AFL-CIO Blog

  • Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Andy Levin
    Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Andy Levin Andy Levin for Congress This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Michigan congressional candidate Andy Levin. Here are some of the key reasons why Levin is one of the best candidates for working people in 2018:
    • Levin wants to make increasing living standards a part of all trade deals.
    • He favors raising the minimum wage.
    • Levin said he wants to focus on restoring the freedom of working people to organize and bargain collectively.
    • He wants to expand paid family leave. 
    • Levin will fight for equal pay and benefits for all women, particularly women of color.
    • In Michigan, he became the state's first chief workforce officer and created a program, "No Worker Left Behind," which helped more than 162,000 Michiganders get workforce training and another 120,000 get new jobs.
    • He will fight Republican attempts to undermine and privatize Social Security. 
    • Levin advocates for universal public education under local control with well-compensated teachers.
    • He wants to create a comprehensive, long-term program to invest in roads, bridges, sewers, mass transit and other infrastructure.
    • In Congress, he will stand up for trade policies that protect the rights of working people and raise the standard of living for workers in all countries that are involved.
    • He said he wants to change tax policies to stop incentivizing outsourcing.
    • Levin will vote to increase investment in job training and apprenticeships.
    • He wants Congress to pass legislation barring discrimination against LGBTQ-plus people in employment, housing and other aspects of American life.
    • Levin said he wants the United States to move away from the prison industrial complex and favors other criminal justice reforms that diminish the oppression of people of color.
    • He wants comprehensive immigration reform with a clear pathway to citizenship and wants to end family separations at the border.
    • Levin will work to protect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau so it can continue to protect families that are treated poorly by banks, payday lenders, check cashing stores and others.
    • He wants to ensure access to affordable health care for all Americans by passing Medicare for All and taking on the high cost of prescription drugs.
    • Levin wants to embrace postal banking as a way to give Americans easy access to banking services from a trustworthy source.​
    • He supports a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United in order to bring full disclosure of all money donated to influence elections.
    Learn more about Levin at his website. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/16/2018 - 09:15 Tags: Elections 2018     — Aug 16
  • A Huge Win: The Working People Weekly List
    A Huge Win: 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 Huge Win for Organized Labor in Missouri: "'The defeat of this poisonous anti-worker legislation is a victory for all workers across the country,' declared AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka as the results came in Tuesday night. 'The message sent by every single person who worked to defeat Prop. A is clear: When we see an opportunity to use our political voice to give workers a more level playing field, we will seize it with overwhelming passion and determination. Tonight is the latest act of working people changing a rigged system that for decades has been favoring corporations, the mega wealthy and the privileged few.'" Unions Triumph at the Ballot Box: "Something is happening in America. Missouri, riding a nationwide wave of victories for working people, on Tuesday became the first state in history to overturn a so-called right-to-work law by popular vote. It was an incredible display of the labor movement’s capacity to win change." Giving 'Hope to Workers Across the Nation,' Missouri Votes to Repeal GOP Attack on Unions: "'Brothers and sisters, tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow we must get back to work,' declared Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis in a speech following Tuesday's victory. 