MUST READ
Labor Leaders Condemn GOP Fiscal Commission as Anti-Worker 'Power Grab'
Common Dreams
By Jake Johnson
Feb. 15, 2024
A coalition of U.S. labor leaders spoke out forcefully on Thursday against the Republican-led push for a "fiscal commission," denouncing the proposal as an attack on Social Security, Medicare, and other programs that tens of millions of current and retired workers depend on to meet basic needs. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement that a fiscal commission is a "terrible idea that would push older Americans into poverty, take away people's healthcare, and end up costing the government more."
POLITICS
Kamala Harris touts strength of labor unions to build the middle class
CNBC
By Chelsey Cox
Feb. 15, 2024
Unions boost pay 10% to 15% for members and improve fringe benefits, bolstering the middle class and economy, a U.S. Department of the Treasury report released Monday said. "Union workers make our middle class and our entire economy more strong," Vice President Kamala Harris said Monday on a call outlining the administration's efforts to support unions. "During this summer of worker strikes and organizing, we're seeing unprecedented public support for unions as a critical pathway to grow the middle class and provide opportunities for working people to thrive," Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, told CNBC.
Democrats, unions ramp up pressure against fiscal commission
Roll Call
By David Lerman
Feb. 15, 2024
“This commission is a power grab that is trying to bypass the regular democratic process by hiding behind closed doors and fast-tracking a plan that escapes public scrutiny and accountability, and rips away the security older people rely on and have paid for,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement.
TRADE
USW International President David McCall issues statement after Cleveland Cliff facility goes idle
WTRF
By Amber Baker
Feb. 15, 2024
The United Steelworkers (USW) has issued a statement from International President David McCall after Cleveland Cliffs announced an indefinite idling of operations at its Weirton tin plate facility: “Weirton Steelworkers can compete with anyone on a level playing field, but the ITC’s recent negative determination continues to leave our markets vulnerable to foreign dumping. “The current market for tin mill products has already been decimated by over 50 percent penetration of illegally dumped foreign tinplate. Now, with the idling of tinplate production in Weirton, unfair trade is one step closer to choking out our domestic industry entirely. “The USW will work with Cleveland-Cliffs to provide as many options to our members as possible, as well as continue our fight against the unfair trade practices that continue to cost good, community-sustaining jobs and threaten our economy.”
LABOR AND ECONOMY
Labor Action Tracker annual report reveals number of striking US workers rose 141% in 2023
News Wise
By Cornell University
Feb. 14, 2024
The number of striking workers, particularly in private-sector industries, more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, according to the third Labor Action Tracker Annual Report, which presents key findings from work stoppage data. “The increase in strike activity is the biggest labor relations development of 2023,” said Alexander Colvin, professor of conflict resolution and dean of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). “The rising numbers show the impact of a series of major strikes involving large numbers of workers who walked off the job for significant periods of time. The strike has always been at the core of labor bargaining power. This rise in strike action after many years of diminished activity indicates a union resurgence that is shifting the balance of power back toward labor,” Colvin said.
Number of striking US workers more than doubled last year, study shows
ABC News
By Max Zahn
Feb. 15, 2024
The number of striking workers in the U.S. more than doubled last year due to massive work stoppages carried out by autoworkers, nurses and Hollywood writers and actors, according to a study released by Cornell University on Thursday. The total number of striking workers climbed 141% in 2023, amounting to nearly 540,000 workers who walked off the job, the report found.
ORGANIZING
Howard County public library employees vote to form union
The Baltimore Banner
By Abby Zimmardi
Feb. 15, 2024
Howard County Library System workers have voted overwhelmingly to form a union and join the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, union officials announced Thursday. The four-day vote, which ended Thursday, was 151 to 19. The union will represent more than 200 Howard County public library employees across the system’s seven branches. Library employees formed the union so they could have a voice in the decision-making process, receive fair wages and have better job protection, reasonable schedules, adequate staffing, paths to promotion and a safe work environment, according to the AFSCME press release.
JOINING TOGETHER
American Ballet Theatre Dancers and Stage Managers Voted to Strike
Teen Vogue
By Rainesford Stauffer
Feb. 15, 2024
On February 6th, the American Guild of Musical Artists leadership and dancers and stage managers of American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, voted to authorize a strike, with artists voting 95.6% in favor. In 2006, the company was recognized as “America’s National Ballet Company” by an act of Congress. It boasts world-renowned stars of ballet throughout the company’s ranks, spanning from the starpower of soloists and principals to the precise excellence of the corps de ballet, the ensemble of dancers who dance together as a group and are the backbone of ballet. American Ballet Theatre has a long legacy as an esteemed company, and what draws audiences into theaters is the caliber–and labor–of dancers.
Contract negotiations begin between Optimum and communication workers union
WCHS
By Staff Reports
Feb. 15, 2024
Contract negotiations between a communication workers union and cable provider Altice began Thursday as employees working under the brand Optimum in West Virginia have an agreement set to expire this spring. The current four-year contract that addressed pay raises and job security along with grievance and arbitration rights will expire on April 25, according to a news release from the Communications Workers of America.
IN THE STATES
Colorado Attorney General files lawsuit to stop Kroger-Albertsons merger
CPR News
By Tony Gorman
Feb. 14, 2024
The potential $24.6 billion merger between the companies that own King Soopers and Safeway faces a legal challenge from the Colorado attorney general. AG Phil Weiser said in a press conference on Wednesday that a lawsuit to block the merger was filed after a year-long investigation including 19 town hall meetings across the state. He said the merger between two of the state’s largest supermarket chains would eliminate head-to-head competition.