MUST READ
More Wisconsin workers are organizing. How much leverage do they have?
The Cap Times
By Natalie Yahr
Nov. 2, 2022
First introduced in 2019, the PRO Act will likely remain stalled unless enough Senate seats flip in November to allow Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and pass the legislation with a simple majority. That’s exactly what AFL-CIO resident Liz Shuler and her 12.5 million member union umbrella organization hope to do. “We're gonna send Ron Johnson packing!” Shuler told the roaring crowd gathered at the Madison Concourse Hotel for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention in September. “And we’re gonna send Mandela Barnes, who …knows what a union difference makes, to Washington, D.C.!”
AFL-CIO bashes Federal Reserve over rate hike
The Hill
By Karl Evers-Hillstrom
Nov. 2, 2022
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Wednesday criticized the Federal Reserve for issuing another interest rate hike, warning that the move will have a “direct and harmful impact” on working families. The labor leader’s remarks come after Fed officials raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point, the sixth rate hike since the Fed ramped up its efforts to slow the economy and tame inflation in March. “The Fed seems determined to raise interest rates, though it openly admits those rates could ruin our current economy as unemployment remains low and people are able to find jobs,” Shuler said in a statement.
IN THE STATES
The Workers' Rights Amendment is a vote for equality (Guest Editorial)
Windy City Times
Nov. 1, 2022
It is the American Dream: Work hard and you can achieve a middle-class life. This narrative is a broken bargain for too many in today's workforce.
A far worse bargain exists for the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and gender expansive individuals. Passing the Workers' Rights Amendment will create a pathway to equality for our most marginalized LGBTQ+ Illinoisans. Working people who can collectively bargain are more likely to report harassment and discrimination when compared to non-union workers. They have a greater ability to fight for a living wage and healthcare that is inclusive of their needs, such as HIV prevention and treatment and gender affirming care.
LABOR AND ECONOMY
Progressive Economists Warn of 'Catastrophic Outcomes' for Workers as Fed Hikes Interest Rates
Common Dreams
By Brett Wilkins
Nov. 2, 2022
As the U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates—the fourth consecutive 0.75% increase and the sixth hike of the year—progressives stressed that Fed policy boosts the likelihood of a global recession and disproportionately harms low-income workers and other marginalized people. AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said the Fed's latest rate hike "will have a direct and harmful impact on working people and our families" and "will not address the underlying causes of inflation." "The Fed seems determined to raise interest rates, though it openly admits those rates could ruin our current economy as unemployment remains low and people are able to find jobs," she continued. "A recession would instead cause companies to hire fewer people, making it harder for young workers, workers of color, and others who have greater barriers finding jobs, and put downward pressure on the wages of all working people who will bear the brunt of an overactive monetary policy."
Business Insider
By Ayelet Sheffey
Nov. 2, 2022
But along with concerns that the Fed is acting too aggressively from lawmakers like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement that the Fed's Wednesday hike "will have a direct and harmful impact on working people and our families."
JOINING TOGETHER
Boston Globe
By Diti Kohli
Nov. 2, 2022
Leaders of a hospitality union representing around 400 concession workers at Boston Logan Airport warned of a holiday-season strike Wednesday in a meeting that gathered local politicians and officials from UNITE HERE Local 26. Employees who work behind counters and in kitchens or lounges at 30 outlets at Logan say they are struggling with severe understaffing issues and low pay. They’re employed by six companies: Air Ventures, Delaware North, HMS Host, SSP, Lufthansa Lounge, and United Club. Carlos Aramayo, president of Local 26, said in an interview that the workers account for about half of the food service employees at the airport.
AFSCME members ratify new deal with Transition Projects
Northwest Labor Press
By Colin Staub
Nov. 2, 2022
AFSCME Local 88-represented workers at Portland homelessness services nonprofit Transition Projects Inc. voted to approve a new two-year contract in late October. AFSCME represents case managers, residential advocates and other workers helping people transition from homelessness into housing.
Newberry Library workers vote to unionize
Chicago Sun-Times
By David Roeder
Nov. 2, 2022
Employees at Chicago’s Newberry Library have overwhelmingly voted to unionize, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said Wednesday. The union said library employees voted 35-11 to affiliate with AFSCME’s Council 31. The National Labor Relations Board supervised the election. Anders Lindall, spokesman for Council 31, said the bargaining unit will represent more than 60 workers, including conservators, librarians, library assistants, program coordinators and program assistants. The employees went public with their organizing drive in August, citing concerns about wages, working conditions and “a lack of transparent decision-making” about issues such as layoffs during the pandemic.