'Tomorrow we must continue to organize. Together, we made history. Together, we must continue to fight for working families.'" Ethical Camping Essentials: "Ah, the great outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the s’mores! That’s right. When you’re planning an outdoor vacation during the final weeks of summer, you’ll need a bunch of supplies, both fun and practical. Whether you’re protecting against the elements or putting together a decadent fireside treat, Labor 411 reminds you to shop for ethical American-made brands manufactured by companies that treat their workers fairly. Enjoy the outdoors, and together we’ll camp our way to a stronger America." Hard Work Pays Off in Missouri: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states." Support Locked-Out Boilermakers in Montana: "On Aug. 2, Imerys locked out members of the Boilermakers (IBB) and brought in replacements at its talc plant in Three Forks, Montana. The lockout comes after Imerys consistently has refused to back down from its anti-worker contract proposal. The proposed contract would eliminate retiree health insurance, seniority, overtime over eight hours, double-time pay for overtime and the current defined contribution 401(k) plan, and would freeze the defined pension plan." Missouri's Working People Overwhelmingly Reject Right to Work: "Last night was historic for working people in Missouri. Wealthy corporate interests tried to use their money to rig the system in favor of the 1%. But Missourians rejected the cynical power grab by an overwhelming 2-1 majority. Something big is happening with America’s working people—something that will bring change—and last night was just the latest evidence of this groundswell." Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/13/2018 - 11:14 — Aug 13
  • Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Stacey Abrams
    Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Stacey Abrams Stacey Abrams for Governor This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Here are some of the key reasons why Abrams is one of the best candidates for working people in 2018:
    • She is the only gubernatorial candidate to propose a detailed jobs plan.
    • Abrams has introduced Georgia's Advanced Energy Jobs Plan to deliver tens of thousands of high-wage jobs. 
    • In a visit to Ironworkers Local 709, she has noted that her jobs program would increase registered apprenticeships in the state from 8,000 to 22,000 by 2022.
    • As co-founder of financial services firm NOW Account and other small businesses, she has helped create and retain jobs in the state.
    • Abrams wants to use old buildings to turn the city of Macon into a hub for renewable energy such as hydro, biomass, wind and solar.
    • She has received the Friend of Labor award for her support of working families.
    • While minority leader, she has led the charge to stop the practice of employee misclassification.
    • She said she wants to be the public education governor and has fought an undemocratic takeover of schools that would've shifted power to unelected officials only answerable to the governor.
    • Abrams would help small businesses access capital, skilled labor and critical infrastructure. 
    • She would prioritize economic mobility to make sure hardworking families have a chance to succeed. 
    • To do this, Abrams would establish a state earned income tax credit, focus on tax breaks for working families rather than the richest individuals and corporations and expand access to child care tax credits and subsidies.
    • In her agenda, she demands workplaces never discriminate based on a person’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability or immigration status.
    • Abrams would promote policies to ensure pay equity.
    • She wants to expand paid sick leave.
    • Abrams favors the state requiring a living wage in every county.
    • As a legislator, she has co-sponsored legislation to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
    • She supports a Georgia civil rights bill to protect the LGBTQ-plus community, immigrants, people of color, and people of faith from discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and the workplace.
    • Abrams wants to end abusive on-call scheduling, so that families can have predictable workweeks and paychecks.
    • She has called for investment in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit, water and sewer systems, ports, broadband, and clean energy.
    • Abrams wants public projects to utilize more Georgia workers and products.
    • She opposes legislation that bans project labor agreements on public works projects.
    Learn more about Abrams at her website. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/13/2018 - 09:12 Tags: Elections 2018     — Aug 13
  • Ethical Camping Essentials
    Ethical Camping Essentials Labor 411 Ah, the great outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the s’mores! That’s right. When you’re planning an outdoor vacation during the final weeks of summer, you’ll need a bunch of supplies, both fun and practical. Whether you’re protecting against the elements or putting together a decadent fireside treat, Labor 411 reminds you to shop for ethical American-made brands manufactured by companies that treat their workers fairly. Enjoy the outdoors, and together we’ll camp our way to a stronger America. S’mores
    • Campfire marshmallows
    • Chocolate – Ghirardelli, Hershey, Cadbury
    • Honey Maid graham crackers
    Grill 
    • Weber 
    Hammocks
    • Algoma Net
    Outdoor Clothing
    • AFL-CIO union-made gear
    • All American Clothing Co.
    • Carhartt
    Coffee
    • 
Eight O’Clock coffee

