MUST READ
Thousands attend annual Detroit Labor Day rally, vow to fight for better wages, conditions
Michigan Advance
By Ken Coleman
Sept. 5, 2023
Shuler’s visit to the Motor City came just days after the release of new polling showing strong support for labor unions among the general public, especially among young people. Union membership grew by more than 273,000 in 2022 over the previous year to over 14.3 million, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. The poll, conducted by GBAO Strategies that was released by the AFL-CIO on Tuesday shows an overwhelming majority supports unions and strikes, even majorities of Republicans and independents.
JOINING TOGETHER
On Labor Day, unions see opportunity in Hyundai’s EV ambitions in Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By Adam Van Brimmer, Zachary Hansen and MIchael E. Kanell
Sept. 1, 2023
A coalition of union groups have launched an ambitious effort to organize workers at Georgia’s largest economic development project — the Hyundai Motor Group electric vehicle and battery plant near the coast — as the Korean automaker races to open the factory in time to start production in 2025. Hyundai is determined to begin production at its Metaplant as quickly as possible to meet accelerating consumer demand for plug-in vehicles and to take advantage of federal clean energy incentives tied to domestic EV production. The automaker announced an expansion of its onsite battery cell facility on Thursday, committing to 400 more jobs with plans for 8,500 total by 2031. The campaign’s aim is “to make sure folks have the fundamental right to organize and do so free of interference,” said Hannah Perkins, a spokeswoman for one of the letter signers, the Georgia AFL-CIO. Johnson’s stance mirrors that of federal government leaders, such as President Joe Biden, who Georgia AFL-CIO’s Perkins calls the “most pro-union president in history.” Hyundai and other automakers stand to benefit from the Democrats’ signature climate and health bill, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, and other EV production and clean energy initiatives. The Georgia AFL-CIO’s Perkins referenced “growing concerns about the way Hyundai treats workers,” issues echoed by Hulme. Perkins cited well-chronicled reports of a pending lawsuit over migrant labor practices at the Kia manufacturing center in West Point as well as alleged child labor violations at parts suppliers for Hyundai and Kia in Alabama. The underage worker claims prompted state and federal investigations.
Deadline
By David Robb
Sept. 5, 2023
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm and SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher were in Sacramento last week lobbying California legislators for passage of Senate Bill 799, which would make striking workers eligible to collect unemployment benefits. The bill passed through the Assembly Insurance Committee on Thursday and the Legislature has until September 14 to send the bill to the Governor’s desk.
Virginia Tech graduate students and staff are launching labor unions
Cardinal News
By Lisa Rowan
Sept. 5, 2023
The organizing units launching at Tech have a common mission of improving workplace conditions and pay for those who work on campus. Faculty and staff will be represented by the United Campus Workers of Virginia, which has chapters at the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William & Mary. Any university employee can join, from tenured professors to administrative staff to part-time workers. Tech has about 2,500 full- and part-time faculty members, but a total of 13,000 people are employed by the university. Greater job security is a major goal for the UCW unit, which falls under the Communications Workers of America and its umbrella union, the AFL-CIO.
During strike, Phoenix Sky Harbor concession workers could walk off the job at any time
KJZZ
By Kirsten Dorman
Sept. 5, 2023
After voting to strike Friday, concession workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport could now walk off the job at any time. Victoria Stahl is with UNITE HERE Local 11, the labor union that represents them. She said SSP America, which employs hundreds of airport workers, has yet to come to the table. “Workers are fighting for better wages, they’re fighting for more affordable health insurance, and a pension so they can retire in dignity,” Stahl said. Stahl also said SSP has also engaged in practices like unlawful surveillance. So far, the company has not responded to requests for comment. According to the labor union, 98% of SSP America employees voted to strike. SSP America employs over 400 airport workers, including cashiers, cooks and bartenders at places such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Four Peaks Brewing Company in the airport.
