Today's AFL-CIO press clips
JOINING TOGETHER
Disney VFX workers vote to unionize with IATSE
Los Angeles Times
By Wendy Lee
Oct. 3, 2023
Walt Disney Pictures visual effects workers voted to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb, in a statement, said the workers’ collective action “represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry.”
Culinary Union begins contract negotiations with MGM, Caesars, Wynn resorts
Fox5 Las Vegas
By Shawna Khalafi
Oct. 3, 2023
The Culinary and Bartenders Union, which represents more than 50,000 Las Vegas hospitality workers, met with MGM Resorts International Tuesday. “We want a great contract, and we’re willing to fight and do whatever it takes up to a strike to get it,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union. “So, we’re going to negotiate this week, and we’ll make our decisions when we sit down with our members. And unfortunately, I believe there’s a good potential for a strike, but we will continue to negotiate.” It was the first of three scheduled contract negotiation sessions planned with each of the largest private employers on the Strip. The union will meet with Caesars Entertainment on Wednesday, followed by Wynn Resorts on Friday.
SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood studios resume negotiating, more talks Wednesday
CBS News
BY KCAL-News Staff
Oct. 3, 2023
After negotiators for SAG-AFTRA and the major Hollywood studios met for the first time since the actors union walked off the job in mid-July, talks are set to resume Wednesday in a bid to put scripted film and TV productions back in business. Following Monday's initial negotiating session, the two sides issued a joint statement saying only that they had met for a full day. No details were released. Earlier Monday, SAG-AFTRA leaders wrote in a social media statement, "Today, we go back to the bargaining table to fight for the contract you deserve. Keep turning out in full force on our picket lines and at solidarity events around the country. Let the AMPTP hear your voices loud and clear."
SEPTA union authorizes strike as negotiations continue
Metro Philadelphia
By Jack Tomczuk
Oct. 3, 2023
SEPTA is hoping to reach an agreement with its largest union before their contract expires at the end of the month. Members of Transport Workers Local 234 voted Sunday to authorize a strike if Oct. 31 passes without a deal, a procedural step that allows the union’s leadership to call for a walkout if negotiations break down.
United Food and Commercial Workers union to enter contract negotiations with Meijer next week
WZZM13
By Nate Belt
Oct. 3, 2023
As a number of strikes make national news, other unions around the country, including one here in West Michigan, will enter negotiations soon on a new contract. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 will negotiate for better wages for more than 28,000 Meijer employees across the state of Michigan. UFCW announced Tuesday that negotiations with Meijer will begin on Oct. 11.
Cleveland Orchestra musicians approve new three-year labor agreement
Cleveland.com
By Joey Morona
Oct. 3, 2023
The Cleveland Orchestra and its musicians have agreed on a new, three-year labor contract that includes a one-time, $5,000 agreement ratification bonus for each of its members. The deal takes effect immediately and runs through the 2025-26 season.
Walt Disney Pictures In-House VFX Workers Vote to Unionize Under IATSE
The Hollywood Reporter
By Carolyn Giardina
Oct. 3, 2023
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures — the in-house VFX employees including data wranglers, witness camera operators, and other production staff — voted unanimously by a vote of 13-0 to unionize under IATSE in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board. “These workers’ collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry,” said IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb in a released statement. “This unanimous vote sends a clear message that the demands of VFX workers for dignity, respect, and fairness must be heard.”
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Midland County free food distribution to be held Oct. 11
Midland Daily News
By Staff
Oct. 3, 2023
Midland County Food Assistance Network Mobile Pantry will hold a free food distribution on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the United Steel Workers Hall, 3510 James Savage Road in Midland. This event is sponsored by Central Michigan – Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and Midland County Food Assistance Network.