JOINING TOGETHER
AFL-CIO: Stands in solidarity with OPEIU Local 39 members on strike at CUNA Mutual in Madison
Wis Politics
By Staff
May 19, 2023
Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement of solidarity as members of OPEIU Local 39 take strike action: “OPEIU Local 39 members at CUNA Mutual in Madison are on strike for good union jobs to remain in Wisconsin, for quality and affordable healthcare for all, for fair wages, and for the ability to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work. As union men and women, we do not take the decision to strike lightly. The history of our union movement has clearly demonstrated that only by standing shoulder to shoulder have working people gained the family-supporting wages, pay equity and other benefits which we are rightly due. The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of OPEIU Local 39 on strike at CUNA Mutual as they take brave action to secure a fair contract. We urge CUNA Mutual to come to the table and negotiate in good faith.”
Madison CUNA Mutual Group union representing 450 workers goes on strike
Madison State Journal
By Emilie Heidemann
May 20, 2023
“As union men and women, we do not take the decision to strike lightly,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale in a statement. “The history of our union movement has clearly demonstrated that only by standing shoulder to shoulder have working people gained family-supporting wages, pay equity and other benefits which we are rightly due. “The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of OPEIU Local 39.”
Carnegie Museums workers approve first union contract, including pay raises
WESA
By Bill O'Driscoll
May 19, 2023
The United Museum Workers union announced Thursday its members had ratified their first contract with the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. The more than 500 union members voted to approve the four-year pact, which raises base pay at the museums from $12 an hour to $16 an hour. Most workers will see immediate raises ranging from 15% to 35%, according to the union. Union members already earning more than $16 an hour will also receive raises, according to the museum.
CUNA Mutual workers go on strike as contract negotiations stall
Wisconsin Examiner
By Erik Gunn
May 19, 2023
Nearly 500 workers employed by CUNA Mutual Group struck at midnight Thursday and began walking a picket line at 7 a.m. Friday in front of the Madison financial services firm’s office on the city’s west side. The walkout was publicly announced on Monday, three weeks after the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 39 rallied and announced that members had authorized a strike if they didn’t make sufficient progress in contract negotiations that began more than a year ago. The union represents approximately 450 employees in professional, technical and clerical positions at CUNA Mutual. The business provides financial services and products to credit unions across the country. The walkout is the largest in recent memory by white-collar workers in Wisconsin and the first-ever strike at CUNA Mutual, where OPEIU has represented employees since 1945.
Dalton, Georgia, school bus drivers reach deal to end strike
Chattanooga Times Free Press
By Andrew Wilkins
May 19, 2023
After a week of walking the picket line, the union for Dalton Public Schools bus drivers accepted a contract Friday afternoon with the private company that operates transportation for the school district. "For the first time ever, our members stood the line. Our voices were heard," Lakecha Strickland, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1212, said in a phone call. "We carry the people, we carry the power."
Lakeshore And Ibew Local 636 Reach New Collective Agreement
I Heart Radio
By Meagan Delaurier
May 19, 2023
A collective agreement has been reached between the Municipality of Lakeshore and with full-time workers in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636. Lakeshore council endorsed the agreement on May 2, and the union ratified the agreement on May 15. The agreement impacts Lakeshore's full-time equipment operators, lead hands, parks operators, water distribution/treatment operators and foremen, Class B rink attendants and lead hands, as well as facility technicians.
Part-time faculty at The School of Jazz ratify new union contract
New School Free Press
By Isabella Gallo
May 20, 2023
The union representing part-time faculty at The School of Jazz secured a new contract with a significant pay boost for adjunct professors on May 5, roughly six months after their part-time faculty counterparts at other New School colleges launched a 25-day-long strike for their own fair contract. Represented by the AFM Local 802 union, the bargaining committee for part-time faculty at The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music voted unanimously to ratify a new, six-year contract with The New School.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Hawkins mail carriers deliver 4,172 pounds of food in May 13 'Stamp Out Hunger' drive
Longview News-Journal
By Sheldon Livesay
May 19, 2023
The “Stamp Out Hunger” national food drive took place last Saturday with our local Postal Workers helping Hawkins County residents provide 4,172 pounds of food for those in need in our community. Church Hill residents gave 1,442 pounds of food, Rogersville residents, 1,997 pounds and Surgoinsville 733 pounds. The national, coordinated effort by the National Association of Letter Carriers to help fight hunger in America grew out of discussions in 1991 by a number of leaders at the time, including NALC President Vincent R. Sombrotto, AFL-CIO Community Services Director Joseph Velasquez and Postmaster General Anthony Frank.