JOINING TOGETHER
With goals to unionize, Raven Software workers turn to national labor board
Madison.com
By Emilie Heidemann
Jan. 26, 2022
An aspiring union that includes 34 workers who ensure the quality of video games for Middleton-based developer Raven Software has turned to the National Labor Relations Board after parent company Activision Blizzard did not meet the group's Tuesday deadline for voluntary recognition. The workers formed the Game Workers Alliance with the Washington D.C.-based Communications Workers of America last Friday, and gave California-based Activision Blizzard until 5 p.m. Tuesday to voluntarily recognize the union. Because the deadline set by the alliance has passed, the group has filed a petition with the labor relations board for a union election. The board's Milwaukee-based office confirmed its receipt of the petition Wednesday afternoon.
New contract with King Soopers is “industry leading,” union president says
Denver Post
By Judith Kohler
Jan. 26, 2022
The agreement approved by Denver-area King Soopers employees after a 10-day strike is an industry-leading contract that fixes longtime problems, said Kim Cordova, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7. Union members voted Monday to ratify the contract, officially ending the labor dispute that involved more than 8,000 employees in Boulder, Parker and the Denver area. Employees at King Soopers and City Market stores in other parts of the state will vote on the contract Wednesday through Monday. “The work that our members did by going out on strike and taking a stand against King Soopers’ unfair labor practices, it’s really going to set the bar and the standard, hopefully, for workers around the country to really strive for that kind of change,” Cordova said.
IN THE STATES
State Senate looks to freeze unemployment insurance, increase unemployment benefits
New York Amsterdam News
By Stephon Johnson
Jan. 27, 2022
New York State’s Senate Democratic Majority moved forward with legislation that would freeze increases in unemployment insurance taxes across New York State for 2022 and 2023 fiscal year and increase the maximum unemployment benefit for workers who lost their jobs “through no fault of their own.” Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, said that COVID-19 has made it even more important to help those in need. “Far too many New Yorkers continue to struggle financially after losing employment due to the pandemic. That hardship is more challenging given inflation and other cost increases, combined with the fact the federal unemployment relief expired in September of last year…That is why this bill is so critical. It will clear the way for the state’s maximum weekly unemployment benefit to catch-up to the scheduled increase level for 2022, providing much needed relief to unemployed workers trying to figure out how to make ends meet.”
Governor Whitmer Proposes Repeal of Retirement Tax
9 & 10 News
By 9and10news Site Staff
Jna. 26, 2022
“The repeal of the pension tax has been a priority of Michigan’s labor movement since former Governor Snyder first taxed Michiganders’ pensions,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Retirees across our great state are so grateful to have Governor Gretchen Whitmer as their champion, always prioritizing their dignity and the safety of the pensions they earned.”
Public Works, Smaller Organizing Tied to More Union Activity in MN
Public News Service
By Mike Moen
Jan, 27, 2022
Bill McCarthy, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, said apart from more unionized workers being hired for infrastructure projects, there is a growing sense younger workers want their voices heard. "Whether it's wages or benefits or whatever the case may be, they just want to have a say in that," McCarthy explained. Not all the organizing is being driven by staff at large employers such as manufacturers. Grocery workers and restaurant staff are formalizing plans to establish unions, and gains are being seen in health care. Despite more activity, experts say laws still make it difficult for these groups to overcome barriers in reaching their goals to successfully bargain. Labor leaders argued it is why Congress needs to give final approval to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which is opposed by Senate Republicans and business groups.
EQUAL PAY
Equal Pay Act reporting begins March 24 for large Illinois businesses
KHQA
By KHQA Staff
Jan. 25, 2022
“Every Illinoisan deserves to receive fair and equal pay for the work they do on behalf of an employer, regardless of their background. The Illinois Department of Labor is sending notices to employers reminding them when to register with the department. Additionally, IDOL will help these employers remain in compliance through training,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Michael Kleinik.