, these copycat bills amount to the nation’s largest, unreported special-interest campaign, driving agendas in every statehouse and touching nearly every area of... https://t.co/QxtZryu4op— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 9, 2019
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    Texas AFL-CIO Launches Union Candidate Training https://t.co/RaXkXsXwxZ— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 8, 2019
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    The Gender Wage Gap Is Robbing Women Of Billions | WUNC https://t.co/YNf6T8iRUg— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) April 4, 2019
    Washington State Labor Council:
    Contact your WA State Senators and tell then NO on the amended SB 5313! #waleg https://t.co/bORxW4RO9d— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 5, 2019
    West Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Working WVians, who struggle to have their voices heard above special interests, cannot compete w/political donations of wealthy residents & out-of-state corporations. WV needs more transparency of political spending, not more money flooding into our state’s elections! pic.twitter.com/G2oxgX2A28— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) March 21, 2019
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Get the WI AFL-CIO Union Families Budget Breakdown:https://t.co/Jq5YuB86UT— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 6, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/11/2019 - 15:34     — Apr 11