AFL-CIO Blog

  • Labor Radio Podcast Network Launches Interactive Network Map
    Labor Radio Podcast Network Launches Interactive Network Map To highlight the geographic reach of more than 70 members in four countries, the Labor Radio Network has created an interactive map. Launched in 2019, the Labor Radio Podcast Network focuses on working-class issues that are often overlooked in the corporate-controlled media. The goal of the network is to help raise the voices of working people and strengthen organized labor to demand and achieve better treatment from workplaces and elected officials. If you are a journalist interested in learning more, or if you’re a labor radio or podcast producer and want to join the network, contact us at [email protected]. Visit the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/26/2020 - 14:04 Tags: Podcast — Oct 26
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IFPTE Backs Members Running in Kansas
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IFPTE Backs Members Running in Kansas 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. The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) is throwing its support behind three of its own members running in Kansas: Matthew Joyce and Derek Milligan are running for the state House and Charity Kennedy is a candidate for Sedgwick County treasurer. Earlier this month, IFPTE sent out a series of mailers in support of the three members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace/IFPTE (SPEEA/IFPTE) Local 2001. The mailers, which were sent to nearly 2,700 members living in Kansas, highlighted not only the fact that fellow IFPTE members were seeking office, but that they would be strong voices for the rights of workers to collectively bargain. IFPTE International President Paul Shearon commented that, “IFPTE is a strong proponent of union members running for elected office, as they are the ones who become the strongest advocates for workers and unions in office. IFPTE is proud that Matthew, Charity and Derek are taking this step to run and are happy to support them.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/26/2020 - 09:32 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Oct 26
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Alliance for Retired Americans and NFLPA Team Up to Educate Older Pennsylvania Voters about Voting in 2020
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Alliance for Retired Americans and NFLPA Team Up to Educate Older Pennsylvania Voters about Voting in 2020 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. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Former Players Services Department and the Alliance for Retired Americans released a public service announcement (PSA) on Tuesday to encourage all Pennsylvania seniors to vote and ensure they are aware of how to cast a ballot by mail. This year’s elections mark the first time that any Pennsylvania voter can get a mail ballot. The PSA features Robin Cole, vice president of the NFLPA Former Players Pittsburgh chapter and retired linebacker who won two Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in 1979 and 1980; his wife, Judith Cole; and Harriet Ellenberger, a member of the Pennsylvania Alliance. “Everyone needs to make a plan to vote this year,” Cole said. “I usually vote at the church, but this year Judith and I are going to vote by mail.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/23/2020 - 09:20 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Oct 23
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Black Training Leaders in the Bricklayers Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Black Training Leaders in the Bricklayers Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union 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. Kay Whigan (BAC) stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall and carries a deep and booming voice. A welding instructor at the John J. Flynn Bricklayers (BAC)/IMI International Training Center in Maryland, he admits that one of his biggest fears about becoming an instructor was how his students would perceive him. As a Black man who grew up in Alabama, Whigan said he is no stranger to racism. So as an instructor, he worried that his appearance might be intimidating. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the job,” said Whigan, who said he was tapped some years ago for a foreman role. “They told me I’d be good at it because of how I carry myself and how I treat people. When I’m working with someone—whether it’s a student in the shop or a worker on the job—I want them to feel nourished and uplifted. We need to make a point to lend one another a helping hand.” Click here to read more about what Black training leaders are doing to build a more diverse and inclusive union. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/22/2020 - 09:37 Tags: Community Service, COVID-19 — Oct 22
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Perform Humanitarian Rescue of Stranded Boaters
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Perform Humanitarian Rescue of Stranded Boaters 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. Members of the Seafarers (SIU) recently came to the rescue of stranded boaters in the Pacific Ocean, some 150 miles off the California coast. Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair provided the photo above from the MV Jean Anne (Pasha Hawaii). “The boat was drifting at sea for days….The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard,” Sinclair explained. “The people in the boat were Mexican citizens trying to gain access to the U.S. Their motor gave out, resulting in the boat drifting aimlessly in the Pacific. The SIU crew professionally performed duties in this humanitarian rescue.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/21/2020 - 09:37 Tags: Community Service, COVID-19 — Oct 21