POLITICS
Darrin Kelly: Pittsburgh is at the heart of Biden economic recovery (Opinion)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By Darrin Kelly
Jan. 28, 2022
As President Joe Biden heads to Pittsburgh today, one thing is clear: Pennsylvania is at the heart of his efforts to build back a strong middle class, create jobs, grow the economy and ensure working families can thrive. Thanks to Mr. Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and his American Rescue Plan, Western Pennsylvania’s future is back on track. There is no doubt we still face many challenges, but the future looks bright for our workers. As president of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, I know firsthand how critical it is for our leaders to invest in long-term job growth in the region. After just one year in office, Mr. Biden turned one of the worst economies of our lifetime into historic growth — and the lowest unemployment rate our nation has seen since 1969.
JOINING TOGETHER
Union, Smith's agree to extension for negotiation deadline
KOB4
By KOB Web Staff
Jan. 30, 2022
New developments in the negotiations between the company that owns Smith's grocery stores, and the local workers union. Sunday, Jan. 30 was the deadline, and about two hours ago, the company – Kroger – announced that both sides have agreed to an extension. It's through this coming Saturday – so negotiations are set to continue. Workers say they're willing to strike if they don't get what they want. Workers and local union reps told KOB 4 they want higher pay – $2 an hour for every employee, and increased security at the stores.
Newport News Shipbuilding, union reach tentative contract agreement
WAVY
By Nathan Crawford
Jan. 30, 2022
Newport News Shipbuilding has reached a tentative five-year contract with its biggest union. On January 29, officials with United Steelworkers local chapter 8888 said they had reached a new agreement with Huntington Ingalls Industries on a 60-month contract. The agreement was made following several “intense” meetings.
Communications of America union members protest unfair working conditions
WAOW
By Adriana Daniel
Jan. 29, 2022
Dozens of Communications Workers of America (CWA) union members protested against Frontier Communication Saturday. CWA union members gathered alongside Frontier workers Saturday morning to protest against alleged claims of unfair treatment by their employees. Tom Locke, a 12-year worker at Frontier and North Area Representative for CWA Local 4671 said, he hopes protests like these will make the company listen to the employees.
IN THE STATES
Unions celebrate increased membership in Washington state
The Center Square
By Jeremy Lott
Jan. 27, 2022
Washington state unions are crowing about an increase in membership for 2021. “This is great news not only for Washington’s union members who gain power with increased numbers, it’s good for all working people in this state,” said Larry Brown, president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, in a statement to the union publication The Stand. “When workers join together in unions, they earn more money, they boost our state and local economies, and fight to lift working standards for everyone.”
Maine bill would expand the number of workers eligible for overtime protections
Fox23
By Mal Meyer
Jan. 28, 2022
"I know it's not easy to run a business but at the same time, this is just unacceptable. You can't have people working 80 hours a week for $38,000 a year," Maine AFL-CIO Communications Director Andy O'Brien said. The AFL-CIO argues the number of workers covered by the federal fair labor standards act has decreased over time. And now, job demands are vastly different. "People in Maine are working harder, longer and they're just burned out. And we believe it's unfair to workers," O'Brien said.