VOTING RIGHTS
Biden, unions, progressives condemn GOP defeat of voting rights
People’s World
By Mark Gruenberg
October 21, 2021
“The Freedom To Vote Act, which failed today to get 60 votes to overcome a filibuster in the U.S. Senate, would have protected the right of every American to cast our vote and have that vote counted. To save American democracy, we need democracy in the U.S. Senate,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said.
JOINING TOGETHER
Kaiser healthcare workers vote in favor of strike after failed contract negotiations
Hawaii News Now
By HNN Staff
October 21, 2021
Following stalled contract negotiations, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii workers represented by Unite Here Local 5 voted in favor of striking. The union said 93% of healthcare workers, which included nearly 2,000 employees, voted to authorize a strike. Unite Here Local 5 said the decision comes as Kaiser has offered only a 1% pay raise and a two-tier wage system that would cut up to a third of wages for future hires.
Overworked and Underpaid: Inside the Kellogg’s Strike
The Progressive Magazine
By Jason Kerzinski
October 21, 2021
In the current contract negotiations, BCTGM aims to do away with the two-tier system, which the union calls a “devious way for employers to slowly, but surely, take power from union members, their contract, and their union.” Transitional workers make roughly $12 less per hour than regular full-time employees, with higher insurance premiums, less vacation time, and no retirement benefits. When negotiations reached a standstill, nearly 1,400 hourly workers at the four Kellogg’s plants went on strike on October 5. Now, three weeks later, the striking Kellogg’s workers have become a part of a wave of labor unrest that includes similar strikes and other labor actions at John Deere, Kaiser Permanente, Starbucks, and among theater and film workers and miners in Alabama.
IN THE STATES
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Applauds Pro-Worker Package
The Progress
By PA AFL-CIO
October 21, 2021
"We are interested in the Governor's announcement today. The movement to secure rights for workers is on the rise, and this package of regulations is a testament to the power of our message. From raising the minimum wage to paid sick leave and expanding worker safety protections, this plan ensures an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. This pro-worker agenda is a great step forward for Pennsylvanians," remarked President Rick Bloomingdale.
Wayne County raises minimum wage to $15 for its employees
WXYZ
October 21, 2021
“I am pleased that we have reached a wide-ranging agreement that will benefit many of our employees,” County Executive Warren C. Evans said. “I extend my thanks to the Wayne County Commission who swiftly considered and approved this agreement, which was ratified by members of and signed by AFSCME Presidents from Locals 25, 101, 409 and 1659.”
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Adopt-A-Family program to begin accepting applications
News-Press Now
By News-Press Now
October 21, 2021
AFL-CIO Community Services will start accepting applications for the Adopt-A-Family Christmas program beginning on Monday, Nov. 1. The program is designed to match families and individuals in need with families, groups and organizations that are willing to help everyone enjoy the Christmas holidays, the AFL-CIO Community Service explained in a statement. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 1. Applications can be picked up at the agency or printed through the agency website www.helpmenow.com.