How a first union contract provides workers a seat at the table (Opinion)
Labor Tribune
By Tom Conway
Sept. 5, 2023
Along with wage increases, better work-life balance, and other wins, the workers gained a real voice on the job in early August when they ratified their first contract with Kumho as members of the United Steelworkers (USW). The contract establishes a Labor-management workplace improvement committee, affording Golden and others on the front lines the means to address issues like turnover, efficiency, and quality. The agreement also mandates a joint health and safety committee, giving workers not only a say in how to properly operate and maintain equipment but also a role in developing emergency plans and input into other aspects of plant safety.
No end in sight for actors strike; negotiations remain stalled on Labor Day
KTVU
By LaMonica Peters
Sept. 5, 2023
The actors’ strike continues this Labor Day with no new developments in negotiations since July. KTVU spoke to local performers who say actors are just like any other worker. Most of them are not making millions of dollars or anything close to that. So, like other unions across the country, they believe they must continue to fight for their own livelihoods.
SAG-AFTRA requests approval to strike against video game companies
ABC 7
By Eva Rothenberg
Sept. 5, 2023
SAG-AFTRA's National Board is unanimously seeking permission from union members to strike against a number of video game makers ahead of negotiations resuming later this month. The union's initial contract with major video game companies, the Interactive Media Agreement, was extended past its initial expiration date last fall as SAG-AFTRA "negotiated with the companies for critical terms (members) need," the union said in a news release. "Unfortunately, throughout the negotiations, the companies have failed to address those needs."
IN THE STATES
On this Labor Day, unions are stronger than ever
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
By Daniel P. Bauder
Sept. 4, 2023
Most of us have a morning routine. Wake up, take a shower, make sure the kids are up and getting ready for school. Soon enough, everyone is fed and dressed and ready to head out the door to start the day. In a city like Philadelphia, most of us choose public transit to get to and from work every day. So, like thousands of other Philadelphians, you get on SEPTA and drop the kids off at school. As they enter those doors, they are greeted by their teacher. Minutes later, you might be at your local coffee shop, grabbing your morning coffee. By the time you arrive at work in the morning, you have likely interacted with multiple union workers. Your SEPTA driver is a member of TWU Local 234, your child’s teacher is a member of PFT Local 3, and that Starbucks barista who makes your latte just right is likely bargaining for a contract as a member of Starbucks Workers United. Across the region, we are seeing union activity on the rise. Earlier this year, Temple University Graduate Students undertook a historic strike which gave them a huge contract win. At the airport, UNITE-HERE members at OTG are owed nearly $300,000 after management refused to implement an already agreed-upon contract.
Union workers celebrate Labor Day at Cincinnati Reds stadium
Spectrum News
By Steve Oldfield
Sept. 5, 2023
Union workers from across the Greater Cincinnati Area celebrated Labor Day at the Reds Stadium, with a party hosted by the AFL-CIO and others supporting workers’ rights. It’s the second year in a row they came together at Great American Ball Park, after hosting the event for decades at Coney Island.
Missoula Area Central Labor Council marks Labor Day
KPAX
By Kierra Sam
Sept. 5, 2023
The organization that helps dozens of unions across Western Montana advocate for justice in the workplace celebrated Labor Day with their annual picnic at Fort Missoula. The Missoula Area Central Labor Council provides resources to local unions — such as guidance for negotiations when at the bargaining table with employers. The picnic was one of their annual events that helps bring awareness for what a union does and how it can be beneficial.
NLRB
The National Labor Relations Board Just Made It Easier for Workers to Win Unions
Jacobin
By Matthew Dimick
Sept. 5, 2023
An NLRB decision delivered late last month substantially lowers the legal hurdles to union recognition. But using that opening will require unions to build strong cultures of shop-floor solidarity in the face of employer intimidation. According to the board’s decision, an employer now faces a choice when a union, “designated” by a majority of employees, demands to bargain on their behalf. The employer may either accept the demand and bargain with the union, or it may file a petition for a board-supervised election. If the employer fails to petition for an election promptly, it violates the National Labor Relations Act by ignoring its statutory duty to bargain collectively with the representatives of its employees. Moreover, if after petitioning for an election, the employer commits unfair labor practices that undermine its outcome, the board will order the employer, as a remedy, to bargain with the union.