    • Folgers

    • Maxwell House
    • Millstone coffee
    • USA Coffee Company
    Hot Cocoa 
    • Ghirardelli
    • Swiss Miss

    Coolers 
    • Rubbermaid
    Sunscreen 
    • Bain de Soleil
    • Coppertone

    This post originally appeared at Labor 411. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/09/2018 - 14:12 Tags: Union Made     — Aug 9
  • Hard Work Pays Off In Missouri: In the States Roundup
    Hard Work Pays Off In Missouri: 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:
    The Alabama AFL-CIO held its endorsement convention on August 2-3, 2018 at the Embassy Suites, in Montgomery, Alabama.https://t.co/YJHKRJ3h7r— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 6, 2018
    Arizona AFL-CIO:
    Some are calling this the "Missouri Miracle." Nonsense. This victory was no miracle; it was hard work by dedicated Missouri union members with the help of our brothers and sisters from all over the U.S. including Arizona. https://t.co/CvZySyNTZH— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    "The November election has been tailored to delight the business lobby, with the exception of one proposal that would upset its legislative apple cart. Working men and women beware." -Ark Times https://t.co/upuxIzj9KI ^JH #arklabor #NoOn1 #protectarfamilies @ARlaborradio— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    California Labor Federation:
    "Don’t let the billionaires privatize and destroy public education in our state. Keep our public schools free, funded and public."@Dartaft on why we MUST vote @TonyThurmond for Supt. of Public Instruction📝👏🏼 https://t.co/I2Aa8XNGf7#1u #ourvoteourvoice #unionstrong— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 8, 2018
    Florida AFL-CIO:
    Creating a living wage across Florida takes center stage at the #fldemdebate, a centerpiece of https://t.co/D9SwGWAXlV.— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 2, 2018
    Idaho State AFL-CIO:
    Read the fine print. #organize https://t.co/vGcPUKAtcJ— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) August 2, 2018
    Illinois AFL-CIO:
    Another photo from today's rally. #EOhellNO #RedForFeds pic.twitter.com/F1H8AjvGcN— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 25, 2018
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    RT @WorkingAmerica: "Federal appellate judge Brett Kavanaugh, anti-worker President Donald Trump’s nominee for a vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat, would 'skew the court even more towards corporations and the elite,'" #StopKavanaugh https://t.co/0Mucvp4MUe pic.twitter.com/DwjlgPbWoU— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Why pastors should preach about labor unions https://t.co/beTX5rly9v— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    Missourians went to the polls yesterday and defeated Right to Work. This Friday, oral arguments before the Kentucky Supreme Court will be held in our case against KY’s so-called “Right-to-Work” law.2018 is the year of the worker.And we’re just... https://t.co/Gj1ERkxmgq— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) August 8, 2018
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    LIVE from Orono, members of the powerful German union @IGMetall share with local Maine union members what their labor movement is like. https://t.co/DOavc42nEg #1u #solidarity #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    Brian Doherty from @metrobtc speaking on @RadioBoston about what construction unions do to combat the opioid crisis: Construction Industry Has Highest Opioid OD Death Rates In Mass. https://t.co/rLvRdfn3I9 #1u— Massachusetts AFLCIO (@massaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    As Missouri goes, so goes the nation? https://t.co/IJbQZVkvsB— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) August 9, 2018
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    Whether it’s expanding the labor movement, bargaining life-changing contracts, rewriting the rules of the economy, or filling the halls of power with our allies, unions are on the rise. https://t.co/AkLsawft5B— Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    MN @AFLCIO congratulates working Missourians for defeating “Right to Work” https://t.co/TlW1EVBa9f #VoteNoOnPropA #1u @MOAFLCIO #Labor18 Today’s vote should serve as a clear message to MN policymakers that working people are sick of attacks on our freedom to prosper. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/xjUYSxFbvD— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    It was wrong in 1978 and it was wrong 2018! Missouri workers win! Thank you! We have repealed “right-to-work”! pic.twitter.com/RfZ89JsC2Y— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    Day 4 of the @Imerys lockout. Let @Imerys know what you think of it’s union-busting and worker intimidation. #StandWithThreeForks— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 5, 2018
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    "Collective bargaining affects pay standards across entire industries, meaning even nonunion workers benefit. Unions also reduce gender and racial wage gaps across industries, which contributes to broader equality in society."https://t.co/ZdYylfuZcU— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
    Proud to stand with @GovMurphy who signed an EO combating worker misclassification in order to promote a level playing field for workers across the state. https://t.co/Y185jWwn4l pic.twitter.com/8PQfmLkQvA— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) May 3, 2018
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    An attack on one is an attack on ALL! Labor Unions in New Mexico stand united in #RedForFeds!! 💪🔴 @AFLCIO @AFGENational pic.twitter.com/FvzgtK8XvQ— NMFL (@LaborFed4NM) July 25, 2018
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    14,000 #UnionStrong working people at @ATT may strike soon if necessary for good jobs, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement. #NoJobsNoDeal #1uStand with them in their fight. Sign the petition: https://t.co/1e1b7Ggwf5— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 3, 2018
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    Missouri is just the beginning. When working people come together, NO ONE can stop us! https://t.co/q6FfF2I9mJ— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    North Dakota AFL-CIO:
    Kavanaugh has a bad record when it comes to workers! 1-844-899-9913 Call now! #1u pic.twitter.com/N9DJchUagp— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) July 26, 2018
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Kicking a$$ for the working (and artistic) class. #Solidarity from #Ohio! #UnrigTheSystem https://t.co/1mJLtFzrhq— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    Nichols Park Restoration Receives USA 2017 Conservation Project of the Year Awardhttps://t.co/oppN79dT5T— Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) August 9, 2018
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    Oregon is leading the charge in bringing behavioral health workers together to make positive changes in their important work:https://t.co/51wD3BEjK5 #UnionStrong @oregonafscme— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    Philly leads the country in wage growth. Proud of this Union City! @PhillyAFLCIOhttps://t.co/N4PFflUJUA— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 9, 2018
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    #Eastland @UFCWLocal328 #1U #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity #Jobs #WorkersRights https://t.co/YNhUqTlMqv— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 2, 2018
    South Carolina AFL-CIO:
    Kavanaugh Sided With Trump Casino in 2012 to Thwart Union Drive https://t.co/Wiy19wRSGH— SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) August 7, 2018
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    TEA staff testifies that charter schools often “counsel” students with special needs to go elsewhere and claim they can’t serve them the way real public schools do. #charterschools #txed #txlege #AllmeansAll @DisRightsTx @pastors4txkids pic.twitter.com/R7f7cv1ylx— Texas AFT (@TexasAFT) August 8, 2018
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Delegate @ChrisHurstVA presenting a workshop full of helpful tips and guidance on “Working with the Media” to union members who are interested in addressing media outlets in order to cover their interests and events. pic.twitter.com/BgafYQfYnU— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Washington State Labor Council:
    We marched for the dignity of farm workers (by WSLC President Jeff Johnson) https://t.co/G8OcphjZTH "Farm workers shouldn’t have to go to work to suffer, but rather to earn family-supporting wages and to be treated with dignity." pic.twitter.com/xGnQRHhDh6— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 7, 2018
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Union helps laid-off Harley employees retrain for new KC-area jobs, https://t.co/dsDnMvq3lx— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/09/2018 - 13:37     — Aug 9