Today's AFL-CIO press clips
JOINING TOGETHER
Sutter Health employees stage 1-day strike over safe staffing, health and safety proposals
Fox40
By Eytan Wallace and Jacque Porter
April 18, 2022
Healthcare workers at 15 Sutter Heath locations in California are staging a one-day walkout Monday over what they say is their employer’s refusal to address proposals about safe staffing and health and safety protections. Members of the California Nursing Association and the Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union voted to approve the strike arguing that Sutter has not been transparent about its stockpiles of personal protective equipment and contact tracing.
Alabama Power celebrates National Lineman Appreciation Day
Alabama News Center
By Mitchell Kilpatrick
April 18, 2022
Every year, utilities across the country celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day in April to express gratitude for lineworkers and field representatives. Alabama Power recognizes the hard work and dedication of these employees to the company and the communities they serve. National Lineman Appreciation Day, observed annually on April 18, was established by Congress in 2013 to “recognize linemen, the profession of linemen, and contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety.” The bill acknowledged that linemen are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events; their work continues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure reliable electricity; and they often work under challenging conditions, at times away from their families, to construct and maintain the country’s energy infrastructure. IBEW System Council U-19 Business Manager Casey Shelton said, “Keeping the lights on for customers requires hard work and great team collaboration. It is an honor to recognize the tireless efforts of our linemen, field personnel and support teams as we work hard to power our state.”
Cannabis Workers Authorize Union Representation in West Michigan
Winsight Grocery Business
By Diane Adam
April 18, 2022
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951, which represents Michigan workers at Kroger, Meijer and other regional grocers throughout the Great Lakes State, announced that workers at Heritage Provisioning—a retail cannabis facility based in Battle Creek, Mich.—became the first such group to authorize union representation in West Michigan. In an April 18 statement, UFCW 951 said 100% of the workers at the facility signed up to join the union and that a committee will soon start to bargain their first contract.
New Flyer workers rally for higher wages, overtime changes
SC Times
By Imani Cruzen
April 18, 2022
Employees have been working without a contract since March 31, said New Flyer employee and union board and negotiating committee member Roger Rothstein. “Overtime, wages are probably the two biggest sticking points that we have right now,” said Matt Lelou, Communications Workers of America Local 7304 president.
Hospitality worker union wants hotels to bring back more employees full time
Hawaii Public Radio
By Casey Harlow
April 18, 2022
As tourism continues to recover in Hawaiʻi, the state’s largest hospitality worker union is demanding hotels bring more of their employees back full time. Unite Here! Local 5 members rallied in Waikiki last week calling for hotels to bring back employees to their former positions. The union argues that hotel occupancy and the average daily room rates have risen dramatically in recent months. However, amenities, such as daily room cleanings and room service, haven’t returned. Local 5 treasurer Eric Gill says this is preventing thousands of workers from returning full time.
POLITICS
Actors' Equity Association Calls on Congress to Restore Tax Fairness for Performing Artists
Broadway World
By Chloe Rabinowitz
April 18, 2022
"I am grateful for the leadership of Representatives Chu and Buchanan who have helped us build a strong coalition in the House, and Senators Warner and Hagerty, who are building support in the Senate," said Kate Shindle, president of Actors' Equity Association. "Actors, stage managers and our colleagues are still hurting from COVID. Although unemployment in the live performing arts is still more than double pre-pandemic levels, the cost of looking for work has not gone away; in many cases, it has increased. With a record number of supporters and cosponsors for PATPA, there is no better time for Congress to pass this legislation and restore tax fairness for middle-class arts workers across the country."
TRANSPORTATION
Mass Transit
April 18, 2022
A ceremony at New York City’s City Hall honored the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) frontline workers who helped passengers during the Brooklyn subway shooting at Sunset Park. Officials attending the ceremony included MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and TWU Local 100 representatives. Transit workers David Artis, Raven Haynes, Joseph Franchi, Dayron Williams and Parla Mejia received proclamations from the city for their heroic actions to get passengers to safety.