JOINING TOGETHER
Activision Blizzard workers take first steps toward unionizing
Los Angeles Times
By Jason Schreier
December 9, 2021
Some employees at Activision Blizzard Inc. are taking initial steps toward organizing in an industry that isn’t unionized. In collaboration with the Communications Workers of America, employees of the nation’s second-largest video game publisher are asking colleagues to sign a union authorization card, which could eventually lead to a vote across the company. Their efforts coincide with the creation of a strike fund to support hundreds of workers who have been participating in a work stoppage since Monday in protest of layoffs at one of Activision Blizzard’s studios.
Starbucks will have at least one unionized cafe in Buffalo, New York — a U.S. first for the chain
CNBC
By Amelia Lucas and Kate Rogers
December 9, 2021
After a monthslong battle, Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York, supported efforts to unionize at least one cafe. The result marks the first successful attempt in the U.S. at unionizing within the giant coffee chain since Starbucks went public nearly three decades ago and could send ripples through the restaurant industry. Workers at the Elmwood Avenue location voted 19 to eight in favor of unionizing under Workers United New York, a branch of the Service Employees International Union.
Activision Blizzard employees launch strike fund, move closer to unionizing
The Washington Post
By Shannon Liao
December 9, 2021
Activision Blizzard employees are creating a strike fund for workers who have been participating in a work stoppage since Monday. Employees, in collaboration with media labor union Communications Workers of America, are asking workers to sign a union authorization card, which could eventually lead to a companywide vote on forming a union.
Starbucks workers form their 1st union in the U.S. in a big win for labor
NPR
By Alina Selyukh
December 9, 2021
Starbucks workers have voted to form their first U.S. union. Workers from one store in Buffalo, N.Y., voted to unionize, in a watershed moment for Starbucks, which operates 8,953 stores in the United States. Three Buffalo-area stores held separate union elections. Baristas and shift supervisors from one store voted to unionize 19-8.
IN THE STATES
Oregon approves contract with A.F.S.C.M.E.
The Press Publications
By Kelly J. Kaczala
December 9, 2021
Oregon City Council recently approved a contract with Local 755 and Ohio Council 8 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (A.F.S.C.M.E.) AFL-CIO. The previous collective bargaining agreement between the city and Local 755 and Ohio Council 8 American Federation of State, County and Municipal (A.F.S.C.M.E.) AFL-CIO expired on June 30 of this year. The contract includes a pay raise of 2.39 percent over a four year period. “It’s a good contract for the taxpayers, it’s a good contract for the workforce,” said City Administrator Mike Beazley. “We’re recognizing that it’s a seller’s market for labor. The workforce is in demand. And we’re working hard so we can stay competitive and recruit a quality workforce here.”
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Operation Warm provides coats for children
Columbia Basin Herald
By Cheryl Schweizer
December 9, 2021
About 100 kids at Garden Heights, Midway, Lakeview and Groff elementary schools received a coat for the winter, with the help of the Operation Warm project sponsored by the Moses Lake Firefighters IAFF Local 1258. Moses Lake Fire Department firefighter/EMT Jason Koziol, project coordinator, said the firefighters have been buying and donating new coats for kids for six years. Each year, they give out about 100 coats, he said. “Our goal is to get new coats to kids in need,” he said. The firefighters can purchase the coats at a discounted price, he said, which allows them to get coats for more kids.